Here I am going to provide you CBSE Class 10 History Notes Chapter 2 - Nationalism in India. You can also Download PDF of these notes. The chapter "Nationalism in India" explores how the idea of nationalism evolved during British rule. It highlights key movements like the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, the role of various social groups, and how collective identity emerged through symbols, struggles, and mass participation in the freedom movement. By going through Nationalism in India Class 10 Notes you will acquire a better command on this chapter. So, use these notes and do your best!!
The First World War and Its Impact on India
The First World War began in 1914 and lasted until 1918, primarily fought between the Allied Powers (including Britain, France, Russia) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire). Though geographically distant from the battlefield, India was deeply affected as it was under British colonial rule and was made a participant without consent.
India’s Involvement in the War:
- India sent over 1.3 million soldiers to fight overseas on behalf of the British.
- The war expenses were largely borne by Indian taxes, while the benefits were reaped by the British.
Economic and Social Consequences:
1. Increased Defense Expenditure and War Loans:
- Britain spent massive amounts on the war and made India contribute by:
- Imposing extra taxes
- Taking large loans from Indian banks and businesses
- New taxes like custom duties and income tax were introduced.
2. Price Rise and Economic Distress:
- From 1913 to 1918, prices of daily essentials doubled.
- Inflation made survival harder, especially for the poor and rural population.
3. Forced Recruitment:
- Rural people were forced into the army against their will, especially in Punjab and other North Indian states.
- Families were separated and emotionally shattered.
4. Crop Failure and Famine:
- Simultaneously, India faced crop failures in 1918–19 and 1920–21.
- Shortages of food led to famine-like situations in many villages.
5. Influenza Epidemic of 1918:
- A global flu pandemic hit India with terrifying results.
- It is estimated that over 12 to 13 million Indians died due to the influenza virus.
- Funeral grounds were overfilled, and bodies had to be burned in mass pyres.
Important Insight:
Instead of receiving gratitude or self-rule, Indians were only burdened further, which led to increasing anger and resentment towards colonial rule.
The Khilafat Issue and Its Political Importance
What is the Khilafat?
- The Caliph (Khalifa) was the supreme religious and political leader of the global Islamic community.
- The Ottoman Empire, ruled by the Turkish Sultan, was seen as the seat of the Caliphate.
What Happened After the War?
- Britain defeated the Ottoman Empire.
- The Sultan of Turkey was stripped of his powers.
- This insulted Muslims worldwide, including in India, who wanted the Caliphate to be protected.
The Birth of the Khilafat Movement in India
- Indian Muslims felt deep disappointment over the treatment of the Ottoman Caliph.
- Leaders like Shaukat Ali, Mohammad Ali, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad started the Khilafat Movement in 1919.
- The All India Khilafat Committee was formed to pressurize the British government.
Gandhiji’s Strategic Support
- Gandhiji saw the Khilafat issue as a golden opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims.
- He believed that if both communities joined hands, mass mobilization against British rule could become possible.
Note: Gandhiji’s support of a religious issue showed his brilliance in converting religious grievances into national political movements.
The Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)
What Led to the Call for Non-Cooperation?
Several key events turned Gandhiji’s belief away from British goodwill:
- Rowlatt Act (1919):
- Allowed British to imprison anyone without trial.
- Crushed civil liberties, sparking protests.
- Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919):
- General Dyer opened fire on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar.
- Over 1000 people were killed, and many more injured.
- Shattered Indian faith in British justice.
- Failure of Reforms:
- The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) gave minimal powers to Indians.
- British response to Indian aspirations was disappointing and deceptive.
Gandhiji’s Call for Non-Cooperation:
In his famous book Hind Swaraj (1909), Gandhiji explained:
“British rule is not established in India by force, but by the cooperation of Indians. If Indians refuse to cooperate, British rule will collapse like a house of cards.”
What is Non-Cooperation?
- A peaceful withdrawal of cooperation from the British administration at every level.
- Objective: To paralyze the British government and prepare the ground for self-rule (Swaraj).
Key Features of the Movement:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Surrender of Titles | Titles like ‘Sir’, ‘Rai Bahadur’ given by British were returned. |
| Boycott of Institutions | People left British schools, colleges, courts, and legislative councils. |
| Boycott of Goods | Foreign clothes, especially Manchester cotton, were burned. |
| Promotion of Swadeshi | Handspun khadi and homemade products were encouraged. |
| Social Reforms | Gandhiji also wanted to abolish untouchability and promote Hindu-Muslim unity. |
Khadi: The Symbol of Self-Reliance
- Gandhiji promoted spinning on the charkha (spinning wheel) as a form of protest.
