The period preceding independence in India is a significant era in the country's history. It was marked by various events and movements that shaped the path towards freedom from British colonial rule. The struggle for independence can be divided into three phases: the early phase, the moderate phase, and the extremist phase.

Early Phase:
During the early phase, several factors laid the foundation for the independence movement. The revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, played a crucial role in awakening national consciousness and resistance against British rule. The British government's decision to end the rule of the East India Company and directly govern India further fueled the desire for independence.

Moderate Phase:
The moderate phase of the independence movement was characterized by the formation of various organizations and the adoption of peaceful means to attain political rights. The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, became the primary platform for political discussions and demands for reforms. Prominent leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee advocated for constitutional reforms, representation, and civil rights.

Extremist Phase:
As the moderate phase failed to achieve significant progress, a more radical approach emerged in the form of the extremist phase. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai demanded more aggressive actions to challenge British dominance. They called for boycotts, protests, and the promotion of swadeshi (indigenous) goods to undermine the economic strength of the British.

Key Movements:
- Swadeshi Movement: The Swadeshi Movement aimed at promoting Indian goods and boycotting British products, thus encouraging self-reliance and economic independence.
- Non-Cooperation Movement: Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this movement advocated for non-violent resistance, boycotts, and non-cooperation with British institutions.
- Civil Disobedience Movement: The Civil Disobedience Movement, also led by Gandhi, involved acts of non-violent non-compliance with British laws and regulations.

Importance of Parliament:
The establishment of a parliament played a crucial role in shaping the future of India. It provided a platform for democratic decision-making, representation, and legislation. The need for a parliament arises from the fact that a country as diverse as India requires a system that can accommodate different voices and opinions.

The Parliament of India consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected through free and fair elections, and they represent the interests and concerns of the people. The Parliament performs various functions, including lawmaking, scrutinizing the government's actions, and ensuring accountability.

Furthermore, the Parliament serves as a platform for debating and discussing important issues, enabling the formulation of policies that benefit the nation as a whole. It acts as a check on the executive branch, ensuring that the government functions within the framework of the constitution.

In conclusion, the period preceding independence in India witnessed a gradual transformation from peaceful demands for reforms to more radical movements. This struggle for freedom eventually led to the establishment of a democratic system with a parliament at its core. The Parliament plays a crucial role in shaping the nation's policies and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and represented.

Modern period