The Indian National Movement was a complex and dynamic struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It involved numerous terms and concepts that played significant roles in shaping the movement’s ideologies, strategies, and actions. Here is a glossary of key terms and concepts associated with the Indian National Movement:
Satyagraha: A term coined by Mahatma Gandhi, Satyagraha means “holding onto truth” or “truth-force.” It refers to the non-violent resistance and civil disobedience employed by the Indian National Movement to challenge British colonial rule.
Swadeshi: Swadeshi is a concept that emphasizes the use of indigenous products and goods over foreign-made ones. The Swadeshi Movement was an economic campaign launched during the struggle for independence, encouraging people to boycott British goods.
Boycott: Boycott involves the refusal to use, buy, or participate in something, usually as a form of protest or to express discontent. The boycott of British goods was an essential aspect of the Swadeshi Movement.
Non-Cooperation: The Non-Cooperation Movement, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, called for Indians to refuse cooperation with British authorities, including boycotting government institutions, educational institutions, and courts.
Civil Disobedience: Civil disobedience refers to the deliberate and non-violent refusal to obey unjust laws or government commands as a means of protest. The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed to challenge British laws and policies.
Quit India Movement: The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, called for the immediate withdrawal of the British from India. It was a mass movement with the slogan “Quit India” coined by Mahatma Gandhi.
Poorna Swaraj: Poorna Swaraj means “complete independence.” The demand for Poorna Swaraj became the primary objective of the Indian National Movement, and it was adopted as the official demand by the Indian National Congress in 1929.
Dandi March: Also known as the Salt March, it was a significant civil disobedience action led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. Gandhi and his followers walked over 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to produce salt in defiance of British salt laws.
Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress (INC) was the principal political party that spearheaded the Indian National Movement. Founded in 1885, it played a central role in the fight for independence.
Muslim League: The All India Muslim League, founded in 1906, represented the interests of the Muslim community in India. It played a pivotal role in demanding separate electorates and later, the partition of India.
Partition of India: The Partition of India in 1947 led to the creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan. The division was based on religious lines, resulting in widespread communal violence and mass migration.
Khilafat Movement: The Khilafat Movement was a pan-Islamic movement launched in 1919 to protest against the dismantling of the Ottoman Caliphate by the British after World War I. It forged a significant alliance with the Indian National Movement.
Purna Swaraj Resolution: The Purna Swaraj Resolution was passed on December 31, 1929, during the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress. It declared the goal of complete independence for India and was a key milestone in the struggle for freedom.
Charkha: The spinning wheel, or charkha, became a symbol of self-reliance and economic independence during the Indian National Movement. Mahatma Gandhi promoted the use of the charkha as part of the Swadeshi Movement.
Simon Commission: The Simon Commission was a British parliamentary committee sent to India in 1928 to study and propose constitutional reforms. It faced strong opposition as it did not include any Indian members.
Round Table Conferences: The Round Table Conferences were a series of conferences held in London between 1930 and 1932 to discuss constitutional reforms in India. Indian representatives participated in these conferences.
Indian Home Rule Society: The Indian Home Rule Society, founded by Annie Besant in 1916, advocated for self-rule for India within the British Empire. It played a role in the early stages of the Indian National Movement.
Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA): HSRA was a revolutionary organization founded in 1928 by Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, and others. It sought to overthrow British rule through armed struggle.
Quit India Resolution: The Quit India Resolution was passed by the Indian National Congress on August 8, 1942, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the British from India. It led to the launch of the Quit India Movement.
Hartal: Hartal refers to a form of protest where businesses, educational institutions, and public services remain closed as a sign of protest. Hartals were a common form of protest during the Indian National Movement.
These terms and concepts provide a glimpse into the diverse and multi-faceted nature of the Indian National Movement and the various strategies and ideologies adopted by its leaders and participants. The struggle for independence was a transformative period in Indian history that continues to shape the nation’s identity and values.
