Indian National Movement (1857-1957) : Phases and List of National Movements in India

The Indian National Movement (1857-1957), also known as the Indian Independence Movement, was a historic struggle that united millions of Indians to achieve freedom from British colonial rule, culminating in India’s independence on August 15, 1947. This movement, spanning from the mid-19th century to 1947, encompassed a range of strategies, from non-violent protests led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi to revolutionary actions by leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose. It was marked by significant events, socio-political reforms, and mass participation, making it a pivotal chapter in India’s history. This article explores the Indian National Movement in detail, addressing Independence Movement's phases, key events, leaders, and impact, tailored for readers preparing for exams like the UPSC, MPSC, BPSC, UPPSC, West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) or seeking a beginner-friendly understanding of the Indian Independence Movement.

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What is the Indian National Movement?

The Indian National Movement refers to the collective efforts of Indians to overthrow British rule and establish a sovereign nation. 

Beginning with early resistance in the 19th century, it gained momentum with the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 and peaked during the Gandhian era (1920–1947). 

The Indian Independence Movement, a synonymous term, highlights the ultimate goal of achieving independence. 

It involved diverse groups—

• moderates, 
• extremists, 
• revolutionaries, and 
• masses

using strategies like —

• non-violence, 
• armed struggle, and 
• political negotiations. 

The movement not only ended British rule but also shaped India’s democratic and secular identity.

Why is the Indian National Movement Important?

The Indian National Movement is a cornerstone of modern Indian history, always remembered for its role in:

• Unifying diverse communities across caste, religion, and region.
• Inspiring global anti-colonial struggles (e.g., in Africa and Asia).
• Establishing key principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and self-reliance (Swadeshi).

Phases of the Indian National Movement

The Indian National Movement can be divided into three main phases, each reflecting distinct strategies and leadership.

Phase	Time Period	Key Features	Prominent Leaders
Early Nationalism	1857–1905	Early resistance, formation of INC, moderate demands for reforms	A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, Gokhale
Extremist Phase	1905–1919	Aggressive nationalism, Swadeshi Movement, revolutionary activities	Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal
Gandhian Era	1919–1947	Mass movements, non-violence, negotiations, final push for independence	Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Subhas Bose, Patel

1. Early Nationalism (1857–1905)

This phase laid the groundwork for organized resistance against British rule.

• Revolt of 1857: Often called the First War of Independence, it was a widespread uprising against British policies, led by figures like Rani Lakshmibai, Mangal Pandey, and Bahadur Shah Zafar. Though it failed, it sparked nationalist sentiments.
• Formation of Indian National Congress (1885): Founded by Allan Octavian Hume, the INC initially focused on moderate demands like greater Indian representation in governance.
• Socio-Religious Reforms: Movements like Brahmo Samaj (Raja Ram Mohan Roy) and Arya Samaj (Dayanand Saraswati) awakened national consciousness.

2. Extremist Phase (1905–1919)

This phase saw a shift toward assertive nationalism and mass mobilization.

• Partition of Bengal (1905): The British decision to divide Bengal sparked the Swadeshi Movement, promoting Indian goods and boycotting British products.
• Rise of Extremists: Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak (“Swaraj is my birthright”) advocated complete independence (Swaraj).
• Revolutionary Activities: Groups like Anushilan Samiti and Ghadar Movement engaged in armed resistance.

3. Gandhian Era (1919–1947)

The Gandhian era was the most dynamic phase, characterized by mass participation and non-violent resistance.

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922): Launched by Mahatma Gandhi in response to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919).
• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934): Initiated with the Salt March (Dandi, 1930), it challenged British salt laws.
• Quit India Movement (1942): Gandhi’s call for “Do or Die” demanded immediate independence.
• Revolutionary Movements: Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose (leader of the Indian National Army, INA) used armed tactics.
• Negotiations and Independence: Cripps Mission (1942), Cabinet Mission (1946), and Mountbatten Plan (1947) led to independence.

Key Leaders of the Indian National Movement

• Mahatma Gandhi: Pioneered Satyagraha (non-violent resistance).
• Jawaharlal Nehru: Prominent INC leader, first Prime Minister.
• Subhas Chandra Bose: Formed the Indian National Army (INA).
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Popularized Swaraj.
• Rani Lakshmibai: Symbol of resistance during 1857.
• Bhagat Singh: Revolutionary who inspired youth.

