Indian National Movement - Indian Independence Movement 1857 to 1947

The Indian National Movement, also known as the Indian Independence Movement or the Indian Freedom Struggle, was a series of historic campaigns through which Indians fought to end British colonial rule. Spanning from the Revolt of 1857 to India’s independence in 1947, this movement went through several phases, involved diverse leaders and organizations like Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, and used a variety of protest methods—from non-violent resistance to armed struggle. Key events such as the Swadeshi Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement shaped its course. Fueled by growing nationalism, political awareness, economic grievances, and global inspiration, the movement ultimately led to the freedom of India on August 15, 1947.

The List of National Movement in India is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Indian freedom struggle section in Modern History subject in the mains General Studies Paper-1 syllabus. It is also important for the general studies paper -1 of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus.

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In this article, we shall discuss the national movement of India in detail. The article covers each of the Indian freedom movements in brief as required for the UPSC exam. 

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What is Indian National Movement?

The Indian National Movement was a historic struggle that aimed to end British colonial rule in India. Beginning with the Revolt of 1857, it evolved into a nationwide movement that continued until India gained independence in 1947. This marked a key phase in the timeline of Indian freedom struggle from 1857 to 1947.

Driven by rising nationalism in India, the freedom struggle of India saw mass participation through movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India. The Indian independence movement united people across regions, eventually leading to the freedom of India on August 15, 1947.

Overview of Indian National Movements

• The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885. It played an important role in supporting people and leading the struggle. 
• Many other organizations also played a critical role in the movement. This includes the:
  • Muslim League, 
  • All India Trade Union Congress, and 
  • All India Kisan Sabha.
• The freedom struggle was not without its challenges. Some of the challenges include:
  • the Partition of Bengal in 1905, 
  • the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, and 
  • The British government's suppression of the Quit India Movement in 1942. 

Read the article on the Causes of Indian National Movement!

• The movement began with the Revolt of 1857 and ended with India’s independence in 1947.
• It involved diverse participants, including leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, and organizations like the Indian National Congress and Muslim League.
• Protest methods ranged from non-violent resistance (like Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience) to armed struggle.
• Major events included the Swadeshi Movement, Home Rule Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement.
• The British response—such as the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre—further intensified the demand for freedom.

Factors that Contributed to the Indian National Movement

• Nationalist feelings grew due to oppressive British policies and the growing desire for self-rule.
• Formation of political bodies like the Indian National Congress helped in mobilizing public opinion and organizing protests.
• Economic exploitation, high taxes, and drain of wealth created deep resentment among Indians.
• Social inequalities under colonial rule also played a role in uniting people against the British.
• The movement was influenced by global events, such as other anti-colonial struggles and the success of revolutions abroad.

Read the article on the History of India and Indian National Movement!

British dominance reached its pinnacle in the nineteenth century. The "Revolt of 1857" or the "Mutiny of 1857" was a revolt by peasants and unemployed soldiers in response to the dissatisfaction and discontent of the local authorities. From here, the list of national movement in India was triggered and led to major Indian freedom movements.

The Indian independence movements from 1857 to 1947 are documented below. 

List of Indian Independence Movements (1857 to 1947)
Year	Event
1857	Revolt of 1857; Sepoy Mutiny
1885	Foundation of Indian National Congress
1905	Swadeshi Movement
1906	Muslim League Founded
1914	Gadar Party Movement
1916–1918	Home Rule Movement
1917	Champaran Satyagraha
1917	Kheda Satyagraha
1918	Ahmedabad Mill Strike
1919	Rowlatt Satyagraha
1920	Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement
1930	Civil Disobedience Movement
1940	Individual Satyagraha
1942	Quit India Movement

Each of the freedom movement of India in the above list of national movements in India has been explained in brief below:

Revolt of 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny)

The Revolt of 1857, also known as India's First War of Independence or the first freedom movement in India, took place on May 10, 1857. It occurred in various locations, including Meerut, Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow. 

Causes

• Introduction of ‘Enfield’s rifle and rumor spread that its cartridge was greased with pig & cow fat. 
• Introduction of land revenue policies by the British East India Company.
• Inefficient and Ineffective administration of the British East India Company
• Introduction of Doctrine of Lapse by Lord Dalhousie
• Introduction of the Religious Disabilities Act to modify Hindu customs

Impact

• End of Dualism, company and crown rule
• Appointment of British officials in civil and military administration.
• Reduction in Indian troops and increase in British troops.
• Pursuance of Divide and Rule policy
• The passing of the Indian Civil Service Act of 1861

Key Personalities

• Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope, Rani Laxmi Bai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and Mangal Pandey, Man Singh, and Kunwar Singh.

