Assignment Code: BHIC-113/TMA/2023-24

Course Code: BHIC-113

Assignment Name: History of India VIII (c. 1857-1950)

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Assignment – I

Answer the following questions in about 500 words each.

Q1) Write a note on the Non-Cooperation movement.

Ans) The Non-Cooperation Movement, a significant chapter in the history of India's struggle for independence, unfolded between 1920 and 1922 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. It was a non-violent resistance campaign against British colonial rule, characterized by mass mobilization, boycotts, and non-cooperation with British institutions.

Background:

a)     Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919): The seeds of the Non-Cooperation Movement were sown in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indian protesters.

b)     Khilafat Movement (1919-1924): Simultaneously, there was the Khilafat Movement, led by Muslims in India, to protest the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire and the British mistreatment of the Muslim Caliph.

Features:

a)     Boycott of British Institutions: Gandhi's call was to boycott British educational institutions, the civil services, courts, and legislative councils. Indians were encouraged to resign from government jobs and return honours and titles granted by the British.

b)     Promotion of Swadeshi: Indians were urged to use locally produced goods and clothing (Khadi) instead of British-made products.

c)     Peaceful Protests: The movement stressed non-violence and civil disobedience as its core principles. This set it apart from earlier agitations, which had often taken violent forms.

d)     Mass Mobilization: It witnessed the participation of millions of people across the country, making it a truly nationwide movement.

e)     Unity Across Communities: It brought Hindus and Muslims together, demonstrating communal harmony and a shared desire for independence.

f)      Surrender of Titles: Many prominent Indians, including Motilal Nehru and Rajendra Prasad, renounced their titles and honours in support of the movement.

Significance:

a)     Mass Participation: The Non-Cooperation Movement marked the first time when ordinary Indians from diverse backgrounds actively participated in a political agitation, giving them a sense of agency and unity in their struggle against colonialism.

b)     Communal Unity: It illustrated the potential for Hindus and Muslims to work together for a common cause, albeit temporarily, which was a crucial precedent for future movements.

c)     Impact on British Authority: The British administration felt the pressure of the movement, with the government facing difficulties in maintaining law and order.

d)     Promotion of Self-Reliance: It promoted self-sufficiency through the use of indigenous goods and Khadi, which had a long-lasting impact on India's industrial and economic landscape.

End of the Movement:

The Non-Cooperation Movement came to an abrupt halt in February 1922 due to the violent incident known as the Chauri Chaura incident. In Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, a group of protesters clashed with the police, leading to the death of 22 police officers. This violence contradicted Gandhi's principle of non-violence, and he felt it was essential to call off the movement to prevent further bloodshed.

Legacy:

While the Non-Cooperation Movement was suspended, it left an indelible mark on India's independence struggle. It paved the way for future mass movements and protests against British rule, including the Civil Disobedience Movement and ultimately the successful struggle for independence in 1947. Additionally, it contributed to the growth of indigenous industries and self-sufficiency, which were crucial for India's post-independence economic development.

Q2) Write a note on the development of literature in nineteenth-century India.

Ans) The nineteenth century was a transformative period for literature in India, marked by a confluence of various cultural, social, and political influences. The literature of this era evolved significantly, reflecting the changing dynamics of Indian society and its interactions with British colonial rule.

Impact of British Colonialism:

British colonialism had a profound influence on Indian literature. The introduction of Western education and the English language led to the emergence of a new literary tradition in India.

The introduction of the English language as a medium of instruction opened up new avenues for Indian writers to communicate their ideas to a wider audience.

Renaissance of Vernacular Literature:

Despite the growing influence of English, vernacular languages continued to thrive. Renowned poets and writers, such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, and Michael Madhusudan Dutt, made significant contributions to Bengali literature.

Similarly, Tamil, Marathi, Urdu, and other regional languages witnessed a resurgence in literary creativity during this period.

Literary Movements:

The Bengal Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement centred in Bengal, played a pivotal role in the development of Indian literature. It emphasized the revival of classical Indian literature and the promotion of social reforms.

The Young Bengal Movement, a subgroup of the Bengal Renaissance, encouraged young writers to question orthodoxy and social norms. The Aligarh Movement in Northern India, led by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, aimed to promote modern and scientific education through Urdu literature.

