Nationalism in India
. Nationalism
It involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in
national terms, i.e., a nation.
. Modern nationalism was associated with the formation of nation-states.
. In India, as in many other colonies, the growth of nationalism is connected to the
anti-colonial movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
. The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement
The war played an important role in shaping India.s freedom struggle.
. Increase in defence expenditure due to the war led to the increase in taxes, custom
duties, prices and the introduction of war loans.
. Extreme hardships, poverty and forced recruitments in the army made people
hostile to the British rule.
. During 1918–19 and 1920–21, food shortages due to the failure of crops and
famines and epidemics, that took a heavy toll of life, created resentment among the
people of India against the foreign rule.
. Satyagraha
Satyagraha means appeal for truth. Mahatma Gandhi introduced this concept during his stay
in South Africa. It is based on the ideals of truth and non- violence.
. January, 1915: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa.
. Champaran Satyagraha, 1916: First Gandhian mass-movement in India against
the oppressive plantation system in Champaran (Bihar).
. Kheda Satyagraha, 1917: Gandhiji led the movement in Kheda district of
Gujarat, demanding relaxation of the revenue tax owing to the poverty experienced
by the farmers because of the outbreak of plague and crop failure.
. Ahmedabad Mill Strike, 1918: Gandhiji organised a Satyagraha against the
cotton mill owners demanding an increase in the workers. wages and bonus.
. The Rowlatt Act (1919)
. Passed by the British Government.
. The Act gave the government enormous powers for repressing political activities
and allowed detention of political prisoners for two years without any trail.
. 6th April, 1919: Gandhi started the non-violent civil disobedience movement for
opposing the Rowlatt Act with a nation-wide hartal.
. Shops were closed down, rallies were organised and rail workshop workers went on
strike. Widespread attacks on banks, post offices and railway stations took place.
. Government brutally repressed the nationalists. Martial law was imposed and
General Dyer took command.
. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, 13th April, 1919
