History (Ancient, Medieval & Modern) • Topic 3 of 4

Modern India & Freedom Struggle

British dominance began with Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764). The Revolt of 1857 is the First War of Independence; the INC was founded in 1885. Gandhi led the major movements, and India became independent on 15 August 1947.

The freedom-struggle timeline

1757Plassey 1857Revolt 1885Congress 1920Non-Coop 1930Dandi 1942Quit India 1947Free
The key milestones from the start of British rule to Independence.

Gandhi's major movements

YearMovement
1917Champaran Satyagraha (first in India — indigo farmers)
1920Non-Cooperation Movement
1930Civil Disobedience / Dandi Salt March
1942Quit India Movement
Two battles, two dates. Plassey 1757 began British power in Bengal; Buxar 1764 sealed it. SSC frequently swaps these — keep 1757 before 1764.

✅ Solved examples

1. In which year was the Indian National Congress founded?
1885 (its first president was W. C. Bonnerjee).
2. The Dandi Salt March (1930) was part of which movement?
The Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Gandhi.
3. Which battle (1757) marked the start of British rule in Bengal?
The Battle of Plassey.
4. Who was India's first Prime Minister?
Jawaharlal Nehru.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. The Revolt of 1857 is also called the ___ War of Independence.
Ordinal.
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—
First
2. In which year did the Quit India Movement begin?
World War II era.
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—
1942
3. On what date did India gain independence?
August 1947.
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—
15 August 1947
4. Gandhi's first satyagraha in India (1917) was at?
Indigo farmers, Bihar.
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—
Champaran
5. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in which year?
Early 1920s.
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—
1920

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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