POPULAR MASS MOVEMENTS IN COLONIAL PERIOD (1857-1947)

Contents

The Revolt of 1857
The Swadeshi Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement
The Civil Disobedience Movement
The Quit India Movement

The colonial period is one of the most important parts in the history of modern India which shaped the future of the country. The British, who initially came as traders, established a very powerful colony over the course of the time. With power and politics, India became a colony for the Britishers who were exhausted of their resources by them. Over the course of their rule, there had been many displeasures among the Indians on the way their colonial rulers being ruling them. The Indians, couldn’t being able to take the exploitation, rebelled from as early as the 19th century. 

Throughout this period, there has been many rebellions against the British Raj. Some argues that the war for independence actually began from the revolt of 1857 which ignited the sense of nationalism. However, this has been challenged by many other scholars. Many has argued that there have been many other revolts, although small, but were equally important which challenged the British raj. 

From 1857 to 1947, there has been all sort of revolts, not only in terms of political but also social and cultural. This paper tries to deal with the political aspects which has led to the eventual independence of India in 1947. Even in this span of time, there has been countless revolts among the people and are equally important but there has been some specific movements and revolts which were too big, accompanying people from the grassroots and involving all the people irrespective of their background. This paper tries to deal with those revolts only.

THE REVOLT OF 1857 

The revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a significant uprising against British rule in India. It began as a mutiny by sepoys or Indian soldiers serving in the British East India Company's army but soon spread to involve various groups across India, including peasants, landlords and rulers who discontent with British policies and practices. Although the revolt was a turning point in India's struggle for independence and led to significant changes in British colonial policies.

Causes of 1857 revolt 

The causes of the revolt were deeply rooted in political, economic, social and cultural grievances that had simmered for decades, culminating in a widespread uprising across various regions of India. Here, I will elaborate on the causes of the revolt in detail: -

1. Political causes:

a) The Doctrine of Lapse introduced by lord Dalhousie, which allowed the British to annex states where the ruler died without an heir, further agitating Indian rulers and elites. 

b) Subsidiary alliance was another political cause. In this case a part of the British army would remain in the kingdoms of the native kings and would be fully supported by the king.

2. Economic causes:

a) Heavy land taxation imposed by the British, which burned Indian peasants and landlords leading to widespread agrarian discontent.

b) The introduction of new land revenue systems, such as the Permanent Settlement in Bengal and the Ryotwari system in Madras and Bombay Presidency, which increased the economic burden on peasants and landlords.

3. Social causes:

a) Banned of practices such as Sati and Child Marriage.

b) Allowing widows for remarriage, these were perceived as interference in Indian customs and traditions.

4. Religious causes:

a) religious tensions fuelled by the British policies, such as the issue of the Enfield rifle cartridges greased with fat of cow and pig, which offended both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.

b) Rumours of British attempts to convert Indian sepoys to Christianity, which exacerbated religious tensions and fuelled fears of cultural and religious imperialism.

5. Military causes:

a) Discontent among Indian soldiers due to discriminatory treatment, low pay, lack of opportunities for promotion and the use of Indian soldiers in overseas conflicts.

b) The perception among Indian soldiers that the British were undermining traditional military hierarchy and customs, leading to a loss of moral and loyalty.

Nature of 1857 revolt 

There are two major views regarding the nature of the Revolt of 1857. The British historians have treated the great uprising of 1857 as a sepoy mutiny. On the other hand, the staunch patriotic and nationalist Indian writers & historians regard the Revolt of 1857 as the First War of Indian Independence. However, the truth lies somewhere in between. In his Discovery of India, Jawaharlal Nehru maintains that the Revolt of 1857 was much more than a sepoy mutiny. Though initially it started as a mutiny of the Indian soldiers, the revolt spread rapidly and assumed the nature of a mass rebellion. Jawaharlal Nehru maintains that the Revolt of 1857 was essentially ‘a feudal uprising though there were some nationalistic elements in it’. Moderate historians also express a similar opinion regarding the nature of the Revolt of 1857. There are some other views who described the Revolt as religious war or a racial struggle for the supremacy between the whites and the coloured people a struggle between the oriental and occidental civilization, a Hindu-Muslim conspiracy to overthrow the British rule; a conflict between feudalism and imperialism. In order to understand the nature of the Revolt of 1857 it is important to examine the opinions of the different historians.

