IASbaba Value Add – Set 5, Block 3 Modern History
This is part 2 of Modern History Value Add. Part one, i.e. Modern History up to 1906 was
covered in the previous VAN. This Value Add is also following the same scheme. Since
Modern History has been covered in the books extensively, in VAN we have tried to present
it in as concise manner as possible.
You need to remember that it is not a text and you will have to read standard books. This is
just a tool for quick revision and memorizing the important events for examination point of
view. Happy reading!!
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IASbaba Value Add – Set 5, Block 3 Modern History
CONGRESS SPLIT
By 1907 the Moderate Nationalists had exhausted their historic role. The emergence of
Swadeshi and Boycott Movement brought a wave of mass movement that demanded a
change in ideology of the Nationalist Movement.
Reasons for ‘failure’ of Moderates:
 Were considered elitist even by Indians
 Did not have faith in the common people
 Restricted themselves to political issues and did not entertain specific social issues
 Their methodology of legal pleading and articulation was beyond the average
uneducated Indian of the time
 Did not participate in the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements
 Conclusion: Hence they were not able to keep pace with the events. They failed to
meet the demands of the new age movement
Policy of Carrot and Stick
British policy makers felt that the moderate led Congress could be easily finished because
it’s weak but the British became critical of the Nationalist Movement after Swadeshi and
Boycott movement. Their aim was now to isolate the extremists.
 Lured moderates by presenting the idea of Morley-Minto Reforms (Lord Minto)
 Moderates agreed to cooperate and got disconnected from S and B movement
 The Extremists wanted to extend S and B.
 This led to Congress split at Surat session in 1907
Impact of the Split
 Both sides got it wrong.
 Moderates led by Pherozshah Mehta hoped their dream of sharing political and
admin power would come true. They couldn’t see that British negotiated because of
the fear of the Extremists
 Extremists did not see that Moderates were their natural defense line and as a result
were brutally suppressed.
 Tilak was jailed for 6 years. Aurobindo Ghosh gave up active politics and took up
religion. BC Pal temporarily retired from politics and Lala Lajpat Rai went to the US
for an extended stay
 The spirit was gone from the movement and it entered a dull phase which was to last
till the WWI came around
1909 Act Morley- Minto Reforms
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Separate electorates for Muslims
Membership in Imperial LC increased slightly
Mild powers given like the right to vote on separate budget items, to ask questions
Still the reformed councils enjoyed no real power and remained an advisory body
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IASbaba Value Add – Set 5, Block 3 Modern History
WORLD WAR I
The outbreak of WWI gave a new lease of life to the Nationalist Movement which went
dormant since S and B movements. This opportunity was seized in different ways. The
Ghadarites attempted a violent overthrow of the British Rule while Home Rule League
launched a nationwide agitation to secure Home Rule or Swaraj
Ghadar Movement:
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Ghadar Movement
Started by Indian immigrants in North America who faced racial abuse and hostility
of white labor force
Biggest Contribution = Through each issue of ‘Ghadar’ magazine, they exposed
British Rule enumerating the harmful effects such as:
o Drain of wealth
o Low per capita income of Indians
o High land tax
o Low expenditure on health and high on military
o Destruction of Indian Arts and Industries
o Recurrence of Famines, ‘artificial’ and natural
o Policy of divide and rule among the Indian States
o ‘Dishonoring’ Indian women
o Helping Christian Missionaries spread their religion
o Discord between Hindus and Muslims
In short the entire critique of the British Rule
The movement soon died down with the arrest of their leader Hardayal and
outbreak of WWI (Rash Bihari Bose was leader in India)
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Defense of India Act 1915, to curb Ghadr Movement
Impact of Ghadar Movement:
 Gave the movement an international favor. Brought it to the notice of International
community
 The Nationalist critique of Colonialism, hitherto done by the Moderates was carried
in a simple and powerful manner to the masses, especially Indian migrants
 Even though on a small scale, it attempted to create a secular environment
 Their objective was clear easily grasped by everybody i.e. est of independent India
Weaknesses:
 Completely under-estimated the amount of prep at every level – organizational,
ideological, strategic and financial
 They forgot that to mobilize a few thousand migrants is different from arousing an
entire nation
 Lack of effective and sustained leadership – a common feature in pre-Gandhian era
Komagata Maru Incident
Canada used to deny entry to Indian immigrants who did not make a direct journey from
India. So Canada refused the above mentioned ship which sailed from Singapore. After it
finally returned back to Calcutta, the harassed passengers clashed with the British officers
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IASbaba Value Add – Set 5, Block 3 Modern History
The Komagata Maru was a Japanese steamship that sailed from Hong Kong to Vancouver,
Canada via Japan in May, 1914. It was carrying 376 passengers who were immigrants from
Punjab, India. Of these, only 24 were granted admittance in Canada when the ship docked in
Vancouver. At that time, Canada had laws restricting entry of migrants of Asian origin.
Following a two month stalemate, the ship and its 352 passengers were escorted out of the
dock by the Canadian military and forced to sail back to India. The ship returned to Calcutta
on 27 September and was stopped by the British. The passengers were put under guard and
the ship was allowed to dock in Budge Budge, Calcutta. The British believed that the
passengers were law breakers and political agitators. When the police sought to arrest the
persons it viewed as leaders of the group, there was resistance and a riot ensued. The police
fired shots and 19 passengers were killed. Baba Gurdit Singh, who was one of the persons
the British wanted to arrest, escaped with some other persons. Most of the remaining
passengers were either arrested or sent back to Punjab. Baba Gurdit Singh later surrendered
to the police.