- Wearing khadi became a symbol of patriotism and resistance.
Differing Strands within the Movement
Unity in Diversity: The Complex Fabric of the Non-Cooperation Movement
While the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) appeared as a united national protest against British colonial rule, a closer look reveals that the movement was not monolithic. Different social groups—each with their own hopes, fears, and struggles—joined in with diverse aims and expressions of protest. This section explores how peasants, tribal people, students, lawyers, and workers all became part of the movement, but in ways that reflected their unique socio-economic realities.
1. The Peasant Movement in Awadh – Led by Baba Ramchandra
In the rich yet oppressed countryside of Awadh (modern-day Uttar Pradesh), peasants had their own reasons for joining the Non-Cooperation Movement. Their anger was not just against the colonial rulers, but also against their landlords (taluqdars) who controlled vast estates and extracted high rents.
- Key Figure: Baba Ramchandra, a sanyasi turned peasant leader, led a grassroots movement.
- Demands of the Peasants:
- Reduction of high land revenue and excessive rent.
- Abolition of begar (forced unpaid labour).
- Secure rights over the land they tilled.
These peasants joined Gandhiji’s call, but interpreted ‘Swaraj’ not just as political freedom, but as a promise of economic justice and land redistribution.
Insight:
To the farmers of Awadh, Swaraj meant freedom from the landlord's whip, not just the Viceroy's rule. Their dream was a land where the plough, not the British pen, held power.
2. The Role of Students and Teachers – Schools as Sites of Revolution
Thousands of students across the country left British-run institutions in protest, inspired by the call for non-cooperation. They embraced nationalist schools and colleges, which became spaces of ideological education.
- Impacts:
- Formation of national educational institutions like Kashi Vidyapeeth and Gujarat Vidyapith.
- Shift from colonial education to values rooted in Indian culture, freedom, and self-reliance.
This movement among the youth sowed seeds for a new intellectual revolution. Teachers who resigned from their jobs in solidarity with the movement became torchbearers of Indian nationalism.
Insight:
These students didn’t just boycott textbooks—they rewrote the story of India’s future with ink drawn from sacrifice.
3. The Lawyers’ Response – Withdrawing from the Courts
Influential lawyers like Motilal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, and Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das gave up their legal practices as part of the Non-Cooperation campaign.
- Their action sent a powerful message: Even the pillars of colonial institutions were crumbling from within.
- However, not all lawyers agreed. Some felt that the legal system was a platform where Indians could fight colonial laws.
This reveals the ideological differences within the elite about how best to resist British rule—through confrontation or constitutional reform.
4. The Tribal Rebellions – Forests of Rebellion in Andhra
In Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh, the tribal communities took the idea of Swaraj into their own hands. Led by Alluri Sitaram Raju, a charismatic figure inspired by both Gandhi and Indian epics, the tribals revolted violently against British forest laws.
- Reasons for Discontent:
- The British restricted their traditional rights over forests.
- Tribals were prevented from collecting wood or grazing cattle, which affected their survival.
Although inspired by Gandhiji’s ideals, Alluri Sitaram Raju believed in armed struggle. He declared he was an incarnation of God, performed miracles, and motivated his followers to take up arms against British officials.
Insight:
For the tribals, Swaraj meant the freedom to breathe in their own forests, not submit to foreign rules in their sacred lands.
5. Workers in Urban Areas – Factory Floors Turn into Battlegrounds
Industrial workers in cities such as Bombay (now Mumbai) also participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, though their involvement was often sporadic and driven by economic grievances.
- They protested against:
- Poor wages and long working hours.
- Harsh working conditions and lack of rights.
However, Gandhiji was hesitant to directly mobilize industrial workers, fearing that class struggle might overshadow the national struggle.
6. Railways, Telegraph, and Symbols of Colonial Power
In some places, anger against the British took a more radical turn:
- Protesters damaged railway lines, telegraph wires, and symbols of colonial rule.
- While Gandhiji insisted on non-violence, many local protests turned violent.
These acts reflected the raw anger of the masses, who had suffered oppression for too long and found in Swaraj a spark of rebellion.
