Modern Indian History: A Digital Chronicle

Explore the intricate narrative of India's transformation from the decline of the Mughal Empire through the colonial era to the dawn of independence.

Delve into the syllabus below. Click any topic to embark on your exploration (new tab - content coming soon).

Syllabus Navigator: Modern Indian History (Index 2)

Module 1: India in the Mid-18th Century & British Conquest
Topic 1.1: The Disintegration of the Mughal Empire: Causes and Consequences
Subtopic 1.1.1: Systemic Flaws and Aurangzeb's Legacy
1.1.1.1: Aurangzeb's Policies
A. Deccan Policy B. Rajput Policy C. Religious Policy
1.1.1.2: Crisis in Mansabdari and Jagirdari Systems
A. Be-jagiri (shortage of jagirs), problem of Paibaqi. B. Corruption, frequent transfers of jagirs, exploitation of peasantry. C. Rise of powerful, entrenched nobles; decline in military efficiency of contingents.
1.1.1.3: Agrarian Crisis: High revenue demand, peasant exploitation, flight of peasants, peasant revolts (Jat, Satnami, Sikh, Maratha – their agrarian dimensions). 1.1.1.4: Military Deterioration: Lack of technological upgrades, indiscipline, factionalism within the army, decline of cavalry effectiveness.
Subtopic 1.1.2: The Later Mughals: A Succession of Ineffective Rulers (1707-1857)
1.1.2.1: Bahadur Shah I 1.1.2.2: Jahandar Shah 1.1.2.3: Farrukhsiyar 1.1.2.4: Rafi-ud-Darajat & Rafi-ud-Daula 1.1.2.5: Muhammad Shah 'Rangeela' 1.1.2.6: Ahmad Shah & Alamgir II 1.1.2.7: Shah Alam II 1.1.2.8: Akbar Shah II & Bahadur Shah II
Subtopic 1.1.3: Court Factionalism and Degeneration of Nobility
1.1.3.1: Major Factions 1.1.3.2: Role of "Kingmakers" 1.1.3.3: Corruption & Degeneration
Subtopic 1.1.4: External Challenges and Foreign Invasions
1.1.4.1: Nadir Shah's Invasion 1.1.4.2: Ahmad Shah Abdali's Invasions
Subtopic 1.1.5: Historiographical Perspectives on Mughal Decline
1.1.5.1: Empire-Centric Theories 1.1.5.2: Region-Centric Theories 1.1.5.3: Agrarian Crisis Thesis 1.1.5.4: Institutional & Military Flaws 1.1.5.5: Cultural Stagnation
Topic 1.2: Emergence of Regional Polities in the 18th Century
Subtopic 1.2.1: Successor States (Mughal Provinces becoming Autonomous)
1.2.1.1: Bengal 1.2.1.2: Awadh 1.2.1.3: Hyderabad
Subtopic 1.2.2: New States (Independent Kingdoms established by Rebels/Adventurers)
1.2.2.1: The Maratha Empire
A. Post-Aurangzeb Era B. Rise of Peshwaship C. Maratha Confederacy D. Maratha Administration E. Third Battle of Panipat F. Post-Panipat Recovery
1.2.2.2: The Sikh Kingdom
A. Post-Guru Gobind Singh B. Persecution & Resilience C. Rise of Misls D. Maharaja Ranjit Singh
1.2.2.3: Jat Kingdom 1.2.2.4: Rohilkhand & Farrukhabad
1.2.2.5: Mysore
A. Wodeyar & Hyder Ali B. Hyder Ali's Policies C. Tipu Sultan D. Anglo-Mysore Wars
1.2.2.6: Kerala States
1.2.3: Rajput States
Topic 1.3: European Commercial and Political Incursions
1.3.1: Portuguese 1.3.2: Dutch
Subtopic 1.3.3: English East India Company (EIC)
1.3.3.1: Formation & Early Voyages 1.3.3.2: Establishment of Factories 1.3.3.3: Transformation to Political Power
Subtopic 1.3.4: French East India Company (Compagnie des Indes Orientales)
1.3.4.1: Formation & Early Struggles 1.3.4.2: Dupleix
1.3.5: Danish & Minor Powers
Subtopic 1.3.6: Anglo-French Rivalry for Supremacy – The Carnatic Wars
1.3.6.1: First Carnatic War 1.3.6.2: Second Carnatic War 1.3.6.3: Third Carnatic War 1.3.6.4: Causes for French Failure
Topic 1.4: Society, Economy, and Culture in 18th Century India – An Overview
1.4.1: Social Structure
