The Indian National Movement Phase III marks a pivotal period in India’s struggle for independence, characterized by fervent activism, ideological evolution, and significant milestones towards self-governance. Rooted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this phase witnessed a surge in nationalist fervor, propelled by a diverse array of leaders and movements across the length and breadth of the country. From the rise of Mahatma Gandhi as a central figure in the freedom struggle to the intensification of mass movements against British colonial rule, this period encapsulates the essence of India’s relentless quest for liberty and self-determination. Examining this phase through the lens of UPSC NCERT Notes provides invaluable insights into the intricacies of the Indian National Movement, its key players, ideologies, and the socio-political landscape that shaped the course of history.
Introduction:
- The post-non-cooperation movement decade witnessed the rise of radical mass politics in India. During this period, the Indian National Congress transformed a deliberative assembly into an organization of mass mobilization.
- The abrupt discontinuation of the Non-Cooperation Movement left Congress leaders and workers demoralized, resulting in a lull in political activities. However, the announcement of the Simon Commission reignited Indian outrage.
Simon Commission (1927):
- Formed to assess the effectiveness of the 1919 Reforms and propose additional reforms, the Simon Commission stirred controversy.
- On 8th November 1927, Lord Birkenhead, Secretary of State for India, declared the establishment of a Statutory Commission headed by Sir John Simon.
| Officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, all seven members were Englishmen and members of the British Parliament. |
- While the commission’s objective was to explore the potential for further constitutional advancements in India, the absence of any Indian members signaled a lack of faith by the British Government in the capabilities of Indians.
- The Congress decided to boycott the Simon Commission due to the exclusion of any Indian representation.
Anti-Simon Agitation:
The British decision was perceived as a violation of the principle of self-determination and a deliberate affront to Indian self-respect.
- During its 1927 Madras session, chaired by Dr. Ansari, the Indian National Congress resolved to boycott the commission in all stages and forms.
- On February 3, 1928, when the Commission reached Bombay, a nationwide strike (Hartal) was organized.
- Wherever the Commission went, it faced strikes and black-flag demonstrations under the slogan “Simon Go Back.”
- The government responded with brutal suppression and police attacks to quell popular opposition. Lala Lajpat Rai succumbed to injuries from a severe lathi charge on November 17, 1928, while leading Anti-Simon protests.
- The Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha decided to support the Congress in its decision.
- The Muslim League even accepted the principle of a joint electorate if seats were reserved for Muslims.
- Various Indian leaders and parties joined forces to meet the Simon Commission challenge, attempting to devise an alternative scheme of constitutional reforms.
- Numerous conferences and joint meetings of political leaders were held.
- The outcome was the Nehru Report, named after Motilal Nehru.
Immediate Impact of Simon Commission:
- The appointment of the Simon Commission provided the impetus to radical and extremist forces advocating not just complete independence.
- The Congress, lacking an active political program, found an opportunity to initiate mass action with the announcement of the Simon Commission.
- The prospect of Indian unity faced a challenge as politicians under Lord Birkenhead struggled to produce a mutually agreed-upon concept for the constitution during that period.
Bardoli Satyagraha
- The Bardoli Satyagraha, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, emerged as a significant non-violent movement.
- Taking place in 1928, the Bardoli Satyagraha involved ordinary peasants from 137 villages in the Taluq of Surat district, protesting against a substantial increase in land revenue imposed by the British Government. The resolution during the Satyagraha demanded non-payment of taxes until the government reconsidered the hike in revenue. Men and women in large numbers participated in this movement.
- Despite government threats of land forfeiture, village headmen and subordinate officers of Bardoli resigned in significant numbers. Activists like Narhari Parikh, Mohanlal Pandya, and Ravi Shankar Vyas persuaded Patel to initiate the movement. After four months of agitation, threats, and assessments, peace prevailed, leading the British Government to annul the 30% increase in land revenue they had sought to enforce at any cost.
- Gandhiji himself acknowledged Patel’s leadership abilities, recognizing his organizational capacity and unwavering enthusiasm for tireless action during the Bardoli Satyagraha. Gandhi remarked that in Bardoli, the Sardar found his Vallabh (God), and the women of Bardoli conferred upon Vallabhbhai Patel the title of Sardar.
Nehru Report (1928):
- In response to the appointment of the Simon Commission and the challenge posed by Lord Birkenhead, Secretary of State for India, the All Parties Conference was convened in Delhi on 12th February 1928.
- The All Parties Conference, presided over by MA Ansari, took a significant step during its meeting in Bombay on 19th May 1928. It appointed a committee with Motilal Nehru as its Chairman to deliberate on and establish the principles of the Constitution for India.
| The committee comprised notable individuals such as Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Sir Ali Imam, MS Aney, Mangal Singh, Shoaib Qureshi, GR Pradhan, NM Joshi, MR Jayakar, and Subhash Chandra Bose. |
Key Recommendations of the Nehru Report:
- Grant dominion status to India, signifying independence within the British Commonwealth.
