Nationalist Movement Phase 2 (1915-1922) - 2 | IBPS PO Prelims & Mains Preparation - Bank Exams PDF Download

Middle Phase of the Freedom Struggle (1915 - 1930)

The period from 1917 to 1947, commonly referred to as the Gandhian Era, marked a transformative phase in India's struggle for independence, characterized by Mahatma Gandhi's leadership and his principles of non-violence and Satyagraha. Here's an overview of the key aspects and influences of this era:

1. Leadership of Mahatma Gandhi

• Return from South Africa: Gandhiji's return to India from South Africa in January 1915 marked the beginning of the Gandhian Era, with him emerging as the undisputed leader of the National Movement.
• Principles of Non-violence and Satyagraha: Gandhiji's philosophy of non-violence and Satyagraha (truth-force) became the cornerstone of the nationalist movement, guiding its strategies and tactics against British colonial rule.
• Mass Mobilization: Under Gandhi's leadership, the nationalist movement transformed into a mass movement, mobilizing millions of Indians from diverse backgrounds and regions.

2. Influences on Gandhiji

• Philosophical Inspirations: Gandhiji drew inspiration from the works of Leo Tolstoy's 'Civil Disobedience' and John Ruskin's 'Unto This Last,' which influenced his ideas on non-violence, simplicity, and self-reliance.
• Tolstoy's Ideal of Non-possession: Gandhiji developed Tolstoy's ideal of non-possession into his concept of 'trusteeship,' advocating for the equitable distribution of wealth and resources.
• Influence of Swami Vivekananda: Gandhiji was deeply influenced by the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, particularly his emphasis on service, selflessness, and spiritual strength.
• Political Mentors: Gandhiji's political mentors, including Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji, played significant roles in shaping his political ideologies and strategies.

3. Strategies of Non-violent Resistance

• Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience: Gandhiji's non-violent Satyagraha involved peaceful violation of specific laws, challenging the legitimacy of British rule through civil disobedience campaigns.
• Mass Mobilization Tactics: He organized mass movements, including courting arrests, hartals (strikes), and spectacular marches like the Salt March, to galvanize public support and pressure the British government.
• Negotiation and Compromise: Despite his firm stance against British rule, Gandhiji remained open to negotiations and compromise, demonstrating his willingness to engage in dialogue for the greater good.

4. 'Struggle-Truce-Struggle' Approach: Gandhiji's approach against foreign rule is characterized by the 'struggle-truce-struggle' cycle, where periods of intense resistance are followed by negotiations and compromises, before renewed struggles.

During the course of 1917 and early 1918, Gandhiji was involved in three significant struggles: 

(i) Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

• Gandhi’s first great experiment in satyagraha came in 1917 in Champaran, a district in Bihar.
• The peasantry on the indigo plantations in the district was excessively oppressed by the European planters and was compelled to grow indigo on at least 3/20th of their land and so sell it at prices fixed by the planters.
• This system was popularly known as the ‘Tin-Kathia system’.
• Several peasants of Champaran invited Gandhi to come and help them.
• Accompanied by Babu Rajendra Prasad, Mazhar-ul-Huq, J.B. Kripalani, Narhari Parekh and Mahadev Desai, Gandhiji reached Champaran in 1917 and through his method and efforts, the disabilities from which the peasantry was suffering were reduced and Gandhiji won his first battle of civil disobedience in India.

(ii) Ahmadabad Mill Strike (1918)

• Gandhiji did his second experiment at Ahmadabad in 1918 when he had to intervene in a dispute between the workers and the mill owners.
• He advised the workers to go on strike and to demand a 35 per cent increase in wages.
• He insisted that the workers should not use violence against the employers during the strike.
• He undertook a fast unto death to strengthen the workers’ resolve to continue the strike.
• This put pressure on the mill owners who relented on the fourth day and agreed to give the workers a 35 per cent increase in wages.

(iii) Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

• The farmers of the Kheda district in Gujarat were in distress because of the failure of crops.
• The government refused to remit land revenue and insisted on its full collection.
• As part of the experiment, Mahatma Gandhi advised the peasants to withhold payment of revenue till their demand for its remission was met.
• The struggle was withdrawn when it was learnt that the government had issued instructions that revenue should be recovered only from those peasants who could afford to pay.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel became a follower of Gandhiji during the Kheda movement.

