Entire History Half Yearly Class 10 ICSE | Entire History Mid Term ICSE Class 10 | @sirtarunrupani

Sir Tarun Rupani・2 minutes read

The British rule in India led to economic exploitation, social reforms, and political movements like the Indian National Congress and the non-cooperation movement under Mahatma Gandhi, culminating in India's fight for independence. Various leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyotiba Phule, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Mahatma Gandhi contributed significantly to India's struggle for freedom against British imperialism.

Insights

Indian sentiments of desiring independence from England grew due to almost 200 years of British rule in India.
The 1857 revolt, despite being suppressed by the British, is considered by Indian historians as the first fight for independence.
British policies like the Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse expanded British control over India by imposing supremacy and annexing kingdoms.
Bahadur Shah Zafar faced disrespect from the British, leading to political unrest and planning against British rule.
Economic exploitation by the British, including the drain of wealth and ruin of traditional industries, weakened India economically.
The introduction of the Enfield rifle and the subsequent rebellion against its use by Indian soldiers marked the immediate cause of the War of Independence in India.
Reform movements led by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Jyotiba Phule aimed to eradicate social evils, promote unity, and awaken patriotism in Indian society.
The non-cooperation movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, marked a significant turning point in India's fight for independence, uniting people against British rule and promoting self-reliance.

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Recent questions

Why did Indians revolt against the British?
Indians revolted due to British mistreatment, economic exploitation.
Who was Bahadur Shah Zafar?
Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor.
What impact did the British economic exploitation have on India?
British exploitation led to economic decline, loss of wealth.
Who were the early nationalist leaders in India?
Early nationalist leaders included Gopal Krishna Gokhale, MG Ranade.
What were the key events of the non-cooperation movement in India?
The non-cooperation movement involved boycotts, protests, Chauri Chaura incident.

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Summary

00:00

British Rule in India: Path to Independence

The British almost ruled India for 200 years, leading to Indian sentiments of desiring independence from England.
Various reasons led to Indians turning against the British, including peasants, merchants, the middle class, and soldiers uniting in opposition.
Despite efforts in the 1857 revolt, India did not gain independence as the British suppressed the rebellion.
Indian historians consider the 1857 revolt as the first fight for independence.
The British gradually expanded their control over India through policies like the Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse.
The Subsidiary Alliance required Indian states to accept British supremacy and restrict their foreign policy decisions.
The Doctrine of Lapse allowed the British to annex Indian kingdoms without natural heirs.
The British used various pretexts, like alleging misrule, to justify taking over Indian territories, such as Awadh.
Bahadur Shah Zafar, the Mughal emperor, faced disrespect from the British, including removal from coins and titles.
Lord Canning further humiliated Bahadur Shah Zafar by denying his descendants royal titles, leading to political unrest and planning against the British.

11:44

Impact of British Colonialism on India

The last Peshwa was Nana Sahib, who was shifted from Pune to Kanpur and denied a pension.
Nana Sahib's empire was in Pune before being relocated to Kanpur.
Nana Sahib's relocation led to his support for rebelling against the British.
The British interfered in Indian religions, banning practices like Sati and promoting Christianity.
The British also passed laws like the Widow Remarriage Act and introduced Western education.
The British implemented racial discrimination, considering Indians inferior and mistreating them.
The British exploited India's resources, taking raw materials for their industries and selling finished products back to India.
India, once prosperous, was economically weakened by British exploitation, losing valuable gems like the Kohinoor diamond.
The British's economic exploitation led to India's decline from being a wealthy nation.
The British's actions sparked rebellion among Indians due to their mistreatment and economic exploitation.

22:57

British Exploitation in Colonial India

Drain of wealth refers to the British taking away wealth from India without giving anything in return, such as tea, coffee, and silk.
The British ruined India's cottage industry and handicraft industry by introducing machine-made goods, leading to the decline of artisans and their traditional crafts.
The economic decline of peasantry in India was caused by landlords, under British influence, imposing high rents and taxes on farmers, leading to their impoverishment.
The British introduced Western education in India, leading to growing unemployment as there were no industries to provide jobs, resulting in a decline in employment opportunities for Indians.
Indigo cultivators were forced by the British to grow indigo, a soil-exhausting crop, which led to the depletion of soil fertility and the ruin of farmers.
The British implemented a policy to take away land from Indian landlords, leading to the decline of landed aristocracy and the creation of new, oppressive landlords.
Indian soldiers in the British Army, known as Sipahis, were ill-treated and poorly housed, leading to discontent and rebellion among them.
The British prohibited Indians from going abroad, as crossing the sea was considered a religious taboo, but the British forced Indians to travel overseas.
A large proportion of Indian soldiers in the British Army, outnumbering British soldiers, led to fears of a revolt among Indian soldiers due to mistreatment and lack of promotion opportunities.
The introduction of the Enfield rifle, a new gun by the British, was the immediate cause of the War of Independence in India, dispelling the myth of British invincibility and instilling confidence in Indians to fight for independence.