- Establish a federated India with a Bicameral Legislature at the Centre, where the ministry would be accountable. The Governor-General would serve merely as the constitutional head with powers equivalent to those of the British Crown.
- Eliminate separate electorates and define citizenship. Enunciate Fundamental Rights.
- The Nehru Report received approval during the Annual Session of the Indian National Congress held in Calcutta in December 1928. An ultimatum was issued to the British Government on 31st December 1929, urging acceptance of the Nehru Report; otherwise, the party would initiate another Mass Movement with the new goal of Poorna Swarajya.
- Contrastingly, the open session of the Muslim League meeting in Delhi on 28th March 1929 rejected the Nehru Report and embraced Mr Jinnah’s Fourteen Points.
Independence for India League
- In April 1928, the “Independence for India League” emerged, featuring Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose as Secretaries, and Srinivasa Iyengar as its President.
- This league aimed at achieving complete independence for India from Britain, drawing inspiration from the Marxist and Socialist movements in the country.
Jinnah’s ‘Fourteen Points’
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah unveiled the Fourteen Points in Delhi on 28th March 1929 during a meeting of the Muslim League. Notably, the Muslim League rejected the Nehru Report, citing its abandonment of separate electorates and other minority demands, and instead put forth Jinnah’s Fourteen Points.
Lahore Session-Congress Session (1929)
- The Nehru Report gained approval at the Calcutta Session of Congress in 1928, where Motilal Nehru served as the President. This session also marked the inception of the All India Youth Congress.
- Dissatisfaction with the dominion status goal was expressed by younger leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, and Satya Murthy.
- The government was given one year to accept this goal. It was declared that if the government failed to embrace a Constitution based on dominion status by the year’s end, the Congress would demand complete independence and initiate a Civil Disobedience Movement to achieve this objective.
| The Calcutta Session set the stage for the Lahore Session in 1929, with Jawaharlal Nehru nominated as the President, largely due to Gandhi’s endorsement. |
Decisions taken in the Lahore Session:
- The Round Table Conference was to be boycotted.
- Complete independence was declared as the Congress’s goal.
- The Congress Working Committee was authorized to launch a Civil Disobedience program, including non-payment of taxes, and all members of legislatures were urged to resign their seats.
| On 31st December 1929 at midnight on the banks of the Ravi river, the newly adopted tricolor flag was hoisted by Jawaharlal Nehru. |
- 26th January 1930 was fixed as the first independence, Swarajya Day was to be celebrated everywhere.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
- Gandhi placed as an ultimatum on 31st January 1930 eleven points of administrative reform and stated that if Lord Irwin accepted them, there would be no need for agitation. The important demands were as follows:
- The rupee sterling ratio should be reduced.
- 50% reduction in land revenue.
- Abolition of the Salt Tax and Government Salt Monopoly
- 50% cut in military expenditure.
- Salaries of highest grade service should be reduced by half.
- Change Arms Act allowing citizens to bear arms for self-protection.
- Protection for the Indian Textile Industry.
- Reservation of coastal shipping for Indians.
- Release of all political prisoners.
- Total prohibition of intoxicants.
- Carry out reforms in the Criminal Investigation Department.
Dandi March (1930)
- On 12th March 1930, Gandhi started the historic march from his Sabarmati Ashram with 78 followers.
- After a 24-day long march, he symbolically broke the Salt Lawat Dandi on 5th April 1930. The breaking of the Salt Law formally inaugurated the Civil Disobedience.
- Soon, the defiance of Salt Law started all over the country. In Tamil Nadu, C Rajagopalachari led a Salt March from Trichinopoly to Vedaranniyam on the Tanjore coast. In Malabar, K Kelappan, the hero of the Vaikom Satyagraha walked from Calicut to Payyanur to break the Salt Law.
| As a consequence of Salt Satyagraha the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers in April 1930. |
The course of the Movement
- On April 18, a No Tax Campaign was initiated in the United Provinces and Gujarat. In Bengal, revolutionaries seized the Chittagong Armoury and engaged in a pitched battle on Jalabad hill on April 22 under the effective leadership of Surya Sen.
- On May 21, with Sarojini Naidu, Imam Sahib, and Gandhi’s son, Manilal, leading a group of 2000, they marched towards the police cordon that had sealed off the Dharasana salt works.
- Rani Gaidinliu led a powerful revolt in the Northeast, resulting in her arrest and a life imprisonment sentence.
- In May 1930, the Working Committee sanctioned non-payment of land revenue in Ryotwari areas, non-payment of Chaukidari (village police) tax in the Zamindari region, and Forest Satyagraha.
