Chapter 2. Nationalism in India-Gandhis Arrival and the Beginning of Mass Nationalism History Class 10 In English-CBSE Notes

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Indian nationalism developed as a united struggle against British colonial rule. After returning from South Africa in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi introduced the method of Satyagraha and transformed the Indian freedom movement into a mass movement. This part explains the meaning of Satyagraha, Gandhi's early movements, and the beginning of mass nationalism in India.

Part 1A – Gandhi's Arrival and the Beginning of Mass Nationalism

This part explains the rise of Indian nationalism, the principles of Satyagraha, and Gandhi's early movements in Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad.

Growth of Nationalism in India

By the beginning of the twentieth century, Indians had become increasingly dissatisfied with British rule.

1. British economic policies caused widespread hardship.
2. Political rights were limited under colonial rule.
3. Educated Indians demanded self-government.
4. The Indian National Congress became the leading political organisation.
5. National consciousness spread across different regions of India.

Mahatma Gandhi's Return to India

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in January 1915 and soon became the leader of the national movement.

1. He carefully studied the conditions of the Indian people.
2. He travelled extensively across the country.
3. He believed in truth, non-violence, and peaceful resistance.
4. He was inspired by the teachings of Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
5. He united people through mass participation.

The Idea of Satyagraha

Satyagraha was Gandhi's unique method of non-violent resistance against injustice.

1. Satyagraha means "holding firmly to the truth."
2. It was based on truth and non-violence.
3. It rejected hatred and violence.
4. People peacefully opposed unjust laws.
5. Its aim was to achieve justice through moral strength.
6. Satyagraha became the foundation of Gandhi's political movements.

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

Champaran Satyagraha was Gandhi's first successful movement in India.

1. It took place in Champaran district of Bihar.
2. Indigo farmers were forced to cultivate indigo under the Tinkathia system.
3. Farmers suffered due to exploitation by British planters.
4. Gandhi investigated their problems personally.
5. The British government accepted many of the farmers' demands.
6. This movement established Gandhi as a national leader.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

The Kheda Satyagraha was organised to protect the rights of peasants affected by crop failure.

1. It was launched in Kheda district of Gujarat.
2. Crop failure had severely affected the farmers.
3. Despite poor harvests, the government demanded full land revenue.
4. Gandhi advised peasants not to pay revenue until relief was granted.
5. The government finally agreed to suspend tax collection in many cases.

Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike (1918)

The Ahmedabad movement was organised to secure fair wages for textile workers.

1. The dispute arose between mill owners and workers.
2. Workers demanded higher wages.
3. Gandhi supported the workers through peaceful protest.
4. He undertook a hunger strike to strengthen the movement.
5. The workers finally received a wage increase.

Importance of Gandhi's Early Movements

These movements demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent mass struggle.

1. Peasants and workers gained confidence in Gandhi's leadership.
2. Satyagraha proved to be an effective method of protest.
3. Ordinary people actively joined the national movement.
4. The freedom struggle became a people's movement.
5. These movements prepared the foundation for future nationwide campaigns.

Beginning of Mass Nationalism

Gandhi's leadership transformed Indian nationalism into a broad-based national movement.

1. People from different regions participated together.
2. National unity became stronger.
3. Peaceful resistance became the main strategy.
4. The Indian National Congress gained wider public support.
5. The struggle for independence entered a new phase.

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

After the success of Gandhi's early Satyagrahas, the British Government introduced several repressive measures to suppress public opinion. The Rowlatt Act, the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and the Khilafat issue created widespread anger among Indians. These events united people across the country and led to the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Part 1B – From the Rowlatt Act to the Non-Cooperation Movement

This part explains the Rowlatt Act, the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the Khilafat Movement, and the beginning of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

The Rowlatt Act (1919)

In 1919, the British Government passed the Rowlatt Act to strengthen its control over political activities in India.

1. The Act was popularly known as the Black Act.
2. It allowed the government to arrest people without trial.
3. Freedom of speech and the press was severely restricted.
4. Public meetings and political activities were closely monitored.
5. People across India strongly opposed the Act.
6. Mahatma Gandhi launched a nationwide Satyagraha against it.

Nationwide Protest Against the Rowlatt Act

The Rowlatt Satyagraha became the first nationwide movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

1. Hartals and peaceful demonstrations were organised across India.
2. Shops and offices remained closed in many cities.
3. Thousands of people joined protest meetings.
4. The movement united people from different regions.
5. British authorities responded with severe repression.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre became one of the darkest incidents in the history of British rule in India.

1. The incident took place on 13 April 1919 at Amritsar.
2. Thousands of people had gathered peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh.
3. General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire without warning.
4. Hundreds of innocent people were killed and many others were injured.
5. The massacre shocked the entire nation.
6. It completely destroyed people's faith in British justice.

Impact of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

The massacre marked a turning point in India's freedom struggle.

1. Public anger against British rule increased sharply.
2. Nationalist feelings became much stronger.
3. Many moderate leaders lost faith in the British Government.
4. People realised the need for a united national movement.
5. Mahatma Gandhi decided to launch a mass movement against colonial rule.

The Khilafat Movement

The Khilafat Movement was launched to protect the position of the Ottoman Caliph after the First World War.

1. The movement was led by the Ali Brothers.
2. Mahatma Gandhi supported the movement.
3. It promoted Hindu-Muslim unity.
4. The Khilafat issue was linked with the national struggle.
5. Large numbers of Muslims actively participated in the freedom movement.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement to oppose British rule through peaceful means.

1. The movement officially began in 1920.
2. It was based on truth and non-violence.
3. People were asked to withdraw cooperation from the British Government.
4. It became the first nationwide mass movement under Gandhi's leadership.
5. Millions of Indians participated in the movement.

Programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement

The movement encouraged people to boycott British institutions and promote Swadeshi.

1. Boycott of government schools and colleges.
2. Boycott of law courts by many lawyers.
3. Resignation from government jobs by some officials.
4. Boycott of foreign cloth and imported goods.
5. Promotion of khadi and the spinning wheel (charkha).
6. Return of titles and honours awarded by the British Government.

Importance of the Non-Cooperation Movement

The movement transformed India's struggle for freedom into a true mass movement.

1. People from different social groups joined the movement.
2. National unity became stronger.
3. The British Government faced widespread public opposition.
4. The ideas of Swadeshi and self-reliance became popular.
5. The movement prepared the ground for future national movements.

All Topics Chapter Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

• 1. CBSE Notes - Key Points
• 2. Gandhis Arrival and the Beginning of Mass Nationalism
• 3. Civil Disobedience Movement and Mass Participation
• 4. Final Phase of the Freedom Struggle
• 5. Assignments - What Have You Learned?