Outcome

• The 1857 revolt failed because of the lack of participation of the local masses and no central leadership.
• Many Indian rulers, such as Maharaja of Kashmir and Holkar of Indore Sindhia of Gwalior, did not join the 1857 revolt.

Partition of Bengal 

The Partition of Bengal was a political act of the British Indian government in 1905. It divided the province of Bengal into two parts:

• a Muslim-majority Eastern Bengal and Assam, and 
• a Hindu-majority Bengal, with its capital at Calcutta. 

Date/Year

• Announced on 20 July 1905 and carried out on 16 October 1905

Causes

• Britishers Divide and Rule Policy
• To segregate Indians on religious grounds.
• Rise of Nationalism in India

Impact

• Boycott of British products
• Start of nationalism 

Outcome

• Radical nationalism was triggered due to the partition of Bengal.

Swadeshi Movement

The Swadeshi Movement was a socio-political movement that began in India in the early 20th century in Kolkata.

Date/Year

• August 7, 1905

Causes

• Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon
• Lack of political power with Indians

Impact

• Self-reliance or Atma Shakti asserting pride, honor, and confidence in one's country. 
• People learned how to oppose and disobey the British government.

Key Personalities

• Dadabhai Naoroji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Ganesh Vyankatesh Joshi, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Mahadev Govind Ranade,

Outcome

• Revival of the Indian Cottage Industry
• Establishments of Swadeshi textile mills and soap factories.
• Rise of nationalism

All India Muslim League 

All India Muslim League was founded by Agha Khan on 30th December 1906 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

• Objective: To represent Indian Muslims and convey their distinct identity to the British government.
• Causes: To protect Muslims' political rights, express such rights to the government, and stop Muslims from developing intolerance toward other communities in India.
• Impact: It established the presumption that because Hindus and Muslims belong to separate cultures, they cannot coexist in the same nation.
• Key Personalities: Khwaja Salimullah, Syed Amir Ali, Syed Nabiullah, and Mustafa Chowdhury.

Surat Split

The Surat Split was a significant event in the history of the Indian National Congress. It occurred in 1907 during INC's 22nd session in Surat, Gujarat. 

• Causes: Controversies between Moderates and Extremists
• Impact: Minto-Morley Reform of 1909
• Key Personalities: Moderates and Extremists
• Outcome: The Surat Split gave the Indian National Congress a boost because it gave the British administration a chance to distinguish between moderates and extremists.

Minto-Morley Reforms or Indian Councils Act

The Minto-Morley Reforms was also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909. It was a significant constitutional reform in British India. It introduced limited elected representation for Indians in the legislative councils of the British Indian government.

• Objective: To increase Indian participation in the Central and Provincial Administration.
• Key Personalities: John Morley, Secretary, and Viceroy Lord Minto
• Outcome: Introduction of the system of communal representation for Muslims and the idea of a separate electorate was introduced.

Ghadar Party Movement

The Ghadar Party was a political and revolutionary movement founded in 1913 by Indian expatriates in North America. The party was formed to overthrow British colonial rule in India.

• Date/Year: 15 July 1913
• Objective: To free India of revolutionary activities through their newspaper "Ghadar," which they propagandized against the British and their allies.
• Key Personalities: Lala Har Dayal, Pandit Kanshi Ram Maroli, Mohammed Barkatullah, Bhagwan Singh, Taraknath Das, Bhai Parmanand, Harnam Singh ‘Tundilat’.

Komagata Maru Incident 

In April 1914, a group of British Indians sought to immigrate to Canada on the Japanese ship "Komagata Maru." Most of them were turned away and compelled to return to Calcutta, India. 

• Date/Year: April 4, 1914
• Location: Calcutta
• Impact: After a two-month standoff in the waters just outside Vancouver, the ship was eventually towed back out to sea by the Canadian Navy. After the ship reached India, 19 passengers were shot dead as they exited, and others were detained.
• Outcome: The incident angered the populace and served as a venue for attacks against British citizens.

Read more on the Komagata Maru Incident!

Home Rule Movement

The Home Rule Movement was political and social. It emerged in India during the early 20th century. It aimed to demand self-rule and self-governance for India within the British Empire. 