- Forest Satyagraha involved the peaceful resistance against forest laws and policies.
- The Viceroy took the initiative to release Congress leaders and invited Mahatma Gandhi for talks, leading to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Khudai Khidmatgars (Servants of God) Movement
- In 1929, the Khudai Khidmatgars (Servants of God) Movement, led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, non-violently mobilized against British rule in India’s North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).
- Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement inspired thousands of Pashtuns to lay down their arms and use civil resistance, forming a formidable force during the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Ghaffar Khan allied with Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC).
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
- During the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Simon Commission report was published, leading to the First Round Table Conference in London in November 1930 to consider its recommendations.
- After their return from the First Round Table Conference, liberal leaders such as Tej Bahadur Sapru, VS Shastri, and MR Jayakar attempted to persuade Gandhi along similar lines.
| On February 14, 1931, Gandhi initiated a dialogue with Irwin, resulting in the Delhi Pact on March 5, 1931, popularly known as the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. |
- The pact outlined that the Congress would participate in the Second Round Table Conference to draft constitutional reforms based on (a) Federation, (b) Responsibility, and (c) Safeguards or reservations for matters such as defense, external affairs, minorities, and the financial credit of India.
- In exchange for the Congress’s agreement, Gandhi committed to discontinuing the Civil Disobedience Movement. The government, in turn, pledged to release all political prisoners (except those involved in violence) and restore confiscated property to the Satyagrahis. Despite Gandhi’s plea for clemency, the Viceroy refused to commute the death sentence of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.
The Karachi Session of Congress in 1931
- The Karachi Session of Congress in 1931, presided over by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. A resolution praising the courage and sacrifice of the martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru was passed.
- Additionally, resolutions on Fundamental Rights and the National Economic Programme were adopted.
Three Round Table Conferences (1930-32)
- The Three Round Table Conferences conducted between 1930 and 1932, were a series of peace conferences organized by the British Government and Indian political figures to discuss constitutional reforms in India. The conferences aimed to address various issues and ran from November 1930 to December 1932.
First Round Table Conference
- The recommendation by Sir John Simon led to the British Government convening a conference that included representatives from both British India and the Indian States, to reach a conclusive decision on constitutional reforms for India.
| Following Lord Irwin’s declaration, the First Session of the Round Table Conference commenced on November 12, 1930. The British Indian delegation consisted of 58 members, while the remainder were British officials. |
- During this conference, the acceptance of an All India Federation was notable, entailing responsible government at the provincial level and internal sovereignty for princely states. The British Prime Minister encouraged the Indian National Congress to participate in the subsequent round of conferences.
Prominent Members of the First Round Table Conference
| Organisations | Leaders |
| Hindu Mahasabha | – MR Jayakar |
| – MS Moonje | |
| Sikh | – Sardar Sampurna Singh |
| Christians | – KT Paul |
| Liberal | – TB Sapru |
| – CY Chintamani | |
| – Srinivas Shastri | |
| Muslim League | – Aga Khan |
| – Mohammed Shafi | |
| – Muhammad Ali | |
| Depressed Classes | – BR Ambedkar |
| Princes | – Akbar Hydari (Diwan of Hyderabad) |
| – Mirza Ismail (Diwan of Mysore) | |
| – Maharaja of Bikaner |
Second Round Table Conference
- Wellington succeeded Lord Irwin in Delhi in April 1931. Sir Samuel Hoare, a leading conservative became Secretary of State for India.
- The Congress had suspended the Civil Disobedience Movement but reiterated Poorna Swaraj as its ultimate political goal.
Participants in Second Round Table Conference
| Party/Ideology | Representative |
| Congress | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Muslim | Mohammed Iqbal |
| Depressed | BR Ambedkar |
| Liberals | TB Sapru |
| Capitalist | GD Birla |
| Others | Sarojini NaiduMM MalaviyaAli Imam |
- The Second Session put forth recommendations concerning the composition of the Indian federation, the structure of the federal judiciary, the mode of accession of states to the federation, and the distribution of financial resources.
- The conference reached a consensus that immediate establishment of responsible government at both the Centre and in the provinces, inclusive of complete control over finance, the army, defense, and external relations, would be implemented.
Harijan Sevak Sangh
- Established in the aftermath of Gandhiji’s historic fast at Yervada Jail, Pune, which led to the enactment of the Poona Pact.
- During the Second Round Table Conference in London in 1931, Gandhiji opposed the segregation of the Depressed Classes (untouchables) of the Hindu community into a separate electoral group. He accused the British Government of attempting to create a division in the Hindu community through a policy of divide and rule.
- On September 30, 1932, Gandhi founded the All India Anti-Untouchability League to eradicate untouchability in society, later renamed as Harijan Sevak Sangh.
