Explore CBSE Notes

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Class 10 History – Chapter 2: Nationalism in India

Topic Wise Quick Revision Notes

1. The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation

The First World War (1914–1918) created a new political and economic situation in India. The British government increased taxes, forced recruitment in the army, and prices of goods rose sharply. As a result, people faced hardships and discontent grew among Indians.

In 1919, Mahatma Gandhi decided to launch a nationwide struggle against the British government. At the same time, the Khilafat movement was started by Muslim leaders to defend the Ottoman Caliph. Gandhi supported this movement and united Hindus and Muslims against British rule through the Non-Cooperation Movement.

2. The Idea of Satyagraha

Satyagraha was a method of peaceful resistance developed by Mahatma Gandhi. It emphasized truth, non-violence, and civil disobedience against unjust laws. Gandhi believed that people could resist oppression through peaceful means without using violence.

3. Rowlatt Act (1919)

The Rowlatt Act allowed the British government to arrest people without trial and suppress political activities. Indians strongly opposed this law as it violated civil liberties. Gandhi organized a nationwide protest against this act.

4. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

On 13 April 1919, General Dyer ordered his troops to fire on a peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. Hundreds of people were killed and many were injured. This brutal incident shocked the entire nation and strengthened the nationalist movement.

5. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. People were asked to boycott British institutions, schools, courts, titles, and foreign goods. Many Indians participated in the movement by promoting swadeshi goods and national education.

6. Participation of Different Social Groups

The Non-Cooperation Movement saw participation from various groups such as peasants, tribals, workers, and urban middle classes. Each group had its own expectations from the movement but they united against British rule.

7. Withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement

In 1922, the movement was withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura incident in which a violent clash led to the death of policemen. Gandhi believed that the movement had turned violent and therefore called it off.

8. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)

The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. It aimed to break colonial laws openly and peacefully. The most important event of this movement was the Salt March.

9. The Salt March

In March 1930, Gandhi started the Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. He broke the salt law by producing salt from seawater. This act inspired thousands of Indians to participate in the movement.

10. Different Groups and Their Demands

Various social groups participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Industrialists wanted protection from foreign imports, peasants demanded reduction in land revenue, and workers demanded better wages and working conditions.

11. The Sense of Collective Belonging

Nationalism developed among Indians through a shared sense of belonging. Cultural processes such as folklore, songs, symbols, and national images helped unite people and strengthen national identity.

12. Role of Symbols and Images

Symbols like the national flag and Bharat Mata played an important role in promoting nationalism. These symbols created a feeling of unity and inspired people to participate in the freedom struggle.

13. Role of Literature and Folklore

Writers and poets used literature and folklore to promote nationalist ideas. National songs, stories, and historical accounts inspired people and created awareness about the struggle for independence.

14. Limitations of Nationalism

Although the nationalist movement united many Indians, it also faced limitations. Differences among various social groups and communities sometimes created tensions and conflicts within the movement.

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Class 10 History – Chapter 2: Nationalism in India

Complete Notes (Topic Wise Points)

1. The First World War and Its Impact

• The First World War (1914–1918) created a new political and economic situation in India.
• The British government increased taxes and forced Indians to contribute to the war effort.
• Prices of essential goods rose sharply causing great hardship for common people.
• Villages were forced to supply soldiers for the British army.
• Crop failures in many areas led to food shortages and suffering.
• These conditions increased anger and resentment against British rule.

2. The Idea of Satyagraha

• Satyagraha was a method of non-violent resistance introduced by Mahatma Gandhi.
• It emphasized truth, non-violence, and peaceful protest.
• Gandhi believed that people should resist injustice without using violence.
• It encouraged mass participation of ordinary people in political struggles.

3. Rowlatt Act (1919)

• The Rowlatt Act was passed by the British government in 1919.
• It allowed the government to arrest people without trial.
• Political activities and protests could be suppressed easily.
• Indians strongly opposed this law as it violated civil rights.
• Gandhi called for a nationwide protest against the Act.

4. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

• On 13 April 1919, thousands of people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.
• General Dyer ordered troops to fire on the peaceful crowd.
• Hundreds of people were killed and many others were injured.
• This brutal act shocked the entire nation.
• It strengthened the nationalist movement against British rule.

5. The Khilafat Movement

• The Khilafat Movement was launched by Muslim leaders in 1919.
• It aimed to protect the Ottoman Caliph, who was considered the spiritual leader of Muslims.
• Mahatma Gandhi supported the Khilafat Movement.
• This helped unite Hindus and Muslims in the struggle against British rule.

6. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

• The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.
• People were asked to boycott British institutions.
• Students left government schools and colleges.
• Lawyers stopped practicing in British courts.
• Foreign goods were boycotted and swadeshi goods were promoted.
• Many people returned titles and honours given by the British.

7. Participation of Different Social Groups

• The movement saw participation from peasants, workers, tribals, and middle classes.
• Each group joined the movement with different expectations.
• Peasants wanted reduction in taxes and land revenue.
• Workers demanded better wages and working conditions.
• Tribal communities fought against oppressive forest laws.

8. Chauri Chaura Incident and Withdrawal of the Movement

• In 1922, a violent incident took place in Chauri Chaura.
• Protesters set a police station on fire killing several policemen.
• Gandhi believed the movement had turned violent.
• As a result, he decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement.

9. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)

• The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930.
• It aimed to break colonial laws peacefully.
• People refused to pay taxes and violated British laws.
• The movement encouraged mass participation across the country.

10. The Salt March

• Gandhi began the Salt March on 12 March 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram.
• He walked about 240 miles to Dandi on the Gujarat coast.
• On 6 April 1930 he broke the salt law by producing salt.
• This act inspired thousands of people to join the movement.

11. Different Groups and Their Demands

• Industrialists wanted protection from foreign imports.
• Peasants demanded reduction in land revenue.
• Workers demanded better wages and working conditions.
• However, different groups had different interests which sometimes created conflicts.

12. The Sense of Collective Belonging

• Nationalism developed through a shared sense of belonging among people.
• Cultural processes played an important role in creating this feeling.
• People were united by common symbols, traditions, and history.

13. Role of Symbols and Images

• Symbols such as the national flag promoted unity among people.
• The image of Bharat Mata became a powerful symbol of the nation.
• These symbols inspired people to participate in the nationalist movement.

14. Role of Literature and Folklore

• Nationalist writers used literature to spread patriotic ideas.
• Folk songs and stories promoted pride in India’s cultural heritage.
• Historical accounts created awareness about India’s past glory.

15. Limitations of the Nationalist Movement

• Despite unity, the movement also faced internal divisions.
• Different social groups had different interests and demands.
• Communal tensions sometimes weakened national unity.
• However, the movement successfully mobilized millions of Indians against British rule.