Crash Course Modern history India 1857 - 1947 | Polity UPSC, IAS, CDS, NDA, SSC CGL

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of modern Indian history from 1857 to 1947, tailored for students preparing for competitive exams such as UPSC, IAS, CDS, and SSC CGL. It highlights significant events, movements, and figures that shaped India's struggle for independence, making it a valuable resource for exam preparation.

Step 1: Understand the Historical Context

• Familiarize yourself with the period leading up to 1857, including the socio-political climate under British rule.
• Recognize the key factors that contributed to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, often considered the first war of independence.

Step 2: Explore the Major Events (1857-1947)

• Indian Rebellion of 1857

  • Understand the causes, key players, and consequences.
  • Note the shift from Company rule to direct British governance.

• Formation of Indian National Congress (1885)

  • Study the objectives and early demands of the INC.
  • Identify prominent leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

• Partition of Bengal (1905)

  • Learn about the reasons for partition and the subsequent protests.
  • Recognize the role of the Swadeshi Movement in uniting Indians against British policies.

• World War I and its Impact (1914-1918)

  • Analyze how the war affected Indian society and economy.
  • Examine the political awakening that followed, leading to movements like the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.

• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

  • Investigate the call for mass non-violent resistance led by Gandhi.
  • Understand its impact on British authority and Indian unity.

• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

  • Review the Salt March and its significance.
  • Identify the responses from the British government.

• Quit India Movement (1942)

  • Grasp the urgency of the demand for British withdrawal.
  • Note the nationwide protests and the British response.

Step 3: Key Figures in the Freedom Struggle

• Mahatma Gandhi
  • Study his philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience.
• Jawaharlal Nehru
  • Understand his role in shaping the vision of a modern India.
• Subhas Chandra Bose
  • Explore his alternative approach to independence through armed struggle.

Step 4: Analyze Important Documents and Policies

• Government of India Act (1919 and 1935)
  • Compare the two acts and their implications for Indian self-governance.
• Cripps Mission (1942)
  • Assess the proposals offered to Indians and their rejection.

Step 5: Review the End of British Rule

• Post World War II Dynamics
  • Analyze how the war weakened British control and accelerated the independence movement.
• Mountbatten Plan and Partition (1947)
  • Understand the reasons behind the partition and its immediate consequences for India and Pakistan.

Conclusion

This tutorial has outlined the key events, movements, and figures in modern Indian history from 1857 to 1947. For further preparation, consider reviewing original texts and documents related to the independence movement and engaging with practice questions that focus on these historical themes. This foundational knowledge will equip you for success in competitive exams.