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Most Important Topics in Modern India Part 3

   Published Date: 24th March 2023
Most Important Topics in Modern India Part 3

Most Important Topics in Modern India Part 3

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Modern India refers to the period of Indian history that began with the British colonial rule in India and extends to the present day. This period witnessed significant social, economic, and political changes that transformed India from a colonial economy to a major global power.

One of the most significant events of modern India was the Indian independence movement, which aimed to overthrow British colonial rule and gain independence. This movement was led by various nationalist leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Subhash Chandra Bose, among others.

After India gained independence in 1947, the country underwent a period of political turmoil and economic instability. The Indian government embarked on a path of economic reforms and liberalization in the 1990s, which helped to modernize the country’s economy and spur rapid economic growth.

Today, India is the world’s largest democracy and a major global power with a rapidly growing economy, a vibrant culture, and a diverse population of over 1.3 billion people. However, the country still faces numerous challenges, including poverty, inequality, corruption, and communal tensions, which continue to shape the trajectory of modern India.

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Most Important Topics in Modern India Part 3

Saddler University Commission (1917-19)

The Saddler University Commission, also known as the Canadian Universities Commission, was a commission established by the Canadian government in 1917 to investigate the state of higher education in Canada. The commission was chaired by Sir George H. L. Saddler, a prominent Canadian businessman and philanthropist.

The commission was created in response to concerns that Canadian universities were not adequately preparing students for the needs of the country and that there was a lack of coordination and standardization among the various institutions. The commission was tasked with examining the state of university education in Canada and making recommendations for improvement.

The commission conducted extensive research and consultation with university administrators, faculty, students, and other stakeholders. They issued a report in 1919 that made several recommendations, including the establishment of a national university to coordinate research and provide advanced education, the creation of a national research council to fund and coordinate research, and the establishment of a system of standardized university accreditation.

While not all of the commission’s recommendations were implemented, the report had a significant impact on the development of higher education in Canada. It helped to spur the growth of universities and research in Canada and led to the establishment of several key institutions, including the National Research Council of Canada and the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

Hartog Committee (1929)

The Hartog Committee was a commission established by the British government in 1929 to investigate the state of education in England, particularly with regards to secondary education. The committee was chaired by Sir Henry Hartog, a prominent British economist and educator.

The committee was created in response to concerns that the existing education system in England was inadequate and needed reform. The committee was tasked with examining the state of secondary education in England and making recommendations for improvement.

The committee conducted extensive research and consultation with educators, administrators, and other stakeholders. They issued a report in 1931 that made several recommendations, including the establishment of a comprehensive system of secondary education that would be available to all children regardless of their social or economic background.

The committee’s report was influential in shaping the development of secondary education in England. It helped to spur the growth of comprehensive schools and led to the establishment of a system of secondary education that was more accessible and equitable for all children.

The Hartog Committee’s report also highlighted the importance of vocational and technical education and the need for better coordination between secondary schools and the workforce. These recommendations helped to shape the development of vocational education in England and paved the way for the establishment of technical colleges and other vocational training programs.

Wardha Scheme of Basic Education (1937)

The Wardha Scheme of Basic Education was a proposal for an educational system in India that was developed by a committee led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1937. The scheme was named after the town of Wardha, where the committee met to develop the proposal.

The scheme was based on the principle of Nai Talim, which means “new education.” The goal of the scheme was to provide a basic education to all children in India that was rooted in Indian culture and traditions, and that would prepare them for their role as citizens in a democratic society. The scheme emphasized the development of practical skills, physical fitness, and moral values, along with academic knowledge.

The Wardha Scheme proposed a decentralized system of education that would be community-based and teacher-led. The scheme emphasized the use of local resources and the integration of productive work into the curriculum. The scheme also emphasized the importance of vernacular languages and proposed that English should be introduced later in the curriculum.

The Wardha Scheme had a significant impact on the development of education in India. It helped to shape the policies of the Indian government in the years following independence, and it led to the establishment of many schools that were based on the principles of Nai Talim. The scheme also had an impact on education policy in other countries, particularly in the developing world, where it served as a model for community-based and culturally relevant education.

