Significant Events of Indian Freedom Movement

The Important movements of the Gandhian phase:-

 Civil Disobedience Movement

o Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1930 under Gandhi's leadership with
the violation of the Salt Law after Dandi Salt March.
 Chauri-Chaura Incident (1922)
o During the Non-cooperation Movement, being provoked by some policemen, a section of
the crowd attacked them. The police opened fire.
o In retaliation, the entire procession killed 22 policemen and set the police station on fire.
A stunned Gandhi decided to withdraw the movement.
 Non-cooperation Movement
o The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Gandhi, launched his first
innovative protest, the Non-cooperation Movement on 1 August, 1920.
o It involved surrender of all titles, honorary offices and nominated posts in local bodies.
o British courts, offices and all kinds of government-run educational institutions were
boycotted.
 Khilafat Movement
o The Khilafat movement was launched as the communal movement in defense of
the Turkish Khalifa and save his Empire from dismemberment by Britain and other
European powers.
o The chief cause of the Khilafat Movement was the defeat of Turkey in the First World
War. The harsh terms of the Treaty of Sevres (1920) was felt by the Muslims as a great
insult to them.
o The Muslims in India were upset over the British attitude against Turkey and launched
the Khilafat Movement. Ali brothers, Muhammad Ali, Shaukat Ali, Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad and Dr. M. Ansari, among others, started the movement.
o October 17, 1919 was known as Khilafat Day when the Hindu united with Muslims in
fasting and observed a hartal on that day.
o The Khilafat Movement merged with the Non-cooperation Movement launched by
Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.
o The Dandi march (Salt Satyagraha) started from Sabarmati Ashram and ended
at Dandi (a place in Gujrat). This was followed by a lot of agitation all over the country.
o This angered the British government which resulted in the imprisonment of Jawaharlal
Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.
o On March 1930, Gandhi signed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact with the Viceroy Lord Irwin to
call off the Movement but it finally came to an end on 7th April 1934.
 The Individual Satyagraha (August 1940)
o Mahatma Gandhi launched in Individual Satyagraha. It was limited, symbolic and non-
violent in nature.
o Acharya Vinoba Bhave was the first Satyagrahi and he was sentenced to three months
imprisonment.
o Jawaharlal Nehru was the second Satyagrahi and imprisoned for four months.
o The individual Satyagraha continued for nearly 15 months.
 Quit India Movement
o The Quit India Movement, also called the August Movement, launched on 8th August,
1942.
 o It was a result of Gandhi's protest against the return of Sir Stafford Cripps. He wanted to
negotiate with the British government for the independence of India through this
movement.
o Famous slogan was given here - 'Do or Die'.
o On 9th August leaders of the Congress like Abul Kalam Azad, Vallabhbhai Patel,
Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were arrested.
o The movement can be divided into four phases :
 In the first phase of the Quit India Movement, there wereprocessions, strikes
and demonstrations
 The second phase of the movement saw raids on the government buildings and
municipal houses. Along with this,post offices, railway stations and police
stations were set on fire.
 The third phase of Quit India movement began in September 1942. Mobs
bombed police in places like Bombay, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
 Gradually, the movement gained back its peaceful form and continued till
Mahatma Gandhi was released on May, 1944. This was the fourth phase of the
movement.

Some other Important Events of Indian Freedom Struggle:-

 The Home Rule Movement (1916)

o The release of Bal Gangadhar Tilak after 6 years of jail isMandalay (Burma) moderated
the launching of Home Rule Movement by Tilak and Mrs. Annie Besnat.
o Both of whom decided to work in close co-operation to launch the movement to attain
concessions, disillusionment with Morley - Minto Reforms and Wartime miseries.
 Rowlatt Act (March 1919)
o As per this Act, any person could be arrested on the basis of suspicion. No appeal or
petition could be filed against such arrests.
o This Act as called the Black Act and it was widely opposed.
 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13 April, 1919)
o On the Baisakhi day (harvest festival), a public meeting was organized at the Jallianwala
Bagh (garden) to support the Rowlatt Satyagraha.
o General Dyer marched in and without any warning opened fire on the crowd. According
to official report 379 people were killed and 1137 wounded in the incident.
 The Swaraj Party (Jan, 1923)
o The suspension of the Non Cooperation Movement led to a split within Congress in the
Gaya session of the Congress in December 1922.
o On 1 January 1923 leaders like Motilal Nehru and Chittranjan Dasformed a separate
group within the Congress known as the Swaraj Party to contest the council elections and
wrecked the government from within.
 Simon Commission (Nov, 1927)
o Simon Commission was appointed in the chairmanship of Sir John Simon by the British
Conservative government to report on the working of the Indian constitution established
by the Government of India Act of 1919.
o All its seven members were Englishmen. As there was no Indian member in it therefore
the Commission faced a lot of criticism.
o Lala Lajpat Rai was seriously injured in the police lathi charge in a large anti-Simon
Commission demonstration on 30 October 1928 and he passed away after one month.
 Poona Pact (1932)
 o Poona pact was an agreement upon a joint electorate between the untouchables and the
Hindus which took place at Yerawada jail in Pune on 24th September, 1932.
 Cripps Mission (1942)
o The British Government in its continued effort to secure Indian cooperation sent Sir
Stafford Cripps to India on 23 March 1942. This is known as Cripps Mission.
o The major political parties of the country rejected the Cripps proposals.
o Gandhi called Cripp's proposals as a "Post-dated Cheque".
 The Cabinet Mission (1946)
o Three members of the British Cabinet - Pathick Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps and A. V.
Alexander - were sent to India 15 March, 1946, under a historic announcement in which
the right to self-determination and the framing of a Constitution for India were conceded.
o This is known as the Cabinet Mission.

Important Acts in India Before Independence

Some of the Important acts in Indian before Independence (August 15th) 1947 are The Regulating
Act, 1773, The Pitts India act, 1784, The Charter Acts The Government of India Acts and The Indian
council Acts.

The Regulating Act, 1773

 The Regulating Act, 1773 was the first attempted by British Parliament to regulate the affairs of
the Company in India. this act also brought an end to Dual system of Government of India.
 This was the first attempt towards Centralised Administration.
 In this act, Governor of Bengal became Governor General for all British territories in India.
 Bombay and Madras Presidency subordinated to Bengal Presidency in certain matters.
 Supreme Court to be set up at Calcutta and also founded Calcutta Madarasa.

The Pitts India Act, 1784

 The Pitts India Act, 1784 (The East India Company Act 1784) gave the British Government
supreme control over the Company’s affairs and its administration in India.
 It established dual system of governance:
1. Government by Board of Control
2. Government of Court of Directors.
 The Board of Control was to guide and control the work of the Court of Directors.
 Presidencies of Madras and Bombay were subordinated to the Governor-General and Council
of Bengal in all matters of diplomacy

The Charter Act of 1813

 The Charter Act 1813 is also known as The East India Company Act 1813.
 The East Indian Company was deprived of its monopoly of trade with India except in tea and
trade in China.
 Under this act, a sum of one lakh rupees earn marked annually for education and this amount
paid by the company.

The Charter Act of 1833

 The Charter Act of 1833 brought an end to the East Indian Company’s trade monopoly even in
tea and trade with China.
 The Act centralised the administration of India.
 The Governor-General of Bengal became the Governor-General of India (1st Governor-General
was Lord William Bentick).
 Government of Madras and Bombay deprived of legislative powers.
 A fourth member, law member, added to Council of Governor-General.

The Charter Act of 1853

 The Charter Act of 1853 extended life of the East Indian Company for an unspecified period.
 Law member was made a full member of the Executive Council of the Governor-General.
 Recruitment to Civil Services was based on open annual competitive examination (excluding
Indians).

The Government of India Act, 1858

 Indian Administration transferred from Company to British crown i.e. end of rule of East India
Company and beginning of direct rule of Crown.
 In this act, the Court of Directors and Board of Control abolished. Thus the ‘Double
Government’ introduced by the Pitt’s India Act of 1784 was finally ended. The doctrine of lapse
was also withdrawn under this act.
 The post of Secretary of state for India was created (who was the member of the British
cabinet and a direct representative of the Parliament).
 Governor-General was to be called the ‘Viceroy’ and was the direct representative of the crown
in India.
 A unitary and highly centralized administrative structure was created.

The Indian Councils Act, 1861

 Foundation of Indian legislature was laid down in 1861 and the Policy of association of Indians
in legislation started.
 Legislative power of the Presidency Government deprived in 1833 were restored.
 Under this act, the Civil Services became Indian Civil Services.
 Portfolio (or Cabinet) system in the Government of India was introduced.
 Viceroy could issue ordinances in case of emergency.

The Indian Councils Act, 1892

  In 1892, representative system started in India.
 Council to have the power to discuss Budget and of addressing questions to the executive.

The Indian Councils Act, 1909 (The Morely-Minto

Reforms)
 Morely was the Secretary of State and Minto was the Indian Viceroy.
 It introduced for the first time indirect elections to the state Legislative councils.
 Separate electorates were introduced for the Muslims.
 Resolution could be moved before the Budget takes its final form. Supplementary questions
could be asked.

The Government of India Act, 1919 (The Montague-

Chelmsford Reforms)
 Devolution Rules: Subjects of administration were divided into two categories – ‘Central’ and
‘Provincial’. All important subjects (like Railways and Finance) were brought under the
category of Central, while matters relating to the administration of the Provinces were
classified as Provincial.
 Dyarchy system introduced in the Provinces.
 The Provincial subjects of administration were divided into two categories ‘Transferred’ and
‘Reserved’ subjects.
 The Transferred subjects were to be administered by the Governor with the aid of ministers
responsible to the Legislative Council.
 The Reserved subjects (Rail, Post, Telegraph, Finance, Law & order, etc.) were to be
administered by the Governor and his Executive Council.
 Indian legislature became ‘bicameral’ for the first time.
 Communal representation extended to Sikhs.
 Secretary of State for India now to be paid from British revenue.
 An officer of the High Commissioner of India was created in London.

The Government of India Act, 1935

 The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for setting up of the Federation of India
comprising British Indian provinces and Indian States (Princely States). The joining of Princely
states was voluntary and as a result, the federation did not come into existence.
 Dyarchy in the Provinces was replaced by Provincial autonomy. They were granted separate
legal identity.
 It main three fold division of powers : Federal, Provincial and Concurrent. Residuary powers
were to be with Governor-General.
 The Indian Council of Secretary of State for India was abolished.
 Principle of separate electorate was extended to include Anglo-Indians, Indian Christmas and
Europeans.
 The Federal Bank (The Reserve Bank of India) and the Federal Court (Supreme Court of
India) were established in 1935 and 1937 respectively.

Indian Independence Act, 1947

  Indian Independence Act, 1947 did not lay down any provision for the administration of India.
 Partition of India and the establishment of two countries (India and Pakistan).
 Consistent Assembly of each Dominion would have unlimited powers to frame and adopt any
Constitution.
 The office of the Secretary of State for India was to be abolished and his work was to be taken
over by the Secretary of State for common wealth affairs.

Overview of India’s Freedom Struggle Movements

(1885 to 1947)
Overview of India’s Freedom Struggle Movements from 1885 to August 15th 1947.India’s Freedom
Struggle Moments from 1885 to August 15th 1947.

YEAR MOMENT

Formation of Indian National Congress. First session held at Bombay on 28th December attended by 72

1885 delegates.

1905 Partition of Bengal announced by Curzon.

Muslim league founded at Dacca by Agra Khan the Nawab of Dacca by Aga Khan the Nawab of Dacca and

1906 Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, 1st communal party.

1907 Congress spilt at Surat session.

1907 Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Sigh deported to Mandalay following riots in the canal colony of Punjab.

1908 Khudiram Bose executed.

1908, July 22 Tilak sentenced to six years imprisonment on charges of sedition.

1909, May 21 Morely Minto Reforms or the Indian Council Act 1909 announced.

1911 Capital of India was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.

1912, Dec 23 Bomb thrown on Lord Hardinge in Chandini Chowk, Delhi by Rashbehari Bose and Sachindra Sanyal.

1913, Nov 1 Ghadar party formed at San Francisco to organise a rebellion in India to overthrow the British rule.

1914 First World War started.

1915, Jan Gandhiji returned to India

1916 Gandhiji formed Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad

1916, April 28 Home Rule league founded by Tilak with its headquarters at Poona (Indian home rule league of India).

1916, Sept. 25 Another Home Rule League started by Annie Besant.

1916 Foundation of Banaras Hindu University by by Madan Mohan Malaviya, lucknow part.

1917, April Mahatma Gandhi launches the Champaran satyagraha.

Montague, the secretary of State for India, declares that the goal of the British government in India is the

1917, Aug 20 introduction of responsible government.

