Indian Freedom Struggle: A Comprehensive Overview
The Indian Independence Movement was a series of historic events spanning nearly 90 years, from the Revolt of 1857 to Independence in 1947.
Revolt of 1857
Also known as the First War of Independence, it marked the first major uprising against British rule. Though unsuccessful, it laid the foundation for future movements.
Formation of Indian National Congress (1885)
INC became the principal organization leading the independence movement. Early leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Partition of Bengal (1905)
Lord Curzon's decision to partition Bengal sparked widespread protests and the Swadeshi Movement, promoting indigenous products and boycotting British goods.
Gandhi Era (1915-1947)
Mahatma Gandhi transformed the freedom struggle with non-violent resistance. Major movements included Non-Cooperation (1920), Civil Disobedience (1930), and Quit India (1942).
Revolutionary Movement
Parallel to Gandhi's non-violence, revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Subhas Chandra Bose advocated armed resistance.
Independence and Partition (1947)
India gained independence on August 15, 1947, but it came with the tragic partition creating Pakistan, resulting in massive communal violence and migration.