Whether it was a sepoys Mutiny?

The British historians Sir John Lawrence and Seeley, considered it nothing more than a sepoy mutiny. According to Seeley, the Revolt of 1857 was a wholly unpatriotic and selfish sepoy mutiny with no native leadership and no popular support. He further maintains that it was a rebellion of the Indian sepoys. Some states, which had grievances against their annexation, also joined the rebellion. However, the British government succeeded in suppressing the revolt.

This interpretation is not correct. Though the greased cartridges triggered the rebellion, it was only an immediate cause. As part of the Indian society, the sepoys had many other grievances than their service conditions. The Revolt of 1857 cannot be termed as a mutiny in the ordinary sense of the term. In many areas, the sepoys were joined by other elements of the society including Zamindars and orthodox sections of the Hindus and the Muslims, peasant, dispossessed princes and many other people.

Whether the revolt was a War between Feudalism and Imperialism?

Jawaharlal Nehru says that the Revolt of 1857 was essentially a feudal outburst headed by feudal chiefs and their followers and aided by the widespread anti foreign sentiments. There is no doubt that the people and the sepoys had a number of grievances against the British. However, their response was not uniform. It varied from region to region) especially in the urban centres of Bombay, Madras and Calcutta where the intellectual ferment had its impact were generally less affected than the areas where the landed interest was predominant. This contrast in the attitude of the new educated elite and the landed class was observed as early as in 1828.

The Revolt of 1857 can be viewed as a conflict between feudalism and strong imperialism. Theoretically, if the Revolt of 1857 succeeded in driving out the British from this country, they would have been replaced by the feudal class under the nominal emperor of Delhi. The Indian feudal order was the first to challenge, and declare war upon, the British trading company when it started assuming the imperialist role. During the Revolt of 1857 also those among the ruling princes who were adversely affected by the application of the Doctrine of Lapse. The landed aristocracy, who were affected by the land laws introduced by the British, became active during the Revolt of 1857.

Whether it was the First War of India Independence?

Indian historians like V.D. Savarkar, in his book The Indian War of Independence and Ashok Mehta in his book, 1857 The Great Rebellion described the Revolt of 1857 as a planned war of national independence.  The sepoys were the chief players in the rebellion. A large number of Indians participated in this struggle of independence from an alien rule. Several national leaders further elaborated the perfect accord and harmony between the Hindus and the Muslims for freedom from the British rule. They have presented the following arguments in support of their view: -

They point out that millions of Indians actively participated in this rebellion. The number of civilians killed was as large as that of the sepoys. They joined the rebellion with the sole intention of liberating their country from the tyranny of British rule.

Those who helped the British in suppressing the revolt had to face social ostracism, and those, who could not join the Great rebellion, did not cooperate with the British.

The decisive evidence showing the national character of the rebellion is the communal harmony it struck in both the Hindus and the Muslims of the time. Even the British Government found it very difficult to separate the two communities from each other.

Thus, both Vir Savarkar and Ashok Mehta have tried to portray the Great rebellion as the “First Indian National War of Independence”. In the words of Dr. S. B. Choudhury, the leaders of the rebellion of 1857 looked beyond their own immediate circle, and showed a combination of wide vision and patriotic solidarity. Even a contemporary Conservative leader in England, described the Revolt of 1857 as a national uprising.

