The Indian freedom struggle emerges as a long and continuous battle fought by Indians to achieve freedom from englishmens. It involves multiple movements with various strategies such as non-violent mindset, armed rebellions & political negotiations.
The Indian freedom struggle emphasizes on multiple reforms like
- Constitutionalism
- Harmonious relations with englishmens
- Emphasize on education & social reforms
- Protesting along petitions
The key movements of India impacted multiple countries such as Africa, Myanmar & indonesia. The key movements include Non-Cooperation movement, Civil disobedience movement, Salt march & Quit India movement etc.
Early pioneers of freedom movement
The first voice of Dissent against the Colonial rule was fully growed till early 19th century this was followed by the Indian Maharajas like Tipu Sultan, Marathas & Ranjit singh. Along with an army of such brave Kings there were some intellectuals too such as Raja rammohan roy and Jyotiba Phule.
Raja Rammohan Roy and Jyotiba Phule were the two of India’s most influential social reforms whose visionary efforts played a crucial role in shaping modern India. Roy who was also known as “The Father Of Modern India” laid the foundation of Brahmo samaj & Fought against social evils like SATI. which was later banned in 1829.
While Jyotibha Phule dedicated his life to eradicate Caste & Gender Discrimination from Indian society. He established the first school for girls in 1848, also he was the founder of SATYASHODHAK SAMAJ created to challenge brahmanical oppression and promote equality.
The INC also called as Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by A.O.Hume that acts as a uniting factor for diverse communities and reforms incorporating movements like khilafat and peasants. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Subhash Chandra Bose were in favour of direct action regardless of Gandhi’s mass movements like Quit India and non-cooperation. Subhash Chandra Bose breaking from Gandhi’s methods leads the Indian National Army to militarily challenge the englishmens during World War II.
Revolutionary Freedom Fighters
India’s independence has often been regarded as an example of “Peaceful” revolution. However the portrayal of Gandhi’s image as non-violent struggle covering the multiple layers of resistance that coexisted.
Within the British armed forces too, there were many small revolts before the great revolt of 1957. Which led to the crown of white mens assuming direct control over India from the East India Company.
The beginning of India’s freedom struggle was neither uniform nor continuous; the national movements after the swadeshi movement in the 20th century were steered by diverse objectives, progressing at different speeds & yielding varying outcomes. The key movements in achieving india’s independence were:
- The Swadeshi movement (1905-1911)
- The Khilafat/Non-cooperation movement (1919-1922)
- The Civil Disobedience movement (1930)
- The Quit India movement (1942)
- The Naval Mutiny (1946)
Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad were the key leaders of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), breaking the ice of revolutionary actions like the assassination of John Saunders (1928) and the Central Legislative Assembly Bombing (1929).
Singh’s socialist and atheist ideology sets him aside from non-violent leaders. While Azad was committed to armed resistance kept HSRA alive until its death. Organisations like HSRA and Anushilan Samiti played a very important role in India’s freedom struggle by using Bommbings, Assassinations and Underground networks to challenge British rule.
Non-violent struggles and Gandhian Era
Mahatma Gandhi’s viewpoint of Non-violent (Ahimsa) was rooted in truth (Satyagraha). Advocating injustice through peaceful means, influenced by Jainism and Hinduism. He believed that moral force was stronger than physical force, along with his principles that emphasized Self-discipline, Forgiveness and Non-Retaliation.
He applied non-violence in South Africa before leading India’s independence movement. His key movement includes the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Rule, Quit India Movement, which relied on peaceful protests, boycotts and non-violent resistance against britishers.
Sardar Patel was a key leader in India’s freedom struggle, notably leading the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) against British taxation. Post-independence, he integrated over 560 princely states through diplomatic regimes and strategic force, earning the title “Iron Man of India” for securing national unity.
Jawaharlal Nehru, a central freedom fighter and India’s first Prime Minister, triumphed over democracy, secularism, and industrialization. While Nehru chased democratic socialism, Bose advised authoritarian socialism, and Patel fostered strong governance and national consolidation, forming India’s post-independence direction.
Role Of Women In Freedom Struggle
Role of women is very crucial in India’s independence movement, leading protests, mobilizing masses & engaging in armed resistance. Figures like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Aruna Asaf Ali inspired thousands through movements like Civil Disobedience & Quit India.
Their involvement was very important in key movements and revolutionary activities within the INA”s Rani of Jhansi Regiment. Womens also propelled The Swadeshi movement, Boycotting British goods & promoting indigenous industries.
British repression, includes Mass Arrests and restrictive laws. Failed to deter women’s participation. Despite social barriers, Gender Discrimination, Brutal British Suppression, Women led marches, Organized Strikes and took up arms in revolutionary groups like The Anushilan Samiti and The INA.
Their fearless participation redefined Gender roles post independence, paving the way for women’s dominance in politics and social reform. Leaders like Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit emerged as advocates for education, women rights & equality in newly independent India.
Contributions of Unsung Heroes
Several Tribal leaders played Instrumental roles in resisting British Colonial rule, Among them Birsa Munda led the Munda Rebellion (1899-1900) In Jharkhand, mobilizing his community against forced labour and land alienation.
Alluri Sitarama Raju spearheaded the Rampa Rebellion from (1922-1924) In Andhra Pradesh, advocating for tribal rights and challenging British authority. Additionally Tantya bill, referred to as the “Robin Hood of India” led a sustained guerrilla resistance against British economic exploitation and unjust policies.
On the other hand Veer Savarkar, an unsung hero from Maharashtra played an important role in India’s independence struggle through revolutionary activities, nationalist writings and social reforms. He founded the Abhinav Bharat Society, mobilizing revolutionaries at India House in London.
Veer Savarkar was a strong advocate for abolishing untouchables, Savarkar contribution remained under-appreciated yet his sacrifices and ideology profoundly shaped India’s fight for freedom and national unity.
Conclusion
India’s freedom struggle was a dynamic movement shaped by diverse ideologies and sacrifices. Gandhi’s non-violent resistance mobilized the masses, revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose adopted militant strategies. Movements like Swadeshi, Civil disobedience and Quit India played a very important role in dismantling British rule.
India’s struggle not only secured independence but also inspired global anti-colonial movements. the sacrifices of countless heroes led the foundation for democracy and social justice, ensuring their legacy continues to guide future generations.