The Government of India Act, 1919

The Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, enacted through the Government of India Act of 1919, represented a significant attempt by the British government to introduce constitutional changes in India. Here's an overview of its major provisions:

1. Introduction of the Dyarchy System

• Provincial Administration: The reforms introduced the Dyarchy system in the provinces, dividing administrative subjects into two categories: Transferred and Reserved.
• Transferred Subjects: These subjects were to be administered by the Governor with the aid of ministers responsible to the Legislative Council.
• Reserved Subjects: The Governor and the Executive Council were to administer reserved subjects without any responsibility to the legislature.

2. Devolution of Powers: The reforms classified subjects of administration into Central and Provincial categories. Matters of all-India importance, such as railways and finance, were designated as Central subjects, while provincial matters fell under the Provincial category.

3. Composition of Legislative Bodies

• Provincial Legislature: Each province was to have a unicameral Legislative Council.
• Governor General's Executive Council: The number of Indians in the Governor General's Executive Council was increased to three out of a total of eight members. Indian members were allocated departments such as Law, Education, Labour, Health, and Industries.

4. Introduction of Bicameral Legislature: While the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms proposed a bicameral legislature for the centre, it was not implemented until the Government of India Act of 1935.

5. Communal Representation: Communal representation was extended beyond Hindus and Muslims to include Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians, and other communities, ensuring broader representation in legislative bodies.

6. Changes in Administrative Expenses: The salary of the Secretary of State for India was to be paid out of British revenue, signifying a shift in financial arrangements.

Hence, the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms, enacted through the Government of India Act of 1919, introduced significant changes to India's constitutional framework, including the introduction of the Dyarchy system, devolution of powers, expansion of legislative bodies, and extension of communal representation. While these reforms represented a step towards greater Indian participation in governance, they fell short of meeting nationalist aspirations for full self-government. Nevertheless, they laid the groundwork for future constitutional developments and paved the way for the eventual transfer of power from British rule to Indian hands.

Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)

The Rowlatt Act of 1919, enacted in response to militant nationalist activities, and the subsequent Jallianwala Bagh massacre, had profound consequences for India's struggle for independence. Here's a detailed account of these events:

1. Rowlatt Act (1919)

• Committee and Legislation: A committee led by Sir Sydney Rowlatt was formed in 1917 to investigate militant nationalist activities. Based on its recommendations, the Rowlatt Act was passed by the Central Legislative Council in March 1919.
• Curbing Civil Liberties: Dubbed the "Black Act," the Rowlatt Act curtailed the liberties of the people, allowing for speedy trials by special courts without appeal. It granted authorities sweeping powers to arrest and imprison suspects without trial for up to two years, suspending the right of Habeas Corpus.
• Nationalist Reaction: The passage of the Rowlatt Act sparked widespread anger across India, uniting various sections of society in opposition. Mahatma Gandhi organized Satyagraha on February 14, 1919, initiating the Non-Cooperation Movement against the unjust law.

2. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)

• Background: In Punjab, support for the Rowlatt Satyagraha was immense. However, the situation turned violent when prominent leaders like Dr Satya Pal and Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew were arrested in Amritsar.
• Military Administration: The Government of Punjab, facing unrest, handed over administration to military authorities under General Dyer, who imposed martial law, banned public meetings, and detained political leaders.
• Massacre at Jallianwala Bagh: On April 13, 1919, at the Baisakhi festival, a public meeting was organized at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. Without warning, General Dyer ordered troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd, leading to a massacre that lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Casualties and Outrage: Official reports indicated 379 people were killed and 1137 wounded in the massacre. The indiscriminate violence shocked the nation and led to widespread protests and condemnation both in India and abroad.
• Impact: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre galvanized the freedom struggle, serving as a rallying cry against British oppression. It inspired increased unity and determination among Indians to fight for their rights and freedom.

3. Aftermath

• Hunter Commission: In response to public outcry, the British government appointed the Hunter Commission to investigate the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and its causes.
• Assassination of Michael O'Dyer: Sardar Udham Singh, seeking retribution for the massacre, assassinated Michael O'Dyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, on March 13, 1940, in London.

4. Legacy

• Turning Point: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre marked a turning point in India's freedom movement, intensifying resistance against British rule and strengthening the resolve of Indians to fight for independence.
• Symbol of Struggle: It became a symbol of sacrifice and resilience, reminding future generations of the atrocities committed during colonial rule and fueling the quest for justice and freedom.

In conclusion, the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre were pivotal events in India's struggle for independence, igniting mass protests and solidifying the resolve of Indians to challenge British oppression and strive for self-rule.

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