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HOME RULE MOVEMENT
Home Rule League Flag
Aim = India be granted self-government on the lines of the White colonies (Eg. Scotland,
Australia) after the War
Proponents:
 Annie Besant
o Worked for Theosophical Society (not its founder)
 Theosophical believed in old religion and transmigration of soul
o Entered Indian Movement in 1914
o Played a major role in re-entry of Extremists into Congress
o Was a member of Fabian Society
o Her newspapers – New India and Commonweal
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BG Tilak (released in 1914)
o Started Home Rule before Annie Besant
o Filled up the void before Gandhi
o Active through writing in press
o Was against casteism and communalism and regionalism
Features of the League:
 Put forward the demand for Swaraj like White Colonies
 Took the moderate methodologies to the masses
 Tilak’s league was highly active through press and had 14,000 members
 His league touched upon a variety of topics like Casteism and Regionalism
 Besant’s main thrust was Home Rule through promoting political education and
discussion
 Russian revolution, 1917 too influenced their ideology
Lucknow Session of Congress – 1916
 Congress formally united
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Congress League Pact signed – big role of Tilak and Besant
o Pressure British for Self – Government
o Muslims to have 1/3rd representation in Central Legislature
Note – Acceptance of Separate Electorate by Congress in 1919 in exchange for
support of Muslim League sowed the seeds of 2 Nation Theory.
Failure of the League
 Moderates again pacified through the 1919 Reforms
 Annie Besant was herself unsure of how to take forward passive resistance
 Tilak, although in more control left for Britain at a crucial point to fight a civil case
against him
Montagu’s Statement – 1917
 Recognized “self-government” to India is Britain’s responsibility for the first time
 Indian leaders objected because no time frame was given
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MAHATMA GANDHI – EARLY CAREER
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
When Gandhi arrived in India in 1915, his own political understanding did not coincide with
any of the political currents that were active in India. His faith in ‘Moderates’ methods was
long eroded nor did he agree with the Home Rulers that the best time to agitate for Home
Rule was when British were in difficulty. He was deeply convinced that the only answer lay
in Satyagraha.
Satyagraha = Policy of passive political resistance, i.e. non-violent opposition to authority
During 1917-18 three significant struggles:
Chamaparan – Bihar
 Farmers agitating against the ‘Tinkathia System’ (forced to cultivate Indigo on 3/20 th
of their land holdings)
 Gandhi offered passive resistance upon reaching Chamaparan
 Government appointed a Commission to inquire into the whole issue
 Commission ordered that peasants can’t be forced and as a result in a decade all
planters left.
Ahmedabad – Gujarat
 Workers were insisting on the stay of “Plague bonus” which the mill owners wanted
to withdraw
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They offered a 20% and workers wanted 35%. They went on a strike upon Gandhi’s
advice.
Finally, the tribunal awarded then 35% bonus
Kheda - Gujarat
 Farmers were distressed due to failure of crops
 Vallabhbhai Patel (a Kheda native) joined Gandhi in the movement
 Finally, government ordered only those who can pay should pay the taxes
Conclusion – Chamaparan, Ahmedabad and Kheda served as demonstrations of Gandhi’s
style and method of politics to the country at large.
Rowlatt Act – 1919
 Indefinitely extended “emergency” measures enacted during WWI
 Authorized government to imprison any person suspected of terrorist activities upto
2 years without trial
 Indefinite detention without trial
 Arrest without warrant
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NON-COOPERATION MOVEMENT – 1920-22
Reasons:
 The Rowlatt Act
 Demand for Swaraj
 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – clean chit by Hunter Commission
 Montagu – Chelmsford Reforms
 Ill-treatment of the Caliph of Turkey (spiritual head of Muslims) post WWI
Features:
 Khilafat Leaders joined Gandhi (leading the movement)
 Non – Cooperation included:
o Surrender of titles and honors
o Boycott of government affiliated schools and colleges
o Law courts, foreign cloth
o Extended to resignation from government services
o Mass civil disobedience including non-payment of taxes
o National Schools and Colleges were to be setup
o Panchayats were to be setup to settle disputes
o Khadi was encouraged
o Looting of liquor shops
o Promotion to hindu-muslim unity
 Women participation. Wives of Gandhi, CR Das, Motilal Nehru all participated
Boycotts in the movement:
 Education – 90,000 students left schools and colleges and joined National Schools
 Lawyers – Many leading lawyers like C.R. Das , Motilal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel etc
gave up lucrative practices
 Foreign Cloth – lighting of foreign cloth. Imports reduced by half within a year
Withdrawal of Movement
 Chauri Chaurah incident, where an agitated mob burnt a police station at Chauri
Chaura with 22 policemen inside it.
 Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, CR Das , Subhash Chandra Bose were all against
the withdrawal
 Gandhi’s critics fail to understand that mass movements have an inherent tendency
to stagnate after reaching a certain height. This is the capacity of the masses to
withstand suppression, endure sufferings and make sacrifices is not unlimited
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Impact of Non-Cooperation Movement
 Demonstrated that the INM had the backing of the masses and that the “poor dumb
millions” of India had the capacity to take part in modern nationalist politics
 All sections of Indian Society participated – peasants, workers, artisans, shopkeepers,
traders, professionals, white collar employees etc
 The charge of representing a microscopic minority made by Viceroy Dufferin could
never again be hurled at INC
 Muslim participation gave the movement its true mass character, something later
movements were never able to achieve again.
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PEASANT MOVEMENTS – 1920s
The peasants’ movements on the 19th century were standalone in nature but in 20th century
the movements were deeply influenced and in turn had a marked impact on the Indian
struggle for national freedom. Example – The Kisan Sabha and Ekta movement in Awadh UP,
the Mappila rebellion in Malabar and Bardoli Satyagraha in Gujarat
Bardoli Satyagraha
Bardoli (Gujarat) had been selected as the place where Gandhi would launch CDM in 1922.
But Chauri Chaura happened and the campaign never took off.
Reasons:
 Increased land revenue by the government
 Lack of concern for reduction in the increased amount
Features:
 Peasants decided to withhold the entire revenue amount until the government sets
up a tribunal to look into the mater.
Role of Vallabhbhai Patel
 A veteran of Kheda Satyagraha, Nagpur Flag Satyagraha Sardar Patel was ideally
suited to lead the movement.