To ascribe the nature of the Revolt of 1857 as the first war of Indian independence may not be entirely correct. Though in certain areas the revolt assumed the character of popular rising and constituted a danger to the British power, it was poorly organized. Each of the leaders of the uprising fought for their regional or personal or class interests. The absence of unity of purpose and cohesion among the different sections and local character of the uprising does not fully qualify the Revolt of 1857 as the first war of Indian Independence.

The Revolt was not wholly a National War of Independence

Dr. Mujumdar and Dr. Sen agrees that, in the middle of the nineteenth century, nationalism in India was still in its infancy. There was no feeling of nationalism, as we know it today. In 1857, the Bengalis, the Punjabis, the Marathas the Madrasa, and Rajputs never felt even for a movement that they all belonged to one and the same nation. Dr. Sen, in fact went to the extent of saying: “India in the first half of the nineteenth century was a geographical expression. This is proved by the few facts.

Bahadur Shah II was not a national King. He was in fact, “the king of no land”. He was compelled by the Indians sepoys to assume their leadership. Nana Sahib raised the banner of revolt only when his envoy, failed to get for him the pension, which had been sanctioned to Baji Rao II, the Maratha Peshwa Rani Lakshmi Bai revolted because of the annexation of Jhansi. Rani, no doubt, died a hero’s death, but at no stage did she ever suggest that her cause was the national cause. Nawab of Oudh could never think of assuming national leadership. He stooped so low that he placed his turban at the feet of the English. The Talukdars of Oudh raised the banner of revolt for the revival and restoration of their feudal privilege and those of the Nawab of Oudh and not for any national cause.

Most of them raised the banner of revolt to protect and promote their own interests. When the defeat of the British seemed imminent, the conflicting regional and class loyalties of the rebel leaders and the masses reappeared on the surface, which weakened the anti-British front. Moreover, the greater part of India and the majority of the people remained apathetic and neutral. It is abundantly clear that the Great Rebellion was not wholly a war of Indian National Independence Dr. Sen, however, has pointed out that national revolutions are mostly the work of a minority, with or without the active support of the masses. Such was the case with the French Revolution From that point of view; the Great rebellion can claim a national character.

The consequences of the 1857 revolt were significant and brought about important changes: -

The British Parliament passed the Act for the Better Government of India in 1858, which declared Queen Victoria as the sovereign of British India. Company rule was abolished, and the British Crown assumed direct responsibility for the administration of India. The Queen’s Proclamation, issued on November 1, 1858, announced the assumption of government by the British Crown and outlined promises to the Indian people. It pledged respect for native princes, freedom of religion, equal protection under the law, and the preservation of Indian customs and practices. The Indian Army, which played a significant role in the revolt, underwent extensive reorganization. The British implemented a policy of “division and counterpoise” by reducing the number of Indian soldiers and increasing the number of European soldiers. They also created separate units based on caste, community, and region, and recruited from loyal “martial” races. The Army Amalgamation Scheme of 1861 transferred the Company’s European troops to the Crown’s services. European troops were periodically rotated to England, and Indian artillery units were largely disbanded. Higher posts in the army and artillery departments were reserved for Europeans, and Indian officers faced discrimination. Following the revolt, there was a shift towards a more conservative approach in British policies. The British Empire in India became more autocratic, denying the aspirations of educated Indians for power-sharing. This led to frustration among the Indian middle class and ultimately fuelled the rise of modern nationalism.

Overall, the consequences of the revolt brought about changes in the administration, military policies, and attitudes of the British rulers. It marked a turning point in Indian history and laid the foundation for future nationalist movements.

THE SWADESHI MOVEMENT

The swadeshi movement is one of the important movements after 1857 revolt which is fought against The British rule. It plays huge role in the independence journey of India. 

The term swadeshi implies the use of products and service of one’s own country. The swadeshi movement advocated the boycott of foreign goods and British institution, it also advocated mass mobilization which saw many people come together raise awareness and demand swaraj. 

