India's Independence Struggle (1929-1932)
India's independence struggle between 1929 and 1932 marked a critical phase, characterized by the Indian National Congress's declaration of "Purna Swaraj" or complete independence. This period saw the launch of the widespread Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, notably through the iconic Dandi March. It also included significant negotiations like the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and participation in the Round Table Conferences, shaping India's path to self-rule.
Key Takeaways
"Purna Swaraj" declared as India's complete independence goal.
Civil Disobedience Movement challenged British rule non-violently.
Dandi March symbolized widespread resistance against salt laws.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact temporarily suspended CDM for negotiations.
Round Table Conferences discussed India's constitutional future.
What was the significance of the Lahore Session in 1929?
The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929 marked a pivotal moment in India's independence movement, fundamentally shifting its objective. Presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, the session unequivocally declared "Purna Swaraj," or complete independence from British rule, as the ultimate goal, moving beyond the previous demand for Dominion Status. This declaration was a powerful statement of national resolve, leading to the historic decision to observe January 26th, 1930, as the first Independence Day. The session also laid the groundwork for the launch of the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement, signaling a new era of direct non-violent resistance against colonial authority.
- President: Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Boycott of the 1st Round Table Conference.
- Declaration of "Purna Swaraj" (Complete Independence) as the goal.
- January 26th, 1930, declared as the 1st Independence Day.
- Flag Hoisting Ceremony on the banks of the Ravi River (December 31st, 1929).
- Launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Dominion Status initially demanded by Tej Bahadur Sapru and M.R. Jaykar.
How did the Civil Disobedience Movement unfold in India?
The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, was a nationwide campaign of non-violent resistance against British rule, commencing after the British rejected Gandhi's Eleven Demands in January 1930. Its most iconic act was the Dandi March, where Gandhi and 78 delegates walked 241 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi to illegally produce salt, symbolizing defiance against the oppressive Salt Law. This act sparked widespread salt satyagrahas across India. The movement expanded to include non-payment of land revenue in Ryotwari areas, refusal to pay chowkidar tax in Zamindari areas, and defiance of forest laws in the Central Provinces, demonstrating a broad-based challenge to British authority.
- Gandhi's Eleven Demands presented on January 31st, 1930.
- Dandi March (March 12th - April 6th, 1930): 241 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi with 78 delegates to violate the Salt Law.
- Gandhi's arrest at Dharsana on May 4th, 1930.
- Non-payment of land revenue in Ryotwari areas.
- Refusal to pay chowkidar tax in Zamindari areas.
- Defiance of forest laws in Central Provinces.
- Regional leaders included C. Rajagopalachari (Tamil Nadu), K. Kelappan (Malabar), Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Peshawar), and Sarojini Naidu (Dharsana).
- Popular Slogan: "Inquilab Zindabad" (Long Live the Revolution), popularized by Moulana Hasrat Mohani.
What were the key terms of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed on February 14th, 1931, was a political agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin, aimed at resolving the impasse created by the Civil Disobedience Movement. Lord Irwin's primary demands included the suspension of the CDM and the Indian National Congress's participation in the Second Round Table Conference. In return, Gandhi secured the release of political prisoners not convicted of violence, restoration of confiscated property not yet sold, and the crucial right for coastal villagers to produce salt for personal consumption. This pact temporarily eased tensions and paved the way for Congress's engagement in constitutional discussions.
- Lord Irwin's Demands:
- Suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Participation in the 2nd Round Table Conference.
- Mahatma Gandhi's Demands:
- Release of political prisoners (excluding those convicted of violence).
- Restoration of confiscated property (not sold to third parties).
- Right to produce salt for personal consumption.
What important resolutions were passed at the Karachi Session of 1931?
The Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress, held on March 29th, 1931, under the presidency of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was significant for endorsing the recently concluded Gandhi-Irwin Pact. This endorsement signaled the Congress's agreement to participate in the Second Round Table Conference and led to the temporary suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Crucially, the session also reiterated the goal of "Purna Swaraj" and adopted two landmark resolutions: one on Fundamental Rights, outlining civil liberties and social justice principles, and another on National Economic Policy, advocating for state control over key industries and social welfare measures.
- President: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Endorsement of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
- Congress' agreement to participate in the 2nd Round Table Conference.
- Temporary Suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Reiteration of the goal of "Purna Swaraj."
- Adoption of two key resolutions: Fundamental Rights and National Economic Policy.
What was the purpose and outcome of the Round Table Conferences?
The Round Table Conferences, held in London between 1930 and 1932, were a series of peace conferences organized by the British government to discuss the Simon Commission Report and India's future constitutional reforms. The first conference in 1930 was largely ineffective due to the Indian National Congress's boycott. Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress only attended the Second Round Table Conference in 1931, following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, but it ended without significant breakthroughs on India's self-governance. The third conference in 1932 also saw limited progress. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar notably attended all three conferences, advocating for the rights of depressed classes.
- Purpose: To discuss the Simon Commission Report and India's constitutional future.
- Location: London.
- 1st RTC: 1930 (Boycotted by Congress).
- 2nd RTC: 1931 (Only RTC attended by Gandhi and the Congress).
- 3rd RTC: 1932.
- B.R. Ambedkar was the sole attendee of all three RTCs.
What methods were used to mobilize people during the Civil Disobedience Movement?
During the Civil Disobedience Movement, various innovative methods were employed to mobilize widespread public participation, extending beyond traditional protests. "Prabhat Pheri" involved early morning processions with patriotic songs, fostering community spirit and awareness. "Vanar Sena" (Monkey Army) was a children's brigade that carried messages, distributed pamphlets, and performed other tasks, demonstrating the involvement of youth. Similarly, "Manjari Sena" was a girls' brigade, actively contributing to the movement's communication and organizational efforts. These methods effectively engaged diverse segments of society, including women and children, in the non-violent struggle for independence, amplifying the movement's reach and impact.
- Prabhat Pheri: Early morning processions with patriotic songs.
- Vanar Sena: Children's brigade for carrying messages and distributing pamphlets.
- Manjari Sena: Girls' brigade actively contributing to the movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was "Purna Swaraj"?
"Purna Swaraj" means complete independence. It was declared as the Indian National Congress's ultimate goal at the Lahore Session in December 1929, signifying a demand for full self-rule, moving beyond the earlier objective of Dominion Status under British authority.
Why was the Dandi March significant?
The Dandi March was significant as Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent protest against the British salt monopoly. By illegally producing salt, it symbolized defiance against oppressive laws and galvanized widespread participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement across India, becoming a powerful symbol of resistance.
What was the main outcome of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact led to the temporary suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Indian National Congress's agreement to participate in the Second Round Table Conference. In return, political prisoners were released, and Indians gained the right to produce salt for personal use.