- Ghanshyam Das Birla, a prominent industrialist, served as its founding President, and Amritlal Takkar was its Secretary.
- The Harijan Sevak Sangh played a role in helping the depressed classes gain access to public places such as temples, schools, roads, and water resources. It also facilitated inter-dining and inter-caste marriages.
- In 1939, the Tamil Nadu branch of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, led by A. Vaidyanatha Iyer, entered the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai with members of the depressed class, despite opposition from upper-caste Hindus.
Third Round Table Conference
- Convened on November 17, 1932, the Third Round Table Conference was boycotted by the Congress. Prominent members included T.B. Sapru and B.R. Ambedkar.
- Based on discussions from the three sessions, the British Government drafted its proposals for the reform of the Indian
- Constitution, which were encapsulated in the White Paper published in March 1933.
| The White Paper underwent scrutiny and approval by a Joint Committee of the British Parliament in October 1934. Subsequently, a bill based on the committee’s report was introduced and passed in the British Parliament as the Government of India Act, 1935. |
Civil Disobedience Movement (Second Phase)
- The Second Round Table Conference held in September 1931 failed to satisfy the Congress or offer anything substantial for the country. Disheartened and disillusioned, Gandhi returned to India. Lord Wellington, who succeeded Lord Irwin as the Viceroy, flouted many provisions of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
- On January 4, 1932, a fresh batch of Congress leaders, including Gandhiji and Sardar Patel, were arrested. Gandhi was detained in Yervada Prison (Pune) during the Civil Disobedience Movement and at Aga Khan Place (Pune) during the Quit India Movement. The announcement of the Communal Award on August 16, 1932, by Ramsay MacDonald (British PM), led to a decline in the strength and pace of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Against the backdrop of the Communal Award and Gandhi’s fast unto death, the momentum of the Civil Disobedience Movement waned. Following the Poona Pact, Gandhi shifted his focus to the anti-untouchability struggle, resulting in the establishment of Harijan Sevak Sangh.
- In its place, Mahatma Gandhi initiated Individual Civil Disobedience on August 1, 1933. However, the Civil Disobedience Movement persisted until early April 1934 when Gandhiji decided to formally withdraw.
Impacts of Civil Disobedience Movements
- The Congress secured victories in most provinces in the 1937 polls.
- Left parties emerged as a political alternative.
- Some Congress activists formed a socialist group, with leaders emerging such as Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose.
Role of Women in the Civil Disobedience Movement
- Mahatma Gandhi, during the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), urged women to step out of their household seclusion and actively participate in the political movement against British rule in India. Consequently, a large number of women left their homes to actively engage in the movement. During the Dandi March, thousands of women came out to hear Gandhi’s speeches, participated in protest marches, manufactured salt, and picketed foreign cloth and liquor shops.
- Sarojini Naidu, a prominent leader, joined Gandhiji in the Dandi March, where he raised a fistful of salt on April 6. Another activist, Mithuben Petit, also violated the Salt Law at Bhimrad on April 9.
- Jawaharlal Nehru highlighted in “The Discovery of India,” stating, “Women of the upper or middle classes, leading sheltered lives in their homes, peasant women, working-class women, rich women, poor women, poured out in their tens of thousands in defiance of government order and police lathi.”
Congress Socialist Party and the National Movement
- After the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1934, a faction of Congress leaders opted to enter the legislature to work for the Congress cause within the government.
- Mahatma Gandhi supported this action, and the Congressmen, known as Constitutionalists, founded the Congress Socialist Party in Patna (Bihar) on May 17, 1934.
- Acharya Narendra Deva chaired the party, with Jayaprakash Narayan as its Secretary.
- A Draft Committee was also established for the party’s functioning, including members such as Prof Abdul Bari, Purshottam Tricumdas, Minoo Masani, Sampurnanand, CC Banerji, Faridul Haq Ansari, Ram Manohar Lohia, Prof Abdul Aleem, and NG Ranga.
- The Congress Socialist Party aimed to liberate India from external and internal enemies, acting under the Indian National Congress’s aegis.
- Its primary objective was to uproot British imperialism and empower the working class, farmers, and the depressed classes in society.
Visions of the Congress Socialist Party included the following major aims:
The abolition of class divisions and the establishment of an egalitarian society.
- Transfer of all power to the masses.
- Development of the economy to be controlled by the state, including the socialization of key industries such as railways, steel, cotton, and jute.
- Formation and organization of cooperative societies for the production, distribution, and financing of the unorganized sector.
- Abolition of titles, as well as the removal of princes, landlords, and others, with the redistribution of land among the peasants.