Social and Religious Reform:

Literature in the nineteenth century often reflected the concerns of social and religious reform movements. Prominent literary figures, like Raja Rammohan Roy, used their writings to advocate for reforms such as widow remarriage, the abolition of Sati, and education for women.

Novels and Fiction:

The nineteenth century saw the rise of the novel in Indian literature. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's "Durgeshnandini" (1865) and "Anandamath" (1882) were influential works of historical fiction. The social novel gained prominence, with writers like Dinabandhu Mitra ("Nil Darpan") and Harishchandra ("Sewasadan") addressing issues of exploitation and social inequality.

Poetry and Prose:

Poets like Michael Madhusudan Dutt experimented with both Bengali and English poetry, blending Western literary styles with Indian themes. Rabindranath Tagore's poetry and prose explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality. He later became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.

Nationalism and Literature:

As India's struggle for independence gained momentum, literature began to play a more pronounced role in promoting nationalism and resistance against British rule.

Writers like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal used literature to inspire patriotic fervour and a sense of national identity.

Cultural Exchange:

The exchange of ideas and literary traditions between the East and the West became a defining characteristic of this period. Indian writers adapted Western literary forms and styles, such as the novel and the short story, to tell Indian stories.

Journalism and Magazines:

The proliferation of newspapers and magazines contributed to the dissemination of literature and ideas. Many literary figures were also journalists and editors, using their publications to comment on contemporary issues.

Assignment – II

Answer the following questions in about 250 words each.

Q3) Write a note of the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal.

Ans) The Swadeshi Movement, which began in Bengal in the early 20th century, was a pivotal chapter in India's struggle for independence. It emerged as a response to British colonial policies that adversely affected the economic and cultural fabric of the region.

Background:

The Swadeshi Movement gained momentum in 1905 when the British decided to partition Bengal for administrative convenience, ostensibly, but with political motives.

The partition of Bengal was seen as a deliberate attempt to weaken the Bengali nationalist movement, as it aimed to divide the region along religious lines.

Features:

a)     Swadeshi, meaning "of one's own country," became the central slogan. It encouraged Indians to promote indigenous products and industries, emphasizing self-reliance.

b)     Boycotts of British goods, including clothing, and the use of Swadeshi textiles, particularly Khadi, became widespread.

c)     It fostered the spirit of nationalistic fervour and unity across various sections of society, transcending caste, religion, and class divisions.

Leaders:

a)     Prominent leaders of the Swadeshi Movement included Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, among others.

b)     Rabindranath Tagore composed the famous song "Amar Shonar Bangla" during this period, which later became the national anthem of Bangladesh.

Impact:

a)     The Swadeshi Movement had a profound impact on the socio-political landscape. It gave rise to a new form of political protest, emphasizing non-cooperation and passive resistance.

b)     It revitalized indigenous industries, inspired the establishment of Swadeshi enterprises, and promoted Khadi production.

c)     The British government eventually revoked the partition of Bengal in 1911 due to the sustained agitation and boycotts.

Q4) Describe briefly the events leading towards the Indian independence from British rule.

Ans) The Indian independence movement was a long and arduous struggle against British colonial rule.

Sepoy Mutiny (1857-1858): The First War of Independence, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, marked the first major rebellion against British rule. While it did not lead to immediate independence, it sowed the seeds of resistance and nationalistic sentiments.

Formation of Indian National Congress (1885): The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded, initially as a platform for Indian grievances within the British system. Over time, it evolved into a major political force advocating for self-rule.

Partition of Bengal (1905): The partition of Bengal in 1905, intended to divide the province along religious lines, sparked widespread protests and laid the groundwork for mass mobilization.

Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908): The Swadeshi Movement encouraged the boycott of British goods and promotion of Indian-made products, emphasizing self-reliance and non-cooperation.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this campaign urged Indians to reject British institutions and pursue non-violent civil disobedience.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934): Gandhi's famous Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement saw widespread non-violent protests and boycotts, leading to mass arrests.

World War II (1939-1945): India's support to Britain during the war led to increased demands for self-rule in exchange for cooperation.

