Indian Nationalist Movement

An Indian Nationalist Movement

         The first Indian nationalists were upper class and English-educated. Many of them were from urban areas, such as Mumbai (then called Bombay), Chenai (Madras), and Calcutta. Some were trained in British law and were members of the civil service.

         At first, many preferred reform to revolution, but the slow pace of reform convinced many Indian nationalists that relying on British goodwill was futile. In 1885, a small group of Indians met in Bombay to form the Indian National Congress (INC). the INC did not demand immediate independence but did call for a share in the governing process.

         The INC had difficulties because of religious differences. The goal of the INC was to seek independence for all Indians, regardless of class or religious background. However, many of its leaders were Hindu and reflected Hindu concerns. Eventually, Muslims began to call for the creation of a separate Muslim League to represent the interests of the millions of Muslims in Indian society.

         In 1915, the return of a young Hindu from South Africa brought new life to India’s struggle for independence. Mohandas Gandhi was born in 1869 in Gujarat, in western India. He studied in London and became a lawyer. In 1893, he went to South Africa to work in a law firm serving Indian workers there. He soon became aware of the racial exploitation of Indians living in South Africa.

         On his return home to India, Gandhi became active in the independence movement. Using his experience in South Africa, he set up a movement based on non-violent resistance. Its aim was to force the British to improve the lot of the poor and grant independence to India. In Gandhi’s philosophy, resisting unjust laws was the moral path, but if resistance became violent, Gandhi would withdraw support. Gandhi’s reputation for morality was so high that he was called Mahatma, or “great soul.” Ultimately, his movement would lead to Indian independence.