Indian Nationalism and Mahatma Gandhi

This section explains Indian Nationalism and the Life of Mahatma Gandhi. By the early 20th century, Indian nationalism had grown significantly, with the Indian National Congress (INC) emerging as the leading political organisation advocating for Indian self-rule. Between 1919 and 1935, the INC made significant advances towards achieving home rule—a system of limited self-government within the British Empire. The INC argued that India should govern itself within the Empire, similar to the self-governance already enjoyed by white settler colonies like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In 1937, India held its first-ever national elections under the Government of India Act of 1935. The INC won the majority of votes, raising hopes among many Indians that this marked the beginning of a transition towards full independence. However, these aspirations were disrupted when Britain and France declared war on Nazi Germany on 3 September 1939, plunging the world into another global conflict.

World War II and its Impact on Indian Independence

The onset of World War II had major implications for India’s independence movement. Britain heavily relied on Indian soldiers, as its own army was one of the smallest among the major European powers. For decades, millions of Indian soldiers had served in Britain’s wars, a resource Britain took for granted. However, this dependence would ultimately become a significant factor in India’s eventual independence in 1947.

On 3 September 1939, Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy of India, unilaterally declared that India was at war with Germany, aligning it with Britain’s stance. This decision was made without consulting the Indian politicians elected just two years earlier, leading to widespread outrage. Many Indians, who had previously hoped for a future within the British Empire, began demanding complete independence.

Key responses to Britain’s declaration included:

• INC Resignations: In protest, all INC politicians elected in 1937 resigned from their positions.
• Muslim League Support: In contrast, the Muslim League supported Britain’s war effort and encouraged Indians to volunteer for military service.
• INC’s Conditions for Support: The INC offered conditional support to Britain, stating they would help defeat Nazi Germany if Britain promised full independence for India after the war. This request was rejected, leading to further disillusionment and protests.

Despite widespread anger at British policies, many Indians volunteered to fight against fascism. However, tensions within India grew as harsh wartime laws and the use of lethal force by British soldiers to suppress peaceful demonstrations inflamed public sentiment.

The Life and Role of Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)

Early Life and Career

Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential leaders in India’s independence movement, was born in 1869. In the 1880s, he studied law in London and later worked as a lawyer in South Africa, where he began advocating for the rights of Indian immigrants.

Gandhi returned to India in 1915 at the invitation of the INC leadership. Initially, he avoided direct involvement in politics, but the oppressive methods employed by British authorities during World War I convinced him to take action. He began organising protests, demonstrations, and boycotts to challenge British rule.

Gandhi’s Campaigns for Independence

• Response to the Amritsar Massacre (1919)
  The Amritsar Massacre, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed protesters, was a turning point. Gandhi launched non-violent civil disobedience campaigns to challenge British authority. These campaigns gained widespread support but were suspended in 1922 when Gandhi feared they could escalate into violence.
• The Salt March (1930)
  In 1930, Gandhi organised the Salt March, one of his most iconic protests. The British had taxed salt in India for decades, disproportionately affecting the poorest communities. Gandhi marched to the sea to symbolically collect salt without paying the tax. The act drew global attention to the injustices of British rule and forced the British to recognise Gandhi as a central figure in Indian politics. Subsequently, Gandhi was invited to London to negotiate the Government of India Act, which introduced national elections and gave limited power to Indian politicians.
• Quit India Campaign (1942)
  During World War II, Gandhi launched the Quit India campaign, calling for the British to leave India immediately. The strategy aimed to make India ungovernable through mass non-cooperation. British authorities responded with harsh repression, imprisoning Gandhi and other INC leaders for long periods.

At the same time, international pressure mounted on Britain to decolonise. The USA, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, made it clear that American support for Britain during the war did not extend to preserving the British Empire. The Atlantic Charter agreement between the USA and Britain signalled a commitment to self-determination for colonised nations, further undermining British claims to India.

The End of British Rule and Partition

By 1947, Britain’s grip on India had weakened irreversibly. Post-war economic pressures, combined with mounting unrest in India, made continued colonial rule untenable. As negotiations for independence progressed, religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims grew, leading to the Partition of India.

India was divided into two independent nations: Hindu-majority India, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, and Muslim-majority Pakistan, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The partition resulted in widespread violence and the displacement of millions, marking a tragic chapter in the history of India’s independence.