Towards Civil Disobedience
The Growing Restlessness: Why Non-Cooperation Was Not Enough
By the end of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1922), it was clear that while the masses had awakened to the idea of freedom, Swaraj was still a distant dream. Though the movement had shaken the colonial foundation, it hadn’t yet broken the shackles. So the question arose — what next?
India was brimming with unfulfilled hopes. The masses — from peasants to industrial workers — had started dreaming of complete independence. Gandhiji and Congress now had to reshape their strategy. They were moving towards a more direct, impactful, and daring movement — one that didn’t just say “no cooperation”, but openly disobeyed unjust laws.
Thus, the country inched towards Civil Disobedience — the next big milestone in India’s freedom struggle.
1. Simon Commission: A Triggering Spark
“You talk of reforms, but send a commission without a single Indian?”
In 1928, the British sent a Simon Commission to India to recommend constitutional reforms. However, the commission had no Indian member, which outraged the people. Indians were being asked to accept reforms, but without a voice in deciding them.
Everywhere the Commission went, it was met with black flags and slogans:
“Simon Go Back!”
Even moderate leaders who once supported constitutional methods were angry. This event reignited nationalist fire.
2. Lala Lajpat Rai's Death: A Martyrdom That Moved Millions
During a protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai, a respected nationalist, was brutally lathi-charged by police and later succumbed to his injuries.
His death became a national tragedy, further intensifying the hatred towards colonial injustice. It also radicalised a segment of the youth, including Bhagat Singh, who sought to avenge his death.
3. The Nehru Report vs. Dominion Status
In response to the Simon Commission, Indian leaders drafted the Nehru Report (1928), demanding:
- Dominion status for India (semi-independence within the British Empire).
- Fundamental rights.
- Responsible government at the centre.
But by the end of 1929, Congress leaders, especially Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, felt that dominion status wasn’t enough. They now wanted Purna Swaraj — Complete Independence.
4. Historic Lahore Session, December 1929
Held on the banks of the River Ravi, the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress was a turning point:
- Jawaharlal Nehru was elected President.
- The Congress formally declared its goal:
Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence).
26th January 1930 was celebrated across India as “Independence Day” with the national flag hoisted proudly in homes, schools, and public places.
This moment laid the ideological foundation for the Indian Republic — and is why 26 January was later chosen as the date for India’s Republic Day in 1950.
5. Gandhiji’s Dilemma: The Wait Before the Storm
After the declaration of Purna Swaraj, the nation was ready to act. But Gandhiji waited.
Instead of rushing into another movement, he decided to give the British government one last chance. He wrote a letter to Viceroy Lord Irwin, listing 11 demands.
These demands were wide-ranging and reflected the everyday concerns of common Indians, such as:
- Abolition of salt tax.
- Reduction of land revenue.
- Cut in military expenses.
- Better wages for industrial workers.
- Total prohibition (ban on liquor).
Among all, Gandhiji strategically highlighted the Salt Tax as the most unjust — because it hurt the poorest the most.
6. Why Salt? The Symbolism of a Grain
Salt was something used by every Indian, rich or poor. But the British had monopolized its production and imposed a tax.
Gandhiji’s genius was in choosing salt as the spark for civil disobedience:
- It was simple.
- It affected everyone.
- It exposed the cruelty of colonial economic control.
The salt tax was not just about a mineral — it was about dignity, survival, and justice.
7. The Letter Ignored – Path to Civil Disobedience
When Lord Irwin ignored Gandhiji’s letter and refused to meet the demands, the path was clear. The British were not ready to change. Now, it was time for massive, non-violent defiance.
Gandhiji declared that the Civil Disobedience Movement would begin. It would not just boycott British goods or institutions — it would break British laws openly and peacefully.
Why Civil Disobedience Movement Failed to Achieve Its Immediate Goals
1. Repression by the British Government
“The rulers didn’t just listen; they punished.”
- The British responded with harsh repression.
- Over 100,000 people were arrested, including Gandhi, Nehru, and other key leaders.
- Peaceful demonstrations were lathi-charged and fired upon.
- Congress was declared illegal and its offices were sealed.
- This brutal suppression crushed the momentum in many areas.
2. Limited Impact in Princely States
“Freedom could only knock at the doors directly ruled by the British.”
- The movement saw great enthusiasm in British-ruled provinces, but not so much in Princely States.
- The local rulers in these states were not directly under British control and resisted popular movements.
- People in those regions remained disconnected from the civil disobedience spirit.