1918, March 23 First all-India Depressed Class conference was held.

1918, April Rowlatt (sedition) committee submits its reports. Rowlatt Bill introduced on February 16, 1919.

1919, April 6 All India hartal over Rowlatt Bill called by Gandhiji, 1st National agitation.

1919, April 13 Jallianwala Bagh tragedy and the great Amritsar massacre.

1919, Dec. 25 Montague Chelmsford Reform or the Government of India Act, 1919 announced.

First meeting of All Indian Trade Union Congress (AITUC) held at Bombay presided over by Lala Lajpat

1920 Rai.

1920, Dec Indian National Congress (INC) adopts the Non-cooperation resolution.

1922, Feb. 5 Chauri Chauri incident which led to the suspension of the Non-cooperation movement.
1922 Second Moplah uprising, Malabar coast, Kerla.

1922, May Vishwa Bharati University started by Ravindra Nath Tagore.

1923, Jan 1 Swarajist party founded by Motilal Nehru and others.

1925, June 16 Death of Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das

1925, August Looting of train near Kakori by revolutionaries & conspiracy case.

1927,

November 8 Appointment of the Simon Commission

1928 Nehru Report for a new constitution of India.

1929, March 9 All Parties Muslim Conference formulates the “fourteen points” under the leadership of Jinnah.

Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt drop bomb in the central legislative Assembly to protest against the

1929, April 8 Public Safety Bill.

1929

September 13 Jatin Das dies in Jain after 64 days of fast.

1929, October

31 Lord Irwin’s announcement that the goal of British policy in India was the grant of domination status.

1921, Lahore session of the Congress under Jawahrlal Nehru adopts thegoal of ccomplete independence (Poorna

December 31 swaraj) for India.

1930, Jan. 1 Jawaharlal Nehru hoists the tricolour of Inida on the banks of Ravi in Lahore.

1930, Jan. 26 First Independence Day observed.

Working committee of INC meets at Sabarmati and passed the Civil Disobediences Movement with his

1930, Feb. 14 epic Dandi march.

1930, March 12 Mahatma Gandhi launches the Civil Disobedience Movement with his epic Dandi march.
 First Round table conference begins in London to consider the report of Simon Commission for the future

1930, Nov. 12 constitutional set-up in India.

1931, March 5 Gandhi Irwin pact signed. Civil Disobedience movement suspended.

1931 March 23 Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev and Raj Guru executed (in Lahore Case).

1931,

September 7 Second Round Table conference begins Mahatma Gandhi arrives in London to attend it.

1932, August British Prime Minister Ramsay Mac Donald announces the Communal Awards giving separate electorate to

16 Harijans get reserved seats in place of separate electorate.

1932, Sept. 20 Gandhi’s fast unto death.

1932, Sept. 26 Poona pact signed by which the Harijans get reserved seats in place of separate electorate.

1932, Nov. 17 Third Round table Conference begins at London.

1935, Aug. 4 Government of India Act passed.

Elections held in India under the Act of 1935. The Indian National Congress forms minsters in seven

1937 provinces.

1938, Feb. 19-

20 Haripuran session of the Indian National Congress. Subhash Chandra Bose elected the congress president.

1939, Mar. 10-

12 Tripuri session of Indian National Congress.

1939, April Subhas Chandra Bose resigns the presidentship of the Indian National Congress.

1939, Sept. 3 Second world war begins. Viceroy declares that India too is at war.

1939, Nov. 5 Congress ministries in the provinces resign against the war policy of the British Government.

1939, Dec. 22 Muslim League observes the resignation of the congress ministries as Deliverance day.
1940, March Lahore session of the Muslim league passes the Pakistan Resolution.

1940, Aug. 10 Viceroy Linlithglow announces the August offer.

1940, Oct. 17 Congress launches Individual Satyagraha movement.

1941 Death of Ravindranath Tagore.

1941, Jan. 17 Subhas Chandra Bose escapes from India to Germany.

1942, March 11 Churchill announces the Cripps Mission.

1942, Aug. 8 Indian National Congress meets at Bombay and adopts the Quit India resolution.

1942, Aug. 11 Quit India Movement Begins

1942, Sept. 1 Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) is formed at Singapore.

Subhas Chandra Bose tales over the leadership of Indian National Congress and proclaims formation of the

1943, Oct. ‘Provisional Government of free India’ at Singapore.

1943, Dec. Karachi session of the Muslim League adopts the slogan of ‘Divide and Quit’.

1944, June 25 Wavell calls Simla conferences in a bid to form the executive Council of Indian political leaders

1946, Feb. 1-8 Rating Mutiny

1946, March 15 British Prime Minister Attlee announces the Cabinet Mission

1946, Aug. 6 Wavell invites Nehru to form an interim government.

1946, Dec. 9 First Session of the Constituent Assembly

1947, Feb. 20 British Prime Minister Attlee declares that the British government would leave India by June 1948.

1947, March 24 Loard Mountbatten, last British viceroy and governor general of India is sworn in.

1947, June 3 Mountbatten Plan for partition of India is announced.

 Indian Independence Bill introduced in the House of Commons and passed by the British parliament on

1947, July 4 July 18, 1947.

1947, Aug. 15 Indian got freedom

Advent of the Europeans

• Before the beginning of the formal rule of the British in India, there was a
background of Indo-European economic relationship.
• The commercial contacts between India and Europe were very old via the land
route either through the Oxus valley or Syria or Egypt.
• But, the new sea route via the Cape of Good Hope was discovered by Vasco
da Gama in 1498 and thereafter, many trading companies came to India and
established their trading centres.
• The British East India Company was a Joint- Stock Company established in
1600, as the Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies.
• During this time, other trading companies, established by the Portuguese,
Dutch, French, and Danish were similarly expanding in the region.
• The British Company gained footing in India in 1612 after Mughal emperor
Jahangir granted the rights to establish a factory (a trading post) in Surat to Sir
Thomas Roe, a representative diplomat of Queen Elizabeth Ist of England.
• They entered India as traders at the outset but by the passage of time
indulged in the politics of India and finally established their colonies.
• The commercial rivalry among the European powers led to political rivalry.
Ultimately, the British succeeded in establishing their rule India.
The Dutch

• In March, 1602, by a charter of the Dutch parliament the Dutch East India
Company was formed with powers to make wars, concluded treaties, acquire
territories and build fortresses.
• The Dutch set up factories at Masulipatam (1605), Pulicat (1610), Surat
(1616), Bimilipatam (1641), Karikal (1645), Chinsura (1653), Kasimbazar,
Baranagore, Patna, Balasore, Negapatam (all in 1658) and Cochin (1663).
• In the 17th century, they supplanted the Portuguese as the most dominant
power in European trade with the East, including India.
• Pulicat was their centre in India till 1690, after which Negapatam replaced it.
• In the middle of the 17th century (1654) the English began to emerge as a
formidable colonial power.
• After 60-70 years of rivalry with the English, the Dutch power in India began
to decline by the beginning of the 18th century.
• Their final collapse came with their defeat by the English in the battle of
Bedera in 1759.
• One by one the Dutch lost their settlement to the English and their expulsion
from their possessions in India by the British came in 1795.

THE PORTUGUESE

• The Portuguese traveler Vasco da Gama reached the port of Calicut on 17 May
1498 and he was warmly received by Zamorin, the ruler of Calicut. He returned
to Portugal in the next year.
• Pedro Alvarez Cabral arrived in 1500 and Vasco da Gama also made a second
trip in 1502.
• They established trading stations at Calicut, Cannanore and Cochin.
• The first governor of the Portuguese in India was Francis de Almeida.
• Later in 1509 Albuquerque was made the governor of the Portuguese
territories in India.
• In 1510, he captured Goa from the ruler of Bijapur. Thereafter, Goa became
the capital of the Portuguese settlements in India.
• Albuquerque captured Malacca and Ceylon. He also built a fort at Calicut.
• Albuquerque encouraged his countrymen to marry Indian women.
• Albuquerque died in 1515 leaving the Portuguese as the strongest naval
power in India.
• The successors of Albuquerque established Portuguese settlements at Daman,
Salsette and Bombay on the west coast and at Santhome near Madras and Hugli
in Bengal on the east coast.
• However, the Portuguese power declined in India by the end of the sixteenth
century. They lost all their possessions in India except Goa, Daman and Diu in
the next century.

THE DANES

• Denmark also established trade settlements in India and their settlement at

Tranquebar was founded in 1620.
• Another important Danish settlement in India was Serampore in Bengal.
• Serampore was their headquarters in India.
• The Danes failed to strengthen themselves in India and they sold all their
settlement in India to the British in 1845.

THE FRENCH

• The French East India Company was formed by Colbert under state patronage
in 1664.
• The first French factory was established at Surat by Francois Caron in 1668.
Later Maracara set up a factory at Masulipatam in 1669.
• A small village was acquired from the Muslim governor of Valikondapuram by
Francois Martin and Bellanger de Lespinay in 1673. The village developed into
Pondicherry and its first governor was Francois Martin.
• Also Chandernagore in Bengal was acquired from the Mughal governor in
1690.
• The French power in India declined between 1706 and 1720 which led to the
reconstitution of the Company in 1720.
• The French power in India was revived under Lenoir and Dumas (governors)
between 1720 and 1742.
• They occupied Mahe in the Malabar, Yanam in Coromandal (both in 1725) and
Karikal in Tamil Nadu (1739).
• The arrival of Dupleix as French governor in India in 1742 saw the beginning
of Anglo French conflict (Carnatic wars) resulting in their final defeat in India.

THE ENGLISH

• The English East India Company (also known as the East India Trading
Company, and, after the Treaty of Union, the British East India Company) was
formed by a group of merchants known as ‘Merchant Adventures’ in 1599.
• The Company was granted an English Royal Charter, under the name
Governor and Company of Merchants of London Trading into the East Indies, by
Elizabeth I on 31 December 1600, making it the oldest among several similarly
formed European East India Companies, the largest of which was the Dutch East
India Company.
• In 1608, the company decided to open a factory (the name given to a trading
depot) at Surat.
• The English ambassador Captain Hawkins arrived at Jahangir’s Court to seek
permission for trade with India. But initially it was turned down due to
Portuguese intrigue. This convinced the English of the need to overcome
Portuguese influence at the Mughal Court if they were to obtain any concessions
from the Imperial Government.
• The Company achieved a major victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of
Swally near Surat in 1612, where two English naval ships under Captain Best
defeated a Portuguese naval squadron.
• These victories led the Mughals to hope that in view of their naval weakness
they could use the English to counter the Portuguese on the sea. Moreover, the
Indian merchants would certainly benefit by competition among their foreign
buyers.
• Captain Bust succeeded in getting a royal firman by Jahangir permitting the
English to build a factory in Surat, Cambaya, Ahmedabad and Goa in 1613.
• The English were not satisfied with this concession and in 1615 their
ambassador Sir Thomas Roe reached the Mughal Court. They also exerted
pressure on the Mughal authorities by taking advantage of India’s naval
weakness and harassing Indian traders and ship from the Red Sea and to
Mecca.
• Thus, combining entreaties with threats, Roe succeeded in getting an Imperial
farman to trade establish factories in all parts of the Mughal Empire.
• Roe’s success further angered the Portuguese and a fierce naval battle
between the two countries began in 1620 which ended in English victory.
Hostilities between the two came to an end in 1630.
• In 1662 the Portuguese gave the Island of Bombay to King Charles II of
England as dowry for marrying a Portuguese Princess. Eventually, the
Portuguese lost all their possessions in India except Goa, Daman and Diu.
• The Company, benefiting from the imperial patronage, soon expanded its
commercial trading operations, eclipsing the Portuguese Estado da India, which
had established bases in Goa, Chittagong and Bombay.
• The Company created trading posts in Surat (where a factory was built in
1612), Madras (1639), Bombay (1668), and Calcutta (1690).
• By 1647, the Company had 23 factories, each under the command of a factor
or master merchant and governor if so chosen, and had 90 employees in India.
• The major factories became the walled forts of Fort William in Bengal, Fort St
George in Madras, and the Bombay Castle.
• In 1634, the Mughal emperor extended his hospitality to the English traders to
the region of Bengal, and in 1717 completely waived customs duties for the
trade.
• The company’s mainstay businesses were by then in cotton, silk, indigo dye,
saltpetre and tea.
• By a series of five acts around 1670, King Charles II provisioned it with the
rights to autonomous territorial acquisitions, to mint money, to command
fortresses and troops and form alliances, to make war and peace, and to
exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the acquired areas.

