THEME ELEVEN: Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement || History Class 12th Chapter-13 NCERT CBSE || NOTES IN ENGLISH || 2024-25

THEME ELEVEN: Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement:

Gandhi’s Return: In 1915, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi returned to India after spending two decades in South Africa, where he developed his ideas on non-violent protest, or satyagraha. South Africa shaped Gandhi's leadership style and beliefs about equality and fighting injustice.
"South Africa was 'the making of the Mahatma'."
India in 1915: India was very active politically, with the Indian National Congress (INC) spreading throughout the country. Influential leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (known as Lal-Bal-Pal) were already popular, representing a more militant approach to opposing British rule.
"The Indian National Congress now had branches in most major cities and towns."

Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Gandhi’s first major movement in India was in Champaran, Bihar, where he fought for the rights of peasants who were being exploited by British indigo planters. This movement was Gandhi's first significant involvement in Indian politics, and he gained widespread attention.
"Gandhi was approached by a peasant from Champaran in Bihar who told him about the harsh treatment of peasants."
Ahmedabad and Kheda Movements (1918): Gandhi also led workers in a strike in Ahmedabad and supported peasants in Kheda, Gujarat, who were suffering from crop failure and heavy taxes.

Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh: In response to the oppressive Rowlatt Act, Gandhi called for nationwide protests. In Punjab, British troops killed hundreds of peaceful protesters at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919, which shocked the country and fueled the independence movement.
"More than four hundred people were killed in what is known as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre."
Non-Cooperation (1920-22): Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement, asking Indians to boycott British institutions, schools, courts, and goods. The aim was to resist British rule through peaceful means.
"If non-cooperation was effectively carried out, said Gandhi, India would win swaraj (self-rule) within a year."
Chauri Chaura Incident (1922): When protesters in Chauri Chaura attacked and burned a police station, killing officers, Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement, emphasizing non-violence even in the face of provocation.

Salt March: In 1930, Gandhi launched the Salt Satyagraha to protest the British salt monopoly, which taxed a basic necessity. Gandhi and his followers marched 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi, where they made salt in defiance of British law.
"On 12 March 1930, Gandhi began walking from his ashram at Sabarmati towards the ocean."
Impact of the Salt March: The Salt March gained worldwide attention, and thousands of Indians were arrested. This movement was notable because it involved people from all classes and was one of Gandhi’s most successful campaigns.
"Nearly 60,000 Indians were arrested, among them, of course, Gandhi himself."

Quit India Movement: During World War II, Gandhi called for the British to leave India immediately. The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, resulted in mass protests, strikes, and widespread civil disobedience. Gandhi and many other leaders were arrested, but the movement spread across the country.
"Quit India was genuinely a mass movement, bringing into its ambit hundreds of thousands of ordinary Indians."
Result: While the movement was eventually suppressed, it marked a turning point in the independence struggle, making it clear that the British could not continue ruling India for long.

India’s Independence and Partition (1947): Gandhi's dream of a united India was shattered when the country was divided into India and Pakistan. Gandhi was deeply troubled by the violence between Hindus and Muslims during Partition and worked tirelessly to restore peace.
"The freedom he had struggled so long for had come at an unacceptable price, with a nation divided."
Gandhi’s Assassination (1948): On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi’s efforts to reconcile Hindus and Muslims.
"Gandhi’s death led to an extraordinary outpouring of grief."

Gandhi’s Legacy: Gandhi is remembered as a leader who united Indians across caste, religion, and class in the fight for independence. His methods of non-violent resistance inspired movements worldwide, including the civil rights movement in the United States.
"Gandhi’s mass appeal was undoubtedly genuine – and in the context of Indian politics, without precedent."
Sources of History: Historians study Gandhi’s life and the nationalist movement through various sources, including his writings, letters, government reports, and newspapers. Each of these sources offers different perspectives on Gandhi’s influence and the events of the time.