Nationalism in India Class 10 Notes: CBSE History Chapter 2

Mahatma Gandhi’s Role in Nationalism

• Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915.

• His method was known as Satyagraha, which means Agitation for Truth.

• He organised the Champaran Satyagraha to support the oppressed plantation workers in 1917.

• He went to Kheda to show support to the peasants in 1918 with Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

• The British government passed the Rowlatt Act in 1919 which gave them the power to repress any political activities and authorised the detention of any political prisoners without trials for up to 2 years.

• On 13th April 1919, the villagers attended the Baisakhi fair at the Jallianwala Bagh when there was countrywide martial law.

• General Dyer blocked the only entry/exit of the park and opened fire at the civilians.

• He ordered open fire which killed thousands of men, women, and children.

• This brutal act enraged other Indians. There were nationwide parties, attacks on government buildings, and clashes.

Khilafat Movement

• The Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay and Mahatma Gandhi supported it.

• It was started by Shaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali.

The Salt March

• Mahatma Gandhi demanded from Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India which included the abolishment of the Salt tax.

• He began the Salt March with 78 volunteers from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to manufacture salt.

The Poona Pact

• The Dalits refused to participate in the movement without separate electorates and reservation of seats.

• Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar formed the Depressed Classes Association and signed the Poona Pact with the Congress in 1932

First World War, The Non-Cooperation and The Khilafat Movement

The want of freedom from colonial rule connected people across the country who were forged under the Indian National Congress by Mahatma Gandhi. From 1919 the movement spread to various sections of the society. The First World War had created a scenario which led to a huge increase in defense expenditure which created hardships for common people. To worsen the conditions there was crop failure and an epidemic of influenza which led to people perishing. The common man thought that their hardships would end after the war but nothing improved.

The Idea of Satyagraha

The idea of Satyagraha was conceived by Mahatma Gandhi when he returned from South Africa in 1915 where he had actively fought against racism. Satyagraha emphasised the power and need for truth. According to him the concept of Satyagraha would be the string that would unite the country. Gandhiji led Satyagraha in Champaran, Kheda and Ahmedabad to help the peasants.

The Rowlatt Act

The Imperial Legislative Council, despite the collective opposition of the Indian members, passed the Rowlatt Act. It allowed the British government to curb political movements in the country and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. Gandhiji wanted a nationwide Satyagraha against these unjust laws. A non-violent Civil Disobedience movement was launched against the law on 6th April. Nationwide protests took place. The British government wanted to curb the upsurge so they arrested leaders from Amritsar and Gandhiji was detained to enter Delhi.

On 13th April, the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place. A large but peaceful crowd had gathered in the grounds of Jallianwala Bagh. Dyer entered the area blocked the exit points and opened fire at the crowd killing hundreds of people.

The news of Jallianwala Bagh spread across the country like fire. People were infuriated and strikes, clashes, and attacks on government buildings took place. There was utter confusion and violence in the country which led to Gandhiji calling off the movement.

Gandhiji then took up the Khilafat issue which brought unity amongst the Hindus and the Muslims together. The Khilafat Committee was set up in Bombay in 1919. Gandhi urged the leaders of the National Congress to start a non-cooperation movement in support of Khilafat and Swaraj.

Why Non-Cooperation?

As per Gandhiji British rule was established in India because of the cooperation of the Indians. If Indians did not cooperate then British rule would collapse in a year. The movement was proposed in stages starting from the renunciation of titles. There was a boycott of civil services, the army, foreign goods, police, courts and the legislative council. In December 1920, the Non-Cooperation Movement was adopted.

Differing Strands within The Movement

In 1921, in January the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement was launched. People from all sections of the society participated in the movement.

Foreign goods were boycotted. This led to the rise in the production of Indian textiles and handlooms. Teachers, students, headmasters, and lawyers gave up on their services at government institutions.

In the countryside, the movement demanded a boycott of oppressive landlords. In June 1920 Jawaharlal Nehru visited the villages of Awadh to understand the problems of the peasants there. In October he set up the Oudh Kisan Sabha. In 1921 the peasant movement spread.

Towards Civil Disobedience

The Non-Cooperation movement was withdrawn in 1922 because it took a violent turn. In 1928 the statutory Simon Commission arrived in India only to be greeted by the slogan- ‘Go back, Simon’. In December 1929, the Lahore Congress headed by Jawaharlal Nehru formalised the demand for ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence.

Salt March and Civil Disobedience Movement

In demand to abolish the salt taxes primarily, Gandhiji put eleven demands in front of Viceroy Irwin. In case the demands were not fulfilled Congress would start the Civil Disobedience Act. The famous salt march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi took place. Gandhiji violated the salt laws by manufacturing salt from boiling water. The Gandhi-Irwin pact was signed after enormous confusion in the country. The Disobedience had lost its momentum by 1934.

Limits of the Civil Disobedience Act

The Dalits wanted a separate electorate and demanded a reserved seat in educational institutes. After the suspension of the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement, the Muslims felt alienated from the Congress and there was tension between the Hindus and the Muslims. 

Vande Mataram

People across the country came to the streets to fight against British rule. History nationalism in India was further fostered by patriotic and historical fiction, folklore, songs, etc. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed ‘Vande Mataram’. Abanindranath Tagore painted ‘Bharat Mata.’ India emerged as a nation which wanted freedom from colonial rule. This collected sense of common belongingness finally led our beloved country to freedom.

5 Important Topics of Class 10 History Chapter 2 Nationalism in India

Importance of Chapter 2 Nationalism in India Class 10 Notes

• Revision notes are essential for effective study, especially when preparing for exams. 

• They help students quickly recall important information, summarise key concepts, and reinforce learning. 

• By condensing the material into easily digestible sections, revision notes allow students to focus on the most critical aspects of the subject, making revision more efficient. 

• These notes serve as a handy reference guide, enabling students to review topics systematically without getting overwhelmed by lengthy textbooks. 

Tips for Learning the Class 10 History Chapter 2 Nationalism in India

• Focus on the major events like the formation of the Indian National Congress, Gandhi’s pivotal movements, and the impact of the Partition of Bengal. Knowing these events and their sequences will help you connect the key developments in Indian nationalism.

• Learn about influential figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and leaders of the Muslim League. Understanding their roles and contributions will give you insight into how the nationalist movement evolved.

• Make use of maps and timelines to track the geographical and political changes in India during this period. Visual tools can make it easier to remember important events and figures.

• Look at past exam questions related to this chapter. This will help you understand the types of questions that may be asked and focus your study on the most important topics.

Conclusion

Nationalism in India Class 10 Notes offers a comprehensive look at the growth of nationalism and the significant people and events involved. Through this chapter, students learn about the critical movements and leaders that shaped India’s journey to independence. Understanding these aspects is vital for both a solid grasp of the historical background and effective exam preparation.

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