Leader	Key Contribution	Movement/Period
Mahatma Gandhi	Non-violent Satyagraha, mass movements	1919–1947 (Gandhian Era)
Jawaharlal Nehru	INC leadership, vision for modern India	1920–1947
Subhas Chandra Bose	Formed INA, armed struggle	1930s–1945

Causes of the Indian National Movement

• Political Oppression: British policies like the Doctrine of Lapse.
• Economic Exploitation: Land revenue systems harmed agriculture.
• Social and Religious Awakening: Reformers inspired national pride.
• Western Education: Exposed Indians to liberty and democracy.
• Global Influences: American and French Revolutions inspired freedom.
• British Repression: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre fueled outrage.

List of National Movements in India from 1857–1947

The Indian National Movement and Indian Independence Movement comprised 17 key movements from 1857 to 1947. The provided list captures essential milestones, but adding Bardoli Satyagraha, Revolutionary Movement, and Royal Indian Navy Mutiny offers a fuller picture. Each movement built momentum toward independence, showcasing India’s resilience.

Table: National Movements in India (1857–1947)

Movement	Year	Leader(s)	Key Objective
Revolt of 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny)	1857	Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar	Overthrow British rule, restore sovereignty
Foundation of Indian National Congress	1885	A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, W.C. Bonnerjee	Organize political demands for reforms
Swadeshi Movement	1905–1911	Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore	Boycott British goods, promote Indian products
Muslim League Founded	1906	Aga Khan III, Nawab Salimullah	Represent Muslim political interests
Gadar Party Movement	1914–1917	Lala Hardayal, Rash Behari Bose	Armed revolt against British rule
Home Rule Movement	1916–1918	Annie Besant, Bal Gangadhar Tilak	Demand self-governance within British Empire
Champaran Satyagraha	1917	Mahatma Gandhi	Protest indigo farmers’ exploitation
Kheda Satyagraha	1917	Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel	Demand tax relief for drought-hit farmers
Ahmedabad Mill Strike	1918	Mahatma Gandhi	Support workers’ demand for fair wages
Rowlatt Satyagraha	1919	Mahatma Gandhi	Oppose repressive Rowlatt Act
Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement	1920–1922	Mahatma Gandhi, Ali Brothers	Boycott British institutions, support Caliphate
Bardoli Satyagraha	1928	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel	Protest high land taxes, demand farmer rights
Civil Disobedience Movement	1930–1934	Mahatma Gandhi	Defy British laws, demand complete independence
Revolutionary Movement (Ongoing)	1900s–1940s	Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, Chandrashekhar Azad	Armed struggle to overthrow British rule
Individual Satyagraha	1940–1941	Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave	Symbolic protest against British war policies
Quit India Movement	1942	Mahatma Gandhi	Immediate end to British rule
Royal Indian Navy Mutiny	1946	Naval ratings, B.C. Dutt	Demand better conditions, hasten independence

Explanation of Each National Movements in India (1857-1947)

1. Revolt of 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny)

• Background: Uprising against British policies, sparked by greased cartridges in Enfield rifles.
• Key Events:
  • Began in Meerut (May 1857) with Mangal Pandey’s rebellion.
  • Spread to Delhi, Kanpur, led by Rani Lakshmibai.
  • Suppressed by 1858 due to lack of unity.
• Impact:
  • Ended East India Company rule (1858).
  • Inspired future movements.
• Why Included: First large-scale rebellion, foundational to the Indian National Movement.

2. Foundation of Indian National Congress (1885)

• Background: Formed for Indian political aspirations, seeking reforms.
• Key Events:
  • Founded by A.O. Hume in Bombay.
  • Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji demanded representation.
  • Discussed poverty, education.
• Impact:
  • Groundwork for organized nationalism.
  • Unified Indian grievances.
• Why Included: Start of structured resistance.

3. Swadeshi Movement (1905–1911)

• Background: Triggered by Bengal partition (1905).
• Key Events:
  • Led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore.
  • Promoted Swadeshi, boycotted British goods.
  • Cultural activities like Tagore’s songs.
• Impact:
  • United communities.
  • Revived Indian industries.
• Why Included: First mass movement.

