Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement aimed to resist British rule through peaceful means, emphasizing swadeshi and boycott.

• Our textbook highlights Gandhi's call for surrendering titles and boycotting schools, courts, and foreign goods.
• Primary sources like 'Young India' show his strategy of mass mobilization.

The movement united Hindus and Muslims but was suspended after Chauri Chaura due to violence, showing Gandhi's commitment to non-violence.

It laid the foundation for future mass movements like Civil Disobedience.

The Dandi March was a strategic defiance of the salt tax, symbolizing resistance to British economic exploitation.

• Gandhi's 24-day march covered 240 miles, inspiring nationwide participation (NCERT).
• Primary sources like 'The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi' detail its global media impact.

It marked a shift from elite-led protests to mass civil disobedience, pressuring the British.

The event strengthened nationalist unity and influenced later movements like Quit India.

Gandhi's constructive program focused on self-reliance through khadi, education, and Hindu-Muslim unity.

• Our textbook cites the establishment of ashrams and spinning wheels as tools for economic resistance.
• Historian Bipan Chandra notes its role in rural mobilization.

While it empowered villages, critics argue it diverted attention from political demands.

It shaped post-independence rural development policies.

Both movements used mass resistance but differed in tactics and scale.

• Civil Disobedience included salt satyagraha and tax refusal, while Non-Cooperation relied on boycotts (NCERT).
• Primary sources show higher women participation in 1930.

Civil Disobedience had broader economic targets but was called off after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.

It demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained mass protest.

Gandhi's 'Do or Die' call in 1942 demanded immediate British withdrawal during WWII.

• Our textbook notes widespread strikes and underground activities post his arrest.
• Historian Sumit Sarkar highlights its radicalization of youth.

Though suppressed, it eroded British moral authority and accelerated independence.

The movement cemented Gandhi's legacy as the leader of mass nationalism.

The Dandi March challenged the salt tax, symbolizing defiance of colonial laws. Gandhi framed it as a moral struggle (NCERT, Ch. 14).

• Scale: 240-mile march with 78 volunteers (Tendulkar's biography).
• Global attention: Time Magazine's 1930 cover featured Gandhi.

Judith Brown argues it shifted international opinion. The subsequent Civil Disobedience Movement saw 60,000 arrests (Govt. of India data, 1931).

Gandhi balanced direct action (satyagraha) with social reform (khadi, village industries). Our textbook shows both were integral to his vision.

• Political: Quit India Movement (1942) mobilized millions (NCERT, Ch. 15).
• Constructive: All India Spinners' Association employed 2 lakh workers (Gandhi's 'Harijan', 1934).

Sumit Sarkar notes political campaigns drew mass support, but constructive work sustained long-term nationalism.

Gandhi linked caste reform to swaraj, calling untouchability a 'sin' (Young India, 1925). This expanded the movement's social base.

• Actions: 1932 fast forced Poona Pact, increasing Dalit representation.
• Outreach: 12,000 km Harijan tour (D.G. Tendulkar's records).

While Ambedkar criticized its paternalism, Eleanor Zelliot acknowledges it brought caste issues into mainstream politics.

The resolution demanded immediate British withdrawal, capitalizing on war-time vulnerability (NCERT, Ch. 16). Gandhi called it a 'do or die' struggle.

• Repression: 100,000 arrests, 1000 killed in police firing (Home Dept. records).
• Strategic timing: Allied defeats in Southeast Asia weakened Britain.

R.C. Majumdar argues it hastened independence, though Subhas Chandra Bose's INA simultaneously pressured the Raj.

Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa and civil disobedience aimed to morally disarm the British while mobilizing masses. Our textbook shows he viewed these as tools to expose colonial injustice.

• The 1930 Dandi March defied salt laws, drawing global attention (NCERT XII, p. 312).
• Over 60,000 arrests crippled British administration (Judith Brown, 1989).

While effective in uniting Indians, some historians like Sumit Sarkar argue it limited radical peasant participation.

This model inspired global movements like the US Civil Rights struggle.

The Constructive Programme promoted Swadeshi and social harmony. Gandhi believed independence required societal transformation first.

• Charkha adoption boosted rural employment (NCERT XII, p. 298).
• Temple entry movements challenged caste barriers (Gail Omvedt, 1994).

B.R. Ambedkar criticized its gradualist approach to caste eradication.

Its emphasis on village industries later influenced India's Five-Year Plans.

Both movements used mass mobilization but differed in intensity and context. Our textbook highlights how wartime pressures altered British reactions.

• 1922: Violence at Chauri Chaura led to withdrawal (NCERT XII, p. 287).
• 1942: Immediate suppression with 100,000+ arrests (Francis Hutchins, 1973).

Historian Sekhar Bandyopadhyay notes the 1942 movement's greater urban participation.

The 1942 crackdown accelerated British realization of unsustainable rule.