People’s Struggle in the Princely States:
- During British rule in India, numerous princely states existed, covering two-fifths of the total Indian territories. As the national movement developed in British India, it also influenced the people of these states.
| Many local organizations emerged during the Non-Cooperation Movement, and in 1927, the All-India States People’s Conference was formed to coordinate political activities in these states. |
- Popular struggles were launched in princely states such as Hyderabad, Jaipur, Rajkot, Kashmir, Baroda, Mysore, Kathiawar, Jamnagar, Indore, Nawanagar, and Travancore.
- Earlier, the Congress hesitated to endorse these movements. However, after 1937, the Congress began supporting these popular movements within the states and opposed their suppression by the rulers of these regimes.
- In 1938, the Congress incorporated these states into its vision of an independent and democratic India.
- By 1942, the people of these princely states were integrated into the movement launched by the Congress. Henceforth, the Congress made no distinction between British India and these states.
Communal Award and Poona Pact:
- On 16th August 1932, Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announced the proposal on minority representation, known as the Communal Award, in the British Parliament. The award reserved seats in the Provincial Legislature (Lower House only). According to this award, Muslims, Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans, and Sikh voters would elect their candidates through separate communal electorates.
| The award also declared the depressed classes (officially described as scheduled castes) to be a minority community entitled to separate electorates, thus separating them from the rest of the Hindus. They also had the right to vote in the remaining general constituencies. |
- MacDonald promised to accept any alternative scheme mutually agreed upon by the Hindus and the depressed classes.
- Gandhiji strongly reacted to the proposal, writing to the British Prime Minister on 18th August 1932. He began a fast unto death on 20th September 1932 to enforce his demand, and this day was observed as a day of fasting and prayer.
- Temples, wells, etc., were opened to the depressed classes nationwide. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya convened a conference of various castes and political parties, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, to resolve the issue.
- On the sixth day of Gandhiji’s fast on 25th September 1932, an agreement was reached in Poona, famously known as the Poona Pact.
The Poona Pact between Gandhiji and B.R. Ambedkar was concluded with the following terms:
- The principle of Joint and Common Electorate was accepted for all Hindus.
- 48 seats in various Provincial legislatures were reserved for the depressed classes, replacing the 71 seats stipulated in the Communal Award.
- 18% of the seats in the Central Legislature were reserved for the depressed classes.
- Adequate representation would be provided to the depressed classes in the civil services.
Election of 1937 and Congress Ministries
- The Congress’s decision to participate in the 1937 election was made during the Lucknow Session in April 1936, with Jawaharlal Nehru presiding.
- In his presidential address, Nehru endorsed socialism and included three socialists—Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra Deva, and Achyut Patwardhan—in the Congress Working Committee.
- The session adopted significant resolutions, asserting that people in princely states should have the same right to self-determination as those in the rest of India. However, it emphasized that the struggle for liberty within princely states should be led by their own people. Provincial units were tasked with conducting agrarian inquiries.
All India Kisan Sabha
- The Lucknow Session was also noteworthy for hosting the First Meeting of the All India Kisan Sabha, with Swami Sahajanand Saraswati as the President.
- During the Faizpur Session in December 1936, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress vehemently condemned fascism. Resolutions were passed denouncing Italian aggression in Abyssinia and Japanese aggression in China. The session also witnessed the Congress’s call for the formation of a Constituent Assembly.
Elections
- The Provincial Legislature elections took place in January-February 1937, resulting in the Congress securing 715 out of 836 seats. It achieved a clear majority in five provinces: Madras, United Provinces, Central Provinces, Bihar, and Orissa.
- In NWFP, Assam, and Bombay, the Congress emerged as the single largest party. However, in Bengal, Punjab, and Sind, the Congress did not secure a majority.
- The Congress performed less favorably in the elections for upper houses, where the franchise was limited to the upper strata. Consequently, Interim Ministries were formed by various leaders, such as Nawab Chhatari of the National Agriculture Party in the United Provinces and Sir Dhunjishah in Bombay.
- By July 1937, the Congress had established ministries in the United Provinces, Central Provinces, Orissa, Bihar, Madras, and Bombay. Subsequently, Assam and NWFP also came under Congress rule. In Punjab, a Coalition Government was formed by the Unionist party and the Muslim League.
Ministries Formed in Different Provinces
| Provinces | Ministries |
| Bombay | BG Kher |
| United Provinces | Govind Vallabh Pant |
| Madras | C Rajagopalachari |
| Orissa | Hari Krishna Mahtab |
| Central Province | Dr NV Khare |
| Bihar | Sri Krishna Sinha |
| North-West Frontier Province | Dr Khan Saheb |
| Bengal | Fazlul Huq of Krishak Praja Party, later Muslim League (HS Suhrawardy) till August 1947 |
| Sind | Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah and Allah Bakhsh |
| Assam | Bardoli, supported by Congress |
| Punjab | Sikandar Hayat Khan of Unionist Party (Remained in power till March, 1947) |
Congress Ministries in Office
- During its tenure, the Congress held power in eight provinces for a span of 28 months. Throughout this period, earnest efforts were made to enhance the well-being of the Indian populace. In all the provinces under Congress rule, initiatives were undertaken to shield peasants from moneylenders and enhance irrigation facilities.