BACKGROUND

The Bengal is one of the important provinces of British East India Company where they collected high amount of revenue. The Bengal provinces was under the lieutenant governor was a widely territory of diverse population, using various language and dialects and differing widely in terms of economic development. Apart from {the eastern Bengal and western Bengal} also comprised the whole Bihar, Orissa, Assam. 

Lord Curzon and the others like him Bengal was the most vulnerable point in the entire British empire. In their view the Bengalis were a force already formidable and certain to be a source of increasing trouble in the future.

The official assessment was Bengal united is power. Bengal divided will pull in several different ways. Curzon and company determined to splitting up operation and arrangements for giving effect to the maxima {Divide and Rule} had to be done in such a manner as to make the Bengalis suffer physical as well as mental division. The Curzon wanted to creating a situation of mutual suspicion and jealousy between the two major communities in Bengal-the Hindus and the Muslims. 

The Curzonian scheme to partition of Bengal took a concrete shape gradually from the time. Viceroy wrote his minute on territorial redistribution on 1 June, 1903 to the day the final scheme of division was dispatched to the home authorities in London for sanction on 2nd February, 1905. On 19 July, 1905 the government of India announce its decision to from the new provinces of {Eastern Bengal and Assam} comprising the Chittagong Dacca and Raj Shahi division Tripura and Assam. The provinces came into existence on 16 oct 1905 by breaking up Bengal and its 41.5million Bengali speaking people. 

The result of the split is started a mass movement, which is known as   swadeshi movement. the government had no idea what’s over the stormy political movement which the partition would cause, and breaking it away from traditional ways of respectful resentment, generating unprecedented militancy and turning it rapidly into a battle of swaraj.

The anti-partition began in Bengal on conventional moderators’ nationalist line through the angry protestations. There was sharp press campaign against the petition scheme to the government numerous public meetings, drafting petition. Big conferences were held at the town hall, Calcutta, where delegates from district came to participate and gave vent to their sentiment. All this was impressive making the educated middleclass case against the partition loud and clear. 

The middleclass led to way search of new techniques from the middle class of the boycott suggestion first came from Krishnakumar Mitras Sanjivani on 3rd July, 1905.and it was later accepted by the prominent public man at the town hall meeting 7th august 1905 the boycott of British products was followed by- 

The advocacy of swadeshi exerting purchase to buy indigenously produced goods as patriotic duty. Charkha, the spinning wheel came to typify the popular concern for country’s economic self-sufficiency. And 

The holding of swadeshi meals or fairs for selling handicrafts and other article became a regular feature.  

RESULTS

LITERATURE -

after the split of Bengal provinces, nationalism concept was grown very widely with the help of modern educationalist.  in this phase various newspaper, magazine, books and songs, plays, articles, etc. were published against the backdrops of swadeshi movement. Example like Bengali, Sanjivani, Hit Abadi, Jugan tar etc. were famous newspapers. Dramas were like Palishir Praysitya, Sab bash Bengali, Sirajuddula etc. also songs like Bande mataram.   

EDUCATION -

Education system also played huge role. the picketing before shops selling of British goods soon led to a boycott of the officially controlled educationalist institution. The British threat to students’ picketers in the form of the withdrawal of grants scholarship and affiliations of this institutions to which they belonged through circular of 22nd 1905 issued by Carlyle the chief secretary of government of government Bengal known as Carlyle circular and its resulted large group of students leave these school and college of slavery. After leaving the school’s students joined the national school which were established by the modern educationalist. Institution like Banga Jatiyo Vidyalaya, Bengal technical institute, The Don society were formed.

INSTITUTION -

The Indian industries had very much influenced by Swadeshi movement because the main agent the of this movement was boycott British goods and accept own products for this reason various industries like oil, soap, biscuit, cotton mill, jute mill, iron and steel factories were started. Example like Bengal chemicals, Jamshedji tata, iron and steel factory, united Bengal stores etc.

