Indian Freedom Struggle: The First Phase

Growth of National Consciousness

The late 19th century witnessed the rise of national consciousness among Indians, driven by various factors:

1. Western Education:
   • Exposure to Western political ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy through English education.
   • Awareness of the economic exploitation and social injustices under British rule.
2. Economic Exploitation:
   • Discontent with British economic policies that led to widespread poverty and unemployment.
   • Awareness of the "drain of wealth" theory proposed by Indian intellectuals like Dadabhai Naoroji.
3. Social and Religious Reform Movements:
   • Reform movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and Aligarh Movement fostered a sense of pride in Indian culture and heritage.
   • Encouraged unity among Indians across different regions and communities.
4. Political Awareness:
   • Formation of political associations and clubs that provided a platform for debate and discussion on national issues.
   • Growing realization of the need for collective action to challenge British rule.

Formation of Associations

Several political associations were formed in the second half of the 19th century, laying the groundwork for organized nationalist activity:

1. Indian National Association (1876):
   • Founded by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose in Calcutta.
   • Aimed at creating a common political platform for educated Indians.
2. Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870):
   • Established by Mahadev Govind Ranade and others in Poona.
   • Focused on public welfare and political awareness.
3. Madras Mahajan Sabha (1884):
   • Founded by M. Veeraraghavachariar, B. Subramania Aiyar, and P. Anandacharlu.
   • Aimed at promoting political dialogue and public welfare in the Madras Presidency.
4. Bombay Presidency Association (1885):
   • Founded by Pherozeshah Mehta, K.T. Telang, and Badruddin Tyabji.
   • Advocated for political reforms and greater Indian participation in governance.

Establishment of the Indian National Congress and Its Moderate Phase

1. Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885):
   • Founded by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, along with Indian leaders.
   • First session held in Bombay in December 1885, attended by 72 delegates.
2. Moderate Phase (1885-1905):
   • Early Congress leaders, known as Moderates, adopted a cautious approach, seeking gradual reforms through petitions and dialogue.
   • Key leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Surendranath Banerjee.
   • Demands included greater Indian representation in legislative councils, civil service reforms, and reduction of military expenditure.

Economic Nationalism

Economic nationalism emerged as a key component of the nationalist movement:

1. Critique of British Economic Policies:
   • Moderates criticized the exploitative economic policies of the British that led to poverty and economic stagnation in India.
   • Advocated for the protection and promotion of Indian industries and agriculture.
2. Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908):
   • Triggered by the partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon.
   • Called for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of Indian-made products.
   • Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (the Lal-Bal-Pal trio) emerged as prominent figures.

Growth of “Extremism” and the 1907 Split in Congress

1. Rise of Extremists:
   • Dissatisfaction with the Moderates' methods led to the rise of Extremists who advocated for more radical approaches, including self-reliance, passive resistance, and direct action.
   • Leaders included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
2. 1907 Surat Split:
   • At the Surat session of the Congress in 1907, differences between the Moderates and Extremists led to a split.
   • The Extremists, led by Tilak, were expelled from the Congress.

The Act of 1909 – The Policy of Divide and Rule

1. Morley-Minto Reforms (1909):
   • Officially known as the Indian Councils Act 1909.
   • Introduced separate electorates for Muslims, enabling them to elect their representatives.
   • Aimed at dividing the nationalist movement by fostering communal divisions.
2. Impact:
   • Worsened Hindu-Muslim relations and laid the groundwork for future communal tensions.
   • Provided limited reforms that fell short of nationalist aspirations.

Congress-League Pact of 1916

1. Lucknow Pact (1916):
   • Agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League.
   • Jointly demanded greater self-governance and political reforms from the British.
   • Marked a temporary alliance between Hindus and Muslims in the struggle for independence.
2. Significance:
   • Demonstrated the potential for Hindu-Muslim unity in the nationalist movement.
   • Strengthened the demand for self-rule and laid the foundation for future constitutional reforms.