- In the United Provinces and Bihar, Tenancy Bills were successfully passed. The Congress-led government in Bombay established a Textile Enquiry Committee in 1937, which recommended wage increases and introduced health and insurance coverage for workers. Additionally, the Bombay Ministry enacted an Industrial Disputes Act in November 1938, based on arbitration principles, to mitigate strikes and lockouts.
- Emphasizing civil liberties, the Congress ministries released all political prisoners and initiated constructive programs. Other noteworthy achievements included a reduction in ministerial salaries, the declaration of Fundamental Rights, welfare schemes for tribals, implementation of jail reforms, and the conduct of commercial and economic surveys for the upliftment of village industries.
| The Congress ministries also actively participated in the Planning Committee appointed in 1938 by Congress President Subhash Chandra Bose, contributing to planning and development efforts. |
Resignation of Congress Ministries
- In September 1939, the outbreak of the Second World War led Britain to declare India’s support for the war effort without consulting Indians. The Congress, responding with moderation and consideration, recognized the war’s anti-fascist objectives.
- At the Wardha Congress Working Committee meeting in September 1939, Mahatma Gandhi advocated unconditional support for British war efforts.
- Other leaders, including Subhas Chandra Bose, sought to capitalize on Britain’s vulnerability and initiate a mass movement. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) decided against supporting Britain’s war efforts and demanded clarity on the government’s war objectives.
- Lord Linlithgow’s statement outlined the war’s aim to halt aggression and assured consultations with all concerned parties to amend the Government of India Act, 1935. A consultative committee was promptly established, with an underlying agenda of utilizing the Muslim League and Princes of states against Congress.
- On the same day war was declared, the Defence of India Ordinance was enforced, curtailing civil liberties. In May 1940, a top-secret Draft Revolutionary Movement Ordinance was prepared, intending to launch a crippling pre-emptive strike on Congress.
- Dissatisfied with this response, Congress decided not to support the war, leading to the resignation of Congress Ministries from the provinces at a CWC meeting in October 1939.
Revolutionary Activities in the Second Phase
- The abrupt withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement raised questions about nationalist strategies and their emphasis on non-violence. New communist groups emerged, inspired by Marxism, socialism, and the proletariat, influenced by the Russian Revolution (1917) and the success of the Young Soviet State.
- Journals like Atmashakti, Sarathi, and Bijoli, along with works like Bandi Jeewan by Sachin Sanyal and Pather Dabi by Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, played a significant role in promoting self-sacrifice and revolutionary ideals.
Hindustan Republic Association (HRA)
- Founded in October 1924 in Kanpur, the Hindustan Republic Association (HRA) operated in Punjab, United Provinces, and Bihar. Ramprasad Bismil, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, and Sachin Sanyal were its founding members. The primary objectives included organizing armed rebellion to overthrow the colonial government and establish the Federal Republic of the United States of India. Later, it was renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republic Association (HSRA).
| In 1925, members of HRA executed a daring railway cash looting at Kakori, Lucknow. Subsequently, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah, Roshan Singh, and Rajendra Lahiri were hanged for their involvement in this case. |
Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)
- Formed under the leadership of Chandrashekhar Azad, the HSRA included participants like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Bhagwati Charan Vohra, Bejoy Kumar Sinha, and others. The group decided to operate under collective leadership and officially adopted socialism as its goal.
- In September 1928, revolutionaries from Northern India convened at Ferozshah Kotla Ground in Delhi, changing the name of the organization to Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and formally embracing socialism as its official goal.
- Unlike early revolutionaries who believed in individual heroic action, the HSRA favored the idea of mass-based armed struggle. However, following the death of Lala Lajpat Rai during a demonstration against the Simon Commission, the revolutionaries decided to avenge the incident.
| On December 17, 1928, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and Rajguru assassinated James A. Scott, also known as Saunders, a police official involved in a brutal lathi charge, in Lahore. |
- In April 1929, a bomb was thrown in the Central Legislative Assembly at New Delhi by Bhagat Singh and BK Dutt.
- In December 1929, there was an attempt to blow up the special train in which the Viceroy Lord Irwin was traveling to Delhi.
- Bhagat Singh and BK Dutt, who had been arrested for the bomb incident in the Central Assembly, were prosecuted. They were also figured in the Lahore conspiracy
- One of the conspiracy case prisoners, Jatin Das died on 13th September 1929, on the sixty-fourth day of the fast.