Vernacular Press Act, 1878

The Vernacular Press Act was a law passed by the British colonial government in India in 1878. The law was officially known as Act XXV of 1878 and was passed in response to a perceived threat to British colonial rule posed by the Indian vernacular press.

The law required printers and publishers of newspapers in languages other than English to obtain a license from the government, and it gave the government the power to seize printing presses and materials and to prosecute publishers who violated the law. The law also gave the government the power to censor newspapers and to suspend or revoke licenses for publications that were deemed to be seditious or to incite public disorder.

The Vernacular Press Act was widely criticized by Indian nationalists and reformers, who saw it as a violation of the freedom of the press and as an attempt by the British government to suppress criticism and dissent. The law was also opposed by many British liberals and journalists, who saw it as a threat to the principles of free speech and the free press.

The Vernacular Press Act was only in effect for a few years before it was repealed in 1881, due in large part to the efforts of Indian nationalists and British liberals who had campaigned against it. The law remains an important symbol of the colonial government’s attempts to suppress dissent and control the flow of information in India, and it is often cited as an example of the British government’s oppressive policies towards India during the colonial period.

Socio-religious reforms

Socio-religious reforms refer to the efforts made by various individuals and organizations in India to bring about social and religious change, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These reforms were aimed at improving the status of women, eradicating social evils such as caste discrimination and untouchability, and promoting religious and cultural harmony.

Some of the key figures associated with socio-religious reforms in India include Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Swami Vivekananda. These individuals were instrumental in promoting social and religious reforms through their writings, speeches, and activism.

One of the most significant socio-religious reform movements in India was the Brahmo Samaj, which was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828. The Brahmo Samaj aimed to reform Hinduism by promoting monotheism, opposing idol worship, and advocating for the education of women.

Another important socio-religious reform movement was the Arya Samaj, which was founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875. The Arya Samaj sought to reform Hinduism by promoting Vedic teachings and opposing caste discrimination.

Other notable socio-religious reform movements in India include the Theosophical Society, founded by Helena Blavatsky and Henry Olcott in 1875, which sought to promote spiritual and philosophical knowledge from various cultures, and the Satya Shodhak Samaj, founded by Jyotirao Phule in 1873, which aimed to eradicate caste discrimination and promote social equality.

The socio-religious reforms of the 19th and early 20th centuries had a significant impact on Indian society, helping to lay the groundwork for the Indian independence movement and promoting social and religious harmony. Many of the reforms advocated by these movements, such as women’s education, have since been enshrined in Indian law and have become a part of mainstream Indian society.

Peasant Movements

Peasant movements refer to the various social and political movements led by farmers and agricultural workers to demand better working conditions, land rights, and political representation. Peasant movements have been an important part of Indian history, particularly in the pre-independence period and the early years of independent India.

Some of the most significant peasant movements in India include the Indigo Revolt of 1859-60, the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, and the Telangana Rebellion of 1946-51.

The Indigo Revolt was a peasant uprising against the forced cultivation of indigo, which was a cash crop grown by British colonial planters in Bihar and Bengal. The revolt was led by farmers who were forced to grow indigo instead of food crops, and who were often subjected to brutal treatment by the British planters.

The Champaran Satyagraha was a movement led by Mahatma Gandhi to protest the exploitation of indigo farmers in the Champaran district of Bihar. The movement was successful in securing better working conditions and land rights for the farmers.

The Bardoli Satyagraha was a movement led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to protest the increased taxation of farmers in the Bardoli district of Gujarat. The movement was successful in securing a reduction in taxes and in raising awareness of the plight of Indian farmers.

The Telangana Rebellion was a peasant uprising against the feudal system of land ownership in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. The movement was led by Communist Party members and was successful in securing land reforms and political representation for farmers.

Peasant movements have played an important role in shaping Indian history and politics, and have been instrumental in securing land rights, better working conditions, and political representation for farmers and agricultural workers.

Early Phase Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885, during the British colonial era in India. The early phase of the Congress (1885-1905) was characterized by moderate and gradualist politics, as the Congress leaders believed that gradual constitutional reforms would eventually lead to Indian self-rule.