 He emerged as leader in Gujarat second only to Gandhi
 A brilliant orator and mass mobilizer
 He has astute organizing skills, divided the Bardoli Taluq into cadres under
experienced leaders, sub-ordinates and volunteers, many of them students formed
the army of the movement
 He setup the Bardoli Patrika containing the reports of the movement, speeches of
the leaders and pictures of the repressive measures of the government. This kept the
masses in touch and motivated continuously
 He also setup an intelligence wing to find out the indecisive peasants.
 He was a hardliner and those who showed signs of weakness were brought to line by
means of social pressure and boycott
 He used lower caste as an advantage – those who opposed would be denied
essential services from sweepers, barbers, washermen etc.
Impact:
 Government loyalists began to desert it
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Movement spread to Bombay Presidency where the textile workers threatened to go
on strike
Lord Irwin (~1928) had to force an inquiry which finally decided to reduce the land
revenue increment to just 6%.
Mahatma Gandhi – “The Bardoli Struggle is not a struggle for the direct attainment of
Swaraj. Every such awakening, every such effort as that of Bardoli will bring Swaraj
nearer”
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IASbaba Value Add – Set 5, Block 3 Modern History
INDIAN WORKING CLASS
The modern worker made his appearance in India in the second half of 19 th century with the
slow beginnings of modern industry and the growth of utilities like Railways, Post and
Telegraph services. The process of exploited groups of workers in various parts of India
emerging as an organized, self-conscious an all India class is critically linked with the growth
of Indian National Movement and the process of Indian ‘Nation in the Making’ because the
notion of Indian working class could not exist before the notion of Indian people had begun
to take root.
Attitude of Early Moderates (1870-1900)
 Early Moderates paid little attention to the question of workers despite their
wretched conditions
 They confined themselves to the questions in which ‘entire nation had a direct
participation’ and hence must leave out social reforms and class based issues.
 Moderates infact did not support labor movements, for they wanted the infant
Indian Industry to grow at faster rate and such early regulations would have
hindered its growth
 But, they gave full support to labors employed in British owned industries for the
same reason
Swadeshi Movement – Game Changer in Labor Movement
 Four prominent leaders dedicated themselves to labor struggles – Ashwinicoomar
Banerjee most prominent amongst them.
 The first tentative attempts to form All-India Unions were also made at this time
 Most important feature of labor movement in Swadeshi was a shift from standalone
struggles and agitations purely on economic questions to the involvement of
workers with Nationalist Movement on the whole
 Eg. In TN, strikes were held in foreign owned cloth mill which would to the demise of
foreign mills
1920-1930
 Most Important – All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was formed in 1920. (Tilak
played a major role)
 Its first president Lala Lajpat Rai laid emphasis on organized labor as an antidote to
capitalism
 Throughout Rowlatt Satyagraha, NCM and Khilafat Movements, worker class
participated actively by calling out strikes in Railways works
 Workers movement was now streamlined with the Nationalist movement
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1930-onwards
 Emergence of powerful Left Bloc in the National Movement
 Various workers and peasant parties (WPP) were formed
 Post Russian Revolution, Communism had a strong bearing on Workers Movement
 Emergence of pro-communist leaders like Nehru and Bose
 Active role of AITUC – boycotted the Simon Commission
 In late 1920s onwards, Communist then reversed their policy of aligning with the
National Movement as their ideologies begin to differ substantially
 Weak participation in CDM
 Re-aligned with Congress in 1934
1939-onwards
 Workers Movement by now had a Communist overtone
 Supported Allied Powers against Germany and Italy for attacking Soviet Union
 Communist Party dissociated itself from QIM of Gandhi
 Despite the Communist indifference, worker participation was still there
1945-47
 Tremendous resurgence is ‘working class’ (not Communist class) activities in post
war political upsurge
 Bombay and Calcutta dock workers refused to load ships to show solidarity during
the INA trial issue.
 Most spectacular is the strike by Bombay workers in solidarity with Royal Navy
Mutiny in 1946
 Last years of colonial rules saw unprecedented strike till the British indeed leave
India
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YEARS OF STAGNATION – SWARAJISTS, NO CHANGERS AND GANDHI
Withdrawal of NCM in 1922 and arrest of Gandhi resulted in spread of disintegration,
disorganization and demoralization in Nationalist Leaders.
Emergence of Swarajists
 New ideology suggested by Nehru Sr. and CR Das – participation in legislative
councils to expose the “sham parliaments”
 Opposed by Moderates (Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, C Rajagopalachari)
 Nehru Sr. and CR Das quit Congress and setup the Swaraj Party in 1923
 Both respected lawyers and former moderates
 Gandhi opposed council participation
 Swarajists said work in councils is necessary to fill the political void
 No-changers opposed council entry mainly on the ground that parliamentary work
would lead to neglect of constructive and other work in the masses
 But both parties had learnt the lesson from Congress split of 1907
 In September 1923, Congress allowed its members to contest election
 Although, firmly against council entry, Gandhi praised Swarajists for their
courageous and uncompromising manner and trusted them to not become a limb of
imperial admin
Impact of Swarajists upon Council Entry
 Greatest achievement = filing the political void when INM was recuperating. They
successfully exposed the hollowness of 1919 Reform Act of 1919 and showed people
that they were being ruled by ‘lawless laws’
 The legislatures reformed in 1919 lacked any real power; they had no control over
the executive. Viceroy could certify any legislation including budgetary grants
 Swarajists took up 3 majors problems:
o Self-government
o Civil liberties – repeal of repressive laws
o Development of indigenous industries
 Put forward demands like a new constitution for India which would transfer real
powers to India
 They exposed the Parliamentary work when their proposals were repeatedly
rejected
 People were thrilled every time the all-powerful foreign bureaucracy was humbled
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Weakness
 Soon the limits to obstructionist politics were reached
 There was no way of going further inside the legislatures and escalating
confrontation
 Parliamentary corruption crept in
 Failed to rally the cause of tenants and minorities, partly because they lacked real
power and also because their prime intentions were only obstruction of work
 Hence, 1926 Congress withdrew from Legislatures
Public Safety Bill 1928
 Opposed by Swarajists (Pro-Communists)
 The bill was introduced to check spread of communism and socialism in India
 It intended to throw out individuals who were involved in spreading communism
Rise of Communalism
 Side effect of socio-religious movement like the Wahabi movement amongst
Muslims and Shudhi Movement among Hindus
 Expanding middle class – increased competition for government jobs
 Concessionist policies by the British. Eg Separate Electorate for Muslims
 Started as Liberal Communalism (two religious communities have different interest)
and took shape of Extremist Communalism (those different interests are
incompatible)
 Domination of Congress by Extreme Hindu Nationalists allegedly undermined the
Minority concerns
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RISE OF REVOLUTIONARY IDEOLOGY
The sudden suspension of NCM shattered the high hopes of many. They had grown out of
the patient constructive work of no-changers, neither were they attracted to the
parliamentary politics of Swarajists. They were convinced that violent methods alone would
free India.