3. Lack of Unified Participation
“One cause, many paths — not always in sync.”
Though the movement aimed to be national, participation was uneven:
- Muslims were not as enthusiastic due to the declining trust between Congress and the Muslim League.
- Dalits, especially under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, focused more on social rights than political Swaraj.
- Industrial workers stayed aloof as Congress didn’t fully support their economic demands.
- Many tribal communities didn’t relate to the salt or tax issues — their problems were more about forest laws and land.
This fragmented participation weakened the overall pressure on the colonial regime.
4. Gandhi-Irwin Pact Disappointment
“The truce that failed the troops.”
- In 1931, Gandhi signed a pact with Viceroy Irwin, leading to the suspension of the movement.
- Though Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference, many leaders felt betrayed.
- The pact didn’t achieve anything significant — political prisoners remained jailed, and the British didn’t agree to grant dominion status.
This created confusion, disillusionment, and a loss of morale among activists.
5. Second Round Table Conference: A Letdown
“All talk, no progress.”
- Gandhi represented the Congress at the Second Round Table Conference in London (1931).
- The British focused more on minority issues than on Indian independence.
- Gandhi came back empty-handed, and people felt their sacrifices were wasted.
6. Internal Challenges & Fatigue
“Movements need momentum — and people got tired.”
- Continuous boycotts, jail terms, and economic losses led to movement fatigue.
- Many rural peasants couldn’t sustain long-term participation due to livelihood pressures.
- Without quick victories, hope started to fade.
7. Divide Between Moderates and Radicals
“Not everyone was on the same page.”
- Some within Congress preferred gradual reforms, while others wanted immediate and complete independence.
- This ideological split made decision-making difficult.
- It also confused the masses, affecting the coordination and momentum of the movement.
The Sense of Collective Belonging
What does “Collective Belonging” mean?
Imagine a vast land with different religions, cultures, languages, food, and clothing – yet the people living in it feel like they are part of one big family. That emotional thread binding millions of people together under the feeling of one nation is what we call a sense of collective belonging.
This feeling doesn’t come from just geography — it’s built through shared history, cultural symbols, songs, folklore, struggles, and even stories of common suffering.
How Did This Feeling Grow in India?
The rise of nationalism in India wasn’t just about opposing the British — it was also about creating a united identity where Indians began to see themselves as one people. Let’s explore how:
1. Symbols Became Silent Leaders
Bharat Mata: The Mother Figure of the Nation
- The idea of the nation as a mother was powerful. Just like we respect our mothers, people started seeing India as a goddess to be loved and protected.
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay created the iconic image of Bharat Mata in the 1870s and composed the song “Vande Mataram” — which became a national prayer for freedom fighters.
- Later, Abanindranath Tagore’s painting of Bharat Mata dressed in saffron robes, with a trishul and a book, symbolized both power and knowledge.
- This imagery helped Indians emotionally connect with their motherland, inspiring them to fight for her.
2. Folk Songs and Folklore: The Voice of the People
- Nationalists went from village to village collecting folk tales, songs, and legends to revive India’s glorious past.
- These stories reminded people of their shared history and cultural richness long before British rule.
- Leaders like Rabindranath Tagore and others preserved these folk traditions to reignite pride in Indian culture and promote unity.
“Every tale told in a village courtyard was a whisper of India’s soul.”
3. Icons, Myths, and Historical Tales
- Figures like Shivaji, Rani Lakshmi Bai, and Tipu Sultan were celebrated in books, plays, and paintings as heroes who fought against injustice.
- Such stories gave people role models who symbolized bravery, sacrifice, and resistance.
- These heroes helped build a common heritage of struggle, across caste and language boundaries.
4. Rewriting History: Claiming a Glorious Past
- The British tried to portray India as a backward and uncivilized society.
- But Indian historians began writing about India’s achievements in art, science, trade, and philosophy to challenge the colonial narrative.
- This helped restore Indian pride and created a shared historical identity that people could rally around.
5. The Challenge of Diversity: A Double-Edged Sword
- While efforts were made to build unity, not everyone felt equally included:
- Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and other communities had different interpretations of nationhood.
- Sometimes, the overuse of Hindu symbols (like Bharat Mata or Vande Mataram) made Muslim communities feel excluded, as the symbols felt religious instead of national.
