Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2nd, 1869 (which is observed as Gandhi Jayanthi) in Gujarat. His political mentor was Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Gandhi toured the entire country after returning from Africa and studied the political situation of the country on advice of his mentor.

Gandhi was a leading figure of Indian freedom struggle and his contributions earned him the fame ‘Father of the Nation’. He was known for his non violence protest. He advocated many peaceful protests and demonstrations during the freedom struggle.

Download Rise of Gandhi in Indian Freedom Struggle – Modern History NCERT Notes PDF 

Rise of Gandhi in Indian Freedom Struggle – Major Movements

Some of the important movements started by Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian freedom struggle are as follows:

Champaran Satyagraha – 1917

• This was the first civil disobedience movement started by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Rajkumar Shukla, an indigo cultivator approached Gandhi and conveyed him the problems faced by the farmers because of the Indigo planters.
• The peasants were forced to cultivate indigo on 3/20 part of their land by the European planters.
• The farmers were levied high taxes and were forced to sell the produce at price fixed by the planters.
• Gandhi along with other leaders gave voice against the European indigo planters.
• He was ordered by the Europeans to leave. But he refused and stood against them.
• Finally the government retreated and appointed a committee in which Gandhi was a member, to enquire into the matter.
• With his recommendations, the tinkathia system was abolished and 25% of money taken from peasants were compensated.

Also, Check: NCERT notes on Revolutionary Movements in India

Ahmedabad Mill Strike – 1918

• The cotton mill owners of Ahmedabad and the workers were involved in a dispute due to discontinuation of plague bonus.
• The owners decided to withdraw the bonus whereas the workers demanded a 50% hike in their wages.
• The strike worsened with owners deciding on to hire weavers from Bombay.
• Anusuya Sarabhai, a social worker approached Gandhi to resolve the issue.
• Gandhi advised the workers to continue with the strike non violently and demand a 35% hike.
• When there was no progress, Gandhi himself went into a hunger strike.
• Finally a tribunal was set up to sort the issue and thus a 35% wage hike was given to the workers.

Kheda Satyagraha – 1918

• It was the first non-cooperation movement led by Gandhi.
• In 1918, there was a crop failure in the Kheda district of Gujarat.
• As per the Revenue code, farmers were entitled to remission in such cases. But they were forced to pay the Taxes.
• Under the guidance of Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel along with a few Gandhians led the movement against the government.
• The movement was known for the unity and the discipline that was maintained during the struggle.
• Finally the government suspended the tax for that year and returned all the confiscated property.

Check out NCERT notes on Bal Gangadhar Tilak here.

Satyagraha Against the Rowlatt Act – 1919

• The Rowlatt act was introduced in March 1919 by the British government.
• It had the following provisions.
  1. political activists to be imprisoned without trial
  2. Arrest of Indians without warrant on mere suspicion of treason.
  3. Acceptance of evidence which is not acceptable under the Indian evidence act and so on.
• Indians expected advancement in Self rule as a reward for their contribution to British war efforts. Introduction of this repressive act agitated the people against British.
• An all India level mass protest was launched by Gandhi on April 6, 1919 against the Rowlatt act.
• Satyagraha was introduced to masses by Gandhi and it assumed a national character.
• It was the first mass strike and the biggest upsurge against the British since 1857.

Check NCERT Notes on Government of India Act 1919 here

Khilafat Movement – 1919

• It was a movement started by Ali brothers against the unjust of British towards Turkey and to restore the Turkey ruler to his position.
• The position of congress was unstable and weak. So Gandhi in 1919 approached the Muslims, and had All India Muslim confernce.
• Under the guidance of Gandhi, a non violent non cooperation movement was launched.
• With the success of this movement he became the national leader and held a strong position in Congress.

Also read: Non Cooperation movement for UPSC here

Civil Disobedience Movement – 1930

• It was a non violent, civil disobedience movement led by Mahatma Gandhi against the British salt monopoly.
• This movement was started by Gandhi on March 12, 1930. Along with his followers he marched from Sabarmati ashram to Dandi.
• On april 6, 1930 the salt law was broken by making the salt.
• This movement is also known as Dandi March or Salt satyagraha.
• This movement gained nationwide attention and played a significant role by giving stimulus to Indian independence movement. This led to a civil disobedience movement throughout the country.

You might also like: NCERT notes on Indias Struggle for Independence Nana Saheb

Quit India Movement – 1942

• The Quit India movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942 demanding the end of British rule in India.
• Do or die slogan of Gandhi became famous and inspired the masses.
• Almost every member of the Indian National congress was arrested and imprisoned without warrant.
• However, by the end of the second world war British government agreed to grant independence and transfer the power.

Thus, these movements constitute the rise of Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian freedom struggle and his contribution for the independence of India.

You might also like: NCERT notes on Subhas Chandra Bose

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