• Date/Year: 1916-1918
• Founders: Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Location: Madras
• Objective: To build confidence among Indians to speak against the government's suppression.
• Outcome: Unification of Moderates and Extremists; Annie Besant was elected President in the Calcutta Session in 1917

Champaran Satyagraha

The Champaran Satyagraha was a civil disobedience movement. It was led by Mahatma Gandhi in the Champaran district of Bihar, India, in 1917. 

• Objective: First satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi. 
• Causes: Under British rule, farmers were compelled to grow indigo on their property.
• Key Personalities: Mahatma Gandhi 
• Outcome: Champaran Agrarian Act 1918 was signed by the Governor General of India 

Kheda Satyagraha

The Kheda Satyagraha was a nonviolent civil disobedience movement. It was led by Mahatma Gandhi in the Kheda district of Gujarat, India, in 1918. 

• Causes: Farmers protested against the collection of taxes in the wake of the famine
• Key Personalities: Mahatma Gandhi
• Outcome: The British suspended the tax for two years ( current and next year).

Rowlatt Act

The Imperial Legislative Council passed the Rowlatt Act to counter the militant nationalist upsurge. It was also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act.

• Date/Year: 1919
• Objective: To allow the British Government to Jail any suspected terrorist activities without trial.
• Founder: Rowlatt Committee, Sir Sydney Rowlatt.
• Outcome: Due to protests and following the Jalliawala Bagh Massacre, it was repealed in 1922.

Jalliawala Bagh Massacre 

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar Massacre, was tragic on April 13, 1919. It occurred in the Jallianwala Bagh public garden in Amritsar, Punjab, India. 

• Causes: To protest against Rowlatt Act
• Key Personalities: British General Reginald Dyer, who ordered shot fire.
• Outcome: This massacre led to unrest in India

Study Rowlatt Act And Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) with this link!

Non-Cooperation Movement

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant civil disobedience movement. It was launched by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 to achieve India's independence from British colonial rule. 

Objective

• To oppose British rule and get complete independence in India.

Causes

• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Resulted in Punjab Disturbance
• Dissatisfaction with Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
• Economic hardships due to World War I

Key Personalities

• Mahatma Gandhi, Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, M.N. Roy, Debi Basanti

Outcome

• The goal of Purma Swaraj was not achieved. However, along with the establishment of numerous Indian institutions and universities, the nation's unity was enhanced.

Moplah Rebellion

The Moplah Rebellion was also known as the Malabar Rebellion. It was an armed uprising by Muslim peasants and tenant farmers against the British colonial authorities and Hindu landlords. It occurred in the Malabar region of Kerala, India, in 1921.

Causes

• Suppression of poor peasants by Muslims

Impact

• The uprising launched a counter-campaign against the "fanaticism" of Muslims in other regions of the nation.
• In Malabar, the revolt also inspired educated Muslim groups to join the fighting to save their community.
• The post-rebellion Muslim reform movement in Malabar received its impetus from the Moplah Rebellion.

Key Personalities

• Variyamkunnath Kunhamed Haji 

Bardoli Satyagraha

The Bardoli Satyagraha was a nonviolent civil disobedience movement led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It occurred in the Bardoli taluka of Gujarat, India, in 1928. 

• Causes: The British government forced the farmers of Bardoli to pay higher and unfair taxes.
• Key Personalities: Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
• Outcome: The land seized from the peasants was given back to them. The revenue decreased by 6.03 percent.

Simon Commission

The Simon Commission was a British parliamentary commission. It was sent to India in 1927 to review and recommend changes to the Indian constitutional system. Sir John Simon headed the commission. It was composed entirely of British members and had no Indian representation. 

• Objective: To assess the effectiveness of the Government of India Act 1919 and determine the country's political future
• Impact: Young people from a new generation started participating in politics. They took part in the demonstration in the most vigorous fashion.
• Key Personality: Sir John Simon, Clement Attlee
• Outcome: India opposed it because the commission had no Indian representatives.

Civil Disobedience Movement

The Civil Disobedience Movement was a nonviolent campaign of civil disobedience and non-cooperation. It was launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress in 1930. 

• Location: Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
• Objective: To protest about tax against the British salt monopoly 
• Key Personalities: Mahatma Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, C Rajagopalachari 
• Outcome: It became a mass satyagraha and created awareness among people.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact is also known as the Delhi Pact. It was an agreement signed between Mahatma Gandhi, representing the Indian National Congress, and Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India, in 1931. 