Subtopic 1.4.2: Economic Conditions – "Dark Age" vs. "Regional Dynamism" Debate
1.4.2.1: Agriculture 1.4.2.2: Trade and Commerce 1.4.2.3: Urbanization 1.4.2.4: Craft Production
Subtopic 1.4.3: Cultural Life
1.4.3.1: Literature 1.4.3.2: Art and Architecture 1.4.3.3: Music and Dance 1.4.3.4: Religious Trends
1.4.4: Science and Technology
Module 2: British Imperialism in India: Conquest, Consolidation, and Administrative Apparatus (c. 1757 – 1857)
Topic 2.1: The British Conquest of Bengal and its Aftermath
Subtopic 2.1.1: Bengal on the Eve of British Conquest
2.1.1.1: Political Situation 2.1.1.2: Economic Prosperity 2.1.1.3: European Companies in Bengal
Subtopic 2.1.2: Causes of Conflict between Siraj-ud-Daulah and EIC
2.1.2.1: Misuse of Dastaks 2.1.2.2: Fortification of Calcutta 2.1.2.3: EIC giving asylum to Krishna Das 2.1.2.4: Nawab's personality and EIC's perception
Subtopic 2.1.3: The Battle of Plassey (23 June 1757)
2.1.3.1: Nawab's capture of Calcutta, "Black Hole Tragedy" 2.1.3.2: Robert Clive's recapture, conspiracy 2.1.3.3: Course of the Battle 2.1.3.4: Significance
Subtopic 2.1.4: Post-Plassey Era: Rule of "Puppet Nawabs"
2.1.4.1: Mir Jafar (1757-1760) 2.1.4.2: Mir Qasim (1760-1763)
Subtopic 2.1.5: The Battle of Buxar (22 October 1764)
2.1.5.1: Causes 2.1.5.2: Formation of Confederacy 2.1.5.3: Course of the Battle 2.1.5.4: Significance
Subtopic 2.1.6: The Treaty of Allahabad (August 1765)
2.1.6.1: Signatories
2.1.6.2: Provisions
A. With Shah Alam II B. With Shuja-ud-Daula
Subtopic 2.1.7: Dual Government in Bengal (1765-1772)
2.1.7.1: System 2.1.7.2: Motives 2.1.7.3: Consequences 2.1.7.4: Abolition
Topic 2.2: British Imperial Expansion and Wars against Indian States (Beyond Bengal)
Subtopic 2.2.1: Anglo-Mysore Wars (Four Wars)
2.2.1.1: First War 2.2.1.2: Second War 2.2.1.3: Third War 2.2.1.4: Fourth War
Subtopic 2.2.2: Anglo-Maratha Wars (Three Wars)
2.2.2.1: First War 2.2.2.2: Second War 2.2.2.3: Third War
Subtopic 2.2.3: Anglo-Sikh Wars (Two Wars)
2.2.3.1: Political Instability in Punjab post-Ranjit Singh 2.2.3.2: First War 2.2.3.3: Second War
Subtopic 2.2.4: Annexation of Sindh (1843)
2.2.4.1: Strategic and Commercial importance 2.2.4.2: British intrigues and annexation
Subtopic 2.2.5: Relations with and Annexation of Awadh
2.2.5.1: Awadh as a buffer state 2.2.5.2: Subsidiary Alliance (1801) 2.2.5.3: Annexation (1856)
Subtopic 2.2.6: Anglo-Burmese Wars
2.2.6.1: First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826) 2.2.6.2: Second Anglo-Burmese War (1852) 2.2.6.3: Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885)
Subtopic 2.2.7: Anglo-Nepalese War (Gurkha War, 1814-1816)
2.2.7.1: Border disputes 2.2.7.2: Treaty of Sugauli (1816)
Subtopic 2.2.8: Anglo-Afghan Relations and Wars
2.2.8.1: Context of "Great Game" 2.2.8.2: First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842) 2.2.8.3: Policy of "Masterly Inactivity" 2.2.8.4: Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) 2.2.8.5: Durand Line Agreement (1893)
Topic 2.3: British Imperial Policies and Instruments of Expansion
2.3.1: Policy of Ring-Fence (Warren Hastings era)
Subtopic 2.3.2: Subsidiary Alliance System (Lord Wellesley)
2.3.2.1: Motives 2.3.2.2: Key Features 2.3.2.3: Stages of Application 2.3.2.4: States that accepted it 2.3.2.5: Impact
Subtopic 2.3.3: Doctrine of Lapse (Lord Dalhousie)
2.3.3.1: Principle 2.3.3.2: States Annexed 2.3.3.3: Justification and Criticism
2.3.4: Annexation on Grounds of Misgovernance (e.g., Awadh) 2.3.5: Use of Warfare, Diplomacy, and Espionage.
