**The Period Preceding Independence in India**

The period preceding India's independence was a crucial phase in the country's history. It witnessed various significant events and movements that played a vital role in shaping the nation's political landscape. These events and movements eventually led to India's independence from British colonial rule. The period can be broadly divided into three phases: the early nationalist movement, the rise of extremist leaders, and the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi as a prominent leader.

**1. Early Nationalist Movement:**
- The early nationalist movement in India started in the late 19th century, with leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
- They advocated for greater political rights and representation for Indians within the British colonial system.
- The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 as a platform to voice the concerns of the Indian community and demand political reforms.
- The moderate leaders of the INC initially sought constitutional reforms and cooperation with the British government.

**2. Rise of Extremist Leaders:**
- With growing disillusionment with the British government's lack of response to Indian demands, a group of leaders emerged within the INC who advocated for more radical methods.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal were the prominent extremist leaders who believed in the use of boycotts, strikes, and non-cooperation to challenge British rule.
- The extremists demanded swaraj (self-rule) and criticized the moderate leaders for their perceived lack of assertiveness.

**3. Emergence of Mahatma Gandhi:**
- Mahatma Gandhi, also known as the Father of the Nation, played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence.
- Gandhi's ideology of non-violence, civil disobedience, and Satyagraha (truth force) became the guiding principles of the Indian freedom movement.
- He led several successful movements, including the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934), which mobilized millions of Indians against British rule.
- Gandhi's leadership and mass mobilization efforts helped galvanize the Indian population and brought the issue of independence to the forefront of the national agenda.

In conclusion, the period preceding India's independence was marked by the early nationalist movement, the rise of extremist leaders, and the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi as a prominent leader. These events and movements laid the foundation for India's struggle for freedom and ultimately led to the country's independence from British colonial rule.