The 24-day march (March-April 1930) symbolized defiance through accessible symbolism - salt.

• International press like New York Times covered it daily (NCERT XII, p. 313).
• Over 1,000 women led picketing at liquor shops (Radha Kumar, 1993).

While empowering, Tanika Sarkar notes urban bias in leadership roles.

Set precedent for using symbolic acts in later environmental movements.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) was a pivotal phase in India's freedom struggle, largely shaped by Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. His role can be analyzed as follows:

• Philosophical Foundation: Gandhi introduced the idea of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) against British rule, urging Indians to withdraw cooperation from colonial institutions.
• Mass Mobilization: He united diverse groups—peasants, workers, students, and women—under a common goal, making it a truly national movement.
• Key Actions:
  1. Boycott of British schools, courts, and goods.
  2. Surrender of titles and honors.
  3. Promotion of Swadeshi and Khadi to revive local industries.
• Impact:
  - The movement marked the first large-scale defiance of British authority, shaking their economic and administrative control.
  - It fostered national unity and political awareness among Indians.
  - Though suspended after the Chauri Chaura incident, it laid the groundwork for future struggles like the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Gandhi's emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence) and mass participation redefined India's freedom struggle, making it inclusive and morally powerful.

The Dandi March (1930) was a pivotal event in India's freedom struggle, symbolizing Mahatma Gandhi's strategy of non-violent civil disobedience against British oppression.

Key aspects of its significance:

• Defiance of the Salt Law: Gandhi's act of making salt at Dandi challenged the British monopoly, making the movement relatable to all Indians.
• Mass Participation: The 24-day march covered 240 miles, mobilizing thousands and uniting diverse groups under a common cause.
• Global Attention: The march drew international scrutiny, exposing British colonial exploitation.

The movement's broader impact included:

• Inspiring nationwide Salt Satyagraha, with people making salt illegally.
• Strengthening the Civil Disobedience Movement, leading to mass arrests and heightened resistance.
• Establishing Gandhi's method of peaceful protest as a powerful tool against colonial rule.

The Dandi March remains a landmark event, showcasing the power of collective action and moral courage in India's journey to independence.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) was a pivotal phase in India's freedom struggle, led by Mahatma Gandhi. It marked a shift from moderate demands to mass mobilization against British rule. Gandhi's strategy was based on non-violent resistance and civil disobedience, urging Indians to boycott British institutions, goods, and titles.

Key events included:

• Boycott of schools, courts, and legislative councils to undermine British authority.
• Promotion of Swadeshi goods and Khadi to revive Indian economy and self-reliance.
• Mass participation across regions, including peasants, workers, and students.

• Unified Indians across caste and class lines.
• Established Gandhi as the leader of the nationalist movement.
• Inspired future mass struggles like the Civil Disobedience Movement.

The Dandi March (1930) was a defining moment in India's freedom struggle, showcasing Mahatma Gandhi's strategy of non-violent resistance and symbolic protest. Gandhi marched 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to produce salt, defying the British Salt Laws that monopolized its production and taxed Indians heavily.

Significance:

• It challenged British economic exploitation, as salt was a basic necessity for all Indians.
• The march attracted global attention, highlighting British oppression and Gandhi's moral leadership.
• It inspired widespread civil disobedience, with millions making salt, boycotting foreign goods, and joining protests.

• Moral authority: The march was peaceful, with no violence, reinforcing Gandhi's principles.
• Mass mobilization: People from all backgrounds participated, uniting the nation.
• International pressure: The event drew global criticism of British policies.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was a pivotal phase in India's freedom struggle, largely shaped by Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. Gandhi transformed the movement into a mass campaign by advocating non-violent resistance and civil disobedience against British rule.

Key Contributions:

• Gandhi mobilized peasants, workers, and students, urging them to boycott British institutions like schools, courts, and councils.
• He promoted Swadeshi, encouraging Indians to use locally made goods and reject foreign products.
• The movement saw widespread participation, including the surrender of titles and resignations from government jobs.

Impact:

• The movement unified Indians across regions and communities, fostering national unity.
• It exposed the exploitative nature of British rule, making Indians more politically aware.
• Though suspended after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922), it laid the foundation for future mass movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Gandhi's emphasis on non-violence and mass participation redefined India's struggle for independence, making it a people's movement rather than an elite-led effort.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) marked a significant phase in India's freedom struggle, largely shaped by Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. Gandhi transformed the movement into a mass-based campaign by advocating non-violent resistance and civil disobedience against British rule.

Key Contributions of Gandhi:
1. Unification of Masses: Gandhi mobilized peasants, workers, students, and women, making it a nationwide movement.
2. Boycott of British Institutions: He urged Indians to withdraw from government schools, courts, and services, weakening British administrative control.
3. Promotion of Swadeshi: Gandhi emphasized the use of khadi and Indian-made goods to undermine British economic interests.