Topic 2.4: Structure of British Colonial Administration (Pre-1857)
2.4.1: Early Company Administration
Subtopic 2.4.2: The Regulating Act of 1773
2.4.2.1: Background 2.4.2.2: Key Provisions 2.4.2.3: Significance 2.4.2.4: Defects
Subtopic 2.4.3: Pitt's India Act of 1784
2.4.3.1: Background 2.4.3.2: Key Provisions 2.4.3.3: Significance
Subtopic 2.4.4: Charter Acts and their Impact
2.4.4.1: Charter Act of 1793 2.4.4.2: Charter Act of 1813 2.4.4.3: Charter Act of 1833 2.4.4.4: Charter Act of 1853
Subtopic 2.4.5: Development of Civil Services
2.4.5.1: Early System 2.4.5.2: Cornwallis Code (1793) 2.4.5.3: Training 2.4.5.4: Charter Act of 1853 & Open Competition 2.4.5.5: Structure
Subtopic 2.4.6: Development of Police System
2.4.6.1: Traditional system 2.4.6.2: Cornwallis Reforms (1791) 2.4.6.3: Bentinck's Reforms 2.4.6.4: Napier's reforms in Sindh
Subtopic 2.4.7: Judicial System Reforms
2.4.7.1: Early System under Warren Hastings 2.4.7.2: Cornwallis Code (1793) 2.4.7.3: William Bentinck's Reforms 2.4.7.4: Codification of Laws 2.4.7.5: Principle of Rule of Law
2.4.8: Military Organization of the Company
Module 3: Economic Impact of British Rule in India (c. 1757 – 1857 and Beyond)
Topic 3.1: Phases of British Colonial Economic Policies
Subtopic 3.1.1: Phase I: Mercantilism (1757-1813)
3.1.1.1: Objectives 3.1.1.2: Mechanisms 3.1.1.3: Impact
Subtopic 3.1.2: Phase II: Free Trade Colonialism / Industrial Capitalism (1813-1858)
3.1.2.1: Objectives 3.1.2.2: Mechanisms 3.1.2.3: Impact
Subtopic 3.1.3: Phase III: Finance Imperialism / Finance Capitalism (Post-1858)
3.1.3.1: Objectives 3.1.3.2: Mechanisms 3.1.3.3: Impact
Topic 3.2: Land Revenue Systems and their Impact on Agrarian Structure
3.2.1: Pre-British Land Tenure 3.2.2: British Motives behind Land Revenue Policies
Subtopic 3.2.3: Permanent Settlement (1793)
3.2.3.1: Background & Aims 3.2.3.2: Key Features 3.2.3.3: Impact on Zamindars 3.2.3.4: Impact on Peasants 3.2.3.5: Impact on Company 3.2.3.6: Merits & Demerits
Subtopic 3.2.4: Ryotwari System
3.2.4.1: Background & Aims 3.2.4.2: Key Features 3.2.4.3: Impact
Subtopic 3.2.5: Mahalwari System
3.2.5.1: Background & Aims 3.2.5.2: Key Features 3.2.5.3: Impact
Subtopic 3.2.6: Overall Impact on Agriculture & Rural Society
3.2.6.1: Land as Commodity 3.2.6.2: Peasant Indebtedness & Land Alienation 3.2.6.3: Pauperization & Stagnation 3.2.6.4: Intermediaries & Sub-infeudation 3.2.6.5: Increased Famines
Topic 3.3: Commercialization of Agriculture
3.3.1: Definition and Nature
Subtopic 3.3.2: Factors Leading to Commercialization
3.3.2.1: Land Revenue Demand 3.3.2.2: Demand for Raw Materials 3.3.2.3: Infrastructure 3.3.2.4: World Market Integration 3.3.2.5: Coercive Methods
3.3.3: Major Commercial Crops and Regions
Subtopic 3.3.4: Impact of Commercialization
3.3.4.1: Forced vs. Voluntary 3.3.4.2: Beneficiaries 3.3.4.3: Specialization & Vulnerability 3.3.4.4: No Capitalist Farming
Topic 3.4: De-industrialization: Decline of Traditional Indian Industries
3.4.1: Handicrafts Pre-British
Subtopic 3.4.2: Causes of De-industrialization
3.4.2.1: Loss of Patronage 3.4.2.2: Competition (British Goods) 3.4.2.3: Discriminatory Policies 3.4.2.4: Decline of Export Markets 3.4.2.5: Impact of Railways 3.4.2.6: Oppressive EIC Practices
3.4.3: Impact on Different Industries
Subtopic 3.4.4: Socio-Economic Consequences
3.4.4.1: Artisan Unemployment 3.4.4.2: Pressure on Land 3.4.4.3: Decline of Urban Centers 3.4.4.4: Ruralization
Subtopic 3.4.5: The De-industrialization Debate
3.4.5.1: Nationalist View 3.4.5.2: Western Counter-arguments 3.4.5.3: Modern Research
Topic 3.5: The Drain of Wealth Theory