SURAT SPLIT AND FORMATION OF MUSLIM LEAGUE-

Till 1885-1907 was known as the period of moderates because they dominated the Indian National Congress. The moderates used petition, prayers, meetings to present their demands to British government. The partition of Bengal presidency drove the rise of radicalism in INC. in 1907 INC meeting was held in Nagpur and Congress divided into two groups which is known as moderates and extremist. 

 In 1906 all Indian Muslim League was from in Dhaka by some well-known Muslim politicians with the help of Lord Mintu. The main goal of this party was securing Muslim interest on the Indian sub-continent.

NON-CO OPERATION MOVEMENT 

The non-cooperation movement was launched in 1920 on 5th September. It was led by Mahatma Gandhi & focused on abolishing the use of British products, declining or resigning from British posts, educational institutions, prohibiting government regulations, courts, etc. The movement was non-violent & launched to withdraw the nation’s cooperation after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre & Rowlatt Act. Mahatma Gandhi stated India could achieve independence within a year if this movement was a success. It was the transition of individuals to a mass movement. Non-cooperation was focused to get full independence also known as Purna Swaraj. 

Mahatma Gandhi was the main proponent of the Non-Cooperation Movement. He published a manifesto in March 1920 outlining the movement’s nonviolent non-cooperation doctrine. With the help of this manifesto, Mahatma Gandhi hoped to eradicate untouchability from society by encouraging people to adopt Swadeshi ideas and practices, such as hand spinning and weaving. In 1921, Gandhi travelled the country elaborating on the movement’s principles.

Causes of The Movement: -

There was not just one reason behind initiating the Non-cooperation movement that happened over the past years before the non-cooperation movement was established. Here are some significant causes of this movement.

World War 1: -

During World War 1 Indian soldiers fought from the British side & though as a token of Indian support, the Britishers might return the favour in the form of India’s independence. Approximately 74,000 soldiers were sacrificed & in return, nothing was awarded. 

Economic Issues: –

After World War 1, there were several economic issues across India. Every product price was shooting up & on the other hand, farmers were not able to get the required wage for their agricultural products resulting in resentment toward the British government.

Rowlatt Act: –

Rowlatt Act denied the freedom of Indians to another level. According to this act, Britishers can arrest anyone & keep them prisoned without the right to a proper trial. This led to one of the major causes of the Non-cooperation Movement.

Jallianwala Bagh Incident: –

The incident that fueled & filled every Indian with rage was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre that occurred on 1919, April 13. The minimal faith in the British government was shattered. In this massacre, 379 people died & 1200 injured unarmed civilians were harmed by the orders of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer 

Khilafat Agitation: –

The religious head of Muslims at that time was considered the sultan of Turkey. In the first world war when Turkey was defeated by the Britishers, a committee was formed known as the Khilafat movement led by Maulana Mohammed Ali and Maulana Shaukat Ali, Maulana Azad, Hakim Ajmal Khan, and Hasrat Mohani. This movement acted in unity between Hindus & Muslims as the leaders of the Khilafat movement joined the non-cooperation movement

Launching the non-cooperation movement: -

The causes mentioned above resulted in civil disobedience movements all across the country. Everyone came forward to become a part of and contribute to pushing British rule out India. The Nagpur session of Congress defined the motive behind the non-cooperation movement as the main motive behind the non-cooperation movement was to achieve Poorna swaraj through peacefull means. Congress framed a 15-member committee to look after its daily affairs. Congress favoured the use of Hindi as much as possible

End of the non-cooperation movement:  -

While in 1921, a wide-scale non-cooperation movement was planned by the Indian leaders, Congress instilled patriotism among the masses and inspired them to join the movement. People asked Mahatma Gandhi to launch the second phase of mass civil disobedience. As soon as the beginning of mass civil disobedience was announced, an incident at Chari Chawra took place where a violent mob set a police station in UP on fire, killing at least 22 police personnel. The mass civil disobedience ended before its beginning, and the non-cooperation movement was called off. Many leaders, as well as ordinary individuals, joined the non-cooperation campaign. The Non-Cooperation Movement brought Hindus and Muslims together. Leaders and figures linked with the Non-cooperation Movement include:

Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, M.N. Roy, Debi Basanti, Jitendra Lal Banerjee, Subhash Chandra Bose, Maulana Mohammed Ali, Lala Rai Lajpat

India’s freedom struggle was shaped by the participation of many influential leaders and movements that ultimately led to the independent India we live in today. Many leaders sacrificed their lives, many protests and movements were unsuccessful, many people were left behind after many attempts. India finally succeeded to gain independence in 1947. The civil disobedience movement has been an essential aspect of India’s struggle for independence. A large group of people refused to adhere to the rules and regulations introduced by the British government and led a non-cooperation movement at a large scale. Mahatma Gandhi led this movement. However, the campaign could not achieve its desired motto of Poorna Swaraj. It did strengthen India’s unity and paved the way for India’s struggle for independence.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT

Civil disobedience movement is a crucial chapter in the history of Indians struggle for independence, led by Mahatma Gandhi. Civil disobedience means not obeying or not following the government rules regulation, laws demand, order or commands. this movement also known as 'Dandi March'.

The abrupt withdrawal of non-cooperation movement by Mahatma Gandhi after the chauri chaura incident of February 1922 had demoralizing effect on many Congresses leader and lead to a sharp decline in the national movement. Many Congress leader lost faith in the efficiency of the Gandhian strategy and a section of youth turned to revolutionary violence to achieve their political objective.the 'non-changer' group focused on the Gandhian constrative programme in rural area whereas the 'pro-changer' especially the swarajists got involved in council politics.Significantly, the mid-1920s also witnessed the alienation of the Muslims from the national movement and the resultant occurrence of communal riots at several places, such as Calcutta, Dacca, Patna, Delhi, United Provinces and the North Western Frontier Province. Even though Hindu Muslim unity never regained but there were many sings of growth of the anti-imperialist movement from 1928 onwards.

The immediate causes were the announcement and formation of Simon commission in November 1927, tasked with the responsibility to decide and recommend whether India was ready for further measure of constitutional progress or not. Being an emotive issue, this radically affected the political mood of the country. The Commission had already become a suspect in the eyes of the people by not representing a single Indian and this had the opposite effect to the one intended. Therefore, its arrival in India during February 1927 proved to be a political disaster. However, the Congress boycotted the commission and protest against the absence of a single Indian member. the Congress protested by chanting 'Simon go back. In lahor police brutality fired batons at an anti-Simon rally led by Lal lajpat rai, who was serious injured and died .This incident accelerated the anti-British sentiments in the minds of Indian nationalists.

 The anti-Simon boycotts heralded the revival of anti-imperialistic movements from 1928 onwards. Middle-class students and youth dominated the urban  demonstrations during the years 1928 and 1929. This period also witnessed student and youth conferences and associations, raising demands for complete independence and socio-economic change. This was also the time when Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Bose, strongly influenced by socialist ideas and a politically restive population, raised the demand for Purna Swaraj or Complete Independence replacing the usual demand for Dominion status.In 1929 lahor session of Congress declared that Purna Swaraj is the main goal of Congress. Lahore session Authorized Lunch of a program of civil disobedience including non-payment of texes.Although Gandhi was empowered to lunch the agetation at a time and place,he was desperately in search of an effective formula.He sent an extreme letter to the viceroy,Lord Irwin demanding an end to British rule . these demands were- the demand for the reduction of rupee-sterling ratio to 1s4d, reduction of agricultural tax by 50% and making it a subject of legislative control, abolition of salt tax and salt monopoly of the government, reduction of military expenditure and salaries of highest-grade services, release of all political prisoners, protection for Indian textiles and reservation of costal shipping for Indians and so on. Gandhi made it clear that if these 11 demands were not accepted the country would launch a mass agitation, but the demands were ignored by the British authorities.As a result Gandhi started a mass movement in 1930 known as Dandi Yatra.