- He was fasting against the harsh conditions of political prisoners in jail.
- Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed on 23rd March 1931.
India Republican Army (IRA)
- Chittagong Bengal Armoury was done by the Indian Republican Army in April 1930. It was led by Surya Sen.
- It was also known as the Chittagong Armoury raid (Chittagong Uprising). The plan was to occupy two main armories in Chittagong to seize and supply revolutionaries to arms.
- The raid was successful and Sen hoisted the National Flag and proclaimed a provisional revolutionary government. But later, they got arrested.
- The raiders were members of the revolutionary Indian Republican Army, which advocated for armed uprisings to free India from British colonial rule. They were inspired by the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland.
Prelims Facts
- The provincial governments were constituted under the – 1935 (BPSC (Pre) 2011]
- Who said about the Act of 1935, ‘a car which has break but no engine’? – Jawaharial Nehru [BPSC (Pre) 2020]
- Under the Government of India Act 1935, each of the provincial legislature consisted of two chambers except – Punjab [Odisha PSC (Pre) 2016)
- The tenure of Congress Ministries formed in the elections of 1937 after the Act of 1935 was – 28 months [UPPSC (Pre) 2013}
- Who was entrusted with finance portfolio in the ministry formed in United Province after the election of 1937? – Rafi Ahmad Kidwai [UPPSC (Pre) 2012)
- In which Working Committee did the Congress adopt the policy of abolishing land ownership? – Working Committee, 1937 [BPSC (Pre) 1994)
- ‘Haripura’ where annual session of Indian National Congress was held under the Presidentship of Subhash Chandra Bose in 1938 is situated in the state of – Gujarat [UPPSC (Pre) 2000)
- Who was elected the President of Indian National Congress in 1938? – Subhash Chandra Bose [BPSC (Pre) 1996, IAS (Pre) 2017]
- Netaji SC Bose became the President of Indian National Congress by defeating which leader – P Sitaramayya [CGPSC (Pre) 2013]
- Which party was founded by Subhash Chandra Bose in the year 1939 after he broke away from the Congress? – Forward Bloc (APSC (Pre) 2016, UPPSC (Pre) 2016]
- Who was the Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World War? – Winston Churchill IBPSC (Pre) 1992
- In the ‘Individual Satyagraha’ Vinoba Bhave was chosen as the first Satyagrahi. Who was the second? – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru |IAS (Pre) 2009]
- Acharya Vinoba Bhave was arrested for the first time for taking part in – Civil Disobedience Movement [UPPSC (Pre) 2003]
- Who was selected as the first Satyagrahi in Individual Satyagraha Movement by Gandhiji? – Vinoba Bhave [UKPSC (Mains) 2006]
- Which report was the baseline of the Government of India Act, 1935? – Simon Commission Report [UPPSC (Pre) 2010]
- Who made the following statement? Avenge the blood of Indian martyrs, use your swords to liberate your motherland, stand up against the entire Anglo-American enemy. – Subhash Chandra Bose [CGPSC (Pre) 2020]
UPSC NCERT Practice Questions
1. In which of the following sessions of Muslim League, MA Jinnah put forth his Fourteen Points proposal? UPPSC (Mains) 2015
(а) 1927
(b) 1928
(c) 1929
(d) 1930
2. Who of the following organised a march on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April in 1930? IAS (Pre) 2015
(a) VO Chidambaram Pillai
(b) C Rajagopalachari
(c) K Kamaraj
(d) Annie Besant
3. Match the following and select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
| A. Surat Session | 1. 1929 |
| B. Communal Award | 2. 1928 |
| C. All Party Conference | 3. 1932 |
| D. Purna Swaraj | 4. 1907 |
| 5. 1905 |
Codes
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 3 2 5 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 2 5 4 1 (d) 1 4 2 3
4. Fill in the blanks. The Nehru Report was drafted by a committee headed by …..and the subject was…… BPSC (Pre) 2015
(a) Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru-India’s relationship with the British Empire.
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru, Local Self-Government in India.
(c) Motilal Nehru, constitutional arrangements in India.
(d) Jawaharlal Nehru, constitutional arrangements in India.
5. With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru Report? Punjab PSC (Pre) 2011
1. Complete Independence for India.
2. Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities.
3. Provision of Fundamental Rights for the people of India in the Constitution.
Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
6. Who amongst the following was responsible for the formation of the Independence of India League in 1928?
1. Jawaharial Nehru
2. Subhash Chandra Bose
3. Achana Narendra Deva
4. Jaya Prakash Narayan
Select the correct answer by using the codes given below
(b) 2. 3 and 4
(a) 1. 2 and 3
(d) 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 2
7. The objective of the Butler Committee of 1927, was to IAS (Pre) 2017
(a) define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Government.