3.5.1: Concept 3.5.2: Early Exponents
Subtopic 3.5.3: Constituents/Components of the Drain
3.5.3.1: Home Charges 3.5.3.2: Profits of British Capital 3.5.3.3: Private Remittances 3.5.3.4: Export Surplus Misuse 3.5.3.5: Council Bills
Subtopic 3.5.4: Economic Impact of the Drain
3.5.4.1: Impoverishment & Capital Scarcity 3.5.4.2: Tax Burden 3.5.4.3: Famines & Stagnation 3.5.4.4: Aided British Industrialization
3.5.5: British Counter-Arguments 3.5.6: Significance
Topic 3.6: Development of Modern Industries in India
3.6.1: Inhibiting Factors
Subtopic 3.6.2: Early Beginnings and Key Industries
3.6.2.1: Cotton Textiles 3.6.2.2: Jute Industry 3.6.2.3: Coal Mining 3.6.2.4: Iron & Steel (TISCO) 3.6.2.5: Plantations 3.6.2.6: Other Industries
3.6.3: British Capital & Managing Agencies 3.6.4: Indian Capital & Entrepreneurship 3.6.5: Nature of Industrialization 3.6.6: Impact of World Wars
Topic 3.7: Transport and Communication Development
Subtopic 3.7.1: Railways
3.7.1.1: Introduction & Expansion 3.7.1.2: Motives 3.7.1.3: Economic Impact 3.7.1.4: Social Impact
3.7.2: Roads 3.7.3: Inland Waterways 3.7.4: Postal System 3.7.5: Electric Telegraph 3.7.6: Ports Development 3.7.7: Shipping
Topic 3.8: Famines in Colonial India and British Famine Policy
3.8.1: Increased Frequency & Intensity
Subtopic 3.8.2: Causes
3.8.2.1: Natural Factors 3.8.2.2: Colonial Economic Policies 3.8.2.3: Defective Transport
3.8.3: Major Famines
Subtopic 3.8.4: Evolution of British Famine Policy
3.8.4.1: Early Indifference 3.8.4.2: Famine Commissions 3.8.4.3: Development of Famine Codes 3.8.4.4: Limitations of Policy
3.8.5: Nationalist Critique
Module 4: Socio-Cultural Awakening and Reform Movements (19th Century)
Topic 4.1: The Impact of British Rule on Indian Society and Culture
4.1.1: Disruption of Traditional Social Fabric and Economy
Subtopic 4.1.2: Emergence of a New Social Class Structure
4.1.2.1: New Landed Aristocracy 4.1.2.2: Rise of the Indian Middle Class 4.1.2.3: Decline of traditional elites
Subtopic 4.1.3: The Introduction and Spread of Modern Education
4.1.3.1: Early Efforts by EIC and Missionaries
A. EIC Oriental Learning B. Christian Missionaries
4.1.3.2: The Orientalist-Anglicist Controversy
A. Orientalists B. Anglicists
4.1.3.3: Government Policy and Key Milestones
A. Charter Act of 1813 B. Macaulay's Minute & Bentinck's Resolution C. Wood's Despatch (1854) D. Hunter Commission (1882-83)
4.1.3.4: Impact of Western Education
A. Positive Impacts B. Negative Impacts
Subtopic 4.1.4: Role and Impact of the Indian Press (Print Culture)
4.1.4.1: Early Newspapers and Journals 4.1.4.2: Growth of Vernacular and English Press in 19th Century 4.1.4.3: Role in disseminating information, critique, public opinion 4.1.4.4: British Censorship and Repressive Measures
Subtopic 4.1.5: British Social Policies and Legislation – Intent and Impact
4.1.5.1: Motives behind Social Legislation
4.1.5.2: Key Social Legislations
A. Abolition of Sati (1829) B. Suppression of Thuggee C. Prevention of Female Infanticide D. Abolition of Slavery (1843) E. Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act (1856) F. Age of Consent Act (1891)
4.1.5.3: Impact of Legislations
Subtopic 4.1.6: Colonial Ideologies and their Impact
4.1.6.1: Orientalism 4.1.6.2: Anglicism and Utilitarianism 4.1.6.3: Evangelicalism 4.1.6.4: "White Man's Burden" and Racial Superiority
4.1.7: Critique of Indian Society by Western Thinkers and its Reaction
Topic 4.2: The Phenomenon of Socio-Religious Reform Movements
Subtopic 4.2.1: Background and Factors for Emergence
