IGNOU BA History Study Material
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IGNOU BA History Study Material in ENGLISH DOWNLOAD !
An overview of the key phases of India’s journey from colonial subjugation to a sovereign, developing nation, exploring the complex interplay of imperialism, nationalism, and post-independence challenges.
Block-1: Imperialism, Colonialism, and Nationalism
This foundational block explores the theoretical underpinnings and historical context of India’s struggle for freedom. It delves into the nature of imperialism as a global system of economic and political domination by powerful nations over weaker ones. Colonialism is examined as the practical application of imperialism, involving the establishment of direct political control and economic exploitation of a territory.
In the Indian context, this block analyzes the impact of British colonialism on the Indian economy, society, and polity. It discusses how British policies, such as the destruction of indigenous industries, the introduction of new land revenue systems, and the imposition of a foreign administrative structure, led to the drain of wealth and the underdevelopment of India.
Crucially, this block examines how the very experience of colonial oppression sowed the seeds of nationalism. A sense of shared subjugation and a growing awareness of the exploitative nature of British rule began to foster a pan-Indian identity, transcending regional, linguistic, and religious divides. This emerging national consciousness laid the groundwork for an organized struggle against foreign rule.
Block-2: Emergence of Organised Nationalism
This section traces the transition from sporadic, localized resistance to the formation of organized, all-India nationalist bodies. The late 19th century witnessed the birth of modern political consciousness and the establishment of various political associations in different parts of the country.
The culmination of these early efforts was the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of Indian nationalism, providing a common platform for politically conscious Indians to articulate their grievances and demand reforms.
The initial phase of the Congress (1885-1905) was dominated by the Moderates. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale believed in constitutional agitation, petitioning, and appealing to the British sense of justice and fair play. Their primary contributions were the development of a powerful economic critique of colonialism (the “drain theory”) and the creation of a nascent all-India political forum.
Block-3: Radical Trends, Nationalism, and Mahatma Gandhi
The early 20th century saw the rise of a more assertive and militant form of nationalism, often termed “Extremism” or “Radical Nationalism.” Dissatisfied with the “mendicant” policies of the Moderates, leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal (collectively known as Lal-Bal-Pal) advocated for a more confrontational approach, including the use of boycott and Swadeshi (self-reliance). The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a key catalyst for the rise of this radical trend.
This era also witnessed the emergence of revolutionary groups that believed in overthrowing British rule through armed struggle.
The most significant development of this period was the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi on the Indian political scene in 1915. With his unique philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force or non-violent resistance) and his focus on mass mobilization, Gandhi fundamentally transformed the character of the Indian nationalist movement, turning it from an elite-dominated affair into a pan-Indian mass struggle. His early campaigns in Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad demonstrated the efficacy of his methods.
Block-4: Nationalism: Inter-War Years-I
The period between the two World Wars was a time of intense nationalist activity, beginning with the aftermath of World War I. The promises of self-government made by the British during the war were not fulfilled, leading to widespread discontent. The draconian Rowlatt Act and the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 shattered any remaining faith in British justice.
In response, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), the first major pan-Indian mass movement. It involved the boycott of British goods, courts, schools, and legislative councils, and the promotion of Swadeshi. The movement saw unprecedented participation from various social groups across the country and marked a new phase of Gandhian leadership. Although it was abruptly called off by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident, it succeeded in shaking the foundations of British rule.
Block-5: Nationalism: Inter-War Years-II
Following the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement, the inter-war years entered a new phase. Within the Congress, leaders like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru formed the Swaraj Party to advocate for entering the legislative councils to obstruct their functioning from within.
This period also saw the rise of socialist and communist ideas within the nationalist movement, with leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose advocating for a more radical socio-economic agenda. Revolutionary activities also saw a resurgence with figures like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad.
The late 1920s were marked by the boycott of the all-white Simon Commission, which was sent to India to recommend further constitutional reforms. The challenge to draft an alternative constitution led to the Nehru Report (1928).
Block-6: Nationalism: Inter-War Years-III
The culmination of the political ferment of the late 1920s was the declaration of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as the goal of the Congress at its Lahore session in 1929. To achieve this, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930, famously beginning with the Dandi Salt March.
This movement was even more widespread than the Non-Cooperation Movement, involving the mass violation of the salt laws, non-payment of taxes, and boycotts. It saw massive participation from women and different social strata. The British government responded with severe repression, leading to a series of Round Table Conferences in London to negotiate India’s future. The movement and the subsequent negotiations, including the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931), further strengthened the nationalist resolve, even though they did not immediately lead to independence.
Block-7: Towards a Sovereign State
The final phase of the freedom struggle was shaped by the outbreak of World War II in 1939. The Congress refused to support the war effort without a promise of immediate independence. The failure of negotiations, such as the Cripps Mission (1942), led Mahatma Gandhi to launch the Quit India Movement in August 1942. This was the most militant of all Gandhian movements, with Gandhi giving the call to “Do or Die.” The movement saw widespread spontaneous uprisings and severe government repression.
The post-war period was dominated by intense negotiations between the Congress, the Muslim League (which was demanding a separate state of Pakistan), and the British government. The Cabinet Mission (1946) attempted to find a solution to the constitutional deadlock but failed. Escalating communal violence eventually led to the acceptance of the Mountbatten Plan for the partition of the country. On August 15, 1947, India finally achieved its long-cherished goal of becoming a sovereign state.
Block-8: Independent India: Towards Development (1947-1964)
The dawn of independence brought with it a host of formidable challenges. The new nation had to grapple with the trauma of partition and the rehabilitation of millions of refugees, the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union, and the framing of a new constitution.
This period, often referred to as the Nehruvian era, was marked by a vision of building a modern, secular, and democratic India. The government adopted a model of a mixed economy and embarked on a path of planned development through the Five-Year Plans to promote industrialization and agricultural growth. Key achievements included the establishment of major industries, the initiation of large-scale irrigation projects, and the expansion of higher education.
The foreign policy of Non-Alignment was adopted to steer clear of the Cold War power blocs. This era laid the foundational institutional and economic framework for the future development of the Indian nation-state, though challenges of poverty, inequality, and social change remained profound.
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