(b) define the powers of the Secretary of India.
(c) impose Censorship on National Press.
(d) improve the relationship between the Government of India and Indian states.
8. The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because of the IAS (Pre) 2014
(a) attainment of Self-Government was declared as the objective of the Congress.
(b) attainment of Purna Swaraj was adopted as the goal of the Congress.
(C) Non-Cooperation Movement was launched.
(d) decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken.
9. During the Indian freedom struggle, the Khudai Khidmatgars, also known as Red Shirt called for IAS (Pre) 2002
(a) the Union of Pakhtun tribal areas in North-West with the Afghanistan.
(b) the adoption of terrorist tactics and methods for terrorising and finally ousting the colonial rulers.
(c) the adoption of communist revolutionist ideology for political and social reform.
(d) the Pathan Regional Nationalist Unity and a struggle against colonialism.
10. Which of the following with regards to the Civil Disobedience Movement is/are correct?
1. The movement received massive response from business groups and peasantry.
2. The movement coincided with large scale labour upsurge in Maharashtra.
3. The movement was marked by the mass participation of lawyers and students.
Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
11. With reference to Simon Commission’s recommendations, which one of the following statements is correct? IAS (Pre) 2010
(a) It recommended the replacement of dyarchy with responsible government in the provinces.
(b) It proposed the setting up of Inter-Provincial Council under the Home Department.
(c) It suggested the abolition of Bicameral Legislature at the Centre.
(d) It recommended the creation of Indian Police service with a provision for increased pay and allowances for British recruits as compared to Indian recruits.
12. Which of the following movements drew women out from the seclusion of home? UPPSC (Pre) 2012
1. Swadeshi Movement
2. Home Rule Movement
3. Non-Cooperation Movement
4. Civil Disobedience Movement
Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (e) 3 and 4 (d) All of these
13. Consider the following events connected with India’s struggle for independence.
1. Gandhi-Irwin Pact
2. Karacht Session of Indian National Congress (1931).
3. Execution of Bhagat Singh
4. Poona Pact
Select the correct sequence of the events by using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 2, 1, 3, 4 (c) 4, 3, 2, 1 (d) 1, 3, 2, 4
14. Which of the following statements are true about the Simon Commission?
1. It was appointed to enquire into the working of the 1919 Act.
2. It was headed by Sir John Simon.
3. It recommended a Federal form of government.
4. It was opposed by the Indian leaders.
Codes
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) All of these
15. With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements. IAS (Pre) 2015
1. It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes.
2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship of the proletariat.
3. It advocated separate electorate for minorities an oppressed classes.
Which of the statements) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 3
(c) All of these
(d) None of these
Know Right Answer
1. (c)
2. (b)
3. (b)
4. (c)
5. (b)
6. (с)
7. (d)
8. (b)
9. (d)
10. (d)
11. (a)
12. (d)
13. (d)
14. (d)
15. (d)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What were the key features of the Non-Cooperation Movement during Phase III of the Indian National Movement?
Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement marked Phase III of the Indian National Movement. It was launched in 1920 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Key features included mass participation, nonviolent protests, withdrawal of support to British institutions, and the promotion of swadeshi goods. The movement aimed to attain swaraj and addressed issues like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Khilafat Movement.
FAQ 2: How did the Simon Commission contribute to the intensification of the Indian National Movement during Phase III?
Answer: The Simon Commission, formed in 1927 without any Indian representation, sparked widespread protests during Phase III. Indians resented the exclusion and demanded its reconstitution. This event highlighted the lack of Indian involvement in decision-making and fueled nationalist sentiments, leading to increased unity among Indians against British rule.
FAQ 3: What role did the Civil Disobedience Movement play in Phase III of the Indian National Movement?
Answer: The Civil Disobedience Movement, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, marked Phase III. It involved nonviolent resistance and non-cooperation with unjust laws. The iconic Salt March, where Gandhi and followers marched to the Arabian Sea to make salt, became a symbol of defiance. The movement aimed to protest against salt taxes and promote self-reliance.
FAQ 4: How did the Government of India Act, 1935, impact the Indian National Movement during Phase III?
Answer: The Government of India Act, 1935, introduced provincial autonomy but retained central control. Phase III witnessed elections under this act, leading to the formation of provincial governments. However, the act failed to meet nationalist aspirations, intensifying demands for complete independence. The Act laid the groundwork for the future political structure of India.
FAQ 5: What was the Quit India Movement, and how did it contribute to the culmination of Phase III of the Indian National Movement?
Answer: The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, was a mass protest against British rule. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, it demanded an immediate end to British colonialism. Despite a swift crackdown by the British, the movement marked a significant shift in the Indian National Movement, pushing for complete independence. It paved the way for post-World War II developments that eventually led to India’s freedom in 1947.
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