Major leaders
 Surya Sen
 Jatin Das
 Chandrasekhar Azad
 Bhagat Singh
 Sukhdev
Two major strands of revolutionary activities:
Northern Revolutionaries
 In 1924, Hindustan Republic Army was founded
Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was a revolutionary organization of India
established in 1924 at village Bholachang in East Bengal by Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Narendra
Mohan Sen and Pratul Ganguly as an offshoot of Anushilan Samiti.
Objective and Tactics
 The Objective of the HRA was to establish “Federated Republic of the United States
of India” through an organized armed revolution”
 The tactics of HRA were killing the officials; organize political dacoties to raise funds,
terrorism among the British and British loyalists and strikes against the raj.
 Despite being a revolutionary organization, the perspective of the HRA was socialistic
and it wanted to establish a United States of India by deposing the British.
 The idea attracted the young champions; some immediately joined the organization
were Bhagat Singh, ChandraShekhar Azad, Sukhdev, Ram Prasad Bismil, Roshan
Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri and many others. The first organized ‘crime’
of this group was the Kakori Train Conspiracy.
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1925 – Kakori Robbery
Ram Prasad bismill , Ashfaqulla Roshan Singh and Rajendra Lahri hanged
Then came Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Azad etc
Reformed HRA has HSRA (S = Socialist)
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After the Kakori conspiracy, 5 members were sentenced to death. Other members either
were sent for long imprisonments or deported for life.
Chandrasekhar led the remaining revolutionaries and on September 9-10, 1928 at Feroz
Shah Kotla Maidan of Delhi and he along with Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Batukeshwar Dutt,
and Rajguru founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association or the Garam Dal.
In 1928, assassinated Saunders, as a revenge for Lala Lajpat’s death while protesting against
Simon Commission.
This HSRA brought out a Manifesto known as “Philosophy of the Bomb“. This manifesto was
written by Bhagawathi Charan Vohra.
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Threw bomb in Central LA in 1929 to protest against Public Safety Bill and Trade
Dispute Bill and later hanged in 1931
Impact
 Their soul stirring slogans like ‘Inquilab zindabad’ and ‘mera rang de basanti chola’
won them support and sympathy of people all over the country – something even
Congressmen were not able to achieve
 They talked the talk of masses. Bhagat Singh became a household name
 Objective was to set an example before the youth and they fulfilled it completely
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Bengal Revolutionaries – Chittagong Uprising
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Led by Surya Sen
Action plan – Seizing of two main armouries in Chittagong, dislocation of railway
lines and destruction of telephone and telegraph systems
Large scale participation of women
Provided shelter, acted as messengers, custodians of arms and fought gun in hand
when required
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Bhagat Singh – shift towards Socialism
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A voracious reader, was one of the most well-read political leaders of the time
In 1929 he had turned to Marxism and believed that popular broad based mass
movements alone would lead to a sustained and successful revolution
He established Punjab Naujawan Sabha in 1926 – to carry out political work among
the youth, peasants and workers. He delivered lectures and organized student
unions
Despite his ideological shift, he went ahead with CLA bombing which shows his
commitment to the Nationalist movement. His only aim for going ahead was to
mobilize youth through ‘propaganda by deed’
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SIMON COMMISSION
Background
 Boycott of the Commission because No Indian was on its board – which claimed the
right to decide the political future of India
 It recommended abolition of Dyarchy in the provinces
 Congress resolved on the boycott in 1927 Madras Session of INC
 Nehru Jr. and Subhash Bose emerged as the leaders of this movement
 British government in support of Simon Commission harped on the inability of the
Indian to formulate a concrete scheme of constitutional reforms
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As a response, Nehru Sr. authored the “Nehru Report” – which defined Dominion
status as the form of government desired by India
o It also rejected principle of separate communal electorate instead demanded
joint electorate for Hindu and Muslims
o Reservation of seats for muslims only in areas where they were in minority
and also at the centre
o It recommended universal suffrage, equal right to women, 19 fundamental
rights such as freedom to form unions and dissociation of states from religion
o Muslim League rejected the Report and Jinnah came out with “Fourteen
Points” (Muslim League was unwilling to give up the cushion of separate
electorates)
o Young radicals like Nehru Jr. wanted Complete Independence “Poorna
Swaraj”
1929 – Declaration of Poorna Swaraj
 Lord Irwin conveyed to Gandhi that Dominion Status is not guaranteed despite
showing interest as early as 1917
 Nehru Report was ignored
 At Lahore session – Poorna Swaraj was declared as the goal of INC on 26 th January
1930
 President was Nehru Jr.
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CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT -1930
Reasons:
 Adoption of Poorna Swaraj at 1929 Lahore Session of Congress
 Nehru Report for ‘Dominion Status’ ignored
 Failure of First Round Table Conference in 1929
Why Salt?