34:44

Rebellion of 1857: British Rule Overthrown in India

The kit contained pills and had to be planted and cut into, with the pills inside a small bag called Katij.
Soldiers, whether Hindu or Muslim, refused to use the kit due to religious beliefs regarding cows and pigs.
The refusal led to the British forcing the soldiers to use bullets, sparking the rebellion starting with Mangal Pandey.
Mangal Pandey, a Brahmin soldier, rebelled against using grease cartridges and was hanged by his officer.
The rebellion spread to Meerut, where 85 soldiers prepared to rebel against the British.
The soldiers reached Delhi, where Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared Emperor of India, leading to a widespread rebellion.
Rani Lakshmibai fought against the British in Jhansi, Kalpi, and Gwalior, ultimately being killed in battle.
Various leaders like Khan Bahadur, Kuwar Singh, and Ahmed Dulla led revolts in different regions against the British.
The Revolt of 1857 resulted in the end of the East India Company's rule, with India coming under direct British Crown rule.
Queen Victoria declared herself Empress of India, implemented new governance structures, and initiated the policy of divide and rule to maintain control.

47:07

British Colonial Rule in India: Racism and Resistance

British colonizers maintained racial superiority, considering themselves superior to Indians based on race and class.
Indians were segregated in compartments, theaters, and other areas, with British colonizers keeping them at a distance.
The British reserved certain areas for Europeans only, excluding Indians and considering them dirty and unworthy.
British policies changed over time, with a declaration of non-interference in religious matters and the abolition of practices like Sati.
The British aimed to expand their empire by using Indian resources and soldiers, benefiting themselves economically.
The British fostered racial bitterness, considering Indians inferior and unworthy of trust, leading to a hierarchical structure favoring British individuals.
Nationalism and patriotism grew among Indians due to British oppression, with notable figures like Rani Lakshmi Bai and Mangal Pandey inspiring resistance.
Indians began fighting for freedom against the British, leading to changes in the Indian Army structure and increased European presence.
The British strategically positioned Europeans in the army to prevent Indian soldiers from revolting, withholding powerful weapons from Indians.
Economic exploitation by the British drained wealth from India, creating a divide between Hindu and Muslim communities and fostering distrust among them.

58:52

Impact of British Rule on Indian Unity

Love and unity grew among Indians when they became free from British rule, leading to a sense of patriotism.
British economic exploitation of Indian farmers involved taking a large share of their production as tax, leading to financial struggles and loans.
The British East India Company's trade practices harmed Indian artisans and craftsmen, leading to the decline of traditional handicrafts.
British policies, such as the Vernacular Press Act and Arms Act, restricted Indian freedom of expression and access to weapons.
Lord Lytton's repressive policies, including the reduction of the age limit for the ICS exam, aimed to prevent Indian participation in governance.
Lord Ripon's progressive policies, like the Ilbert Bill, aimed to provide equal rights to Indians in the legal system, but faced British opposition.
The socio-religious reform movement in India, led by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, aimed to eradicate social evils and promote rational thinking.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, known as the Father of Indian Renaissance, advocated for monotheism and true devotion across religions.
Roy's Atmiya Sabha promoted spiritual worship over ritualistic practices, emphasizing genuine devotion to one God.
The reform movement sought to unify religions under the belief in one God and promote humanitarian values, fostering a sense of national pride and cultural progress.

01:10:02

Reformers Roy and Phule: Social Change Leaders

Atmiya Sabha was an intimate gathering organized by Amit Atmiya Sabha, later becoming Brahmo Sabha, which was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy Ji.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy Ji established Monotheism, emphasizing belief in one God and the importance of meditation over idol worship.
He advocated for moral behavior, kindness, charity, and opposed practices like idol worship, polygamy, and the caste system.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy Ji was a social reformer who fought against the caste system, supported widow remarriage, and opposed the purdah system.
He worked to end the practice of Sati, where widows were burned alive, by advocating for a law against it.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy Ji was a prolific writer and journalist, proficient in multiple languages, and challenged British rule by advocating for political reforms like separating the executive and judiciary.
Jyotiba Phule, a social reformer, focused on uplifting women, opening schools for girls, orphans, and widows, and advocating for widow remarriage.
He protested against the caste system, wrote the book "Gulamgiri" highlighting the struggles of lower-caste people, and founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj for social justice.
Jyotiba Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule, worked to provide education and support for untouchables, orphans, and widows, promoting equality and justice in society.
The reform movements led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy Ji and Jyotiba Phule had a significant impact on Indian society, awakening patriotism, promoting equality, and fostering a sense of brotherhood through press publications and social reforms.