Some of the prominent leaders of the early phase of the Congress include Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee. These leaders sought to create a united front of Indian political representation and to negotiate with the British colonial government for political and economic reforms.

One of the key demands of the early Congress was for Indian representation in the government, which was then exclusively British. The Congress leaders argued that Indians should be given a greater role in the governance of India, and that the Indian civil service should be opened up to Indians.

Another important demand of the early Congress was for economic reforms, including fairer land policies and the reduction of high taxes on Indian goods. The Congress leaders believed that these reforms were necessary to alleviate the poverty and economic hardship faced by Indian farmers and workers.

Despite the moderate and gradualist approach of the early Congress, there were some radical voices within the party who called for more militant action against the British colonial government. The Indian nationalist Bal Gangadhar Tilak, for example, called for the use of civil disobedience and direct action to achieve Indian self-rule.

Overall, the early phase of the Indian National Congress laid the groundwork for the later, more militant phases of the Indian independence movement. The Congress provided a platform for Indian political representation and helped to bring together various regional and religious groups in India in the fight against British colonialism.

The Moderate Congress (1885-1905)

The period between 1885 and 1905 in the Indian National Congress history is known as the ‘Moderate phase’ or the ‘Early Congress’. During this phase, the Congress leadership comprised moderate leaders who advocated a gradualist approach towards Indian independence.

Some of the prominent leaders of this phase include Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee. These leaders believed that gradual constitutional reforms would eventually lead to Indian self-rule.

The Moderates believed that the British rule had brought a certain degree of order and stability to India, but they also believed that Indians deserved more political and economic rights. They emphasized the need for constitutional reforms, greater representation for Indians in the civil services, and more economic opportunities for Indians.

The Moderate Congress also focused on building a strong nationalistic sentiment in India by promoting Indian culture, history, and literature. They saw the Congress as a platform for promoting unity among different sections of Indian society and creating a common national identity.

The Moderates were not confrontational with the British colonial authorities and believed in a policy of cooperation and dialogue. They advocated for constitutional means to achieve their goals and believed in using peaceful protests and petitions to push for reform.

Overall, the Moderate phase of the Congress played a crucial role in building a foundation for the Indian independence movement. They helped to unite Indians across different regions, castes, and religions under a common platform, and laid the groundwork for future leaders who would take a more radical approach to Indian independence.

The Extremist (1905-1920)

The period between 1905 and 1920 in the Indian National Congress history is known as the ‘Extremist phase’ or the ‘Swadeshi movement’. This phase saw the rise of more radical and militant leaders who advocated for more direct and confrontational methods to achieve Indian independence.

The Extremists were led by leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, who believed that the British colonial government could not be trusted to bring about genuine reforms for the Indian people. They argued that the only way to achieve Indian independence was through a mass movement that would mobilize the Indian people to actively resist British rule.

The Extremists rejected the moderate approach of the early Congress leaders and advocated for more direct action, including boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience. They also encouraged the use of indigenous Indian goods and the development of Indian industries, which led to the Swadeshi movement.

The Extremists were deeply committed to the idea of Swaraj, or self-rule, for India. They believed that India should have complete independence from British colonial rule and that Indians should be free to govern themselves.

The Extremist phase of the Congress was marked by significant events such as the Partition of Bengal in 1905, which led to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement, the Non-Cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in the 1920s, and the formation of the Indian National Army by Subhas Chandra Bose during World War II.

Overall, the Extremist phase of the Congress played a crucial role in mobilizing the Indian masses and creating a more militant and direct approach to Indian independence. They challenged the British colonial government and paved the way for future leaders who would ultimately lead India to independence.

Differences between the Moderates and the Extremists

The Moderates and Extremists represented two distinct phases of the Indian National Congress and had different approaches towards achieving Indian independence. Some of the main differences between the Moderates and the Extremists are:

Approach to British colonialism: The Moderates believed in a gradualist approach and advocated for constitutional reforms and peaceful protests to bring about change within the British colonial system. In contrast, the Extremists rejected the British colonial system and advocated for more direct and confrontational methods to achieve Indian independence.

Attitude towards British rule: The Moderates saw the British colonial rule as a necessary evil that had brought some stability and order to India, but argued that Indians deserved more political and economic rights. The Extremists, on the other hand, rejected the British colonial rule completely and sought complete independence from British colonial rule.