The movement began on march 12, 1930. On that day Gandhi and his followers left sabarmati aashram in ahmedabad for the village of Dandi on the west coast of India. After travelling for 25 consecutive bays and covering a distance of about 385 km they arrived in Dandi on 6th April. Gandhi challenged the government by preparing salt and he opposed the salt law.Gradually the movement spread and the salt act was challenged in other parts of the country. The satyagrahi held Salt Marches in assam, Bengal, Madras,sindh,  orissa,and many other places. In tamil nadu C.Rajagopalchari led a March from tiruchirapalli to vedaranniyam. In assam, satyagrahis walked from Sylhet to noakhali to make Salt.

During this period A variety of forms of mobilization came to be popularized.  For instance, formation of volunteer corps,   organisation of sankirtan, processions to move around towns and villages to popularise the message of swaraj,wherein people including women and children in the villages and towns went around at dawn singing nationalist songs, tours by activists and leaders organizing public meetings in the rural and urban areas, organisation of magic lanterns shows and secret circulation of booklets containing nationalist literature in the villages to spread nationalist ideas amongst people and setting up of underground Congress ashrams became the familiar modes of nationalist activities.

As a part of the movement satyagrahi boycotted the foreign clothes and they were protested against the liquor shop. Involvement of women and youth another significant aspect of this movement. kasturaba Gandhi,kamaladevi chattopadhyay, avantikabai and hansabe meheta were some of prominent female leaders who led the satyagraha movement. In this time people abandoned to pay taxes which was imposed by the Britishers.

The British government took various measures to quell the protesters. Gandhi and Nehru were arrested for violating the Salt Act. There was a severe repression against the protesters but it was unsuccessful. Congress boycotted the first-round table conference held in London due to the ongoing movement.

On 5 March 1931, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Lord Irwin, Viceroy of India, and Mahatma Gandhi. Under the terms of the agreement, the government decided to release all prisoners not convicted of violence, waive uncollected fines and return lands acquired from satyagrahis that had not been sold to third parties. The government also allowed the coastal villagers to produce the necessary salt and to hold peaceful and non-violent strikes.  Congress also withdrew its agitation program as per the conditions and Congress also indicated that it would participate in the next round table.

In 1931, the Second Round Table Conference was held in London. Mahatma Gandhi joined it as the sole delegate from the Congress. The table failed to decide on the creation of a combined or separate electorate or the reservation of seats in the names of different communities. The failure of the Second Round Table Conference and the empty-handed return of Gandhiji from it resulted in the resumption of the Civil Disobedience Movement in early 1932. Despite severe repressive measures taken by the British Government to crush the agitation.

Government also forcibly took over Congress offices. Sticks were fired in places to disperse the rallies. Even children and women could not escape persecution. Flogging became a common punishment for the public. The power of the media was completely curtailed. Nationalist literature- poetry, stories, novels etc were banned. However, the movement did not stop, but gradually the prolonged movement diminished the political enthusiasm of the people and led to frustration. afterwards Congress officially withdrew the movement in 1934 due to these incidents.

The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) had a significant impact on India’s struggle for independence. It was a turning point in the movement, and it forced the British to take the Indian demand for independence more seriously.

Here are some key impacts of the civil disobedience movement:

1)It popularized new methods of nonviolent resistance. The civil disobedience movement was the first time that Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence were used on a large scale in India. The movement involved a variety of nonviolent tactics, such as boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience. These tactics were effective in disrupting British rule and raising awareness of the Indian independence movement.

2)It united Indians from all walks of life. The civil disobedience movement brought together people from different religions, castes, and social classes. It also attracted the participation of women and children. This unity was a major source of strength for the movement.

