Modern Indian History: Key Events (1919-1925)
Modern Indian History between 1919 and 1925 witnessed significant nationalist awakening and resistance against British rule. Key events included the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the pan-Islamic Khilafat Movement, and Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement, which mobilized masses across India. These developments profoundly shaped the trajectory of India's struggle for independence, leading to new political formations and strategies.
Key Takeaways
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre fueled widespread anti-British sentiment across India.
Khilafat Movement united Muslims and Hindus against British policies post-World War I.
Non-Cooperation Movement marked Gandhi's first large-scale mass mobilization strategy.
Chauri Chaura incident led to the abrupt suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Post-NCM, the Swaraj Party emerged, advocating for council entry to challenge British rule.
What was the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and its impact?
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, when British troops, commanded by General Reginald Dyer, opened fire on a large, unarmed gathering of Indians. People had assembled peacefully for the Baisakhi festival and to protest the arrest of nationalist leaders, Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal. General Dyer ordered his soldiers to block the main exit and fire indiscriminately into the crowd, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. This brutal act ignited widespread outrage across India, intensifying nationalist sentiments and significantly impacting the independence movement.
- Satyagraha was launched on April 6th, 1919, leading to the arrest of Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal on April 9th.
- General Dyer ordered firing on a large gathering in Jallianwala Bagh on Baisakhi, blocking the only exit.
- The aftermath saw Udham Singh assassinate Michael O'Dyer, and prominent figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Gandhi return their titles.
- The Hunter Commission investigated the massacre but took no penal action against Dyer, further fueling public anger.
- A fund-raising campaign for Dyer was launched by 'Morning Post,' with contributions from figures like Rudyard Kipling.
What was the Khilafat Movement and its significance?
The Khilafat Movement, active from 1918 to 1920, was a pan-Islamic political protest campaign launched by Indian Muslims to pressure the British government to protect the integrity of the Ottoman Caliphate, which was threatened after World War I. The movement gained significant momentum when Mahatma Gandhi saw an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule, integrating it with the Non-Cooperation Movement. This alliance fostered unprecedented communal harmony and broadened the base of the nationalist struggle, demonstrating the potential for a united front against colonial oppression.
- The Khilafat Committee was formed post-WWI by the Ali Brothers (Maulana Ali, Shaukat Ali) and Abul Kalam Azad.
- Gandhi presided as the first president of the All India Khilafat Conference in November 1919 in Delhi.
- The movement faced opposition from some Congress leaders and B.G. Tilak.
- Maulana Hasrat Mohani coined the slogan 'Inquilab Zindabad,' later popularized by Bhagat Singh.
What was the Indian National Liberation Federation?
The Indian National Liberation Federation was a political organization formed by Surendranath Banerjee. This federation emerged as a distinct entity within the broader Indian nationalist landscape, likely representing a more moderate faction or a group that diverged from the mainstream Congress approach during a period of intense political activity. Its formation indicated the diverse strategies and ideological differences present among Indian leaders striving for self-rule, highlighting the complex nature of the independence movement and the various paths envisioned for achieving liberation.
- Surendranath Banerjee formed the Indian National Liberation Federation.
- Notable figures like M.A. Jinnah, Annie Besant, and B.C. Pal resigned from other organizations to join or support this federation.
How did the Non-Cooperation Movement unfold and what were its methods?
The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, aimed to achieve Swaraj (self-rule) and redress the wrongs of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the Khilafat issue through non-violent resistance. It encouraged Indians to withdraw cooperation from British institutions, including government services, courts, and educational establishments. The movement fostered significant Hindu-Muslim unity and saw widespread participation across various sections of society. It mobilized masses through boycotts, promotion of Swadeshi goods, and establishment of alternative national institutions, demonstrating the power of collective non-violent action.
- Key features included strong Hindu-Muslim unity and the creation of the Tilak Swaraj Fund in 1921.
- Local struggles like the Eka Movement in UP, the Mappila Revolt in 1921, and the Awadh Kisan Movement were integral parts.
- Methods involved establishing national educational institutions such as Jamia Millia, Kashi Vidhyapeeth, and Bihar Vidhyapeeth.
- Lawyers boycotted legal practice, foreign clothes were burned, and 1 crore rupees were collected for the Swaraj Fund.
- The movement ended abruptly after the Chauri Chaura incident on February 4th, 1922, where 22 policemen died in a protest-turned-violence.
- Gandhi withdrew the movement and was imprisoned in March 1922, with the Congress officially suspending it at the Bardoli session.
What were the key political developments after the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Following the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, a political vacuum emerged, leading to internal divisions within the Indian National Congress. Two main groups formed: the Pro-changers, led by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, advocated for council entry to obstruct British administration from within, while the No-changers, including Rajendra Prasad and Vallabhbhai Patel, favored continuing the boycott of legislative councils. This period saw the formation of the Swaraj Party, which aimed to challenge the colonial system through parliamentary means, marking a new phase in the nationalist struggle and adapting strategies to the evolving political landscape.
- A political vacuum led to the formation of Pro-changers (C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru) advocating council entry and No-changers (Rajendra Prasad, Vallabhbhai Patel) advocating boycott.
- The Swaraj Party was formed on January 1st, 1923, after the Gaya Session, with the goal to end or mend the council system.
- C.R. Das served as President and Motilal Nehru as Secretary of the Swaraj Party.
- The Swaraj Party successfully defeated the Public Safety Bill in 1928 and later divided into Responsivists and Non-Responsivists.
- Gandhi presided over the Belgaum Session in 1924, the only Congress session he ever presided over.
- After C.R. Das's death in 1925, the Swaraj Party was absorbed back into the Congress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary cause of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?
The massacre occurred when General Dyer ordered troops to fire on an unarmed crowd gathered in Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919, protesting the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of nationalist leaders.
Why was the Khilafat Movement significant for India's independence struggle?
The Khilafat Movement was significant because it united Indian Muslims and Hindus against British rule, fostering a rare period of communal harmony and strengthening the nationalist movement, particularly through its alliance with Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement.
What led to the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Mahatma Gandhi suspended the Non-Cooperation Movement following the Chauri Chaura incident in February 1922, where a violent clash resulted in the death of 22 policemen. Gandhi believed the movement had turned violent, deviating from its non-violent principles.
