1. British Colonial Rule: India came under British rule during the 18th and 19th centuries. The British East India Company played a significant role in establishing British control over India.
2. Indian Independence Movement: The Indian independence movement, also known as the freedom movement, was a nationalist movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It sought to end British colonial rule and establish an independent India. The movement was led by prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Bhagat Singh.
3. Non-Violent Resistance and Civil Disobedience: The Indian independence movement employed non-violent resistance and civil disobedience as its primary means of achieving independence. Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha (truth force) emphasized peaceful protest and civil disobedience to challenge unjust laws and policies.
4. Major Milestones:
- The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed in 1885 and played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion and organizing the independence movement.
- The Partition of Bengal in 1905 led to widespread protests and strengthened the nationalist movement.
- The Rowlatt Act of 1919 sparked the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Gandhi.
- The Salt Satyagraha of 1930 was another significant civil disobedience movement against the British salt tax.
- The Quit India Movement in 1942 demanded complete independence from British rule.
5. Independence and Partition:
- In 1947, after negotiations between the British government and Indian leaders, the Indian Independence Act was passed.
- On August 15, 1947, India gained independence, but it also experienced the Partition of the country along religious lines into two dominions: India and Pakistan.
- Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of independent India.
It is important to note that India's independence was a complex process influenced by numerous factors, including the contributions of various individuals, organizations, and events throughout its history.