3)  It weakened British authority. The Civil Disobedience Movement showed the British that the Indian people were determined to achieve independence. It also led to the loss of British revenue and the erosion of British prestige.

4) It laid the groundwork for Indian independence. The Civil Disobedience Movement helped to prepare India for independence. It showed that Indians were capable of organizing and carrying out a mass movement. It also helped to raise international awareness of the Indian independence movement.

To conclude, Although the civil disobedience movement was not successful, it had a far-reaching impact on the history of India's freedom struggle. The movement played an important role in making Indians politically aware and spreading nationalist ideology.

THE QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT

The Quit India Movement was a significant event in India freedom struggle. It was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942 with the aim of demanding end to British rule in India. This movement also known as August Movement. The Movement gave the slogans Quit India or Bharat chodo. The congress ideology it was supposed to be a peaceful non - violent movement, mass protests across the country, strikes and demonstrations. The Movement saw widespread participation from people across different regions and communities in India. Mainly students, peasants’ workers, women actively took part in this movement. This assignment aims to delve into the origins, key event, and consequences of the movement.

Key point: The quit India movement originated amidst the backdrop of India long standing struggle for independence from British Colonial rule.

          During World War 2, the British empire wanted to utilize Indian resources and manpower in the war. Until 192 more than 90,000 Indian soldiers were killed in the war. Later a member of the war cabinet, Stafford Cripps was sent to India to get cooperation in the war, while several protests were already triggered in the country. However, the financial condition of the country was not stable enough. Once Cripps met the Indian National Congress refused to discuss and rather demanded complete freedom.

           In this context, the failure of the Cripps Mission, combined with the global situation of World War 2 in the launch of the quit India movement. The quit India movement was then launched, however, the movement led to numerous arrests of congress leaders including Gandhiji, Nehru, Patel, etc. Over more 100000 people were arrested in connection with this movement. The government use violence in order to quell the movement. They were mass floggings and lathi charges. Even women and children were harm and about 10000 people died in police firing in total.

In the absence of Gandhi leadership there were stray incidences of violence and damage to government property. Many buildings were set on fire, electricity lines were cut, communication and transport lines were broken. The movement included boycotting the British government and rejection of transactions involving the government. Students and young activists played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the movement. They organized strikes, protests and demonstrations. Another rural communities, peasants and workers also participation in actively. Women participation in the movement, they join in protests, organized rallies etc. Overall, the Quit India Movement saw widespread participation from diverse of India society.  

Some parties did not support the movement, like Muslim League, the Communist Party of India and the Hindu Mahasabha. The League was not in favour of the British leaving India without partitioning the country. The Communist party supported the war waged by the British since they were allied with the Soviet Union. Rajagopalachari resigned from the INC since he was not in favour of complete independence. In general, the India bureaucracy did not support the Quit India Movement 

Consequences 

 The movement had several consequences both immediate and long term. The INC was declared illegal and banned by the government. It also pushed for the demand for complete and immediate independence. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, people across India, in every village, city transcending all barriers came together with a common mission to uproot imperialism. After this movement empowerment of India Nationalism.

CONCLUSION

Fromm the above observation we could see that the people of India were never happy with the foreign rule. Starting from the 1857, people has started to express their dissatisfaction towards the alien rule and that resulted in mass movements. The early minor movements after the revolt of 1857 were very unorganized and uneven which is why those movements and revolt were ineffective and were easily dealt with by the Britishers. With the later movements, we were able to see that more and more organized form of movements were happening and because of this, India was able to gain her freedom.

From the revolt of 1857 to Quit India Movement, every movement served the cause which led to the freedom of India. Even though the cause and nature may vary, the above mention movements were somewhat led by the inspiration of mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence and Satyagraha. All these movements eventually organized people at the grassroots and made the freedom struggle possible.