IMPACT OF EUROPEANS ON INDIA’S FOREIGN TRADE

• With the arrival of the Europeans, particularly the Dutch and the English,
there was a tremendous increase in the demand for Indian textiles for both the
Asian markets and later the European market.
• The Asian markets for Indian textiles were developed over a long period.
There markets were extensive and widespread and there was great diversity in
their demand.
• There was a bilateral trade between the Coromandal and various parts of
South East Asia such as Malacca, Java and the Spice Islands. In this trade, the
Coromandal textiles acted as a link in a multilateral trade, embracing the
Coromandal, South-East Asia, West Asia, and the Mediterranean. In this trade,
Coromandal textiles were exchanged for South-East Asian spices which were in
turn meant for the West Asian and Mediterranean markets.
• The European market for Indian textiles actually developed around the middle
of the 17th century, and thereafter it grew by leaps and bounds.
• The intra-Asian trade witnessed severe competition among the various groups
of merchants, such as the Portuguese, the Dutch, the English, the Danes, and
the Indians consisting of both the Moors and the Chettis, whereas the European
market for Indian textiles was dominated entirely by the European companies,
particularly the English and the Dutch, with the Indian merchants acting
essentially as middleman.
• European participation in the foreign trade of India showed a marked increase
in the second half of the 17th century. This increase can be seen clearly in the
sharp rise in their investments, a large part of which was in textiles meant for
the Asian markets as well as the European market.
• Though initially European investment in Indian textiles considerably exceeded
those ordered for the European market, by the end of the 17th century the
situation was reversed with two-thirds of it going for the European market and
only one-third for the Asian market.
• Among the various European companies competing for Indian textiles, the
main rivalry was between the Dutch and the English, with the former initially
having an edge but the latter gradually gaining supremacy by the turn of the
17th century and the beginning of the 18th century.
• With regard to the textile varieties that were exported from the Coromandal to
South East Asia and other Asian markets, and later to Europe, the European
records give a very long list.
• The various types, in order of importance, were long-cloth, salempors, moris
(chintz), guinea-cloth, bethiles, allegias, sarassas, tapis, and the like.
• All these varieties were being exported even during earlier periods to several
Asian markets such as the Moluccan Spice Islands, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, the
Malay Peninsula, Siam, Tenasserim, Pegu, Arakan, Persia, Arabia, and the Red
Sea ports.
• But the specialty of the period under study was the increased European orders
which, though matching the already existing varieties, demanded
measurements large than those in the Asian markets.
• Consequently, the Indian weavers had to change their methods and their
looms to accommodate this European demand.
• Many of them did so quite profitably, but it necessitated long-term contracts
and rendered spot orders improbable.
• The Indian economy, more specifically its textile trade and industry, during
the second half of the 17th century, was a seller (i.e. producers) market. For,
when the three European companies- English, Dutch and French were
competing in the open market, making large orders from India, and these were
supplemented by European private trade and Indian trade, the weavers had
greater flexibility and large freedom of operation.
• The interchangeability of goods ordered by these various buyers, who were
aiming at broadly the same export market, made it possible for weaver
produced was bought up by one or the other eager customers.
• If, for instance, any cloth produced by the weaver was rejected by the
companies, then the weaver could sell it to English private traders. This
situation existed in many parts of the country where the three companies as
well as the other buyers were in free competition.
 SHAKEEL A NW AR
JUN 27, 2016 16:16 IST

The British came to India as trader but disintegration made them ruler and they introduces
far-reaching changes into administrative, legal, social and religious arena. The foreign
character of the British rule hurt the pride of locals which made revolutionary to expel the
alien rule out of their homelands. Here is the list of Non tribal, Tribal and Peasant
Movements during British India that will helps the aspirants in the preparations of
examinations like UPSC, SSC, State Services, CDS, NDA, Railways etc.

List of Non tribal, Tribal and peasant movements during British India
Name of the movement Main cause(s) Course of the

movement and
consequences

Sanyasi Rebellion Displaced peasants, It was made famous by

Demobilized Soldiers, Bankim Chandra Chaterjee.
Area: Bengal disposed Zamindars, In his novel: Anandmath
Participated led By Sanyasis.
Year: 1763-1800

Revolt of Kattambomman Attempts of the British to force Defiance of the British by

Katabomman to accept their Kattabomman for 7 years; his
Area: Tirunelveli in Tamil suzerainty and his refusal final capture and execution by
Nadu the British (1779); annexation
of his territory by the British
Year: 1792-99
(1779).

Leader:

Veerapandya Kattabomman
(Ruler of panchalakurichi)

Rebellion of the Paiks British Occupation of Orissa Unsuccessful attempt of the

(1803); resentment of the Raja of Khurd to organize a
Area: Orissa paiks (a militia class rebellion with the help of the
occupying rent free lands Paiks, and confiscation of his
Year: 1804-06
under the zamindars) against territory by the British (1804)
British land and land revenue continuous unrest among the
Leader: First under the Raja
policies Paiks between 1804 & 1806;
of the Khurda and later under
rise of the Paiks under
jagabandhu
Jagabandhu and their
occupation of Puri after
 defeating the British force
(1807); final suppression of
the movement by force and
conciliatory measures by
British.

Revolt of Velu Thampi Financial burden imposed on Beginning of war between the
the state by the British through two sides (December 1805);
Area: Travancore the subsidiary system; the fall of Trivendrum (Capital of
high handedness of the British Travancore) to the British
Year: 1805-09
Resident there; and British (February 1809); death of Velu
demand for the removal of Thampi in forest due to
Leader: Velu Thambi (Dewan
Dewan. serious injuries.
of Travancore)

Revolt of Rao Bharmal Anti-British feeling due to Final defeat and deposal of
British expansionist policy and Rao Bharmal; imposition of
Area: Cutch and Kathiawar in their interference in internal Subsidary treaty on Cutch.
Gujrat affairs of Cutch.

Year: 1861-19

Leader: Rao Bharmal (Rule

off Cutch)

Revolt of Ramosis British Annexation of Revolt of the Ramosis under

Peshwa’s terntory(1818),
Area: Poona resulting in large scale
unemployment among
Year: 1822-29
Ramosis (under the Peshwa,
they served in inferior ranks of
Leader: Chittur Singh and
police)
Umaji
Chittur Singh (1822-24); their
revolt under (Umaji (1822-24);
establishment of peace by the
British by pardoning all the
crimes of the Ramosis and
also by granting them lands
and recruiting them as hill
 police.

Kittur Rising Death of Shivalinga Rudra Revoltt of Channamma (widow

Desai (chief) of Kittur (1824), of late Desai) in 1824 and
Area: Kittur (near dharwar in leaving no male to recongnize murder of English officers
Karnataka) the adopted issue; refusal of including Thackeray (Collecter
the British son as the Desai of Dharwar); conquest of
Year: 1824-29
and assumption of Kitttur and its annexation by
administration of Kittur by the British revolt of the people
Leader: Channamma and
British of Kittur under Rayappa who
Rayappa
declared independence and
set up the adopted boy as the
Desai (1829); capture and
execution of rayappa by
British, and death of
Channamma in Dharwar
prison.

Sambalpur Outbreaks Frequent interference of Death of Maharaja Sai (ruler)

British in the internal affairs of and outbreak of civil war;
Area: Sambalpur (Orissa) Sambalpur such as the issue succession of Mohan Kumari
of succession. (widow of the late Raja) with
Year: 1827-40
the support of the British and
revolt of other claimants under
Leader: Surendra Sai
Surendra Sai; final arrest and
life imprisonment of Surendra
Sai by British (1840).

Satara disturbances Deposal and banishment of Revolt of the people of Satara

Pratap Singh, the popular ruler under Dhar Rao in 1840; their
Area: Satara (Maharashtra) of Satara by the British revolt under Narsing and
seizure of Badami in 1841;
 Year: 1840-41 defeat and capture of Narsing
by the British ( he was
Leader: Dhar Rao Pawar and transported for life).
Narsing Dattatreya Pettkar

Bundela Revolt Resentment against British Revolt of the Bundelas under

land revenue policy Shah and Singh; murder of
Area: Sagar & Damoh police officers and disruption
(Bundelkhand) of British administration;
capture and execution of
Year: 1842
madhukar Shah and Singh by
British.
Leader: Madhukar Shah and
Jawahir Singh

Gadkari Rebellion Assumption of direct Revolt of the Gadkaris,

administration of Kolhapur by followed by a popular revolt in
Area: Kolhapur (Maharashtra) British and reforms of D.K. the city of Kolhapur and all
Pandit; resentment of the other parts of the state of
Year: 1844-45
Gadkaris (a militia class who Kolhapur; final suppression of
had earlier held revenue free the movement by the British.
Leader: Not Available
lands in retum for their
services to the ruler against
the revenue reforms.
 Satavandi Revolt Deposal of Khen Savant (ruler Revolt of the nobles and their
of satavandi) and appointment attempts to drive away the
Area: Satavandi of a British officer to British; transformation of the
(Maharashtra) administer to administer the revolt into a popular
state; resentment of the movement with the common
Year: 1839-45
people against British system people all over the state rising
of administration. in arms against the British;
Leader: Phond Savant-
proclamation of martial law
(leading noble) and Anna
and suppression of the
Sahib (heir apparent)
movement by the British.

Raju Rebellion Birabhadra was dispossessed Revolt of Birabhadra and his

of his estate by the British in defiance of British authority till
Area: Visakhapatnam (A.P.) return for a small amount of he was captured
pension
Year: 1827-33

Leader: Birabhadra Raju

Palakonda Outbreak Attachment of the property of Revolt of the zamindar;

the zamindar for non-payment suppression of the revolt of
Area: Palakonda (Andhra of revenue forfeiture of Palakonda estate
Pardesh) to the British

Year: 1831-32

Leader: Zamindar of
Palakonda

Gumsur Outbreak His failure to clear the arrears Revolt of zamindar;

of revenue to the British Appointment of Mr. Russel as
Area: Gumsur (Ganjam the Commissioner; final
District) suppression of the movement
 Year: 1835-37 after larger scale military
campaign in 1837
Leader: Dhananjaya Bhanja
(Zamindar of Gumsur)

Parlakimedi Outbreak Attachment of his zamindari Revolt of the zamindar,

for arrears by the British in followed by a popular rising of
Area: Parlakimedi (Orissa) 1827 the people; final suppression
of the movement.
Year: 1829-35

Leader: Jagannath Gajapti

Narayan Rao

Movement of the Faraizis (In Degeneration of the Islamic Foundation of the movement
the later stages it was society and loss of power to by Shariattullah of Faridpur,
amalgamated with the Wahabi the British (Hence its aims the movement under him was
movement) were to remove abuses from mainly religious in character,
Islamic society as well as to though he had declared British
Area: East Bengal resore Muslim rule by as enemies; his death in 1837;
expelling the British from succession of Duhu Mian as
Year: 1838-62
India). the leader of the Movement,
under him it became mainly
Leader: Shariatuallah and
political in nature; his success
Muhammad Mushin (bêtter
in mobilizing all the Muslim
known as Dudhu Mian)
peasants of East Bengal
against zamindars and indigo
planters; his arrest and
confinement in the Alipore jail.

Wahabi Movement Degeneration of Isalmic Fight of the Wahabis against

society and loss of power to the British for 50 long years,
the British (Aims – same as and their final suppression by
Area: North India and Deccan above) British after a series of trials in
the 1860s.
Year: 1820-70

Leader: Saiyad Ahmad

(Founder of the Movement)

Movement of Pagal panthis Resentment of the peasants Under Karam Shah (founder),
against the operession of It was mainly a religious
Area: Sherpur (East Bengal) zamindars movement, but under tipu (son
of successor of Shah) it
Year: 1825-33
became a political movement
against the oppressive
Leader: Karam Shah and
zamindars and British, its final
Tipu
suppression by British after
large scale military operations.

Kuka Movement Degeneration of Sikh religion Though it started as a

and loss of sikh sovereignty religious reform movement, it
Area: Punjab became a movement for the
restoration of Sikh sovereignty
Year: 1854-72
after the annexation of Punjab
by the British.
Leader: Bhagat Jawahar Mal
(founder)

Indigo Revolt Forced cultivation off Indigo Planters could not withstand
without any proper thee resistance of ryots, indigo
Area: Bengal remuneration cultivation virtually wiped out,
Govt. response restrained &
Year: 1859-60
not harsh

Leader: Digambar Biswas &

 Bishnu Biswas

Pabna Movement Enhanced rent Beyond the
legal Limit & prevention of
Area: Bengal tenants from acquiring the
occupancy rights
Year: 1873
Govt. accepted the Demands
& promised to protect
Tenants. It enacted Bengal
tenancy Act 1885.