Method of protest: The Moderates believed in using peaceful protests and petitions to push for reform, while the Extremists encouraged the use of more militant methods, such as boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience.

Attitude towards Indian culture: The Moderates saw Indian culture and traditions as valuable and promoted them as a means of promoting national unity. The Extremists went further and encouraged the use of indigenous Indian goods and the development of Indian industries, leading to the Swadeshi movement.

Leadership style: The Moderates had a more cautious leadership style, often focusing on working within the British colonial system to achieve their goals. The Extremists were led by more charismatic and militant leaders who were willing to take more radical approaches to achieve Indian independence.

Overall, the differences between the Moderates and the Extremists reflected a broader divide between those who believed in working within the British colonial system to achieve change and those who rejected British colonialism and sought complete independence for India. Both phases played a crucial role in building a foundation for the Indian independence movement and ultimately led to India’s independence from British colonial rule.

Partition of Bengal (1905)

The Partition of Bengal was a political decision made by the British colonial government in India in 1905, which involved the partition of the province of Bengal into two separate administrative divisions. The decision was made under the pretext of improving the efficiency of administration and governance, but it was actually intended to weaken the growing nationalist movement in Bengal by dividing it on religious lines.

The province of Bengal at that time included present-day Bangladesh, West Bengal, and parts of Assam, Bihar, and Orissa. The British colonial government divided the province along communal lines, creating a new province of East Bengal and Assam with a Muslim majority, and a new province of Bengal with a Hindu majority.

The Partition of Bengal was met with widespread protests and demonstrations in Bengal and other parts of India. Indian nationalist leaders such as Surendranath Banerjee, Rabindranath Tagore, and Aurobindo Ghosh opposed the partition, arguing that it was a deliberate attempt to divide Hindus and Muslims and weaken the growing nationalist movement.

The Partition of Bengal led to the Swadeshi movement, which was a boycott of British goods and a call for the use of indigenous Indian goods. It also led to the growth of militant nationalism in India, with leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak calling for more radical forms of protest against British colonialism.

Ultimately, the Partition of Bengal was reversed in 1911 by the British colonial government due to widespread protests and political pressure. However, it remained a symbol of British colonial oppression and became an important moment in the history of Indian nationalism, fueling the growth of the independence movement and leading to the rise of more militant and direct approaches to achieving Indian independence.

Swadeshi Movement

The Swadeshi Movement was a socio-economic and political movement that emerged in India in the early 20th century in response to the Partition of Bengal in 1905. It was a part of the wider Indian independence movement, which aimed to end British colonial rule and achieve self-rule for India.

The Swadeshi Movement encouraged the use of indigenous goods and products, as a way of reducing India’s dependence on foreign imports, particularly those from Britain. It called for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of Indian-made goods, as a way of achieving economic self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

The Swadeshi Movement was led by a range of Indian nationalist leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Lala Lajpat Rai. It was supported by a range of different groups, including the Indian National Congress, the All India Muslim League, and various trade unions and workers’ organizations.

The Swadeshi Movement had a significant impact on India’s political and economic landscape. It led to the growth of indigenous industries, such as handloom weaving, and encouraged the development of Indian entrepreneurship. It also helped to promote a sense of Indian nationalism and pride in Indian culture and traditions.

The Swadeshi Movement was accompanied by other forms of protest, including boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience, and was often met with violent repression by the British colonial authorities. Nevertheless, it played an important role in the wider Indian independence movement and helped to pave the way for India’s eventual independence in 1947.

Muslim League, 1906

The All India Muslim League was founded in 1906 in Dhaka, East Bengal (now Bangladesh) with the aim of safeguarding the political rights and interests of the Muslim community in India, which constituted a significant minority of the population.

The founding of the Muslim League was a response to growing demands from Muslim leaders for separate representation and protection of their interests, which they felt were not being adequately addressed by the Indian National Congress, which was dominated by Hindu leaders.