Objective

• To revoke all laws and prosecutions.
• To allow the free gathering or production of salt
• To release all political prisoners
• To restore the satyagraha's confiscated property.

Key Personalities

• Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin 

Government of India Act, 1935

The Government of India Act 1935 was a significant constitutional reform passed by the British Parliament to govern British India. 

• Objective: An Act to make provisions related to the Government of India.
• Enacted by: Parliament of the United Kingdom
• Territorial Extent: Territories under direct British control 

August Offer

The August Offer was a proposal made by the British government in August 1940 during World War II. The offer was made in response to growing demands for Indian independence. 

What is August's Offer?

Viceroy Linlithgow presented the "August Offer" in 1940. He made the following pledges: 

• to include more Indians on the Executive Council of the Viceroy of India, 
• to establish an advising war council, 
• to give full weight to the minority opinion, and 
• to recognize Indians' freedom to create their constitution.

Outcome

• In a conference held at Wardha on August 21, 1940, the Congress Government rejected the August Offer. 
• Due to the British only guaranteeing the country's Dominion Status and not full sovereignty, the proposal was rejected.

Quit India Movement 

The Quit India Movement was a mass civil disobedience movement. It was launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress in 1942, demanding an end to British colonial rule in India. 

• Location: UP, Bihar, Midnapore, Karnataka, Maharashtra
• Objective: To end British rule in India
• Key Personalities: Mahatma Gandhi
• Outcome: INC was declared an unauthorized organization and mass participation of people in a positive way.

Cripps Mission

The Cripps Mission was a delegation sent by the British government to India in 1942. Sir Stafford Cripps led it. It was sent to negotiate a constitutional framework for India's post-independence political future. 

• Objective: To ensure complete Indian cooperation and assistance for their World War II efforts.
• Outcome: The British and the INC viewed the Cripps measures as too conservative and radical, respectively. The Muslim League, the INC, and other Indian organizations rejected the Mission.

Wavell Plan and Shimla Conference

The Wavell Plan and Shimla Conference were two related events in 1945. These occurred as part of the British government's efforts to negotiate a solution to the Indian independence question. 

• Objective: Wavell Plan was introduced to resolve the deadlock in India, and Shimla Conference was a meeting held to discuss Wavell Plan.
• Founder: Lord Wavell, Viceroy of India
• Outcome: Disagreement over the question of Muslim participation caused the failure of Wavell's plan at the Shimla Conference.

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Cabinet Mission Plan

The Cabinet Mission Plan was a proposal made by a British delegation in 1946. It was led by Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander. It aimed to resolve the deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League over India's independence. 

Founder

• Clement Attlee, then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Objective

• To ascertain how India can peacefully assume independence.

Key Personalities

• Stafford Cripps, President of the Board of Trade
• Pethick Lawrence, Secretary of State for India
• A.V. Alexander, the first Lord of Admiralty

Partition of India 1947

The Partition of India in 1947 divided British India into two separate countries, India and Pakistan, based on religious lines. 

• Objective: Lord Mountbatten set the partition date as 15 August 1947.
• Outcome: British India was divided into two independent Dominions, India and Pakistan.

Events	Year
Sarvodaya Movement	1948
Bhoodan Movement	1951
Egypt Non Aligned Movement	1955
Non Aligned Movement	1961
Silent Valley Movement	1973
Appiko Movement	1983
Gorkhaland Movement	1986
Autonomy Movement	2005
Mee Too Movement	2006

UPSC Previous Year Questions on Indian National Movement

2024

1. What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.
2. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?

2023

1. What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?
2. How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?

2022

1. Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better-equipped armies of the then Indian rulers? Give reasons.
2. Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons.

2021

1. To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.
2. Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement.

2020

1. Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long-term implications for the national movement.
2. Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.

2019

1. Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s 'Indian Renaissance' and the emergence of national identity.
2. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate.
3. Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s.

2018

1. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times.
2. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

2017

1. Why did the 'Moderates' fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?
2. Highlight the importance of new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian independence since the twenties of the last century.
3. The women's questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th-century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women in that period?

2016

1. Explain how the uprising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India.
2. Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle, especially during the Gandhian phase.
3. Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

2015

1. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss.
2. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate.

2014

1. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India?
2. What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India?

2013

1. Defying the barriers of age, gender, and religion, Indian women became the torch-bearers during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss.
2. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.
3. Critically discuss the objectives of the Bhoodan and Gramdan Movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.