Deccan Riots Riots against the Govt. repressed the Movt. It

moneylenders enacted Deccan Agriculture
Area: Poona & Ahmadnagar Relief Act, 1879 to protect
peasants against the money
Year: 1874
lenders

Peasant unrest Against the acquisition of the Punjab Land Alienation Act of
land by the money lenders 1902 enacted prohibiting
Area: Punjab transfer of the land from the
peasants to the money
Year: 1901
lenders & mortgages for more
20 years.

Eka movement Enhanced rent Oppression of Police managed to crush the

the contractors movt
Area: Harrdoi, Bahraich,
Barabanki, Sitapur (U.P.)

Year: 1921-22

Leader: Madari pasi

Mappila, Rebellion Cultivators of Malabar revolted It later assumed Communal

against the moneylenders & colour Crushed by the Govt. in
Zamindars against the lack of
 Area: Malabar, Kerala security of tenure, exorbitant 1921.
rent and renewal fees.
Year: 1922

Bardoli Satyagraha Enhancement of the land Govt. tried to suppress the

revenue by 22% even though govt. Maxwell Broomfield
Area: Bardoli - Gujarat cutton prices had declined enquiry Committee set up
Govt. which admitted Bardoli
Year: 1927
assessment was Faulty and
enhancement was Cut down.
Leader: Vallabhbhai patel

All India Kisan Congress Against moneylenders, A Kisan manifesto was

Zamindars, traders & Govt. adopted in Bombay session in
Area: Lucknow 1937

Year: 1936

Leader: Presided over by

Swami Shajanand

Tebhaga movement By the sharecroppers against In 1950 congress passed

the Jotedar’s demand of Bargadar’s Bill
Area: Bengal ½ share of crop instead
of 1/3 share
Year: 1946

Leader: Bengal Provincial

Kisan Sabha

Bakasht Land Struggle Bakasht lands were those The movement continued till
lands which tenants had lost the zamindari was abolished.
Area: Bihar to zamindars during
depression years by virtue of
 Year: 1938-47 non- payment of rent which
they continued to cultivate as
Leader: Karyanand Sharma; sharecroppers
Yadunandan Sharma, Jauna
Karjee, Rahul Sanskritayana

Tribal Movements of 19th and 20th Century

Name of the Tribe Course and consequence of revolt

Chuars Defiance of British authority by Chuars;

suppression of the Revolt by British through
Area: Nanbhum and Barabhum (West use of force as well as conciliatory measures
Bengal)

Year: 1766-68

Leader: Not available

Bhils Beginning of revolt of Bhils with British

occupation of Khandesh (1818) and their
Area: Khandesh defiance of British for 30 years; final
suppression through military operations
Year: 1818-48
combined with conciliatory measures.

Bhils Occupation of Singhbhum by British and

revolt of the Hos (1820); its suppression after
Area: Shinghbum and Chhota Nagpur extensive military operations; they revolt again
in 1832.
Year: 1820, 1822 & 1832
 Kolis Repeated revolts of Kalis and their final
suppression after the capture of all their
Area: Sahyadri Hills (Gujrat and
Maharashtra) leaders.

Year: 1824,1828,1839 & 1844-48

Khasis Unsuccessful attempts of the Khasis to drive.

away the British from their territory; surrender
Area: Khasi Hills (Assam & Meghalaya) of all Khasi chiefs, including Tirut Singh, to the
British in 1832.
Year: 1829-32

Leader: Tirut Singh and Bar Manik (Chiefs of

Nounklow & Molim respectively)

Singphos Suppression of 1830 revolt by Captain

Neufville; murder of Colonel-White (British
Area: Assam
Political Agent of Assam) by Singphos in 1839
Year: 1830-39 but their ultimate defeat by British

Kols Suppression of the revolt after extensive

military operations of British and death of
Area: Chhota Nagpur
Bhagat
Year: 1831-32

Leader: Buddho Bhagat

Koyas Repeated revolts of the Koyas, the major

ones being the 1879-80 and 1922-24 revolts;
Area: Rampa Region (Chodavarm in Andhra capture and execution of Raju by British in
 Pradesh)
Year: 1840, 1845, 1858, 1861-62, 1879-80,
1922-24
Leader: Alluri Sitaramaraju (1922-24)
Khonds
Area: Khondmals (Orrisa)
Year: 1846-48, 1855 and 1914
Leader: Chakra Bisayi
Santhals
Area: Rajmahal Hills (Bihar)
Year: 1855-56
Leader: Sidhu & Kanhu
Naikdas
Area: Panch Mahals (Gujarat)
Year: 1858-59 & 1868
Leader: Rupsingh and Joria Bhagat
May 1924.
The first two revolts, led by Bisayi,were put
down with great difficulty by the British.
Revolt of Santhals and establishment of their
own government (July, 1855); defeat of British
under Major Burrogh by Santhals; transfer of
the disiurbed area to the military and final
suppression of the revolt by the end of 1856;
creation of a separate district of Santhal
Paraganas to prevent Santhals from revolting
again in future.
Revolt of Naikdas under Rupsingh in 1858
and conclusion of peace between British
Rupsingh in 1859; their revolt again in 1868,
and establishment of a kingdom with Joria as
the spiritual head of Rupsingh as temporal
head; suppression of the revolt after the
capture and execution of Rupsingh and Joria.
 Kacha Nagas -----

Area: Cacher (Assam)

Year: 1882

Leader: Sambhudhan

Mundas Foundation of new religious sect, with Singh

Bonga as the only true god, but Birsa (1895); -
Area: Chhota Nagpur British fears over Birsa's preachings among
Mundas, and arrest and imprisonment of Birsa
Year: 1899-1990
(1895-97); release of Birsa and revival of his
doctrine (1898); revolt of Mundas and their
Leader: Birsa Munda
attack of churches and police stations (1899);
defeat of Mundas by British (Jan, 1900) and
capture of Birsa (he died of cholera in jail in

June 1900).

Bhils It began as a purification movement, but later

developed into a political movement; failure of
Area: Banswara and Dungapur (southern their attempts to set up a Bhil Raj due to
Rajasthan) British armed intervention.

Year: 1913

Leader: Govind Guru

Oraons Launching of a monotheistic movement by

Jatra in 1914 andits transformation into a
Area: Chhota Nagpur radical political movement to drive away the
British in 1915; its suppression by British
 Year: 1914-15 through repressive measures.

Leader: Jatra Bhagat

Tana Bhagat Movement Adivasis threatened nonpayment of the

Chowikidari tax and rent during Non
Area: Chotanagpur, Jharkhand
Cooperation movt.
Year: 1918

Thadoe Kukis Their rebellion and guerrilla war against

British for two years.
Area: Manipur

Year: 1917-19

Leader: Jadonang and his neice Rani

Gaidinliu

Chenchus Their revolt against increasing British control

over forests.
Area: Nallamala Hills (Andhra Pradesh)

Year: 1921-22

Leader: Hanumanthu
 THE GANDHIAN ERA (1917-47)
FACTS ABOUT GANDHI
 Birth: October 2, 1869 at Porbandar, Gujarat. [Note: UNO declared October 2 as ‘International
Non-violence Day’ (Antarrashtriy Ahimsa Diswas)]
 Father: Karamchand Gandhi.
 Mother: Putali Bai.
 Political Guru: Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
 Private Secretary: Mahadev Desai.
 Literary Influence on Gandhi: John Ruskin’s Unto the Last, Emerson, Thoreau, Leo Tolstoy, the
Bible and the Gita.
 Literary Works: Hind Swaraj (1909), My Experiments with Truth (Autobiography, 1927)—reveals
events of Gandhi’s life upto 1922.
 As an Editor: Indian Opinion: 1903–15 (in English & Gujarati, for a short period in Hindi & Tamil),
 Harijan: 1919–31 (in English, Gujarati and Hindi), Young India: 1933–42 (in English gujarati-
named Navjeevan).
 Other Names: Mahatma (Saint) by Rabindranath Tagore, 1917; Malang Baba/ Nanga Faqir
(Naked Saint) by Kabailis of Noth-West Frontier, 1930; Indian Faqir/Traitor Faqir-byWinston
Churchill, 1931; Half-naked Saint by Franq Mores, 1931; Rashtrapita (the Father of the Nation) by
Subhash Chandra Bose, 1944.
In South Africa (1893–1914)
 1893: Departure of Gandhi to South Africa.
 1894: Foundation of Natal Indian Congress.
 1899: Foundation of Indian Ambulance Core during Boer Wars.
 1904: Foundation of Indian Opinion (magazine) and Phoenix Farm, at Phoenix, near Durban.
 1906: First Civil Disobedience Movement (Satyagaraha) against Asiatic Ordiannce in Transvaal.
 1907: Satyagraha against Compulsory Registration and Passes for Asians (The Black Act) in
Transvaal.
 1908: Trial and imprisonment- Johanesburg Jail (First Jail Term).
 1910: Foundation of Tolstoy Farm (Later-Gandhi Ashrama), near Johannesburg.
 1913: Satyagraha against derecognition of non-Christian marraiges in Cape Town.
 1914: Awarded Kaisar-i-Hind for raising an Indian Ambulance Core during Boer wars.
In India (1915–48)
 1915: Arrived in Bombay (India) on 9 January 1915; Foundation of Satyagraha Ashrama at
Kocharab near Ahmedabad (20 May). In 1917, Ashrama shifted at the banks of Sabarmati.
 1916: Abstain from active politics (though he attended Lucknow session of INC held in 26–30
December, 1916, where Raj Kumar Shukla, a cultivator from Bihar, requested him to come to
Champaran.)
 1917: Gandhi entered active politics with Champaran campaign to redress grievances of the
cultivators oppressed by Indigo planter of Bihar (April 1917). Champaran Satyagraha was his first
Civil Disobedience Movement in India.
 1918: In Febuary 1918, Gandhi launched the struggle in Ahmedabad which involved industrial
workers. Hunger strike as a weapon was used for the first time by Gandhi during Ahmedabad
struggle. In March 1918, Gandhi worked for peasants of Kheda in Gujarat who were facing
difficulties in paying the rent owing to failure of crops. Kheda Satyagraha was his first
Noncooperation Movement.
 1919: Gandhi gave a call for Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act on April 6, 1919 and took the
command of the nationalist movement for the first time (First all-India Political Movement), Gandhi
returns Kaisar-i-Hind gold medal as a protest against Jallianwala Bagh massacre-April 13, 1919;
The All India Khilafat Conference elected Gandhi as its president (November 1919, Delhi).
 1920–22: Gandhi leads the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movement (August 1, 1920–Febuary
1922), Gandhi calls off Movement (Feb. 12, 1922), after the violent incident at Chauri- Chaura on
Febuary 5, 1922. Non-
Co-operation Movement was the First mass based politics under Gandhi.
 1924: Belgaum (Karnataka) session of INC–for the first and the last time Gandhi was elected the
president of the Congress. 1925–27 Gandhi retires from active politics for the first time and devotes
himself to ‘constructive
programme’ of the Congress; Gandhi resumes active politics in 1927.
 1930–34: Gandhi launches the Civil Disobedience Movement with his Dandhi march/Salt
Satyagraha (First Phase: March 12, 1930– March 5, 1931; Gandhi-Irwin Pact: March 5, 1931;
Gandhi attends the Second Round Table Conference in London as sole representative of the
Congress: September 7-December 1, 1931; Second Phase: January 3, 1932– April 17, 1934).
 1934–39: Sets up Sevagram (Vardha Ashram).
 1940–41: Gandhi launches Individual Satyagraha Movement.
 1942: Call to Quit India Movement for which Gandhi raised the slogan, ‘Do or Die’ (Either free India
or die in the attempt), Gandhi and all Congress leaders arrested (August 9, 1942).
 1942–44: Gandhi kept in detention at the Aga Khan Palace, near Pune (August 9, 1942–May,
1944). Gandhi lost his wife Kasturba (Febuary 22, 1944) and private secretary Mahadev Desai; this
was Gandhi’s last prison term.
 1946: Deeply distressed by theory of communal violence, as a result Muslim League’s Direct
Action call, Gandhi travelled to Noakhali (East Bengal-now Bangladesh) and later on to Calcutta to
restore communal peace.
 1947: Gandhi, deeply distressed by the Mountbatten Plan/Partition Plan (June 3, 1947), while
staying in Calcutta to restore communal violence, observes complete silence on the dawn of India’s
Independence (August, 15, 1947). Gandhi returns to Delhi (September 1947).
 1948: Gandhi was shot dead by Nathu Ram Godse, a member of RSS, while on his way to the
evening prayer meeting at Birla House, New Delhi (January 30, 1948).
 Freedom Fighters
Hundreds and thousands left everything, and many sacrificed their life for one common goal -
freedom of India from foreign rule! These freedom fighters, activists and revolutionaries came
from different backgrounds and philosophies to fight one common enemy - the foreign
imperialists! While we are aware of several freedom fighters and revolutionaries, many have
remained unsung heroes. We have made best efforts to present some of the most prominent
freedom activists and revolutionaries who made immense contribution towards India’s struggle for
freedom.

