India and the Contemporary World - II

The First World War led to a huge increase in defense expenditure which was financed by war loans and increasing taxes. This caused widespread economic hardship in India. The war also led to a rise in nationalist sentiments as Indians expected self-governance in return for their support during the war, which was not granted.

The Rowlatt Act of 1919 gave the British government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. This act was widely opposed by Indians and led to nationwide protests, culminating in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which further intensified the freedom struggle.

The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 against the salt tax imposed by the British. It involved the defiance of laws, non-payment of taxes, and boycott of foreign goods. The movement saw massive participation across India, including women and peasants, and marked a significant step in the Indian independence struggle.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) aimed at withdrawing support from British institutions like schools, courts, and councils, while the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) involved active defiance of specific laws like the salt tax. The latter was more inclusive, with greater participation from women and lower castes, and had a broader agenda of complete independence.

Women participated in large numbers in protests, marches, and boycotts during the national movement. They played crucial roles in the Salt March, picketing of foreign cloth and liquor shops, and in spreading nationalist messages. Their participation challenged traditional gender roles and was a significant step towards women's empowerment in India.

The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, demanded an end to British rule in India. It was a mass movement that saw widespread participation from all sections of society. Although it was suppressed by the British, it united the Indian people and made it clear that British rule was no longer sustainable.

The partition of India in 1947 led to one of the largest migrations in history, accompanied by violent riots, massacres, and displacement. Millions of Hindus and Sikhs moved to India, and Muslims to Pakistan, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The trauma of partition left deep scars on the collective memory of both nations.

In its early years, the Indian National Congress aimed to promote political dialogue among educated Indians and seek greater representation in government. It focused on moderate demands like civil rights, administrative reforms, and more Indian participation in governance, rather than complete independence from British rule.

Gandhi's concept of 'Swaraj' went beyond political independence; it included self-rule at the individual and community levels, emphasizing self-reliance, economic self-sufficiency, and moral governance. He believed in decentralized power and the empowerment of villages as the foundation of true Swaraj.

The press played a crucial role in spreading nationalist ideas, criticizing British policies, and mobilizing public opinion. Newspapers like 'Kesari' and 'Young India' became platforms for leaders to communicate with the masses, fostering a sense of unity and resistance against colonial rule.

British economic policies, like heavy taxation and the promotion of British goods, severely damaged Indian industries. Traditional handicrafts and textiles declined due to competition from machine-made British goods, leading to unemployment and poverty. This economic exploitation fueled resentment and became a rallying point for the national movement.

The Revolt of 1857 was caused by various factors, including the introduction of new rifles with cartridges greased with animal fat, which offended religious sentiments. Economic exploitation, land revenue policies, and the annexation of princely states also contributed to widespread discontent among sepoys, peasants, and rulers, leading to the revolt.

The Dandi March, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a direct action campaign against the British salt tax. By making salt from seawater, Gandhi broke the salt laws, symbolizing defiance of British authority. The march galvanized the Indian population and drew international attention to the Indian independence movement.

After suppressing the Revolt of 1857, the British government took direct control of India from the East India Company, marking the beginning of the British Raj. They also implemented policies to divide and rule, such as favoring certain communities and restructuring the army to prevent future rebellions.

Colonialism transformed Indian agriculture into a commercial enterprise focused on producing raw materials for British industries. This led to the neglect of food crops, famines, and indebtedness among peasants. The introduction of cash crops like indigo and cotton disrupted traditional farming practices and made farmers vulnerable to global market fluctuations.