01:20:45

"Indian Nationalism: From News to Congress"

Newspaper became a medium and a message for the exchange of information across regions like Bengal and Punjab.
The publication of news led to the sharing of opinions and ideas among people from diverse backgrounds.
The spread of news allowed Indians to learn about global events, including the French Revolution.
The Indian National Congress was formed through the efforts of individuals like Dada Bhai Nehru Ji and Surendranath Banerjee.
Dada Bhai Nehru Ji founded the East India Association in London to address British policies and promote Indian interests.
The Indian Association aimed to unite knowledgeable individuals to form public opinion and advocate for India's welfare.
The Indian National Congress emerged from the Indian National Union, with W.C. Banerjee as its first President.
The Congress was established to act as a safeguard against popular dissent and to promote unity and public opinion.
The early nationalist phase of the freedom struggle, led by educated individuals like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Justice MG Ranade, focused on moderate policies and loyalty to the British Crown.
The early nationalists, also known as moderates, believed in open-mindedness and worked towards promoting Indian interests within the British framework.

01:32:31

Moderates' British Loyalty and Reform Demands

People loyal to the British wanted to adopt British beliefs, considering Englishmen honest and beneficial for India.
They believed in learning Western knowledge from the British through constitutional and peaceful methods.
Demands included changing laws, closing the Indian Council, and expanding Legislative Councils with Indian members.
Economic reforms sought to reduce land revenue, provide cheap loans to farmers, and abolish taxes on salt.
They demanded administrative reforms like the Indian Civil Services exam in India and the separation of executive and judiciary.
The moderates wanted more power for municipalities, the repeal of discriminatory laws, and primary education reforms.
They advocated for civil rights like freedom of speech and press, opposing preventive detention laws.
Methods included writing letters, sending petitions, and publishing articles to the British Parliament.
They also engaged in prayers, protests, and creating journals to address issues and seek British intervention.
Despite some achievements like raising awareness and unity, the moderates faced criticism for their reliance on British goodwill and failure to mobilize the masses against British rule.

01:43:02

Early Indian Nationalist Leaders and British Politics

Waugh organized a garden party for party people, but Lord Dufferin wanted Congress to focus on social work rather than politics.
Congress transformed into a political party against the British, disappointing Lord Dufferin's vision of social welfare.
The British instigated division among Congress members, particularly Hindus and Muslims, leading to internal conflicts.
Early Nationalist Leaders like Dada Bhai Ji Phir and Nehru made significant contributions to India's political landscape.
Dada Bhai Nehru, the Grand Old Man of India, was the first Indian member of the House of Commons in Britain.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a prominent leader, advocated for self-government and Swaraj within the British Empire.
Gokhale's economic theories highlighted British exploitation in India, influencing future leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.
Surendranath Banerjee, the Father of Indian Nationalism, founded the Indian National Conference to promote patriotism.
Banerjee's peaceful and constitutional methods contrasted with the assertive Nationalists who emerged after 1905.
The Partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon aimed to weaken Indian unity and facilitate British control.

01:55:00

Bengali Groomsmen Minority: Bengal's Anti-Partition Movement

Bengali groomsmen became a minority in their own state due to division.
The partition was based on religion, leading to fights and division.
The anti-partition movement in Bengal was enthusiastic and widespread.
People fasted, went barefoot, and bathed in the Ganga as a form of protest.
The movement included chanting slogans, burning Vande Mataram, and offering Rakhi between Hindus and Muslims.
Swadeshi and boycott movements were initiated to oppose British goods and industries.
The movement involved burning British goods, boycotting liquor shops, and socially boycotting those who bought British goods.
Assertive nationalists promoted national education and passive resistance against British imperialism.
Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak emphasized physical training, patriotism, and the spirit of struggle.
Tilak demanded Swaraj, started the Ganpati festival, and glorified Shivaji to inspire nationalistic sentiments among Indians.

02:07:02

Nationalist Leaders: Tilak and Lajpat Rai

Tilak taught nationalism through newspapers and books, emphasizing the importance of leaders and their writings.
He wrote for two newspapers, Maratha in English and Kesari in Marathi, and authored books like 'Geeta Rahasya' and 'The Arctic Home of Vidas'.
Tilak initiated the Home Rule movement in Pune in 1916, advocating for self-government within the British Empire.
He was a forerunner of Mahatma Gandhi, inspiring movements like Swarajya and Swadeshi.
Lala Lajpat Rai, known as Punjab Kesari, was a revolutionary thinker, writer, and lawyer who opposed the caste system and promoted social reforms.
Rai was the first President of the All India Trade Union Congress and played a significant role in India's independence movement.
He founded the Servant of People Society, focusing on uplifting the oppressed and marginalized in society.
Lajpat Rai's magazine 'Young India' was published in the USA, promoting patriotism and social change.
He joined the Gadar Party in the US, supporting the Indian freedom struggle by financing and supplying arms.
Lajpat Rai's martyrdom in 1928 during a protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore symbolized the fight against British imperialism and inspired the nation towards independence.