Tantia Tope (1814 – 18 April 1859)

Tantia Tope was one of the Indian rebellions of 1857. He served as a general and led a group of
Indian soldiers against the British. He was an ardent follower of Nana Sahib of Bithur and
continued to fight on his behalf when Nana was forced to retreat by the British army. Tantia even
forced General Windham to retreat from Kanpur and helped Rani Lakshmi of Jhansi to retain
Gwalior.

Nana Sahib (19 May 1824 – 1857)

After leading a group of rebellions during the 1857 uprising, Nana Sahib defeated the British
forces in Kanpur. He even killed the survivors, sending a hard-hitting message to the British
camp. Nana Sahib was also known as an able administrator and is said to have led around
15,000 Indian soldiers.

Kunwar Singh (November 1777 - 26 April 1858)

At the age of 80, Kunwar Singh led a group of soldiers against the British in Bihar. Using guerrilla
warfare tactics, Kunwar bedazzled the British troops and managed to defeat the forces of Captain
le Grand near Jagdispur. Kunwar Singh is known for his bravery and was fondly called as Veer
Kunwar Singh.

Rani Lakshmi Bai (19 November 1828 – 18 June 1858)

One of the key members of India's first war of independence, Rani Lakshmi Bai went on to inspire
thousands of women to join the fight for freedom. On 23 March, 1858 Lakshmi Bai defended her
palace and the entire city of Jhansi when it was threatened to be captured by British troops led by
Sir Hugh Rose.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak (23 July 1856 – 1 August 1920)

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the most prominent freedom fighters of India who inspired
thousands with the slogan – “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”. As a form of protest
against the British, Tilak established schools and published rebellious newspapers. He was
famous as one of the trios – Bal, Pal and Lal. People loved him and accepted him as one of their
leaders and so, he was called Lokmanya Tilak.

Mangal Pandey (19 July 1827 – 8 April 1857)

Mangal Pandey is said to have played a key role in inspiring Indian soldiers to start the great
rebellion of 1857. Working as a soldier for the British East India Company, Pandey started firing
at English officials and caught them unawares. His attack is regarded as the first step of the
Indian rebellion that started in 1857.

Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820 – 7 April 1879)

Working along with leaders like Nana Saheb and Maulavi of Faizabad, Begum Hazrat Mahal
rebelled against the British during the revolt of 1857. She was successful in taking control of
Lucknow after leading the troops in her husband’s absence. She rebelled against the demolition
of temples and mosques before retreating to Nepal.

Ashfaqulla Khan (22 October 1900 – 19 December 1927)

Ashfaqulla Khan was a firebrand among the young revolutionaries, who sacrificed his life for the
sake of his motherland. He was an important member of the Hindustan Republican Association.
Khan, along with his associates, executed the train robbery at Kakori for which he was arrested
and executed by the British.

Rani Gaidinliu (26 January 1915 – 17 February 1993)

Rani Gaidinliu was a political leader who revolted against the British rule. She joined a political
movement at the age of 13 and fought for the evacuation of British rulers from Manipur and the
neighbouring areas. Unable to withstand her protests, the British arrested her when she was just
16 years old and sentenced her to life imprisonment.

Bipin Chandra Pal (7 November 1858 – 20 May 1932)

Bipin Chandra Pal was one of the key members of the Indian National Congress and a prominent
freedom fighter. He advocated the abandonment of foreign goods. He, along with Lala Lajpat Rai
and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, spearheaded many revolutionary activities. For this reason, he is called
as the ‘Father of Revolutionary Thoughts.’

Chandra Shekhar Azad (23 July 1906 – 27 February 1931)

One of the close associates of Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad is credited for reorganizing
Hindustan Republican Association. Azad, as he was popularly called, is known as one of the
bravest freedom fighters of India. At the time of being surrounded by British soldiers, he killed
many of them and shot himself to death with the last bullet of his Colt pistol. He did so, as he
never wanted to be captured alive.
Hakim Ajmal Khan (11 February 1868 – 29 December 1927)

A physician by profession, Hakim Ajmal Khan founded the Jamia Millia Islamia University before
participating in the fight for freedom. He joined the Khilafat movement along with other famous
Muslim leaders like Shaukat Ali and Maulana Azad. In 1906, Hakim Ajmal Khan led a group of
Muslim men and women who gave a memorandum to the Viceroy of India.

Chittaranjan Das (5 November 1869 – 16 June 1925)

Chittaranjan Das founded the Swaraj Party and was an active participant in the Indian National
Movement. A lawyer by profession, Chittaranjan is credited for successfully defending Aurobindo
Ghosh when the latter was charged under a criminal case by the British. Popularly known as
Deshbandhu, Chittaranjan Das is best known for mentoring Subhas Chandra Bose.

Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu

In 1855, Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu led a group of 10,000 Santal people in order to revolt
against British colonists in eastern India. The movement, which came to be known as the Santhal
rebellion, took the British by surprise. The movement was so successful that the British
government had no choice but to announce a bounty of Rs. 10,000 to those who were willing to
capture Sidhu and his brother Kanhu.

Birsa Munda (15 November 1875 – June 9 1900)

Principally a religious leader, Birsa Munda used the religious beliefs of his tribe in order to revolt
against the government of British. He implemented guerrilla warfare techniques to upset the
rhythm of the British troops. In 1900, Birsa, along with his army, was arrested by the British
soldiers. He was later convicted and was lodged in a jail in Ranchi.

Tilka Manjhi (11 February 1750 – 1784)

Approximately 100 years before Mangal Pandey took up arms to fight against the British, Tilka
Manjhi gave up his life trying to do exactly the same. Manjhi was the first rebellion to fight for the
Indian independence. He led a group of Adivasis to fight against the exploitation of the British.

Surya Sen (22 March 1894 – 12 January 1934)

Surya Sen is credited for planning and executing a raid that aimed at seizing the weapons of
police forces from the Chittagong armoury of British India. He led a battalion of armed Indians to
carry out the task. He is known for turning youngsters into firebrand revolutionaries. Surya Sen is
among thousands of young Indians who lost their lives, battling for an independent India.

Subramania Bharati (11 December 1882 – 11 September 1921)

A poet by profession, Subramania Bharati used his literary skills to inspire thousands of Indians
during the independence movement. His works were often impassioned and patriotic in nature. In
1908, Bharati had to flee to Puducherry when the British government issued an arrest warrant
against him. A prominent member of the Indian National Congress, Bharati continued his
revolutionary activities from Puducherry.

Dadabhai Naoroji (4 September 1825 – 30 June 1917)

Credited with establishing the Indian National Congress, Dadabhai Naoroji is remembered as one
of the most prominent members to have participated in the independence movement. In one of
the books published by him, he wrote about the colonial rule of the British which was precisely
aimed at looting wealth from India.

Jawaharlal Nehru (14 November 1889 – 27 May 1964)

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the most important freedom fighters of India, who went on to
become the first Prime Minister of free India. He was also the author of the famous book –
‘Discovery of India’. Nehru was extremely fond of children and was fondly called as ‘Chacha
Nehru’. It was under his leadership that India embarked on the planned pattern of economic
development.

Khudiram Bose (3 December 1889 – 11 August 1908)

Khudiram Bose was one of those young revolutionaries and freedom fighters whose deeds of
bravery went on to become the subject of folklore. He was one of those brave men who
challenged the British rule and gave them a taste of their own medicine. At the age of 19, he was
martyred, with ‘Vande Mataram’ being his last words.

Lakshmi Sahgal (24 October 1914 – 23 July 2012)

A doctor by profession, Lakshmi Sahgal, popularly known as Captain Lakshmi, encouraged

women to join the troop led by Subhas Chandra Bose. She took the initiative of forming a
women’s regiment and named it ‘Rani of Jhansi regiment’. Lakshmi fought vigorously for the
Indian independence before she was arrested by the British government in 1945.

Lala Har Dayal (14 October 1884 – 4 March 1939)

A revolutionary among Indian nationalists, Lala Har Dayal turned down a lucrative job offer and
went on to inspire hundreds of non-resident Indians to fight against the atrocities of the British
Empire. In 1909, he served as the editor of Bande Mataram, a nationalist publication founded by
the Paris Indian Society.
Lala Lajpat Rai (28 January 1865 – 17 November 1928)

One of the most important members of the Indian National Congress, Lala Lajpat Rai is often
revered for leading a protest against the Simon Commission. During the protest, he was
assaulted by James A. Scott, the superintendent of police, which ultimately played a role in his
death. He was a part of the famous triumvirate called ‘Lal Bal Pal.’

Mahadev Govind Ranade (18 January 1842 - 16 January 1901)

Mahadev Govind Ranade was one of the key founding members of Indian National Congress.
Apart from serving as Bombay High Court's judge, Mahadev Govind worked as a social reformer,
encouraging women empowerment and widow remarriage. He understood that India’s fight for
freedom can never be successful without a social reform which was the need of the hour.

Mahatma Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948)

Mahatma Gandhi led the Indian independence movement and was successful in freeing India
from the clutches of the British. He employed non-violence and engaged in various movements
as part of his inspiring protest against the British rule. He went on to become the most significant
freedom fighter and hence is called as the ‘Father of the Nation.’

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (11 November 1888 – 22 February 1958)

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was an active member of the Indian National Congress and a great
freedom fighter. Maulana Azad took part in most of the important movements. He presided over
the special session of Congress in September 1923 and at the age of 35 he became the
youngest man to be elected as the President of the Congress.

Motilal Nehru (6 May 1861 – 6 February 1931)

One of the most prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress, Motilal Nehru was also an
important activist and member of Indian National Movement. Twice in his political career, he was
elected as the President of Congress. He actively participated in many protests including the
Non-Cooperation Movement, during which he was arrested by the British government.

Ram Manohar Lohia (23 March 1910 – 12 October 1967)

One of the founding members of the Congress Socialist Party, Ram Manohar Lohia was an active
member of the Indian independence movement. Lohia was a key member in organizing the Quit
India Movement, for which he was arrested and tortured in 1944. He even worked for the
Congress Radio which operated secretly, propagandizing anti-British messages.

Ram Prasad Bismil (11 June 1897 – 19 December 1927)

Ram Prasad Bismil was one of those young revolutionaries who sacrificed his life for the sake of
his motherland. Bismil was one of the most important members of the Hindustan Republican
Association and also a prominent member of the group that was involved in the Kakori train
robbery. He was sentenced to death by the British government for his involvement in the famous
train robbery.

Ram Singh Kuka (3 February 1816 – 18 January 1872)

Ram Singh Kuka was a social reformer, who is hailed as the first Indian to have initiated the non-
cooperation movement by refusing to use British merchandise and services. Like Mahadev
Govind Ranade, he too, understood the importance of social reforms in order to stand strong
against the British rule. Hence Ram Singh Kuka gave much importance to social reforms.

Rash Behari Bose (25 May 1886 – 21 January 1945)

Rash Behari Bose was one of the most important revolutionaries who tried to assassinate Lord
Hardinge, the then Viceroy of India. Along with other revolutionaries, Bose is credited for
organizing Ghadar Mutiny and the Indian National Army. He was also involved in persuading the
Japanese to help the Indians in their struggle for freedom.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950)

His brave deeds earned Vallabhbhai Patel the title, ‘the iron man of India.’ For his role in the
Bardoli Satyagraha, Patel came to be known as Sardar. Though he was a famous lawyer, Sardar
Patel gave up his profession in order to fight for the freedom of the country. After the
independence, he became the deputy Prime Minister of India and played an important role in the
integration of India by merging numerous princely states with the Indian Union.

Bhagat Singh (1907 – 23 March 1931)

The name Bhagat Singh is synonymous with sacrifice, courage, bravery and vision. By sacrificing
his life at the age of 30, Bhagat Singh became an inspiration and a symbol of heroism. Along with
other revolutionaries, Bhagat Singh founded the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. To
remind the British government of its misdeeds, Bhagat Singh hurled a bomb in the Central
Legislative Assembly. By embracing death at a young age, Singh became a symbol of sacrifice
and courage, thereby residing forever in the hearts of every Indian.

Shivaram Rajguru (26 August 1908 – 23 March 1931)

A member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, Shivaram Rajguru was a close
associate of Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev. Shivaram is mainly remembered for his involvement in
the assassination of John Saunders, a young British police officer. With an intention of killing
James Scott, the police superintendent who had assaulted Lala Lajpat Rai just two weeks before
his death, Shivaram mistook John for James and shot him to death.

