History — Our Pasts (Ancient to Modern India) • Topic 5 of 5

Nationalist Movement & After Independence

Organised nationalism took shape with the founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885 (its first session held in Bombay, with A. O. Hume playing a key role). The early leaders petitioned and pleaded; later the movement became a mass struggle under Mahatma Gandhi, who returned from South Africa and made non-violence (ahimsa) and satyagraha (truth-force) the weapons of the freedom struggle. The key Gandhian movements are the ones CTET tests: the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), in which Indians boycotted British goods, schools, courts and titles; the Civil Disobedience Movement launched by the Dandi Salt March (1930), when Gandhi walked to the sea at Dandi to make salt and break the British salt law; and the Quit India Movement (1942), with its famous slogan 'Do or Die', demanding an immediate end to British rule. The long struggle ended with Independence on 15 August 1947, accompanied by the painful Partition of the country into India and Pakistan. Then began nation-building: framing the Constitution (which came into force on 26 January 1950, making India a republic) under the chairmanship of Dr B. R. Ambedkar's drafting committee, integrating the princely states, and building a democratic nation with universal adult franchise.

✅ Solved examples

1. The Indian National Congress was founded in which year, and where was its first session held?
It was founded in 1885, and its first session was held in Bombay (Mumbai). A. O. Hume played a leading part in its formation.
2. The Dandi March of 1930, in which Gandhi made salt to defy British law, marked the start of which movement?
The Civil Disobedience Movement. Breaking the salt law at Dandi became its powerful symbol.
3. The slogan 'Do or Die', given by Gandhi in 1942, is associated with which movement?
The Quit India Movement (1942), which demanded an immediate end to British rule in India.
4. India became independent on which exact date, and what major event accompanied it?
India became independent on 15 August 1947. It was accompanied by the Partition of the subcontinent into India and Pakistan.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. The Non-Cooperation Movement, in which Indians boycotted British goods and institutions, was launched by Gandhi in which year?
Early 1920s.
It ran until 1922.
1920
2. Gandhi described his method of non-violent resistance based on truth as:
"Truth-force".
Sanskrit term.
Satyagraha
3. India became a republic when its Constitution came into force on which date?
Celebrated as Republic Day.
In 1950.
26 January 1950
4. The chairman of the drafting committee of the Indian Constitution was:
Known as the architect of the Constitution.
A champion of social justice.
Dr B. R. Ambedkar

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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