Indian Independence and Gandhi

Introduction:

Nationalism is a strong feeling of loyalty and devotion to one's country. India's independence from British colonial rule was a result of a strong sense of nationalism among the Indian people. The country's journey to independence was long and arduous, but the nonviolent protests led by Mohandas Gandhi had a significant impact on the movement. In this essay, we will explore how nationalism led to Indian independence and the impact of Gandhi's belief in nonviolent protest. 

The British Rule in India

The British colonized India in the 18th century and continued to exploit its resources and people for their own benefit. The British imposed harsh taxes on Indians and exploited resources such as cotton, tea, and opium. Indians were not given equal opportunities and were forced to work under the British rule. This led to resentment among the Indian population, who began to demand greater autonomy and self-rule.

Examples: The British policies in India led to famines, which caused widespread suffering and death among the Indian population. Indians were also subjected to discriminatory laws that prevented them from owning property, obtaining education, or participating in politics.

Rise of Indian Nationalism

In the late 19th and early 20th century, the Indian National Congress was formed. It was a political party that fought for India's independence. Indian leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Subhash Chandra Bose, among others, played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. These leaders encouraged Indians to unite and fight for their rights.

Examples: The Indian National Congress organized protests against British policies, such as the partition of Bengal in 1905. The leaders of the Congress also demanded greater representation for Indians in the British government and criticized British policies that exploited Indian resources.

Non-violent Resistance by Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a key figure in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi was a strong believer in nonviolence and peaceful protest. He believed that nonviolence was a powerful weapon that could bring about change without harming anyone. Gandhi used nonviolent tactics like civil disobedience, fasting, and peaceful protests to challenge the British rule. His message of nonviolence inspired many Indians to join the movement.

Examples: In 1930, Gandhi led the Salt March, where he and his followers walked 240 miles to protest the British salt tax. They made their own salt from seawater, which was illegal under British law. This peaceful protest received widespread attention and inspired many Indians to join the movement. Gandhi also organized satyagrahas, or peaceful protests, against discriminatory laws, such as the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 and the Quit India Movement of 1942.

Impact of Gandhi's Beliefs

Gandhi's nonviolent tactics had a significant impact on the Indian independence movement. His philosophy of nonviolence inspired people to protest peacefully, which led to a significant increase in the number of people involved in the movement. The nonviolent protests led by Gandhi and other Indian leaders attracted the attention of the world, and put pressure on the British government to grant India its independence.

Examples: The Salt March and other satyagrahas led to widespread protests and civil disobedience across India. This increased the pressure on the British government to negotiate with Indian leaders and ultimately led to India's independence in 1947.

Timeline of Important Events - Indian Independence

• 1857: The Indian Mutiny, a rebellion against British rule, takes place.

• 1885: The Indian National Congress is formed.

• 1919: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, where British soldiers killed unarmed Indian protesters, leads to widespread protests.

• 1920: Gandhi launches the Non-Cooperation Movement, calling for Indians to boycott British goods and institutions. 

• 1930: Gandhi leads the Salt March to protest the British salt tax.

• 1942: The Quit India Movement is launched, calling for complete independence from British rule.

• 1947: India gains its independence from British rule, but the country is partitioned into India and Pakistan, leading to violence and displacement.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Indian independence movement was a result of the Indian people's strong sense of nationalism and desire for self-rule. The nonviolent tactics led by Mahatma Gandhi, such as civil disobedience and peaceful protests, were instrumental in the movement's success. The impact of Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence extended beyond India and inspired other leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Today, India is a sovereign nation, and its journey to independence serves as an inspiration to other countries struggling for their own independence.