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Only Salt like water affects each and everyone
The tax was considered the most inhuman form of poll tax
It would mobilize everyone unlike anything
CDM adopted the background of breaking the salt law by Indians
Gandhi took the historic Dandi March to break the law
In TN, C Rajagopalachari led a salt march, K. Kelappan in Malabar, Khan Abdul Gaffar
Khan in North West Frontier
Hence, salt law breaking became a pan India movement
Features:
 From salt law breaking , it became a No-Tax Movement
 In East India – refusal to pay Chowkidara Tax
 In Kheda and Bardoli – refusal to pay land revenue
 Defiance of forest laws in Maharashtra
 No-Revenue No-Rent campaign in UP
 Variety of forms of mobilization
o Prabhat Pheras where nationalist songs were sung
o Magic Lanterns to take the nationalist message to village
o Children were organized into Vanar Sena
Government Response:
 Announced unconditional release of Gandhi
 Viceroy reiterated the goal of Dominion Status to be discussed at a Round Table
Conference
 Signed Gandhi-Irwin Pact -1931
1. Withdraw all ordinances and end prosecutions
2. Release all political prisoners, except those guilty of violence
3. Permit peaceful picketing of liquor and foreign cloth shops
4. Restore confiscated properties of the satyagrahis
5. Permit free collection or manufacture of salt by persons near the sea-coast
6. Lift the ban over the congress.
7. Call off CDM
Impact of Gandhi Irwin Pact:
 Some saw it as a betrayal of Indian public and proof of vacillating nature of Indian
Bourgeoisie and Gandhi succumbing to Bourgeoisie
 But again they failed to understand – mass movements are short lived
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Impact of CDM
 Participation of Muslims was nowhere near that in NCM – Separate Electorates did
the trick. Except for North West Frontier – Khan Abdul Gaffar
 New forms of protest – law breaking, jail going.
 Massive support from the poor base
 Signing of Irwin Pact
Karachi Session 1931 (March)
 Resolution on FR and National Economic Programme
 Presided by Sardar Patel
 Gandhi-Irwin pact was endorsed
 Guaranteed basic civil rights of free speech , free press, free assembly and freedom
of association, equality before law irrespective caste, creed or sex, neutrality of
state in regards to religion, universal adult franchise, free and compulsory education
 Also promised substantial reduction in rent and revenue, relief to agricultural
workers and better condition for wage workers
End of CDM
 II Round Table Conference between British Government and Gandhi failed on the
issue of Dominion Status
 Gandhi arrested upon return
 Movement crushed brutally by 1934
Ramsay McDonald Communal Award – 1932
 The award allotted to each minority a number of seats in the legislature to be
elected on the basis of a separate electorate (eg Muslims to be elected by muslims
only)
 Gandhi took the view that it’ll keep depressed classes perpetually depressed
 All social reforms undertaken will come to a halt
 Gandhi went on a fast unto death
 Finally at Poona Pact – Separate Electorates for Depressed Class were abandoned
o Signed between Gandhi and Ambedkar
o Separate Electorate for Depressed Classes was dropped
o Reserved seats for depressed classes increased in provincial and central
legislature
Removal of Untouchability – Gandhi
 Founded Harijan Sewak Sangh
 Took Harijan tour
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Major thrust area – throwing open of restricted areas such as temples
He criticized that untouchability had no place in Indian Shastras
His campaign attacked by orthodox groups who supported government
Round Table
1930
1931
1932
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Notes
 Congress did not participate
 Ambedkar demanded separate electorate for depressed class
 Congress took part. Nothing came out

Congress did not take part
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IASbaba Value Add – Set 5, Block 3 Modern History
RISE OF LEFT IN INDIA
Impact of Russian Revolution
 The overthrow of the Czar by the Bolshevik Party of Lenin demonstrated the power
of mass mobilization in 1917
 Socialist doctrines acquired sudden attraction. New leaders wanted a socialist
revision of the structure of the society
 Emergence of leaders like Nehru and Bose
 Shifting of revolutionary thinkers like Bhagat Singh and Azad towards Socialism
 In 1920s establishment of CPI (M) by MN Roy and Communist Socialist Party by JP
Narayan. The later was to work within Congress to strengthen Congress and give it a
Socialist outlook
 Nationalism and Socialism got combined. Even after Independence India largely
followed a Socialist Model
Mode of Operation of Communists
 Labor Swaraj Party was organized within Congress to make it a more radical massbased organization
 Regional Kisan and Worker groups were re-structured into Workers and Peasants
Party (WPP) – aim was to organize peasants and workers in class organization
 Resulted into resurgence of the working class into the National Movement
 Kanpur “Bolshevik” Conspiracy – Bhagat Singh
Impact of Left
 Bringing peasants and workers to the mainstream national movement
 Resolution of FR, Poorna Swaraj and Economic Policy of India
 Setting up of National Planning Committee in 1938
 Introduced the culture of forming occupational associations like All India Student
Federation, All India Progressive Writers Association etc
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THE DEBATE PERIOD – 1934-37
Overview:
 Gandhi – Do Constructive work in villages
 Swarajists – revival of constitutional method of struggle and participation in the
elections to CLA
 Leftist – Continue mass movement. Other methods would side track mass action
 Due to these ideological differences Gandhi quit Congress in 1934
Role of Nehru in abridging the gap
 Basic goal to Nehru = abolition of capitalism and establishment of socialism
 Withdrawal of CDM and council entry = going back to Moderate Era
 Stressed on class basis of society and role of class struggle in the National
Movement
Nehru vs Gandhi
 Gandhian strategy = Struggle – Truce – Struggle
 Nehru = Struggle – Victory
o Permanent Confrontation till overthrow of Imperialism.
o Setbacks are bound to happen but there shouldn’t be a passive phase or
compromise or cooperation with colonial framework
o Must maintain an aggressive direct action policy
o Stage was set after Lahore Session of 1929 and Congress must not back down
o Post 1934 (when Gandhi quit Congress), Nehru went on nationwide tours,
addressing millions of people which made him reconcile with the Gandhian
strategy of STS.