02:19:32

British Manipulation, Muslim League Unity, Hindu-Muslim Harmony

Principal Beck, a British principal, emphasized Anglo-Muslim unity and friendship between British and Muslims.
The British manipulated language, changing Urdu to Hindi, causing conflict between Hindus and Muslims.
The British instigated communal bias by distorting history and promoting divisive narratives.
The formation of the Muslim League aimed to advance political rights and interests of Muslims.
Nawab Sami Ullah Khan initiated the Muslim League in December 1906 in Dhaka.
The Muslim League was created to support the British government, prevent communal enmity, and secure political rights for Muslims.
The Lucknow Pact of 1916 marked a significant agreement between Congress and the Muslim League.
Congress accepted minority representation in parliament based on religion, leading to unity between Congress and the Muslim League.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mohammad Ali Jinnah played crucial roles in uniting Congress and the Muslim League.
The Lucknow Pact led to the first Hindu-Muslim unity, weakening British control and pressuring the government.

02:32:17

Early Nationalist Unity and Gandhi's Leadership

The government realized the unity of early nationalists, combining Moderates and Extremists, as well as Hindus and Muslims.
Recognizing the need for prompt action, the government understood the importance of timely constitutional reforms to avoid wastage.
The British acknowledged the necessity of pacifying Indians swiftly to prevent a large-scale mass movement.
The Declaration of August was announced, promising self-government for India and gradual transfer of power to Indians.
The Lucknow Pact symbolized the unity of Hindus and Muslims, thanks to leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.
Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a significant leader during the National Movement, succeeding other prominent figures like Surendra Nath Banerjee and Nehru.
Gandhi's early life in Rajkot, Gujarat, underlines his transformation from a shy boy to a revered leader through his experiences in South Africa.
Gandhiji's introduction to Satyagraha in South Africa laid the foundation for his non-violent resistance against racial discrimination.
Gandhiji's successful Satyagraha movements in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda showcased his ability to bring about change without violence.
The Rowlatt Act of 1919, empowering the British to arrest Indians without trial, triggered Gandhiji's Satyagraha movement, leading to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh incident in 1919.

02:43:37

Non-Cooperation Movement: India's Path to Independence

Jallianwala Bagh is a garden with narrow entrance and buildings on three sides, where Congress leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlu and Dr. Satyapal were arrested, leading to a protest.
General Dyer, a British Military Commander, blocked the entrance, ordered soldiers to fire, resulting in 1000 deaths and many injuries.
Rabindranath Tagore returned his knighthood in protest, triggering the non-cooperation movement due to the Khilafat Movement and British actions in Turkey.
The Khilafat Movement, led by Mohammad Ali and Maulana Shaukat Ali, aimed to unite Hindus and Muslims under Gandhiji's leadership.
The non-cooperation movement started in 1920, merging with the Khilafat Movement, boycotting British goods, and promoting self-reliance through spinning khadi.
Gandhiji's efforts included fighting untouchability, promoting Hindu-Muslim unity, and establishing educational institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth.
The movement escalated with Indians boycotting elections, refusing to pay taxes, and engaging in non-violent protests, leading to the Chauri Chaura Incident.
Gandhiji suspended the movement after the Chauri Chaura Incident, despite protests from leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, as the impact of non-cooperation had already been significant.
The movement instilled confidence in Indians, transforming Congress into a revolutionary party and paving the way for future mass movements.
The non-cooperation movement marked a turning point in India's fight for independence, uniting people from all walks of life against British rule.

02:54:30

Gandhiji sparks unity, Simon Commission protests, Nehru Report

Arrival of Gandhiji led to a mass movement promoting Hindu-Muslim unity and social reforms, including the reduction of untouchability and promotion of Harijan traditions.
The Simon Commission, led by Sir John Simon, was sent to India by the British Parliament to suggest constitutional reforms, sparking protests due to the absence of Indian members, leading to the demand for complete autonomy and enlargement of legislative councils.
The Nehru Report, prepared by Indian leaders including Motilal Nehru, criticized British rule and demanded more power for Indians in appointments and governance, emphasizing the need for self-governance and inclusion of princely states in a federal government structure.

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