Indian National Movement
Indian National Movement Mr. Prodipta Chatterjee wrote this article in the Indian National Movement. He has been associated with MIES Institute for the last 15 years as a guest faculty. Has experience teaching WBCS, SSC, PSC, RAIL, etc exams. Moreover, he is very grateful to MIES Management for giving him a chance as a guest faculty to MIES Institute which is one of the best competitive coaching centres in West Bengal. In His opinion, MIES Institute is one of the top competitive exam institutes in West Bengal. Candidates preparing for the WBCS exam should focus on these key aspects. Concerning the Indian National Movement within the context of the history syllabus. The First War of Independence in India Often referred to as the Sepoy Mutiny or the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a significant uprising against British rule. The rebellion took place between 1857 and 1858 and had widespread repercussions on the course of Indian history. Here are key aspects of the First War of Independence: Causes of Indian National Movement: 1. Military Grievances: The immediate cause was the introduction of the new Enfield rifle, whose cartridges were rumored to be greased with animal fat (cow and pig fat). This offended both Hindu and Muslim sepoys (Indian soldiers), as using such cartridges violated their religious beliefs. 2. Economic Exploitation: The economic policies of the British East India Company, which led to land revenue policies and the imposition of heavy taxes, created widespread agrarian discontent. 3. Social and Cultural Factors: There was a growing sense of resentment among the Indian soldiers and the civilian population due to perceived cultural and religious insensitivity by the British. 4. Annexation of Kingdoms: The annexation of various Indian states and the policy of annexation led to the displacement of many rulers and contributed to the discontent. 5. Sepoy Influence: The sepoys, who were an integral part of the British Indian Army, played a crucial role in the rebellion. Their discontent spread quickly, leading to a widespread uprising. Barrackpore Mutiny (1857): The rebellion began in Barrackpore when sepoys refused to use the controversial cartridges. Leading to a series of events that culminated in the outbreak of the larger rebellion. Siege of Delhi: Rebels captured Delhi in May 1857, and the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, was proclaimed the leader of the rebellion. Repression: The British responded with a ruthless crackdown, leading to widespread arrests, executions, and reprisals against the rebels. End of the East India Company The British Crown took control of India from the East India Company in 1858, and the British government pursued a more direct and assertive rule. The First War of Independence marked a turning point in India’s history, leading to the end of the East India Company’s rule and the beginning of direct British governance in India. It also had a lasting impact on the Indian psyche and contributed to the subsequent nationalist movements against British colonial rule. The Moderate Phase of the Indian National Movement spanning roughly from 1885 to 1905 refers to the initial years of the Indian National Congress (INC) and the political approach adopted by its early leaders. The leaders during this phase were often labeled as “Moderates” due to their relatively moderate and constitutional methods of seeking political reforms within the framework of the British colonial administration. Early Leaders (Moderates): The early leaders of the INC during this phase were often referred to as Moderates. Some prominent leaders include DadabhaiNaoroji, WomeshChunderBonnerjee, DinshawWacha, DadabhaiNaoroji, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Aims and Objectives: The Moderates focused on constitutional methods, petitions, and resolutions to convey Indian grievances to the British authorities. They sought to create a platform for dialogue and cooperation between the British and Indians. Leaders like DadabhaiNaoroji presented economic critiques of British policies, emphasizing the economic drain from India to Britain and the need for economic self-sufficiency. Educational and Social Reforms: The Moderates also focused on educational and social reforms, aiming to promote modern education and social progress among Indians. Despite their efforts, the Moderates faced challenges, as the British government was often unwilling to grant significant concessions. The lack of mass support and the limited impact of their methods became apparent. The Indian National Congress (INC) Was founded in 1885 and played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. The formation of the INC marked a significant development in the political landscape of British India The first session of the Indian National Congress was held from December 28 to December 31, 1885, at GokuldasTejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay (now Mumbai). The session was attended by 72 delegates from different parts of the country, representing different communities and interests. The INC aimed to obtain a greater share in government for educated Indians. The early demands were focused on constitutional reforms, representation, and civil rights for Indians within the British colonial framework. The INC gradually transformed into a symbol of the Indian nationalist movement. As the struggle for independence intensified, the INC became the principal political party representing the aspirations of a united India. The foundation of the Indian National Congress marked the beginning of organized political activity in India against British rule. Over the years, the INC played a central role in shaping India’s destiny, eventually leading the country to independence in 1947. The Partition of Bengal 1905 was a controversial administrative reorganization carried out by the British colonial authorities in India. The decision sparked widespread protests and had significant political and social implications. Here are the key details surrounding the Partition of Bengal. Administrative Reasons: The British claimed that the partition was driven by administrative efficiency. Bengal, at the time, was one of the largest provinces in British India, and the authorities argued that dividing it would make administration more manageable. Date: The formal announcement of the partition was made on July 19, 1905, and it took effect on October 16, 1905. Territorial Changes: Bengal was divided into two separate entities – East Bengal and Assam, with a majority Muslim population, and the rest