Government of India Act 1935
 Read Laxmikant chapter 1 + Page 186 Spectrum
 Main feature –
o Establishment of All India Federation consisting of provinces and princely
states as units
 Division of power among Centre and units in terms of 3 lists:
 Federal , Provincial and Concurrent
 Note – The Federation never came into being because princely states
didn’t join it
o Abolished Dyarchy and introduced Provincial Autonomy:
 Provinces to be governed by elected ministers headed by governor
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
o
o
o
o
o
o
But everything could be vetoed by Governors appointed by the British
Government
 Thus both eco and pol power remained with British
Introduced bicameralism in some provinces
Separate electorate for depressed class
Abolished Council of India established by the GOI Act 1958
Extended franchise to ~10% of the population
Est of RBI , Federal Public Service Commission, Provincial PSC
Est Supreme Court of India
Left vs Right Debate on GOI Act 1935
 Both agreed that the Act needed to be opposed absolutely
 Differences cropped up on the method to be adopted
 Left:
o Opposed to council entry and therefore working of 1935 Act
o It would mean supporting the repressive apparatus of imperialism
o Council Entry would take away the revolutionary character of the movement
 Right:
o Even they were committing to protest against 1935 Act
o Saw legislature participation as short term tactic
o Rejection of office is not a matter of socialism
o Vacanted offices would be taken up by others
o Provincial ministers could be useful in carrying out constructive work
especially in case of Harijans, Khadi and Education etc
Lucknow Session 1936
 Congress decided to fight election
 Both groups agreed to stick together
Impact of Congress Rule (1937-39)
 Changed the entire psychological environment of the country. The closest people
ever got to feeling a sense of freedom
 Increase in the prestige of Congress amongst masses, especially peasants
 Congress had limitations – couldn’t change the basic structure of imperialist rule
 But, extension of civil liberties like all restriction on press lifted
 All emergency power acquired by provinces in 1932 were repealed
 Bans of Indian organizations lifted , but ban on Communist party remained
 Confiscated arms were returned
 Reduction of rent and land revenue for the peasants
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Giving away of confiscated land
All illegal exactions like Nazrana (forced gifts) Begar were abolished
In 1938, Industrial Disputes Act was introduced which provided a legal channel to
address worker grievances without resorting to strikes
In social reforms, passing of laws for temple entry by Harijans
Unrestricted access to public goods of transport, water, post office etc.
National Planning Committee appointed in 1938 by Congress President SC Bose
Limitations
 Opposing Legislative Council – full of landlords, Zamindars etc
 Constraint of time
 Veto powers in the hand Governor
 Major revenue resources in the hand of Central Government
 Agrarian structure was too complex to rectify quickly
Criticism and Dilemma
 Dilemma = How could a party run a government while simultaneously organizing
popular movements against the same government?
 Masses looked upon the Congress Minister with a “sense of ownership”
 The Kisan Sabhas misused the new found freedom and cases of physical assault on
landlords were reported
 In Bombay, AITUC along with Communists striked against their own ministers for
passing the Industrial Disputes Act – perceived to curtail worker’s freedom
 Left were their biggest critic – blaming them to be pro-government
 There was alleged corruption on the part of some ministers – an issue repeatedly
raised by Gandhi in ‘Harijan’
 In Nehru’s words – “We are sinking to the level of ordinary politicians
 Seeing the increasing divide in Congress the ministers resigned in 1939 in the wake
of WW II
Conclusion
 When the All India Political crisis occurred and the Central leadership wanted it,
Ministries promptly resigned demonstrating that they were not out for power and
office but for the emancipation of the people of India from foreign rule
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INDIAN CAPITALISTS AND THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Viewpoint of Capitalist Class
 Supported constitutional means as opposed to civil disobedience
 The feared civil disobedience would result in severe repression that might affect
capitalists itself
 They were unwilling to support a prolonged all out hostility against government as it
disrupted their day to day business
 Supported Congress to go for RTC and other negotiations
 Were against Swadeshi, Boycott, NCM and Gandhian tactics of passive resistance
 Gradually shifted to supporting the CDM movement of 1930s (had started
supporting Congress by late 1920s)
 Controlled Congress through funding. It is alleged that Gandhi Irwin Pact was sealed
by them
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DEVELOPMENT OF A FOREIGN POLICY
From the beginning, Indian Nationalists opposed the British policy of interfering in the
internal affairs of other countries and the use of the Indian Army and India’s resources to
promote, extend and defend British Imperialism in Africa and Asia
Before 1900
 Condemned Second Afghan War (1878-80)
 Congress condemned annexation of Burma in 1885
 Expansionist ‘forward’ policy followed by government in 1890 on the North Western
Frontier aroused Indian anger. British claimed it was to contain Russian aggression
1900s
 Rise of Japan as an industrial power after 1868 gave Indians the confidence that
‘backward’ Asian countries could also develop
 But also criticized it for attacking China in 1895 and then Russia in 1904
 Congress supported British during WWI in the hope that a victory would result in
extension of independent powers to India
 Leaders like Nehru championed the cause of colonies at the International Congress
against Colonial Oppression and Imperialism held in Brussels in 1927.
Post 1936 – Against Fascism
 Rise of Fascism – Congress totally against it
 Extended full support to countries like Ethiopia (attacked by Fascist Italy), Spain,
China etc in their struggle against fascist aggression
 Gandhi condemned Hitler for the Jewish genocide as well German political
aggression against Czechoslovakia
 Congress interpreted this allowing of ‘aggression’ as betrayal by Britain and France
to isolate Soviet Union
 At Tripuri in 1939, congress dissociated itself completely from British Foreign Policy
Solidarity with Palestine
 Jews hunted and killed in Germany fled to British controlled Arab Palestine and tried
to carve out a homeland for themselves under Zionist leadership
 India sympathized with the plight of the Jews but they also criticized their efforts to
deprive Arabs of their due
 Current status – Full support to Palestine while maintaining good relations with Israel
Pro-Soviet tilt
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Indian leaders reacted favorably to the Russian Revolution in 1917
During 1920s the rising socialist and communist groups and intellectuals were
attracted by Soviet Union – its egalitarianism, socialist idealism, anti-imperialism and