Independence and Partition (1947): Amidst communal tensions, the British decided to grant independence. India was partitioned into two nations, India, and Pakistan, on August 15, 1947.

Adoption of the Indian Constitution (1950): India adopted a democratic constitution and became a republic on January 26, 1950.

Q5) Discuss the controversies relating to the origins of the Indian National Congress.

Ans) The origins of the Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, have sparked several controversies and debates among historians and scholars. The primary controversies surrounding its inception are as follows:

Role of A.O. Hume: Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, is often credited with the formation of the INC. While he played a significant role in facilitating the first INC session, some controversy exists over whether he was a genuine supporter of Indian self-rule or simply sought to establish a loyalist Indian organization that could serve British interests.

Extent of British Involvement: The extent of British involvement in the INC's early years has been a subject of debate. Some argue that British authorities saw the INC as a safety valve to let out popular discontent in a controlled manner. Others suggest that the INC was a genuine platform for Indian political aspirations.

Balance of Moderates and Extremists: The early INC was marked by a division between the "moderates" and the "extremists." Moderates, such as Dadabhai Naoroji and Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, favored gradual reforms and constitutional methods, while extremists, led by figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, advocated more assertive and direct action. The controversy lies in whether the British intentionally encouraged this division to weaken the nationalist movement.

Nature of the INC's Demands: The initial demands of the INC, such as greater Indian participation in governance and civil service, were seen by some as moderate and accommodating to British rule. Critics argue that this showed a lack of a clear-cut demand for complete independence.

Assignment – III

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.

Q6) Azad Hind Fauj.

Ans) Azad Hind Fauj, or the Indian National Army (INA), was a military force formed during World War II by Indian nationalists in Southeast Asia, with the aim of liberating India from British colonial rule. Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent freedom fighter, led the INA. It comprised Indian prisoners of war and civilians, primarily from Southeast Asian regions under Japanese occupation.

The INA played a crucial role in the struggle for Indian independence by waging battles against the British alongside the Japanese forces. Its famous battle cry was "Chalo Dilli" (Let's march to Delhi). Although the INA's direct military impact on the British was limited, it had a significant psychological and propagandist effect, contributing to the eventual withdrawal of British colonial rule from India in 1947.

Q7) Rationalism and Religious Universalism.

Ans) Rationalism is a philosophical approach that prioritizes reason and evidence over faith and superstition. It emphasizes critical thinking and scepticism.

Religious universalism is the belief that fundamental religious truths and values are common to all religions, emphasizing the unity of religious principles across different faiths.

While rationalism tends to promote secular and non-religious worldviews, religious universalism seeks to find common ground and unity among diverse religious beliefs. These concepts can coexist in the pursuit of religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue.

Q8) Jyotirao Phule.

Ans) Jyoti Rao Phule (1827-1890) was a prominent social reformer and thinker in 19th-century India. He was a staunch advocate for the rights of lower-caste and oppressed communities, particularly the Dalits (formerly known as untouchables). Phule is best known for his efforts to challenge the oppressive caste system and promote education and social justice. He founded the Satyashodhak Samaj, an organization dedicated to the upliftment of the oppressed classes. His pioneering work laid the foundation for later social and political movements striving for equality and justice in India.

Q9) The Gandhian Ideology.

Ans) Gandhian ideology, rooted in the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizes non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satyagraha), and civil disobedience as potent tools for social and political change. Gandhi believed in the moral and spiritual transformation of individuals and society. He advocated for self-reliance, communal harmony, and the eradication of social inequalities, particularly the removal of the untouchability stigma. Gandhi's struggle for India's independence through non-violent resistance inspired civil rights and liberation movements worldwide. His legacy endures as a symbol of moral and political leadership dedicated to justice, peace, and human rights.

Q10) Morley-Minto Reforms.

Ans) The Morley-Minto Reforms, also known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, were introduced during British colonial rule in India. Named after the Secretary of State for India, Lord Morley, and the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto, these reforms expanded the representation of Indians in the legislative councils. They introduced a limited form of electoral representation, allowing a certain number of Indians, primarily from privileged classes, to be elected to legislative bodies. However, the reforms fell short of Indian nationalist aspirations and were seen as insufficient by many, leading to continued demands for greater self-governance and representation.