4.2.1.1: Western Culture Confrontation 4.2.1.2: Awareness of Social Evils 4.2.1.3: Desire for National Regeneration 4.2.1.4: Role of English-educated Middle Class 4.2.1.5: Influence of Christian Missionary Critiques
Subtopic 4.2.2: Nature and Ideological Moorings
4.2.2.1: Reformist Movements 4.2.2.2: Revivalist Movements 4.2.2.3: Combination of Reform and Revival
Subtopic 4.2.3: Methods and Strategies Adopted
4.2.3.1: Education 4.2.3.2: Publications 4.2.3.3: Public Speaking & Debates 4.2.3.4: Social Work 4.2.3.5: Petitions to Government 4.2.3.6: Reinterpretation of scriptures
4.2.4: Broad Objectives 4.2.5: Social Base 4.2.6: Significance 4.2.7: Limitations
Topic 4.3: Major Hindu Reform Movements and Personalities
Subtopic 4.3.1: Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Brahmo Samaj
4.3.1.1: Raja Ram Mohan Roy 4.3.1.2: Early Associations 4.3.1.3: Brahmo Samaj 4.3.1.4: Social Reforms 4.3.1.5: Educational and Political Contributions 4.3.1.6: Successors (Debendranath Tagore, Keshab Chandra Sen)
Subtopic 4.3.2: Prarthana Samaj (Bombay, 1867)
4.3.2.1: Founders 4.3.2.2: Key Leaders (M.G. Ranade, R.G. Bhandarkar) 4.3.2.3: Objectives and Activities
Subtopic 4.3.3: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-1891)
4.3.3.1: Background 4.3.3.2: Champion of Widow Remarriage 4.3.3.3: Promotion of Female Education 4.3.3.4: Other Contributions
Subtopic 4.3.4: Young Bengal Movement and Henry Vivian Derozio
4.3.4.1: Derozio 4.3.4.2: Derozians (Young Bengal) 4.3.4.3: Limitations
Subtopic 4.3.5: Paramahansa Mandali (Bombay, 1849)
4.3.5.1: Aims and Nature
Subtopic 4.3.6: Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Arya Samaj
4.3.6.1: Swami Dayanand 4.3.6.2: Motto and Beliefs 4.3.6.3: Shuddhi Movement 4.3.6.4: Social Reforms 4.3.6.5: Educational Work (DAV, Gurukul) 4.3.6.6: Impact and Assessment
Subtopic 4.3.7: Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda
4.3.7.1: Ramakrishna Paramahamsa 4.3.7.2: Swami Vivekananda 4.3.7.3: Ramakrishna Mission (1897) 4.3.7.4: Vivekananda's Teachings 4.3.7.5: Chicago Parliament of Religions (1893)
Subtopic 4.3.8: Theosophical Society
4.3.8.1: Founders and Arrival in India 4.3.8.2: Annie Besant 4.3.8.3: Beliefs and Objectives 4.3.8.4: Contributions
Subtopic 4.3.9: Social Reformers in Western and Southern India
4.3.9.1: Gopal Hari Deshmukh 'Lokahitawadi'
4.3.9.2: Jyotiba Phule and Satyashodhak Samaj
A. Anti-caste Crusade B. Education for Lower Castes & Women C. Writings (Gulamgiri)
4.3.9.3: Savitribai Phule 4.3.9.4: Pandita Ramabai 4.3.9.5: Behramji Malabari 4.3.9.6: Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu 4.3.9.7: Sri Narayana Guru 4.3.9.8: Self-Respect Movement & Periyar
4.3.10: Temple Entry Movements
Topic 4.4: Muslim Reform Movements and Thinkers
4.4.1: Shah Waliullah Dehlavi
Subtopic 4.4.2: Wahabi Movement / Tariqah-i-Muhammadiyah
4.4.2.1: Aims 4.4.2.2: Activities
Subtopic 4.4.3: Faraizi Movement
4.4.3.1: Haji Shariatullah 4.4.3.2: Dudu Miyan
4.4.4: Titu Mir's Movement
Subtopic 4.4.5: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and the Aligarh Movement
4.4.5.1: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan 4.4.5.2: Objectives 4.4.5.3: Institutions (MAO College) 4.4.5.4: Social Reforms 4.4.5.5: Political Stance 4.4.5.6: Impact
Subtopic 4.4.6: Deoband School / Darul Uloom Deoband
4.4.6.1: Founders 4.4.6.2: Aims 4.4.6.3: Political Stance
Subtopic 4.4.7: Ahmadiyya Movement
4.4.7.1: Mirza Ghulam Ahmad 4.4.7.2: Beliefs 4.4.7.3: Opposition
4.4.8: Nadwatul Ulama 4.4.9: Muhammad Iqbal
Topic 4.5: Sikh Reform Movements
Subtopic 4.5.1: Nirankari Movement
4.5.1.1: Baba Dayal Das
Subtopic 4.5.2: Namdhari Movement / Kuka Movement