5 Year Plans.
Moderate leaders though were put off by Communists violence
CPI (M) and Congress Socialist Party were founded in 1930s , strongly based on
Soviet Socialist Philosophy
Kisan Sabhas, Trade Unions channeled worker grievances in organized manner after
seeing what peasants and workers power could achieve
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RISE OF COMMUNALISM
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Emerged as a consequence of modern politics based on politicization and
mobilization of an ever increasing number of the Indian people
Can be said to be a by-product of colonialism
Economic stagnation led to intense competition among individuals for government
jobs and people used their group identities such as caste and religion to enhance
their capacity to compete
Communal politics reserved and allocated jobs for specific castes
British policy of divide and rule
Separate Electorates for Muslim was the final nail in the coffin
Patronage were extended to the communalists
o Communal press dealt lightly
o Communal organizations given encouragement
o 1932 Communal Awards and 1935 Act accepted all communal commands
Another major reason was pronounced Hindu dominance in the Nationalist
movement
Both Moderates and Extremists were mostly Hindu hardliners and cited Ancient
Hindu Culture as a recourse
Note – Religious pluralism has also been claimed as a reason for communalism by
certain authors. It should be remembered that even before British, religious
pluralism existed and people lived peacefully. Eg. A Hindu majority under the
Mughals
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WORLD WAR II
Tripuri Session 1939
 Bose resigned from Congress Presidentship and formed a separate party ‘Forward
Bloc’ within the Congress
 Bose disagreed with Congress’s stand on the war and the National Movement in
general. Wanted immediate mass struggle.
 Finally Congress decided not to support the war
Congress Stand on WWII
 Gandhi took a sympathetic view to the Allies cause
 The Socialists like SC Bose and JP Narayan argued that the war is imperialist as both
sides are fighting to gain control over colonies
 Nehru was neutral, argued India should neither join the war, nor take advantage of
British vulnerability
Pakistan Resolution – 1940
 Taken at Lahore
 Muslim league demanded grouping of Muslim dominant areas in independent states
with sovereign powers
 Two Nation Theory emerged
August Offer – 1940
 Dominion Status to India
 Expansion of viceroy’s executive council
 Setting up of a constituent assembly after the war (first time recognized)
 Congress rejected it
Individual Satyagraha – 1941
 To show Nationalist patience was not due to weakness
 To give another opportunity for British to accept Congress demand
 Delhi Chalo Movement
 Vinobha Bhave first to offer Satyagraha, followed by Nehru
Cripps Mission 1942
 Aim – to secure support of India for the war because of fear of Japanese invasion
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Promised Dominion Status to India and a constitution making body whose members
will be elected by provincial assemblies and nominated by the rulers in States (i.e.
constituent assembly was solely in the hands of Indians)
Option for any province to not join the Indian Union
Also proposed partition of India (right to secede)
Congress rejected it completely because:
o No provision for complete independence
o Representation of states by nominees and not by elected representatives
o Right to provinces to secede as this was against principle of National Unity
o Absence of any plan of immediate transfer of power
o Note – Nehru and Maulana Azad were the official negotiators
Others rejected because:
o Muslim League criticized idea of single Indian Union
o It was against the manner of setting up of Constituent Assembly
o The Hindu Mahasabha opposed the right to secede.
o Depressed class feared that partition would leave them at the mercy of upper
caste Hindus
o Sikhs opposed because Punjab would be taken away.
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QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT 1942
Why not immediately in 1939?
 Congress felt cause of Allies was just
 Lack of Hindu Muslim unity
 The atmosphere was not conducive
 So around the end of 1940, Gandhi organized Individual Satyagraha – Delhi Chalo
Movement before a full blow movement in 1942
Reasons for QIM
 Failure of Cripps Mission in 1942 – showed British wasn’t willing to cede to Congress
demands of constitutional autonomy
 War impact on rising prices, food shortages, increasing public discontent
 Heavy defeats suffered by British in South East Asia boosted the morale.
Aim
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Immediate end to British rule
Form a provisional government of India
Sanction of CDM against British rule.
Gandhi’s instruction to different sections
 Government servants – do not resign but declare allegiance to Congress
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Soldiers – do not leave Army but do not fire on compatriot
Student – if confident , leave studies
Princes – support the masses and accept sovereignty of your people
Princely State People – support the ruler only if he is anti-government
Features:
 “Do or Die” slogan
 8th August 1942 formally launched
 9th August all congress leaders arrested
 Unprecedented mass upsurge
 Satyagrahis offered themselves for arrests
 Removal of tracks, blow up of bridges, cutting telephone lines
 Over 60,000 arrested by end 1942
 There was international demand to release Gandhi by British Communist Party and
others like Australian Council of Trade Unions
 Parallel Governments sprung up across states –
o Satara in MH
o Ballia in Bihar
o Tamluk in Midnapore
 Students from college and school were most visible elements
 Women too played important role – Aruna Asif Ali and Sucheta Kriplani were leaders
of the underground movement
 Peasants , Zamindars (usual fillers)
 Erosion of British Loyalists
 Underground activities
o By socialists, forward bloc, revolutionaries etc.
o Famous names – Ram Manohar Lohia, JP Narayan, Aruna Asif Ali, Usha Mehta
(ran underground radio)
How was violence in QIM tolerated by Congress?
 Even in 1920 and 1930-31 movements Congress allowed a considerable room for
popular methods. But the element of spontaneity was much larger in 1942
 In earlier movements too like CDM, Gandhi signaled launching of the struggle by
breaking the Salt Law, refusal to pay rent and revenue by peasants, picketing of
liquor shops etc
 Theme of QIM was such – Do or Die. This was meant to be the final nail in the coffin
of British Rule and people went all out to achieve that
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Note – Simla Conference in June 1945 ended the confrontation part of QIM that began in
1942
C Rajagopalachari Formula - 1943
 Implicit acceptance of Muslim League’s demand for Pakistan
 In return ML to endorse Congress demand for complete freedom
 ML to cooperate with Congress to form an interim government
 Muslim dominant area of NWFP and North East to decide by Plebiscite to form
Pakistan
 Muslim League response:
o Wanted Congress to accept the 2-Nation theory
o Only Muslims to vote in the plebiscite
o Opposed the idea of a Common Centre
o Wasn’t interested in Indian Independence, only Pakistan
Shimla Conference 1945 (Wavell Plan)
 Aim – reconstruction of the executive council which would act as an interim
government. Main proposals:
o All members except the governor-general and commander in chief would be
Indians
o Muslims and Hindus to be given equal representation
o All parties to submit their nominees for executive council to Viceroy
 Why it broke down?