Subhas Chandra Bose (23 January 1897 – 18 August 1945)

Popularly known as Netaji, Subhas Chandra Bose was a fierce freedom fighter and popular
leader on the political horizon of pre-independent India. Bose was elected as the President of the
Indian National Congress in 1937 and 1939. He founded the Indian National Army and raised the
famous slogans, ‘Delhi Chalo’ and ‘Tum Mujhe Khoon Do main Tumhe Ajadi Doonga.’ For his
anti-British remarks and activities, Bose was jailed 11 times between 1920 and 1941. He was the
leader of the youth wing of Congress Party.

Sukhdev (15 May 1907 – 23 March 1931)

One of the key members of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, Sukhdev was a
revolutionary and a close associate of Bhagat Singh and Shivaram Rajguru. He too, was involved
in the killing of John Saunders, a British police officer. Sukhdev was captured, along with Bhagat
Singh and Shivaram Rajguru, and was martyred at the age of 24.

Surendranath Banerjee (10 November 1848 – 6 August 1925)

Founder of the Indian National Association and the Indian National Liberation Federation,
Surendranath Banerjee is remembered as a pioneer of Indian politics. He founded and published
a newspaper called ‘The Bengalee’. In 1883, he was arrested for publishing anti-British remarks.
Surendranath was elected as the President of Congress in 1895 and again in 1902.

Sri Alluri Sitarama Raju (1898 – 7 May 1924)

Alluri Sitarama Raju was a key revolutionary who killed many British army men. He, along with
his followers, also raided several police stations and seized many guns and ammunition. He also
initiated the Rampa Rebellion of 1922, which was aimed at protesting against a law passed by
the British government.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (28 May 1883 – 26 February 1966)

The founder of Abhinav Bharat Society and Free India Society, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was
an activist and was popularly known as Swatantryaveer Savarkar. Also an eminent writer,
Savarkar published a book titled ‘The Indian War of Independence’ that spoke about the
struggles of the Indian mutiny of 1857.
Bhim Sen Sachar (1 December 1894 – 18 January 1978)

A lawyer by profession, Bhim Sen Sachar was inspired by other revolutionaries and freedom
fighters and joined the Indian National Congress at a young age. He was subsequently made as
the Secretary of Punjab Congress Committee. Interestingly, Bhim Sen’s struggle for freedom
continued even after 1947 as he got himself into trouble by voicing against the authoritarianism of
Indira Gandhi.

Acharya Kripalani (11 November 1888 – 19 March 1982)

Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani, best known as Acharya Kripalani, was a Gandhian socialist and
independence activist. He was one of the most ardent followers of Mahatma Gandhi and was
actively involved in many protests led by the father of the nation, including Non-Cooperation
Movement, Civil Disobedience, Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement.

Aruna Asaf Ali (16 July 1909 – 29 July 1996)

An active independence activist and member of the Congress Party, Aruna Asaf Ali is
remembered for her participation in various movements including Salt Satyagraha and Quit India
Movement. During the Quit India Movement, she risked being arrested by hoisting the INC flag in
Bombay. She was arrested on many occasions for her revolutionary activities and was lodged in
jail until 1931 when political prisoners were released under the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.

Jatindra Mohan Sengupta (22 February 1885 – 23 July 1933)

A lawyer by profession, Jatindra Mohan Sengupta defended and saved many young
revolutionaries from being sentenced to death. He even joined the Indian National Congress and
went on to actively take part in the Non-Cooperation Movement. He was arrested on several
occasions before he eventually died while being held as a prisoner in Ranchi.

Madan Mohan Malaviya (25 December 1861 – 12 November 1946)

An important participant of the Non-Cooperation Movement, Madan Mohan Malaviya served as

the President of Indian National Congress on two different occasions. On 25 April, 1932, he was
arrested for his participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Malaviya was also a central
figure during the protests against the Simon Commission in 1928.

Nellie Sengupta (1886 – 1973)

Born as Edith Ellen Gray, Nellie Sengupta was a British who fought for the independence of the
Indians. She married Jatindra Mohan Sengupta and started living in India post her wedding.
During the struggle for freedom, Nellie actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement
and was also imprisoned on many occasions.

Pandit Bal Krishna Sharma (8 December 1897 – 29 April 1960)

Pandit Bal Krishna Sharma was an important member of the Indian freedom movement, who was
arrested on six different occasions. He was also an important revolutionary as the British
government had declared him a ‘dangerous prisoner.’ A journalist by profession, Pandit Bal
Krishna Sharma was responsible in inspiring many Indians to stand up and fight for their
independence.

Sucheta Kriplani (25 June 1908 – 1 December 1974)

The founder of ‘All India Mahila Congress’, Sucheta Kriplani became an important associate of
Gandhi during the Partition riots. Along with other freedom fighters like Aruna Asaf Ali and Usha
Mehta, Sucheta became an important member of the Quit India Movement. She was also active
in politics post-independence and became the country’s first woman Chief Minister.

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (2 February 1889 – 6 February 1964)

A co-founder of the All India Women's Conference, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur was one of the most
important members of Dandi March in 1930. After being imprisoned for her participation in the
Dandi March, Amrit Kaur went on to actively participate in the Quit India Movement for which she
was once again jailed by the British authorities.

E.M.S. Namboodiripad (13 June 1909 – 19 March 1998)

A co-founder of Congress Socialist Party, Elamkulam Manakkal Sankaran Namboodiripad, simply

known as EMS, was a communist who became Kerala's first Chief Minister. He was a close
associate of Mahatma Gandhi and called him a Hindu fundamentalist. During his college days,
EMS was an active participant in the Indian independence movement and was also affiliated with
the Indian National Congress.

Pushpalata Das (27 March 1915 – 9 November 2003)

An active member of the Indian National Congress, Pushpalata Das started her revolutionary
activities right from her childhood. She was even expelled from her school for gathering a group
of girls in order to protest against the death sentence of Bhagat Singh. She was later arrested for
participating in Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement.

Sagarmal Gopa (3 November 1900 – 4 April 1946)

The author of revolutionary books like ‘Azadi Ke Diwane’ and ‘Jaisalmer ka Gundaraj’, Sagarmal
Gopa was a prominent freedom fighter who took part in the Non Co-operation Movement. For
protesting against the rulers of Jaisalmer, he was expelled from Hyderabad and Jaisalmer. At the
age of 46, Sagarmal Gopa was torched to death while being lodged in prison.

Madam Bhikaiji Cama (24 September 1861 – 13 August 1936)

Bhikhaiji Rustom Cama was one of the greatest women freedom fighters of India who promoted
the cause of Indian freedom movement outside India as well. She was the one who first unfurled
India’s national flag at an international assembly. She discarded the life of luxury and lived in
exile to serve her motherland.

Damodar Hari Chapekar (1870-1898)

During the bubonic plague that hit Pune in the year 1896, the British administration came up with
a special committee to minimize the damage caused by the dreaded disease. The committee was
headed by an officer named W. C. Rand. Damodar Hari Chapekar, along with his brother
Balkrishna Hari Chapekar, was arrested and sentenced to death for killing W. C. Rand.

Balkrishna Hari Chapekar (1873 – 1899)

Balkrishna Hari Chapekar and his brother Damodar Hari Chapekar were sentenced to death for
killing W. C. Rand, the officer in charge of a special committee that was formed to fight against
the spreading of a plague. Rand was killed as he misused his power by force stripping and
examining women in public in the name of precautionary measure.

Baba Gurdit Singh (25 August 1860 – 24 July 1954)

Baba Gurdit Singh understood that India must take its fight for freedom overseas as well in order
to truly succeed. But a law prevented the entry of Asians into countries like Canada and the
United States. In order to change this law, Baba Gurdit Singh embarked on a journey to Canada
and thus became actively involved in the ‘Komagata Maru incident’.

Udham Singh (26 December 1899 – 31 July 1940)

Udham Singh was one of the most important and famous revolutionaries who took part in the
Indian independence movement. He is remembered for avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
by brutally murdering Sir Michael O'Dwyer on March 13, 1940. For his act, Udham Singh was
convicted and was eventually sentenced to death.

Shyamji Krishna Varma (4 October 1857 – 30 March 1930)

Shyamji Krishna Varma was one of those revolutionaries who truly took the fight for freedom
outside India. By establishing ‘The Indian Sociologist’, ‘Indian Home Rule Society’ and ‘India
House’ in London, he inspired a bunch of Indian revolutionaries who fought for the freedom of
their motherland right in the heart of the United Kingdom.

Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi (26 October 1890 – 25 March 1931)

A journalist by profession, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi was one of the most important leaders of
the Indian National Congress. He was also a prominent member of many important movements
including the Non-Cooperation Movement. A close associate of revolutionaries like Chandra
Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh, Ganesh was imprisoned in 1920 for his revolutionary activities.

Bhulabhai Desai (13 October 1877 – 6 May 1946)

Bhulabhai Desai was a well-known independence activist. A lawyer by profession, Bhulabhai is

widely remembered and acclaimed for defending three soldiers belonging to the Indian National
Army during World War II. He was arrested in the year 1940 for his participation in civil
resistance, which was initiated by none other than Mahatma Gandhi.

Vithalbhai Patel (27 September 1873 – 22 October 1933)

A co-founder of Swarajaya Party, Vithalbhai Patel was a fierce independence activist and elder
brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Vithalbhai became a close associate of Subhas Chandra
Bose and even called Gandhi a failure. When his health was fast deteriorating, he bequeathed
his property, which amounted to a whopping Rs. 120,000, to Subhas Chandra Bose for his
revolutionary activities.

Gopinath Bordoloi (6 June 1890 – 5 August 1950)

Gopinath Bordoloi’s fight for freedom began when he joined the Indian National Congress. He
was then arrested for his participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement and was jailed for more
than a year. A firm believer in Gandhi and his principles, Gopinath went on to become the Chief
Minister of Assam after the independence.

Acharya Narendra Dev (30 October 1889 – 19 February 1956)

One of the most prominent members of the Congress Socialist Party, Acharya Narendra Dev
embraced non-violence and democratic socialism in his fight for the freedom of India. A key figure
in the Hindi language movement, Narendra Dev was arrested on several occasions throughout
his fight for freedom.
Annie Besant (1 October 1847 – 20 September 1933)

Being a British, Annie Besant advocated Indian self-rule and eventually became a prominent
freedom fighter. After becoming a part of the Indian National Congress, she was made the
President of INC in 1917. After acting as one of the key members in establishing ‘Home Rule
League’, she even founded a Hindu school in Benares to achieve her goal of freeing India from
the clutches of her countrymen.

Kasturba Gandhi (11 April 1869 – 22 February 1944)

Best known as the wife of Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba was an ardent freedom fighter. Alongside
Gandhi, Kasturba actively participated in almost all the independence movements, becoming one
of the important activists. She was arrested on several occasions for her participation in
nonviolent protests and Quit India movement.

Kamala Nehru (1 August 1899 – 28 February 1936)

Though she is widely remembered as the wife of Jawaharlal Nehru, Kamala was an eminent
freedom fighter in her own right. She actively took part in the Non Co-operation Movement by
gathering a group of women and by protesting against the shops that were selling foreign goods.
She was arrested by the British government on two occasions.

C. Rajagopalachari (10 December 1878 – 25 December 1972)

A lawyer by profession, C. Rajagopalachari joined the Indian National Congress in the year
1906 and then successfully defended a revolutionary named P. Varadarajulu Naidu. He went on
to become an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi and actively participated in the Non-
Cooperation Movement. Rajagopalachari was an important representative of Congress in Tamil
Nadu.

J. P. Narayan (11 October 1902 – 8 October 1979)

A close friend of a nationalist named Ganga Sharan Singh, Jayaprakash Narayan joined Indian
National Congress in the year 1929 during which Gandhi himself became his mentor. He then
actively participated in Quit India Movement and civil disobedience for which he was jailed by the
British government.

Chempakaraman Pillai (15 September 1891 – 26 May 1934)

Often a forgotten freedom fighter, Chempakaraman Pillai was one of those activists who fought
for the freedom of India from a foreign territory. A close associate of Subhas Chandra Bose, Pillai
initiated his struggle for freedom in Germany. It was Chempakaraman Pillai who came up with the
famous slogan ‘Jai Hind’ which is used even today.

Velu Thampi (6 May 1765 - 1809)

Velayudhan Chempakaraman Thampi, simply referred as Velu Thampi, was one of the most
important and earliest rebels to have objected to the rising supremacy of the British East India
Company. In the famous Battle of Quilon, Velu Thampi led a battalion of 30,000 soldiers and
attacked a local garrison of the British.

