Question

What were the main developments and who were some important figures in India’s struggle for freedom?

Answer 1

• Social and Religious Reform: Movements such as the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj worked to remove social problems and encouraged education and progressive thinking.
• Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885): The Congress initially followed moderate methods but later became the main organisation leading the independence movement.
• Swadeshi and Boycott Movements (1905–1908): Started in response to the Partition of Bengal, these movements encouraged Indians to use local products and boycott foreign goods.
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922): Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this movement encouraged people to stop supporting British institutions and peacefully oppose colonial rule.
• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934): Beginning with the Dandi March, Indians openly broke unjust British laws and demanded complete independence.
• Quit India Movement (1942): This nationwide movement demanded that the British leave India immediately and resulted in mass protests, arrests, and repression.
• Revolutionary Activities: Groups such as the Ghadar Party, Anushilan Samiti, and HSRA used revolutionary methods to oppose British rule.
• Independence and Partition (1947): India gained independence from British rule in 1947, but the country was divided into India and Pakistan.

Important leaders included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Lala Lajpat Rai, and B.R. Ambedkar, among many others.