4. Muslim League Founded (1906)

• Background: Represented Muslim interests, fearing Hindu dominance.
• Key Events:
  • Founded by Aga Khan III, Nawab Salimullah.
  • Demanded separate electorates (1909).
  • Later joined independence demands.
• Impact:
  • Shaped communal politics.
  • Influenced Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Why Included: Key for communal dynamics.

5. Gadar Party Movement (1914–1917)

• Background: Revolutionary movement by Indian diaspora.
• Key Events:
  • Founded by Lala Hardayal, Rash Behari Bose.
  • Planned armed revolts during World War I.
  • Suppressed by British.
• Impact:
  • Inspired revolutionary fervor.
  • Strengthened global networks.
• Why Included: Diaspora’s role in Indian Independence Movement.

6. Home Rule Movement (1916–1918)

• Background: Demanded self-governance, inspired by Ireland.
• Key Events:
  • Led by Annie Besant, Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
  • Used newspapers (New India).
  • Besant’s arrest (1917) galvanized support.
• Impact:
  • Mobilized educated Indians.
  • Strengthened INC.
• Why Included: Bridged ideologies.

7. Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

• Background: Addressed indigo farmers’ exploitation in Bihar.
• Key Events:
  • Gandhi investigated farmers’ plight.
  • Peaceful protests led to British inquiry.
  • Champaran Agrarian Act (1918).
• Impact:
  • Established Satyagraha.
  • Inspired peasant movements.
• Why Included: Gandhi’s entry into Indian National Movement.

8. Kheda Satyagraha (1917)

• Background: Protested high taxes in drought-hit Kheda.
• Key Events:
  • Led by Gandhi, Sardar Patel.
  • Farmers refused taxes.
  • Taxes partially waived.
• Impact:
  • Strengthened Gandhi, Patel.
  • Highlighted peasant issues.
• Why Included: Regional non-violent resistance.

9. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)

• Background: Supported textile workers’ wage demands.
• Key Events:
  • Led by Gandhi.
  • Gandhi fasted to resolve deadlock.
  • Workers secured 35% wage increase.
• Impact:
  • Showed Gandhi’s arbitration.
  • Strengthened labor’s role.
• Why Included: Gandhi’s labor activism.

10. Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919)

• Background: Opposed Rowlatt Act, allowing detention without trial.
• Key Events:
  • Gandhi led protests, hartals.
  • Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919).
  • Suspended due to violence.
• Impact:
  • Galvanized anti-British sentiment.
  • Exposed British brutality.
• Why Included: Precursor to Non-Cooperation.

11. Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

• Background: Combined Khilafat with Non-Cooperation.
• Key Events:
  • Led by Gandhi, Ali Brothers.
  • Boycotted British goods, promoted Khadi.
  • Withdrawn after Chauri Chaura (1922).
• Impact:
  • First national movement.
  • Weakened British control.
• Why Included: Marked mass mobilization.

12. Bardoli Satyagraha (1928)

• Background: Protested high land taxes in Bardoli.
• Key Events:
  • Led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
  • Non-violent resistance, social boycotts.
  • Taxes reduced.
• Impact:
  • Earned Patel “Sardar.”
  • Strengthened rural base.
• Why Added: Showcased Patel’s leadership.

13. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

• Background: Challenged British salt tax.
• Key Events:
  • Gandhi’s Salt March (1930).
  • Nationwide protests, women participated.
  • Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931).
• Impact:
  • Global attention for non-violence.
  • Demanded Purna Swaraj.
• Why Included: Iconic defiance.

14. Revolutionary Movement (Ongoing, 1900s–1940s)

• Background: Armed struggle against British.
• Key Events:
  • Anushilan Samiti, HSRA bombings.
  • Subhas Chandra Bose’s INA (1942).
  • Bhagat Singh’s Assembly bombing (1929).
• Impact:
  • Radicalized youth.
  • INA trials sparked mutinies.
• Why Added: Captures armed resistance.