The Muslim League’s initial demands were relatively modest, focused on ensuring that Muslims were fairly represented in the colonial administration and political institutions. However, over time, the League’s demands became more ambitious, culminating in the demand for a separate Muslim state, which led to the eventual partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

The Muslim League was led by a range of prominent Muslim leaders, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who played a key role in transforming the League into a major political force and in pushing for the creation of Pakistan.

The Muslim League’s relationship with the Indian National Congress was often fraught, with the two organizations representing different interests and constituencies. The League was often critical of the Congress’ focus on Hindu issues and its neglect of Muslim concerns, and this tension was one of the factors that led to the eventual partition of India.

The Muslim League played an important role in shaping India’s political landscape and in advocating for the rights and interests of the Muslim community in India. While its ultimate goal of a separate Muslim state was controversial and divisive, it remains an important part of India’s political and social history.

Surat Session of INC, 1907

The Surat Session of the Indian National Congress was held in Surat, Gujarat in 1907. It was a significant event in the history of the Indian independence movement as it led to a split within the Congress party, which had significant repercussions for the future of Indian politics.

The Surat Session was convened to elect a new president for the Congress, as the previous president, Dadabhai Naoroji, had retired from active politics. The two main candidates for the presidency were Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a moderate leader from Maharashtra, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, an extremist leader from Maharashtra.

The session was marked by intense rivalry between the moderates and the extremists, with Gokhale being supported by the former and Tilak being supported by the latter. The main point of contention was the role of the Congress in the Indian independence movement, with the moderates favoring a more gradual and peaceful approach, while the extremists advocated for more militant and direct action.

The tension between the two factions reached a boiling point when a proposal was made to create separate electorates for Muslims within the Congress, which was supported by Tilak but opposed by Gokhale. The proposal ultimately led to a physical altercation between the two factions and the session had to be adjourned.

The split within the Congress party that emerged from the Surat Session had significant repercussions for the Indian independence movement. The moderates, led by Gokhale, continued to advocate for a peaceful and gradual approach to independence, while the extremists, led by Tilak, pursued a more militant and direct strategy. This division would continue to play out in Indian politics for many years to come.

Indian Council Act (Morley-Minto Act) 1909

The Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, was an important piece of legislation that marked a significant shift in the British government’s approach to governing India.

The Act introduced a number of changes to the political system in India. It expanded the number of Indians who were eligible to vote and hold public office, although these changes were limited to a small proportion of the Indian population, mainly comprising of the wealthy and educated classes.

One of the most significant changes introduced by the Act was the provision for separate electorates for Muslims, which was intended to give greater representation to the Muslim community in Indian politics. This provision was a response to the growing demands from Muslim leaders for greater representation and protection of their interests.

The Act also increased the powers of the provincial legislative councils, although these councils still lacked any real authority or control over the British colonial administration.

Overall, the Morley-Minto Reforms were seen as a modest step towards greater Indian self-governance, although they fell far short of the Indian National Congress’ demands for greater political autonomy and independence.

The Act was named after the British Secretary of State for India, John Morley, and the Governor-

Ghadar Party, 1913

The Ghadar Party was a revolutionary political organization founded by Indian nationalists in 1913 in San Francisco, USA. The party was formed by Indian immigrants who were living in the United States, Canada, and other countries with the aim of overthrowing British colonial rule in India.

The word “Ghadar” means “revolt” or “rebellion” in Punjabi, and the party’s primary objective was to launch a revolt against British rule in India. The Ghadar Party believed in armed revolution and sought to mobilize Indians all over the world in a global struggle for independence.

The party’s leaders included Lala Har Dayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna, and Kartar Singh Sarabha, among others. They published a newspaper called “Ghadar” in several languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English, which aimed to spread revolutionary ideas and mobilize support for their cause.

In 1915, the Ghadar Party attempted to launch a revolt against the British colonial administration in India, but the attempt was unsuccessful due to a lack of support and resources. Many of the party’s leaders were arrested and imprisoned, and the party gradually declined in influence and power.

Despite its failure to achieve its immediate goals, the Ghadar Party played an important role in the Indian independence movement by inspiring a generation of Indian revolutionaries to fight for independence through armed struggle. The party’s legacy continues to inspire nationalist movements in India and elsewhere to this day.

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Most Important Topics in Modern India Part 3

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