T Kumaran (4th October 1904 – 11 January 1932)

Tiruppur Kumaran was one of those young revolutionaries who lost his precious life while
protesting against the atrocities of the British. Like many other revolutionaries, Kumaran too, died
young when he was assaulted by British soldiers while leading a protest against them. Kumaran
refused to let go of the Indian Nationalist flag even at the time of his death.

B. R. Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956)

Fondly remembered as Baba Saheb, B. R. Ambedkar was a key figure in empowering Dalits. The
British had used the Indian caste system to their advantage and were firm believers in the divide
and rule policy. Ambedkar understood this motive of the British and ensured their downfall by
inspiring the Dalit Buddhist Movement among many other movements.

V. B. Phadke (4 November 1845 – 17 February 1883)

Disturbed by the struggle faced by Indian farmers under the British rule, Vasudev Balwant
Phadke decided to revolt against the rule by forming a revolutionary group. Apart from launching
raids on English businessmen, Phadke also managed to take control of Pune through his surprise
attack on British soldiers.

Senapati Bapat (12 November 1880 – 28 November 1967)

After earning a scholarship to study engineering in Britain, Senapati Bapat focused on bomb-
making skills instead of learning engineering. He returned to India with his newly acquired skill
and became one of the members who were involved in the Alipore bombing case. Senapati
Bapat is also credited for educating his countrymen about the British rule as many of them hadn’t
even realized that their country was being ruled by the British.
Rajendra Lahiri (29 June 1901 – 17 December 1927)

A member of the Hindustan Republican Association, Rajendra Lahiri was a close associate of
other revolutionaries, such as Ashfaqulla Khan and Ram Prasad Bismil. He too, was involved in
the Kakori train robbery for which he was later arrested. Lahiri was also involved in the famous
Dakshineswar bombing incident. Lahiri was sentenced to death at the age of 26.

Roshan Singh (22 January 1892 – 19 December 1927)

Yet another member of the Hindustan Republican Association, Roshan Singh was a young
revolutionary who too, was sentenced to death by the British government. Though he was not
involved in the Kakori train robbery, he was arrested and was clubbed along with other
revolutionaries who had taken part in the robbery.

Jatin Das (27 October 1904 – 13 September 1929)

Jatindra Nath Das died at the age of 25 after a hunger strike that lasted for 63 days. Jatindra
Nath Das, also remembered as Jatin Das, was a revolutionary and was lodged in jail along with
other revolutionaries. He began his hunger strike when the political prisoners had a strikingly
different environment when compared to that of their European counterparts.

Madan Lal Dhingra (8 February 1883 – 17 August 1909)

One of the earliest revolutionaries who sacrificed his life for the sake of his motherland, Madan
Lal Dhingra served as an inspiration to other important revolutionaries, such as Bhagat Singh and
Chandrasekhar Azad. When he was studying Mechanical Engineering in England, Dhingra
murdered Sir William Hutt Curzon Wyllie for which he was sentenced to death.

Kartar Singh Sarabha (24 May 1896 – 16 November 1915)

Kartar Singh Sarabha was one of the most famous revolutionaries who sacrificed his life at the
age of 19. Sarabha joined the Ghadar Party, an organization formed to protest against the British
rule, at the age of 17. He, along with his men, was arrested when a member of the Ghadar Party
betrayed them by informing the police about their hiding place.

V.O. Chidambaram Pillai (5 September 1872 – 18 November 1936)

A barrister by profession, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, often referred as V.O.C, was one of the
leaders of Indian National Congress. Chidambaram Pillai is remembered for his bravery as he
became the first Indian to start a shipping service, competing against British ships. He was
charged with sedition and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Kittur Chennamma (23 October 1778 – 2 February 1829)

Kittur Chennamma, the Queen of a princely state in Karnataka, was one of the earliest female
revolutionaries. She led a battalion of armed soldiers to fight against the East India Company.
Along with her lieutenant Sangolli Rayanna, Chennamma employed the guerrilla warfare
technique and fought fiercely, taking many British soldiers by surprise.

K. M. Munshi (30 December 1887 – 8 February 1971)

The founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi was an important freedom
fighter, who took part in Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement. He was arrested on several
occasions for his protests. An ardent follower of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Munshi was an active member of Swaraj Party and Indian
National Congress.

Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (3 April 1903 – 29 October 1988)

A social reformer who worked towards the betterment of socio-economic standard of women,
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was an important member of Congress Socialist Party. She later
became the party’s president and was arrested for selling contraband salt in Bombay. She was
also a prominent member who took part in Salt Satyagraha.

Garimella Satyanarayana (14 July 1893 – 18 December 1952)

A poet by profession, Garimella Satyanarayana inspired thousands to fight against the atrocities
of the British through his songs and poems. He actively participated in the civil disobedience
movement by penning down fiery and revolutionary poems for which he was jailed on several
occasions by the government of British.

N. G. Ranga (7 November 1900 – 9 June 1995)

After getting inspired by the freedom movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, Gogineni Ranga
Nayukulu, commonly known as N. G. Ranga, started a protest of his own by leading a group of
farmers in an agitation in 1933. He is considered one of the most important freedom fighters to
have revolutionized the Indian Peasant Movement.

U Tirot Sing (birth date not known – July 17 1835)

One of the important historical leaders of the Khasi people, Tirot Sing led a battalion of soldiers
and employed guerrilla warfare techniques to combat the British troops who were threatening to
capture the Khasi Hills in its entirety. His attack on a British garrison gave rise to the famous
Anglo-Khasi War.

Abdul Hafiz Mohamed Barakatullah (7 July 1854 – 20 September 1927)

A co-founder of Ghadar Party that operated from San Francisco, Abdul Hafiz Mohamed
Barakatullah was one of those revolutionaries who fought for the freedom of India from overseas.
He was associated with a leading daily in England, through which he published fiery articles,
propagating the idea of independent India.

Mahadev Desai (1 January 1892 – 15 August 1942)

Best known as Gandhi’s personal secretary, Mahadev Desai was an important independence
activist. He accompanied Mahatma Gandhi in most of his protests, including the Bardoli
Satyagraha and Salt Satyagraha for which he was arrested. He was one of the members to have
attended the Second Round Table Conference and the only Indian to have accompanied the
Mahatma when he met with King George V.

Prafulla Chaki (10 December 1888 – 2 May 1908)

Prafulla Chaki was a prominent revolutionary who was a part of the Jugantar group. The group
was responsible in assassinating many British officials. Prafulla Chaki was given the
responsibility of killing famous British officers like Sir Joseph Bampfylde Fuller and Kingsford.
While attempting to kill Kingsford, Prafulla Chaki, along with Khudiram Bose, accidentally killed
Kingsford’s wife and daughter.

Matangini Hazra (19 October 1870 – 29 September 1942)

Popularly known as ‘Gandhi Buri’, Matangini Hazra was a fierce revolutionary who was shot dead
by the British soldiers for her indulgence in revolutionary activities. During the Quit India
Movement, a 71 year old Matangini famously led a group of 6000 volunteers with most of them
being women. At the time of her death, she firmly held the Indian National Congress flag and
repeated the words, ‘Vande Mataram’.

Bina Das (24 August 1911 – 26 December 1986)

Bina Das was one of the bravest women revolutionaries who attempted to murder Stanley
Jackson, the then Bengal Governor, by firing five rounds at him at the Convocation Hall in the
University of Calcutta. Unfortunately, she missed her target and was imprisoned for over nine
years. She was once again arrested for participating in the Quit India Movement.

Bhagwati Charan Vohra (4 July 1904 – 28 May 1930)

An associate of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagwati Charan Vohra too,
was an important revolutionary. In 1929, he rented a house in Lahore and turned it into a bomb
factory. He planned to assassinate Viceroy Lord Irwin by blowing up the train he was travelling in.
Lord Irwin escaped the attack unhurt.

Bhai Balmukund (1889 – 11 May 1915)

Bhai Balmukund was involved in the famous Delhi conspiracy case. The conspiracy was a
planned assassination of Lord Hardinge. A group of revolutionaries, including Bhai Balmukund,
hurled a bomb at the Howdah that was carrying Lord Hardinge. Although Hardinge escaped the
attack with injuries, his mahout was killed. Balmukund was later arrested and was sentenced to
death.

Sohan Singh Josh (12 November 1898 – 29 July 1982)

An eminent writer, Sohan Singh Josh played a critical role in publishing a revolutionary daily
called ‘Kirti’. The daily was responsible in propagating Bhagat Singh’s ideas. Sohan Singh also
went on to become the editor of ‘Jang-i-Azadi’, a communist paper. For his revolutionary
activities, Sohan Singh was arrested and imprisoned for three years by the British government.

Sohan Singh Bhakna (1870–1968)

Sohan Singh Bhakna was an important member of the Ghadar Conspiracy and was also the
party’s founding president. For his involvement in the Ghadar Conspiracy, which was aimed at
initiating a pan-Indian attack to end the British rule, he was sentenced to sixteen years of rigorous
imprisonment. He also worked closely with the Communist Party of India.

C. F. Andrews (12 February 1871 – 5 April 1940)

Charles Freer Andrews, who was a British missionary, played a key role in persuading Gandhi to
return to India when the latter was fighting for the Indian civil rights in South Africa. He eventually
became a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and played his part in the Indian Independence
Movement.

Hasrat Mohani (1 January 1875 – 13 May 1951)

At the Ahmedabad Session of Indian National Congress, Hasrat Mohani became the first person
to raise his voice against the British rule in India. An eminent writer and poet, Hasrat was arrested
on multiple occasions for propagating anti-British policies through his articles that were published
in the magazine, ‘Urdu-e-Mualla’. He was also a co-founder of Communist Party of India.

Tarak Nath Das (15 June 1884 – 22 December 1958)

Tarak Nath Das was a shrewd freedom fighter, who instead of getting himself involved in
revolutionary activities, found a more profound way of fighting for the country’s freedom. During a
meeting in 1906, Tarak Nath Das, along with Jatindra Nath Mukherjee, decided to fly out to
pursue higher education. But the real motive behind his act was to learn military knowledge and
to create sympathy among leaders of the Western countries in order to seek their support for a
free India.

Bhupendranath Datta (4 September 1880 – 25 December 1961)

Bhupendranath Datta was arrested in 1907 for his involvement in the Jugantar Movement and for
working as the editor of a revolutionary newspaper called ‘Jugantar Patrika’. Post his release, he
joined the Ghadar Party and went on to become the secretary of Indian Independence
Committee. Bhupendranath Datta fought for Indian independence from outside the country.

Maruthu Pandiyar

At least 56 years before the Great Rebellion broke out in 1857, the Maruthu brothers, rulers of
Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, fought for the independence from the emerging British rule. They waged
a war and were successful in capturing three districts. But the British called upon additional
troops from Britain and defeated the Maruthu brothers in two successive battles.

Shambhu Dutt Sharma (9 September 1918 - 15 April 2016)

At the age of 24, Shambhu Dutt Sharma gave up on the respectable post of a gazetted officer to
join Mahatma Gandhi in the famous Quit India Movement. Shambhu was immediately arrested
and was then jailed for his participation in the movement. Even after the Indian independence,
Shambhu continued his fight against corruption among other social evils.

Manmath Nath Gupta (7 February 1908 – 26 October 2000)

Manmath Nath Gupta was an acclaimed writer who fought for the independence through his
revolutionary articles and books. He was also a part of the Hindustan Republican Association and
was involved in the Kakori train robbery, for which he was jailed for 14 years. Even after his
release, he continued his revolutionary activities and was once again jailed in 1939.
Batukeshwar Dutt (18 November 1910 – 20 July 1965)

Batukeshwar Dutt was a firebrand revolutionary who is often remembered for his association with
Bhagat Singh. Batukeshwar was involved in the serial blast that took place in the Central
Legislative Assembly on April 8, 1929. A member of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association,
Batukeshwar is also remembered for his hunger strike that secured a few rights for the Indian
political prisoners.

Pritilata Waddedar (5 May 1911 – 23 September 1932)

Pritilata Waddedar is remembered as one of the bravest women freedom fighters. She was
involved in a host of revolutionary activities that were headed by Surya Sen. Pritilata is best
known for attacking Pahartali European Club which sported a derogatory sign board against the
Indians. At the time of being arrested, she took her own life by consuming cyanide.

Ganesh Ghosh (22 June 1900 – 16 October 1994)

A close associate of Surya Sen, Ganesh Ghosh was an important member in the group that took
part in the Chittagong armoury raid. Also a member of the Jugantar party, Ganesh Ghosh was
eventually arrested by British soldiers. Post his release, he joined the Communist Party of India
and continued his fight for freedom.

Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee (1895 – 1969)

A co-founder of Hindustan Republican Association, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee was another

freedom fighter who was imprisoned for getting involved in the Kakori train robbery. He was also
a part of ‘Anushilan Samiti’, an organization that encouraged violent means to end the British
rule. After the independence, he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Barindra Kumar Ghosh (5 January 1880 – 18 April 1959)

A key founding member of Jugantar Party, Barindra Kumar Ghosh carried out many revolutionary
activities including the famous Alipore bombing. He even published a weekly named ‘Jugantar’
that propagated anti-British and revolutionary ideas. He also formed a group that was responsible
in making bombs and other ammunition in a secret place.

Hemchandra Kanungo (1871 - 8 April 1950)

A close associate of Barindra Kumar Ghosh and Aurobindo Ghosh, Hemchandra Kanungo was
instrumental in setting up the secret bomb factory that Barindra Kumar was a part of. Kanungo
went all the way to Paris just to learn the art of bomb making. He returned to India and taught
other freedom fighters what he had learned from his Russian friends in Paris.

Bhavabhushan Mitra (1881– 27 January 1970)

Bhavabhushan Mitra took part in many Indian independence movements including the famous
Non Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement. He was also a prominent social worker
who sought a few important changes in the Indian society in order to achieve complete
independence from the British rule. He was also arrested for his revolutionary activities.

Kalpana Datta (27 July 1913 – 8 February 1995)

Kalpana Datta was one of the most prominent members of the group that executed the
Chittagong armoury raid under the leadership of Surya Sen. She was also involved in the attack
of the Pahartali European Club, along with Pritilata Waddedar. She was arrested on multiple
occasions for her brave deeds.

Binod Bihari Chowdhury (10 January 1911 – 10 April 2013)

Binod Bihari Chowdhury too, was one of the important firebrand freedom fighters who was
associated with Surya Sen. An active member of Jugantar Party, Binod is best remembered for
his heroic deeds during the Chittagong armoury raid. He eventually became the last surviving
revolutionary from the famous raid that took the British by surprise.

Liaquat Ali (1 October 1895 – 16 October 1951)

Moved by the ill-treatment of Indian Muslims by British officials, Liaquat Ali resolved to free them
from the clutches of the British. He joined the All-India Muslim League which was growing in
prominence under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Eventually, Liaquat Ali became a key
figure in acquiring a separate country for Indian Muslims.

Shaukat Ali (10 March 1873 – 26 November 1938)

One of the prominent Muslim leaders of the Khilafat Movement, Shaukat Ali was instrumental in
forming the political policy of the Muslims by publishing revolutionary magazines. He was
arrested on several occasions for his revolutionary activities and for supporting Mahatma Gandhi.
He was also an important member in the Non-Cooperation Movement.

S. Satyamurti (19 August 1887 – 28 March 1943)

Sundara Sastri Satyamurti was an important member of the Indian National Congress. Satyamurti
actively participated in the protests against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. For his revolutionary
activities during the Quit India Movement, he was arrested and tortured by the British soldiers.
Satyamurti is also remembered as the mentor of K. Kamaraj, another freedom fighter who later
became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (6 February 1890 – 20 January 1988)

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was one of those independence activists who opposed the partition
of India at the time of its independence. Popularly known as Bacha Khan, he advocated non-
violence and wanted a secular country. In 1929, he initiated the ‘Khudai Khidmatgar’ movement,
which gave the British a run for their money. Since his principles were similar to that of Mahatma
Gandhi’s, he worked closely with Gandhi in all his endeavours.
List of Governor General of India:

Governor General Period Important achievements/Events Images

Warren Hastings was the first Governor of Bengal

(Presidency of Fort William). In 1750 he joined the
British East India Company as a clerk and sailed out to
India, reaching Calcutta in August 1750. In 1814 he
made a Privy Counsellor.
Zamindars were given judicial powers;
Warren Hastings 1772-1785 establishment of civil and criminal courts in each
district.
In 1781, he founded the Calcutta Madrasa, for
promotion of Islamic studies.
He founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal with
William Jones in 1784.

Sir John Macpherson 1785-1786 He held the post temporarily.

Introduced Permanent Settlement of Bengal (also called

Zamindari system). It was an agreement between East
India Company and Bengali landlords to fix revenues to
be raised from land.He introduced Police reforms
Lord Cornwallis 1786-1793 according to which each district was divided into 400
square miles and placed under a police superintendent.

Introduction of Civil Services in India.

 He followed policy of non-intervention.Introduced
Sir John Shore 1793-1798
Charter Act of 1793.

He adopted the policy of Subsidiary Alliance- a system

to keep the Indian rulers under control and to make
British the supreme power.He opened College to train
Lord Wellesley 1798-1805 the Company’s servants in Calcutta. So, Known as
the Father of Civil Services in India.

He founded the Fort William College at Calcutta.

The important event which took place in his time was

Sir George Barlow 1805-1807 Mutiny of Vellore in 1806 in which the Indian soldiers
killed many English officials.

He concluded the Treaty of Amritsar (1809) with

Lord Minto I 1807-1813
Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
 He ended the policy of non-intervention, which was
followed by Sir John Shore.He abolished the censorship
Lord Hastings 1812-1823 of press.Introduced Ryotwari and Mahalawari system in
Bombay.

His tenure was known for First Anglo Burmese War

Lord Amherst 1823-1828
(1824-26) and Mutiny of Barrackpur (1824)

Lord William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck (Lord

William Bentick) was British Soldier and Statesman.
He was first Governor General of India.
He carried out social reforms such as abolition of
Lord William
Sati Pratha with the help of Rajaram Mohan Roy,
Bentick
1828-1835 Suppression of Thuggee.
Established first Medical College in Calcutta.
He made English as the language of higher
education.
He also suppressed female infanticide and child
sacrifice.

He held the post temporarily and removed restriction on

Sir Charles Metcalfe 1835-1836
Vernacular press.
Lord Auckland 1836-1842 First Afghan War was fought in his reign.

Opened first Railway line from Bombay to Thane in

1853.Opened first Telegraph line from Calcutta to Agar
in 1853.
Introduced Doctrine of Lapse captured Satara
(1848), Jaipur and Sambhalpur (1849), Udaipur
(1852), Jhansi (1853), Nagpur (1854).

Many bridges were constructed and started Grand

Trunk Road.
Lord Dalhousie 1848-1856
Established Postal system which made
communication easier.

In 1854, Wood’s Dispatch was passed, which

provided the proper system of education from
School to University.

Widow Remarriage Bill was passed.

List of Viceroy of India:

As per the Regulating Act of 1773, the post of Governor general came into existence.
Earlier, the Governor General of Bengal was appointed by East India Company. After the
adoption of Government of India Act 1858, Governor General become Viceroy of India.

Viceroy Period Important achievements/Events Images

 He was the Governor General during Mutiny pf
1857 and after the war, he was made
first Viceroy of India.He withdrew Doctrine of
Lord Canning 1856-1862 lapse.Indian Council Act was passed in 1861

University of Bombay, Calcutta, Madras was

established in 1857.

High Court was established at Calcutta, Bombay,

Madras in 1865.He created Indian Forest
Department.Opened telegraph line with
Europe.He introduced various reforms and
Lord Lawrence 1864-1869 became the member of Punjab Board of
Administration after second Sikh war.

He was known as the Savior of Punjab.

Started financial decentralization in India.He

established Rajkot College in Kathiawar and
Mayo College in Ajmer for Indian princess.First
Census of India was held during his time in
1871.
Lord Mayo 1869-1872
He organized Statistical survey of India.

He was the only Viceroy who was murdered

in office by a pathan in Andaman in 1872.

The Delhi Durbar was held on January 1 1877, to

decorate Queen Victoria with the title of Kaiser-
i-hind.Statutory Civil Service in 1879. It was
also laid down that the candidates had to appear
and pass the civil services examination which
Lord Lytton 1876-1880 began to be held in England. The maximum age
for these candidates were reduced from 21 to 19
years.

Vernacular press Act was passed in 1878.

 Age for the entry in Civil Service exam was
raised to 21 years.First Factory act was passed
during his time in 1881, it prohibited the child
Lord Rippon 1880-1884 labour.Illbert Bill in 1883 was passed by him.

Passed Local Self Government act in 1882.

Lord Dufferin 1884-1888 He formed the Indian National Congress.

Indian Council Act was passed in 1892.Second

Factory Act (1891) was passed during his
Lord Lansdowne 1888-1894
time.He appointed Durand Commission to define
a line between British India and Afghanistan.

Partition of Bengal (1905) into two provinces-

Bengal and East Bengal was done during his
Lord Curzon 1899-1905 time.Passed the Ancient Monuments Act (1904),
to restore India’s cultural heritage. Thus,
established Archeological Survey of India.
Lord Minto 1905-1910 Morley-Minto reform was passed in 1909.

Partition of Bengal was cancelled and capital

shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911.Gandhi ji
Lord Hardinge 1910-1916 returned to India from South Africa in
1915.Home Rule moment was launched by
Annie Beasant.

August Declaration of 1917, after which the

control over the Indian Government would be
transferred to Indian people.Rowlett Act 1919
was passedMontague-Chelmsford reform was
passed.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 1919 took place

Lord Chelmsford 1916-1921 during his time.

Non- Cooperation and Khilafat movement

took place.

Women’s University was founded at Poona

in 1919

Suppressed of non-cooperation movementChauri

Lord Reading 1921-1926 -Chaura incident took place.Formation of Swaraj
party.Ahmedabad session of INS held in 1921.
 Simon commission visited India in 1928.Dandi
March was held in 1930.Civil Disobedience
Lord Irwin 1926-1931 movement launched in 1930.Gandhi- Irwin pact
was signed and First Round Table Conference
was held in 1931.

Poona Pact was signed.Second and Third Round

Table Conference was held during his
time.Communal Award started by British Prime
Lord Willingdon 1931-1936 Minister Ramsay MacDonald.

Government of India Act (1935) was passed.

Government of India Act enforced in

provinces.Cripps Mission visited India in
Lord Linlithgow 1936-1944
1942.Quit India movement was started in
1942.Second World war took place in 1939.

Shimla Conference was held on June 25, 1945

between Muslim League and Indian national
Lord Wavell 1944-1947 Congress was failed.Cabinet Mission Plan was
launched in 1946.On December 09, 1946, first
meeting of Constituent Assembly was held.
 Last Viceroy and first Governor General of free
India.Partition of India was done on June 3,
1947.India Independent Act was passed on July
4, 1947 by British parliament. As per the Act
March 1947- India became independent on August 15, 1947.
Lord Mountbatten
August 1947
He was succeeded by C. Rajagopalachari,
who was the last Governor General of free
India.

Newspaper and Journal Published during Independence

Year Name Newspaper/ Journal Founder

1780 Bengal Gazette English newspaper James Augustus Hicky

1819 Samvad Kaumudi Bengali weekly newspaper Ram Mohan Roy

1822 Mirat-ul-Akbar Persian language journal Raja Ram Mohan Roy

1854 Rast Goftar Gujarati Newspaper Dadabhai Naoroji

1858 Som Prakesh Weekly newspaper Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

1862 Indian Mirror Newspaper Devendra Nath Tagore

1868 Amrita Bazar Patrika Newspaper Sisir Kumar Ghosh and Motilal Ghosh

1871 Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq Journal Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

1878 Hindu Newspaper Vir Raghavacharya and G.S. Aiyar

1881 Kesari Marathi Newspaper B.G. Tilak

1888 Sudharak Newspaper G.K. Gokhale

1892 Hindoo Patriot English weekly Girish Chandra Ghosh

1896 Prabuddha Bharata English monthly journal Swami Vivekananda

1899 Udbodhana Magazine Swami Vivekananda

1903 Indian Opinion Newspaper M. K Gandhi

1905 Bande Mataram English language newspaper Aurobindo Ghosh

1910 Bombay Chronicle English-language newspaper Firoze Shah Mehta

1911 Comrade Weekly English newspaper Maulana Mohammad Ali

1912 Al-Balagh Urdu weekly newspaper Abul Kalam Azad

1912 Al-Hilal Urdu weekly newspaper Abul Kalam Azad

1913 Pratap Hindi language newspaper Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi

1914 New India English-language daily newspaper Annie Besant

1919 Independent Newspaper Motilal Nehru

1919 Young India Weekly journal M. K Gandhi

1920 Mook Nayak Marathi weekly B.R. Ambedkar

1924 Hindustan Times English daily newspaper Sunder Singh Lyallpuri

1929 Nav Jeevan Weekly newspaper M. K Gandhi

1932 Harijan Weekly journal M. K Gandhi

1936 Free Hindustan Journal Tarak Nath Das

1936 Hindustan Dainik Hindi newspaper M.M. Malviya