o Muslim League wanted all Muslim to be ONLY nominated by the League
o Congress insisted on the right to nominate members of all communities
 Note – Its aim was to delay the partition, not to avoid it
Cabinet Mission 1946
 Discussion on how to form an interim government and the principles for framing a
new Constitution giving freedom to India
 Main Points:
o Rejection to the demand of an Independent Pakistan as it would include a
large non-Muslim population too
o Grouping of existing provinces into 3 groups:
o A = Madras, Bombay, Central Provinces, United Provinces, Bihar and Orissa
o B = Punjab, NWFP, and Sindh
o C = Bengal and Assam
 Constituent Assembly to be elected by provincial assemblies by proportional
representation (389 member from PA , 92 from princely states)
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A common centre to control defense, communication and external affairs.
A province was free to come out of the groups after 1 year and from the Union after
10 years.
Accepted by Congress on June 24th 1946
Interim Government
 Both parties came on board
 But ML played obstructionist politics – only interest in the government to fight for
Pakistan
Atlee Statement- 1947
 Deadline of 30th June 1948 to transfer power
 British would give power to either a central government or provincial governments if
Constituent Assembly wasn’t fully represented
 Hints at partition and Balkanization of India
Mountbatten Plan – 1947 (4rd June)
 Jinnah wanted nothing less than Pakistan now.
 Partition of Punjab and Bengal to be decided by simple majority
Indian Independence Act 1947
 Declared India as an independent and sovereign state from August 15 1947
 Provided for partition of India and creation of Pakistan
 Abolished the office of Viceroy and provided each dominion a governor general to
appointed by the British Crown
 Empowered the Constituent Assemblies of India and Pakistan to frame and adopt
Constitutions for their respective nations
 Empowered the Constituent Assemblies to legislate till the new Constitutions were
enforced
 Granted freedom the princely states to join either India or Pakistan or remain
independent
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POST WAR NATIONAL UPSURGE
1945 INA Trials – Significance
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Unprecedented intensity of campaign for the release of INA prisoners – daily
editorials, pamphlets, participation of diverse social groups all over India + Indians
living abroad
In varying degrees, even Muslim League, Communist Party, RSS and Hindu
Mahasabha supported the INA release campaign
The loyalists too urged the British to abandon the trials for good India-Britain
relations in the future
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1946 RIN Mutiny – Significance
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RIN Mutiny
Background – 1100 Naval Ratings of HIS Talwar went on a strike to protest against
racial discrimination, subordination, demand equal pay and show support to the INA
Trial Movement
Revolt within the armed forced had a liberating effect on Indian people
Hoisting of Indian Flag on HMIS Talwar was seen as an event marking the end of
British Rule
Government announced that only those INA members accused of murder would face
trial
Overall, the event signified the losing grip and inability of the British to rule over
India any further
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MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS
Indian National Army - Origin
 Idea first conceived by Mohan Singh – an Indian officer of British Indian Army in
Malaya
 He went to Japan for help to form an Army
 POW were handed over by Japan to Mohan Singh – 45,000
 Charge of INA later took over by SC Bose
 He formed Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore in 1943 and declared
war on Britain and US
Why British finally quit?
 “ British Rulers had won the war against Hitler but lost the one in India “
 Change in global power regime. US, USSR displaced the UK.
 Men in Armed Forces (INA trials , RIN mutiny), Bureaucracy openly attended
meetings, contributed money and voted for the Congress quite explicitly
 The social base of the colonial regime was among the Zamindars and upper caste,
the “loyalists” who received the main share of British favors and offices. This was
eroded in the last few years of the rule
 Paucity of European recruits to the ICS combined with a policy of Indianization. By
1939 British and Indian members had achieved parity
 The British Policy of Conciliation and Repression couldn’t work anymore as there
wasn’t anything to offer after the Cripps Mission except granting full freedom
 Brutal repression of 1942 movement offended the sensibilities of both liberals and
loyalists.
 Conclusion – Once it was recognized that British rule could not survive like old for
long, a graceful withdrawal from India was eminent
Strategy of National Movement
The basic strategy of the National Movement was to wage a continuous struggle to grow the
nationalist influence among the people through different channels and through different
phases of the National Movement
 A major objective of the movements of the Gandhian era was to bring the masses
into active politics and political action
 Second objective was to erode the ideological influence of the British and have more
and more people adopt nationalist ideology
 [important] It also meant undermining the twin notion of benevolence and
invincibility of British Rule. The process of undermining the first, i.e. the notion of
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
benevolence and creating an intellectual framework was initiated and performed
brilliantly by Dadabhai Noaroji, Justice Ranade, RC Dutt and other Moderates. This
framework was carried to middle class by Extremists and to the masses during
Gandhian era. The independent newspapers of late 19 th century, the work in the
legislative councils by leaders like Pherozeshah Mehta and G.K Gokhale, the bold
propaganda of Lokmanya Tilak, Aurobindo Ghose and other Extremists and the
death-defying deeds of the Revolutionary Terrorists frontally challenged the notion
of invincibility of the colonial state. But it was the law breaking mass movement of
the post 1918 period which basically performed the task among the mass of the
Indian people
Third objective was to undermine the hold of the colonial state on the members of
its own state apparatuses – members of civil services, the police and armed forces
Importance of Constructive Work
 To promote Khadi, village industries, national education and Hindu Muslim unity
 Struggle against untouchability and social upliftment of Harijans and boycott of
foreign liquor and cloth
 It played an imp role during the passive phase of the National movement by
providing a sense of activism in the non-mass movement phases of the struggle
 It involved millions whereas parliamentary work could only involve a few
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