4.5.2.1: Baba Ram Singh 4.5.2.2: Political Dimension
Subtopic 4.5.3: Singh Sabha Movement
4.5.3.1: Aims 4.5.3.2: Sabhas & Diwan 4.5.3.3: Contribution
Subtopic 4.5.4: Akali Movement / Gurdwara Reform Movement
4.5.4.1: Aim 4.5.4.2: Methods & Events 4.5.4.3: Sikh Gurdwaras Act (1925)
Topic 4.6: Parsi Reform Movements
Subtopic 4.6.1: Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha
4.6.1.1: Founders 4.6.1.2: Aims 4.6.1.3: Journal
Topic 4.7: Lower Caste / Dalit Movements and Reformers
4.7.1: Context
Subtopic 4.7.2: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
4.7.2.1: Background & Critique 4.7.2.2: Organizations 4.7.2.3: Demands 4.7.2.4: Role in Constitution & Conversion
Subtopic 4.7.3: Other Notable Efforts
4.7.3.1: Justice Party 4.7.3.2: Caste Associations 4.7.3.3: Gandhian Approach
4.8: Significance and Overall Impact of Socio-Religious Reform Movements
Module 5: The Revolt of 1857
Topic 5.1: Background and Genesis of the Revolt – The Accumulation of Grievances
Subtopic 5.1.1: The Nature of British Rule Before 1857
5.1.1.1: Colonial Domination & Exploitation 5.1.1.2: Disruption of Traditional Structures
Subtopic 5.1.2: Political Causes
5.1.2.1: British Expansionist Policies
A. Subsidiary Alliance B. Doctrine of Lapse C. Annexation of Awadh
5.1.2.2: Treatment of Indian Rulers and Nobility
A. Disrespect to Mughal Emperor B. Confiscation of estates C. Pensioning off rulers
5.1.2.3: Loss of Political Prestige
Subtopic 5.1.3: Economic Causes
5.1.3.1: Ruin of Indian Trade & Handicrafts 5.1.3.2: Exploitative Land Revenue Systems 5.1.3.3: Drain of Wealth 5.1.3.4: Agricultural Stagnation & Famines 5.1.3.5: Loss of Livelihood 5.1.3.6: Free Trade Policy
Subtopic 5.1.4: Administrative and Judicial Causes
5.1.4.1: Corruption 5.1.4.2: Exclusion from Posts 5.1.4.3: Judicial System
Subtopic 5.1.5: Socio-Religious Causes
5.1.5.1: Christian Missionaries 5.1.5.2: British Social Reforms 5.1.5.3: Western Education 5.1.5.4: Racial Discrimination 5.1.5.5: Rumours & Prophecies
Subtopic 5.1.6: Military Causes (Grievances of the Sepoys)
5.1.6.1: Service Conditions 5.1.6.2: Religious Sentiments 5.1.6.3: Loss of Batta 5.1.6.4: Sepoy Numbers 5.1.6.5: Annexation of Awadh 5.1.6.6: Past Mutinies
Subtopic 5.1.7: The Immediate Cause – The Greased Cartridges
5.1.7.1: Enfield Rifle 5.1.7.2: Religious Sentiments 5.1.7.3: Perceived Conversion
Topic 5.2: Commencement, Course, and Spread of the Revolt
5.2.1: Early Incidents and Signals 5.2.2: Mangal Pandey 5.2.3: Meerut Uprising 5.2.4: Proclamation of Bahadur Shah Zafar 5.2.5: Spread of Revolt
Subtopic 5.2.6: Main Centres of Revolt and Prominent Leaders
5.2.6.1: Delhi 5.2.6.2: Kanpur 5.2.6.3: Lucknow 5.2.6.4: Jhansi 5.2.6.5: Gwalior 5.2.6.6: Bareilly 5.2.6.7: Arrah, Bihar 5.2.6.8: Faizabad 5.2.6.9: Other areas
Subtopic 5.2.7: Participation of Different Social Groups
5.2.7.1: Sepoys 5.2.7.2: Feudal Elements 5.2.7.3: Peasants and Artisans 5.2.7.4: Religious Leaders 5.2.7.5: Common People
5.2.8: Hindu-Muslim Unity during the Revolt
Subtopic 5.2.9: Regions and Groups that Remained Aloof or Supported British
5.2.9.1: Most Princely States 5.2.9.2: Big Zamindars & Moneylenders 5.2.9.3: Educated Indian Middle Class 5.2.9.4: Sikhs and Gurkhas 5.2.9.5: South India, Punjab, Bengal
Topic 5.3: Suppression of the Revolt by the British
5.3.1: British Reaction and Military Strategy
Subtopic 5.3.2: Key British Military Commanders and Operations
5.3.2.1: Recapture of Delhi 5.3.2.2: Operations in Kanpur and Lucknow 5.3.2.3: Suppression in Jhansi and Central India 5.3.2.4: Other Regions
5.3.3: Brutality of Suppression
