India (1857-1947) Flashcards
What sparked the 1857 Rebellion in India?
The 1857 Rebellion was sparked by longstanding grievances among the Indian population, particularly the Indian sepoys serving in the British East India Company. These grievances were fueled by religious and cultural tensions, including the imposition of caste-breaking rules in the Indian Army.
What were some of the major events during the 1857 Rebellion?
Sepoys refused to obey orders in February 1857, and other battalions followed suit.
Sepoys in Delhi seized control and tried to resurrect the Mughal Emperor.
Major cities like Agra, Lucknow, and Cawnpore were involved.
The rebellion was suppressed by June 1858 after the final battle at Gwalior.
What was the impact of the 1857 Rebellion on British rule in India?
The 1857 Rebellion exposed the vulnerability of British rule in India. It led to the British Crown taking direct control over India, replacing the British East India Company. The British also recognized that imposing Western Christian values was counterproductive, and missionary activity was discouraged.
What was the significance of the Partition of Bengal in 1905?
The Partition of Bengal in 1905 divided the region into two provinces, leading to protests and boycotts among the Hindu elite, especially in West Bengal. It deepened nationalist feelings and contributed to the split within the Indian National Congress between moderates and extremists.
Who was Surendranath Banerjee and what role did he play in the nationalist movements?
Surendranath Banerjee was an Indian nationalist leader who protested against the British decision to partition Bengal in 1905. He led the campaigns, which resulted in the viceroy’s downfall, and was instrumental in the development of Indian nationalism. He also founded the Indian National Association in 1876.
What was the role of the Indian National Congress (INC) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
The Indian National Congress (INC) was established in 1885 to campaign for home rule. The Congress, initially moderate, criticized British policies, including the restraints on Indian industry, and taxes imposed on the Indian population.
Who were some of the key leaders in the rise of Indian nationalism during the 1900s?
Bal Gangadhar Tilak: A key nationalist leader who promoted Indian pride and culture.
Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai: Fellow leaders in the nationalist movement.
Tilak coined the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright.”
What was the significance of the Ghadar Conspiracy and the Singapore Mutiny in 1915?
The Ghadar Conspiracy and the Singapore Mutiny (1915) were significant acts of resistance against British rule. The Ghadar Conspiracy aimed at starting a rebellion, and the Singapore Mutiny involved Indian sepoys rebelling against British officers in Singapore.
What was the impact of the Amritsar Massacre in 1919?
The Amritsar Massacre, where British troops fired into a crowd of unarmed Indians, galvanized Indian resistance and led to a widespread condemnation of British actions. It sparked the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22 led by Gandhi.
What was the Chauri Chaura incident and its effect on the Non-Cooperation Movement?
In 1922, a violent incident occurred in Chauri Chaura where protesters attacked a police station and killed 23 policemen. As a result, Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement, as he believed the violence was contrary to his principles of non-violence.
What was the Quit India Movement of 1942?
The Quit India Movement of 1942 was a mass civil disobedience campaign launched by the INC, demanding an immediate British withdrawal from India. The British responded by imprisoning most of the INC leadership, and the movement failed due to heavy suppression and lack of coordination.
What were the key principles of Gandhi’s philosophy?
Non-violence (ahimsa) and satyagraha (truth force).
Religious tolerance and unity between Hindus and Muslims.
Equality for Dalits (Untouchables) and opposition to the caste system.
Rejection of Western industrialization and support for rural, agricultural India.
What were some of the key actions in Gandhi’s leadership for independence?
1915: Returned to India and became INC President.
1917-1918: Led movements for the rights of indigo workers and in Ahmedabad and Gujarat.
1920: Launched the Non-Cooperation Movement.
1930: Led the Salt March against British salt laws.
1942: Launched the Quit India Movement.
How did Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru’s views differ regarding India’s future?
Gandhi wanted a rural, agrarian society based on traditional values.
Nehru, on the other hand, advocated for modernization and industrialization, aligning with socialist ideals.
What role did Muhammad Ali Jinnah play in the nationalist movement?
Muhammad Ali Jinnah initially worked for Hindu-Muslim cooperation within the Congress but later became the leader of the All-India Muslim League. By 1940, he pushed for the creation of a separate Muslim state, which ultimately led to the formation of Pakistan in 1947.
What were the events leading up to the partition of India in 1947?
By 1947, the British were ready to grant independence.
A decision was made to partition India into two nations: India and Pakistan.
The partition led to widespread violence and the migration of millions of people along religious lines.
What was the significance of the role played by Lord Louis Mountbatten in 1947?
Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy of India, was tasked with overseeing the transfer of power. He facilitated the partition of India and Pakistan and worked to ensure a swift independence process, which was completed on August 15, 1947.
What was the main cause of violence during the partition of India?
The partition caused intense religious violence as millions of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs fled their homes to seek safety in the country where their religion was the majority. This violence led to at least a million deaths.