15. Individual Satyagraha (1940–1941)

• Background: Protested British war policies.
• Key Events:
  • Led by Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave first satyagrahi.
  • Individuals made anti-war speeches.
  • Limited scope, symbolic.
• Impact:
  • Kept momentum during wartime.
  • Paved way for Quit India.
• Why Included: Strategic shift during war.

16. Quit India Movement (1942)

• Background: Demanded immediate independence during World War II.
• Key Events:
  • Launched August 8, 1942, Gandhi’s “Do or Die.”
  • Mass protests, strikes.
  • Aruna Asaf Ali led underground.
• Impact:
  • Showed resolve.
  • Led to post-war negotiations.
• Why Included: Final push for independence.

17. Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946)

• Background: Naval revolt against poor conditions, nationalism.
• Key Events:
  • Began in Bombay (1946), B.C. Dutt.
  • Spread to 20,000 sailors.
  • Suppressed, INC supported.
• Impact:
  • Signaled loss of military loyalty.
  • Hastened British exit.
• Why Added: Pivotal late-stage movement.

Major Events in the Indian National Movement (1857–1947, Excluding Movements)

The major events during the Indian National Movement (1857–1947), apart from the core movements, significantly shaped India’s struggle for independence from British rule. 

Following the Revolt of 1857, the Government of India Act 1858 transferred control to the British Crown, marking the start of direct colonial governance. 

Legislative reforms like the Indian Councils Acts (1861, 1892) and Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) introduced limited Indian representation but deepened communal divides through separate electorates. 

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919), where British troops killed hundreds, ignited nationwide outrage, fueling anti-British sentiment. 

The Lucknow Pact (1916) fostered Hindu-Muslim unity, while the Nehru Report (1928) and Lahore Session (1929) solidified the demand for Purna Swaraj. Key negotiations, including the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931), Round Table Conferences (1931–1932), and Cabinet Mission (1946), shaped constitutional debates, though often failing to resolve communal tensions. 

The INA Trials (1945–1946) sparked mutinies, and the Mountbatten Plan (1947) and Indian Independence Act (1947) culminated in independence, partitioning India and Pakistan on August 15, 1947. 

These events, alongside movements, reflect the resilience and complexity of the Indian Independence Movement.

Event	Year	Description
Government of India Act	1858	British Crown took direct control from East India Company, establishing British Raj.
Indian Councils Act	1861	Introduced limited Indian representation in legislative councils, a first step toward reforms.
Vernacular Press Act	1878	Censored Indian-language newspapers to curb nationalist sentiments, sparking protests.
Ilbert Bill Controversy	1883	Proposed equal legal treatment for Indians and Europeans, diluted due to British opposition, fueling discontent.
Indian Councils Act	1892	Expanded legislative councils with more Indian members, encouraging political awareness.
Plague Epidemic and British Repression	1898	Harsh British measures during Bombay plague outbreak intensified anti-British feelings.
Morley-Minto Reforms	1909	Introduced separate electorates for Muslims, expanding governance but deepening communal divides.
Annulment of Bengal Partition	1911	Reversed 1905 Bengal partition due to protests, a victory for nationalist agitation.
World War I Impact	1914–1918	Indian soldiers’ contributions and economic hardships fueled demands for self-rule.
Gandhi’s Return to India	1915	Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa, bringing Satyagraha, transforming the struggle.
Lucknow Pact	1916	INC and Muslim League agreed on self-governance demands, promoting Hindu-Muslim unity.
Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms	1919	Introduced dyarchy in provinces, granting limited self-governance, but fell short of expectations.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre	1919	British troops killed hundreds in Amritsar, galvanizing nationwide anti-British sentiment.
Chauri Chaura Incident	1922	Violent clash led Gandhi to suspend Non-Cooperation, shifting nationalist strategy.
Simon Commission	1927	All-British commission to review reforms was boycotted for excluding Indians, sparking protests.
Nehru Report	1928	INC’s proposal for dominion status and united India, rejected by Muslim League, highlighting tensions.
Lahore Session of INC	1929	Declared Purna Swaraj, setting January 26, 1930, as Independence Day.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact	1931	Halted Civil Disobedience, released prisoners, allowed salt production.
Round Table Conferences	1931–1932	London talks on reforms failed to resolve communal representation issues.
Government of India Act	1935	Established provincial autonomy, though viceroy’s powers limited its impact.
Provincial Elections	1937	INC won majorities in provinces, showing mass support and governance capability.
World War II Impact	1939–1945	India’s forced involvement led to INC’s non-cooperation, escalating independence demands.
Cripps Mission	1942	British post-war dominion status proposal rejected for not guaranteeing immediate independence.
Gandhi-Jinnah Talks	1944	Failed talks over Muslim League’s Pakistan demand, highlighting partition tensions.
Simla Conference	1945	Viceroy Wavell’s interim government plan collapsed due to INC-Muslim League disagreements.
INA Trials	1945–1946	Trials of INA officers sparked protests and mutinies, pressuring British withdrawal.
Cabinet Mission	1946	Proposed federal India, rejected by INC and Muslim League, paving way for partition.
Mountbatten Plan	1947	Outlined partition into India and Pakistan, accepted by INC and Muslim League.
Indian Independence Act	1947	Granted independence to India and Pakistan on August 15, 1947, ending British rule.