Subtopic 5.3.4: Reasons for the Failure of the Revolt / Success of the British
5.3.4.1: Lack of Unified Leadership 5.3.4.2: Absence of Clear Political Ideology 5.3.4.3: Weak and Inconsistent Leadership 5.3.4.4: Superior British Resources 5.3.4.5: Control over Communication & Transport 5.3.4.6: Limited Territorial and Social Base 5.3.4.7: British Diplomacy & Princely Support 5.3.4.8: Early End of Crimean War
Topic 5.4: Nature of the Revolt – Historiographical Perspectives
5.4.1: Contemporary British Views: "Sepoy Mutiny" 5.4.2: Early Indian Nationalist Views: "First War of Indian Independence" (V.D. Savarkar) 5.4.3: Marxist Interpretations
Subtopic 5.4.4: Later Nationalist Historians
5.4.4.1: S.N. Sen 5.4.4.2: R.C. Majumdar 5.4.4.3: S.B. Chaudhuri
5.4.5: Subaltern and Recent Perspectives 5.4.6: Conclusion – A Complex Event
Topic 5.5: Consequences and Significance of the Revolt
Subtopic 5.5.1: Constitutional and Administrative Changes
5.5.1.1: End of East India Company's Rule 5.5.1.2: Assumption of Direct Control by British Crown 5.5.1.3: Creation of Secretary of State for India 5.5.1.4: Governor-General became Viceroy
Subtopic 5.5.2: Queen Victoria's Proclamation (1858)
5.5.2.1: Assurances to Indian Princes 5.5.2.2: Promise of Religious Neutrality 5.5.2.3: Promise of Equal Opportunity 5.5.2.4: Pardon for rebels
Subtopic 5.5.3: Reorganization of the British Indian Army
5.5.3.1: Increased European Troops 5.5.3.2: European Control over Key Branches 5.5.3.3: "Martial Races" Theory 5.5.3.4: Stricter Discipline
Subtopic 5.5.4: Policy of "Divide and Rule"
5.5.4.1: Hindu-Muslim Divisions 5.5.4.2: Caste & Regional Differences
5.5.5: Impact on Administrative Policies 5.5.6: Widening Racial Divide 5.5.7: Economic Impact 5.5.8: Stimulus to Indian Nationalism 5.5.9: Current Affairs Linkage
Module 6: Post-1857 India: Administrative Reorganization, Colonial Policies, and Their Impact
Topic 6.1: The Assumption of Direct Rule by the British Crown
6.1.1: Background
Subtopic 6.1.2: Government of India Act, 1858
6.1.2.1: Abolition of EIC 6.1.2.2: Abolition of Board of Control & Court of Directors 6.1.2.3: Creation of Secretary of State for India (SoS) 6.1.2.4: Creation of India Council 6.1.2.5: Governor-General becomes Viceroy 6.1.2.6: End of "Double Government"
Subtopic 6.1.3: Queen Victoria's Proclamation (1858)
6.1.3.1: Aims
6.1.3.2: Key Promises
A. Non-annexation B. Religious Neutrality C. Equal Opportunity in Employment D. Pardon for rebels E. Public Works
6.1.3.3: Significance
6.1.4: Impact of Direct Crown Rule
Topic 6.2: Reorganization of the British Indian Army (Post-1857)
6.2.1: Motives 6.2.2: Peel Commission & Army Amalgamation Scheme
Subtopic 6.2.3: Key Changes Implemented
6.2.3.1: Increased European Troops 6.2.3.2: European Control over Key Branches 6.2.3.3: "Martial Races" 6.2.3.4: Mixing Regiments 6.2.3.5: Stricter Discipline 6.2.3.6: Separation from National Life 6.2.3.7: European Weaponry
6.2.4: Consequences
Topic 6.3: British Policy towards Indian Princely States (Post-1857)
6.3.1: Shift from Annexation to Subordinate Union 6.3.2: Recognition of Sanads of Adoption 6.3.3: Concept of "Paramountcy" 6.3.4: Princes as "Bulwarks of the Empire" 6.3.5: Increased British Interference 6.3.6: Control over Foreign Relations & Defence 6.3.7: Imperial Rituals and Symbols 6.3.8: Rendition of Mysore (1881) 6.3.9: Curzon's policies
Topic 6.4: Administrative Decentralization and Rise of Local Self-Government
Subtopic 6.4.1: Motives behind Decentralization
6.4.1.1: Financial Exigencies 6.4.1.2: Administrative Efficiency 6.4.1.3: Political Considerations
