The National Movement and Independence: Class 8 Study Guide
India's freedom came after many years of petitions, protests and non-violent resistance.
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885, and at first it asked for reforms by petition. The partition of Bengal in 1905 led to the Swadeshi movement, which urged people to use Indian goods. Many different groups, communities, men and women, workers and farmers took part over the years.
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and led movements based on satyagraha (truth and non-violence).
Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1885 | Indian National Congress founded |
| 1919 | Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, on 13 April |
| 1920–22 | Non-Cooperation Movement |
| 1930 | Salt March from Sabarmati to Dandi, followed by Civil Disobedience |
| 1942 | Quit India Movement, started on 8 August |
| 1947 | Independence on 15 August; the country was also partitioned |
Many paths
Leaders and movements used different methods. Gandhi's non-violent marches and boycotts drew millions. Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Indian National Army abroad. Revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh believed in more radical action. Women such as Sarojini Naidu and Kasturba Gandhi took part, as did students and farmers.
Early Congress.
Use Indian goods.
Gandhi's leadership.
15 August 1947.
Independence and its cost
India became free on 15 August 1947. The same day brought the partition of the country into India and Pakistan, which caused great suffering as millions moved and many lost their lives. India's Constitution was adopted in 1949 and came into force in 1950. We remember both the freedom and its cost.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: In which year was the Quit India Movement? 1942. Example: What was the Salt March? A march to Dandi to make salt in defiance of the salt law, in 1930. Common mistakes: saying that independence came through only one person or one movement, and mixing up 1947 (independence) with 1950 (Republic).
Check your understanding: model answers
1. 1930. 2. For example Subhas Chandra Bose or Sarojini Naidu. 3. Holding on to truth, with non-violence.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Congress was founded in 1885.
- Gandhi led non-violent movements.
- The Salt March was in 1930 and Quit India in 1942.
- Independence came on 15 August 1947.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- In which year was the Salt March?
- Name one leader other than Gandhi.
- What does satyagraha mean?