Impact of the Indian National Movement

• Independence: Achieved freedom on August 15, 1947.
• Partition: Created India and Pakistan.
• Democratic Foundation: Inspired India’s Constitution (1950).
• Global Inspiration: Influenced anti-colonial movements.
• Social Unity: Fostered national identity.
• Bengal’s Role: Hub of nationalism.

Recommended Resources:

• NCERT: Class 8–12 history books.
• Books: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
• Practice: Solve Quiz Questions.

FAQ: Indian National Movement

1. What is the national movement in India?

Answer: The Indian National Movement, also known as the Indian Independence Movement, was a series of organized efforts by Indians to end British colonial rule and achieve independence, culminating on August 15, 1947. Spanning from 1857 to 1947, it included armed rebellions, non-violent protests, and political campaigns. 

Key strategies involved Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) led by Mahatma Gandhi, revolutionary actions by figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, and political negotiations through the Indian National Congress (INC). The movement united diverse groups across regions and religions, shaping India’s democratic and secular identity.

2. How many Indian national movements are there?

Answer: The Indian National Movement encompasses numerous campaigns from 1857 to 1947, with at least 17 major movements identified in historical records. 

These include the Revolt of 1857, Swadeshi Movement (1905–1911), Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934), Quit India Movement (1942), and ongoing Revolutionary Movement (1900s–1940s), among others. 

The exact number varies depending on how historians categorize smaller campaigns (e.g., Champaran Satyagraha) or regional efforts, but these 17 represent the most significant milestones in the Indian Independence Movement.

3. Who launched the Indian National Movement?

Answer: The Indian National Movement began with the Revolt of 1857, sparked by Mangal Pandey, a sepoy who rebelled against British rule in Barrackpore, inspiring leaders like Rani Lakshmibai and Bahadur Shah Zafar. 

While no single individual launched the entire movement, this revolt marked its start. Later, the Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume and leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, organized political resistance. 

Mahatma Gandhi transformed it into a mass movement from 1915, leading campaigns like Non-Cooperation and Quit India, making him a central figure in the Indian Independence Movement.

4. What was the Indian National Movement of 1857?

Answer: The Revolt of 1857, also called the Sepoy Mutiny or First War of Independence, was the first major uprising against British rule, marking the start of the Indian National Movement. 

Triggered by the use of greased cartridges in Enfield rifles, which offended Hindu and Muslim sepoys, it began in Meerut (May 1857) with Mangal Pandey’s rebellion. The revolt spread to Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jhansi, led by figures like Rani Lakshmibai and Bahadur Shah Zafar. 

Though suppressed by 1858 due to lack of coordination, it ended East India Company rule, with the British Crown assuming direct control, and inspired future struggles in the Indian Independence Movement.

Conclusion of Indian National Movement 

The Indian National Movement, synonymous with the Indian Independence Movement, was a remarkable journey of resilience, unity, and sacrifice. From the Revolt of 1857 to the Quit India Movement, it transformed India into a sovereign nation. 

Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Bose shaped this struggle, making it a model for global freedom movements. For civil services aspirants or history lovers, understanding its phases, events, and impacts is essential.