- This is why unity had to be carefully nurtured, so that no group felt left behind.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1915 | Mahatma Gandhi returns to India from South Africa and begins his leadership in Indian politics. |
| 1916 | Gandhi organizes a Satyagraha in Champaran, Bihar, to support indigo farmers. |
| 1917 | Kheda Satyagraha in Gujarat to support peasants unable to pay taxes due to crop failure. |
| 1918 | Ahmedabad Mill Strike led by Gandhi for better wages of textile workers. |
| 1919 | Rowlatt Act passed – allowed imprisonment without trial. Gandhi launches nationwide Hartal against the Rowlatt Act. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar (April 13) – brutal killing by General Dyer. Nationwide anger and protest spread against British rule. |
| 1920 | Khilafat Movement started by Ali brothers to protect the Caliph of Turkey. Gandhi merges Khilafat and Swaraj movements. Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement at the Nagpur session of the Congress. |
| 1921–22 | Non-Cooperation spreads across cities and villages: protests, boycotts, strikes. Involvement of students, teachers, lawyers, and common people in boycotting British institutions. |
| Feb 1922 | Chauri Chaura incident: violent clash leads to burning of police station. Gandhi withdraws the Non-Cooperation Movement due to violence. |
| 1928 | Simon Commission arrives in India, boycotted with slogans “Simon Go Back!” |
| 1929 | At Lahore Session of Congress, Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) declared. |
| Jan 26, 1930 | First Independence Day celebrated by hoisting flags and taking pledge of freedom. |
| March 12, 1930 | Gandhi begins the Dandi March – 240 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi. |
| April 6, 1930 | Gandhi breaks the Salt Law by making salt from seawater – begins Civil Disobedience Movement. |
| 1930–31 | Mass participation in Civil Disobedience: boycotts, salt protests, no tax campaigns. |
| 1931 | Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed – Gandhi agrees to attend Second Round Table Conference in London. Conference fails, Gandhi returns disappointed. |
| 1932 | Civil Disobedience resumed but soon suppressed. |
| 1935 | Government of India Act 1935 introduced, offering provincial autonomy. |
| 1939 | Britain drags India into World War II without consulting Indian leaders. |
| 1940 | Muslim League demands a separate nation – the idea of Pakistan introduced. |
| 1942 | Launch of the Quit India Movement by Gandhi – “Do or Die”. |
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Nationalism | A feeling of unity and pride among people who share a common culture, history, and desire for self-rule. |
| Satyagraha | A non-violent method of protest introduced by Mahatma Gandhi based on truth and moral force. |
| Rowlatt Act (1919) | A law that allowed the British to arrest and detain Indians without trial, seen as unjust and oppressive. |
| Jallianwala Bagh Massacre | The brutal killing of hundreds of unarmed Indians by General Dyer in Amritsar on 13 April 1919. |
| Khilafat Movement | A protest by Indian Muslims to protect the position of the Caliph in Turkey after World War I. |
| Non-Cooperation Movement | A mass movement led by Gandhi urging Indians to boycott British institutions and goods. |
| Civil Disobedience Movement | A campaign to refuse obedience to unjust British laws, starting with the Salt March in 1930. |
| Salt March/Dandi March | Gandhi's 240-mile march to the Arabian Sea to make salt illegally, defying British salt laws. |
| Simon Commission (1928) | A British committee sent to India without any Indian members, leading to countrywide protests. |
| Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) | A resolution passed by Congress in 1929 demanding full independence from British rule. |
| Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) | An agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and the British Viceroy to end the Civil Disobedience temporarily. |
| Round Table Conferences | A series of meetings in London between British officials and Indian leaders to discuss constitutional reforms. |
| Quit India Movement (1942) | A movement launched by Gandhi demanding an end to British rule in India with the slogan “Do or Die”. |
| Muslim League | A political party that advocated for the interests of Muslims in India and later demanded Pakistan. |
| Swadeshi | The use of Indian-made goods and the boycott of foreign products as a form of protest. |
| Boycott | A form of protest where people refuse to buy or use certain products or services. |
| Picketing | Peaceful demonstration outside shops or institutions to prevent others from entering or buying. |
| Untouchables (Dalits) | A term used for those outside the caste system, often discriminated against in society. Gandhi called them Harijans. |
| Provincial Autonomy | The ability for provinces to have some self-governing powers, introduced in the Government of India Act 1935. |
| Pakistan Resolution (1940) | A demand by the Muslim League for a separate nation for Muslims, later leading to the creation of Pakistan. |