Impact on Freedom Struggle:
1. Mass Participation: The movement saw unprecedented public involvement, fostering national unity.
2. Global Attention: It drew international scrutiny to British colonial exploitation.
3. Foundation for Future Movements: The strategies used later inspired the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement.

Example: The boycott of foreign cloth led to bonfires of imported textiles, symbolizing economic resistance. However, the movement was abruptly called off after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922), as Gandhi prioritized non-violence over immediate results.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was a pivotal phase in India's freedom struggle, largely shaped by Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. His role can be evaluated as follows:

• Mobilization of Masses: Gandhi transformed the movement into a mass struggle by involving peasants, workers, and students, making it a nationwide protest against British rule.
• Philosophy of Non-Violence: He emphasized Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth force) as tools to resist oppression, ensuring moral superiority over the British.
• Economic Boycott: Gandhi urged Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, and titles, crippling the colonial economy and fostering self-reliance through Swadeshi.
• Unity Across Religions: He promoted Hindu-Muslim unity, notably through the Khilafat Movement, strengthening collective resistance.

Impact: The movement marked the first large-scale defiance of British authority, inspiring future struggles like the Civil Disobedience Movement. Though suspended after Chauri Chaura, it awakened national consciousness and demonstrated the power of peaceful resistance.

The Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, was a pivotal event in India's struggle for independence. It began on 12th March 1930 when Mahatma Gandhi, along with 78 followers, marched 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to protest against the British salt monopoly. The march lasted for 24 days and concluded with Gandhi breaking the salt laws by making salt from seawater.

The significance of the Dandi March lies in its symbolic defiance of British authority. By producing salt, Gandhi challenged the unjust Salt Tax, which heavily burdened the poor. This act resonated with millions, as salt was a basic necessity. The march:

• Mobilized masses across India, leading to widespread civil disobedience.
• Highlighted Gandhi's principle of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha).
• Exposed the brutality of British repression when peaceful protesters were beaten and arrested.

The event marked a turning point, as it united Indians across regions and classes, strengthening the nationalist movement. It also drew global attention to India's plight, pressuring the British to reconsider their policies.

Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920 as a peaceful protest against British rule. It aimed to withdraw Indian cooperation from British institutions, undermining their authority. Gandhi's strategies were rooted in non-violence and mass participation.

Key aspects of his role included:

• Boycott of British goods: Indians were urged to reject foreign products, especially textiles, and use Khadi (homespun cloth) to promote self-reliance.
• Resignation from government jobs: Officials, students, and lawyers quit British-affiliated roles to weaken administrative control.
• Surrender of titles: Many returned honors bestowed by the British as a mark of protest.

The movement gained massive support but was abruptly called off after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922), where violent clashes occurred. Despite its suspension, the movement:

• Boosted national unity by involving peasants, workers, and students.
• Established Gandhi as the leader of the masses.
• Laid the foundation for future agitations like the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Gandhi's emphasis on peaceful resistance inspired later movements and demonstrated the power of collective action against colonial rule.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) marked a significant phase in India's freedom struggle, largely shaped by Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. Gandhi introduced the concept of non-violent resistance (Ahimsa) and civil disobedience as tools to oppose British rule.

Key contributions of Gandhi included:

• Mobilizing masses across urban and rural areas, uniting diverse groups like peasants, students, and workers.
• Promoting the boycott of British institutions, including schools, courts, and foreign goods, to weaken colonial authority.
• Emphasizing Swadeshi and Khadi to revive indigenous industries and foster self-reliance.

The movement's impact was profound:

• It marked the first nationwide mass agitation, making the freedom struggle a people's movement.
• Though suspended after the Chauri Chaura incident, it instilled confidence among Indians to challenge British rule.
• It laid the foundation for future movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Gandhi's strategy of peaceful protest inspired global movements and redefined India's fight for independence.

The Dandi March (1930) was a pivotal event in the Civil Disobedience Movement, symbolizing defiance against British salt laws and colonial oppression. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, it began on March 12, 1930, with a 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi.

Its significance lies in:

• Symbolic Protest: By making salt from seawater, Gandhi challenged the unjust British monopoly on salt production, a basic necessity.
• Mass Participation: The march attracted global attention and united Indians across regions, castes, and religions in peaceful resistance.
• International Impact: It highlighted British exploitation, garnering sympathy worldwide for India's independence cause.

The movement strengthened nationalism by:

• Encouraging widespread civil disobedience, including boycotts of British goods and refusal to pay taxes.
• Inspiring future protests and reinforcing the power of Satyagraha (truth force) as a tool for justice.
• Demonstrating the effectiveness of non-violent resistance in mobilizing the masses against colonial rule.

The Dandi March remains a landmark event, showcasing Gandhi's visionary leadership and the collective strength of the Indian people.