Subtopic 6.4.2: Financial Decentralization – Key Milestones
6.4.2.1: Lord Mayo's Resolution (1870) 6.4.2.2: Lord Lytton's Scheme (1877) 6.4.2.3: Lord Ripon's Scheme (1882)
Subtopic 6.4.3: Development of Local Self-Government
6.4.3.1: Early Efforts
6.4.3.2: Lord Ripon's Resolution (1882)
A. "Magna Carta" B. Aims C. Key Features D. Limitations
6.4.3.3: Impact
6.4.4: Royal Commission on Decentralization (1907-09)
Topic 6.5: Civil Services – Reforms and Indianization Debate
6.5.1: Structure Post-1857 6.5.2: Indian Civil Service Act, 1861 6.5.3: Demand for Indianization 6.5.4: British Resistance
Subtopic 6.5.5: Measures and Commissions
6.5.5.1: Lowering Age Limit (Lytton) 6.5.5.2: Statutory Civil Service 6.5.5.3: Aitchison Commission (1886) 6.5.5.4: House of Commons Resolution (1893) 6.5.5.5: Islington Commission (1912-15) 6.5.5.6: Lee Commission (1923-24)
6.5.6: Slow Pace of Indianization
Topic 6.6: Financial Administration and Economic Policies (Post-1857)
6.6.1: Centralized Financial Control 6.6.2: Introduction of Budget System
Subtopic 6.6.3: Taxation Policies
6.6.3.1: Income Tax 6.6.3.2: Salt Tax 6.6.3.3: Customs Duties 6.6.3.4: Land Revenue
6.6.4: Public Debt of India 6.6.5: Currency and Exchange Rate Policy 6.6.6: Railways Development 6.6.7: Famine Policy and Commissions 6.6.8: Irrigation Policy 6.6.9: Overall Impact
Topic 6.7: British India's Foreign Policy and Frontier Management (Post-1857)
6.7.1: Objectives
Subtopic 6.7.2: North-West Frontier Policy
6.7.2.1: Relations with Afghanistan
A. Second Anglo-Afghan War B. Durand Line C. Curzon's Policy
6.7.3: Relations with Persia and Persian Gulf
Subtopic 6.7.4: Relations with Tibet
6.7.4.1: Curzon's concerns 6.7.4.2: Younghusband Expedition (1903-04)
Subtopic 6.7.5: Relations with Burma (Myanmar)
6.7.5.1: Second Anglo-Burmese War (Recap) 6.7.5.2: Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885)
6.7.6: Nepal 6.7.7: Sikkim and Bhutan 6.7.8: Overall Character
Module 7: Emergence and Growth of Indian Nationalism (1858-1905)
Topic 7.1: Factors Contributing to the Rise of Modern Indian Nationalism
Subtopic 7.1.1: Impact of British Rule as a Unifying Force
7.1.1.1: Political & Admin Unification 7.1.1.2: Transport & Communication 7.1.1.3: Common Subjugation
Subtopic 7.1.2: Influence of Western Education and Ideas
7.1.2.1: Western Education Spread 7.1.2.2: Rise of Middle Class 7.1.2.3: English as Lingua Franca
Subtopic 7.1.3: Role of Socio-Religious Reform Movements
7.1.3.1: Fostered National Pride 7.1.3.2: Promoted Rationalism & Humanism 7.1.3.3: Cultural Awakening
Subtopic 7.1.4: Impact of Press and Literature
7.1.4.1: Growth of Indian-owned Press 7.1.4.2: Nationalist Literature
Subtopic 7.1.5: Rediscovery of India's Past and Cultural Revival
7.1.5.1: Work of Orientalist & Indian Scholars 7.1.5.2: Archaeological Discoveries 7.1.5.3: Boosted Self-confidence
Subtopic 7.1.6: Economic Critique of Colonialism
7.1.6.1: Exposure by Early Nationalists 7.1.6.2: Understanding Detrimental Policies
Subtopic 7.1.7: Reactionary Policies and Racial Arrogance of British
7.1.7.1: Policies of Lord Lytton
A. Delhi Durbar B. Vernacular Press Act C. Arms Act D. Lowering ICS Age E. Second Anglo-Afghan War
7.1.7.2: Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883-84) 7.1.7.3: Frequent racial discrimination
7.1.8: Contemporary Nationalist Movements Abroad
Topic 7.2: Political Associations Before the Indian National Congress
7.2.1: Early Character
Subtopic 7.2.2: Associations in Bengal
7.2.2.1: Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha 7.2.2.2: Zamindari Association 7.2.2.3: Bengal British India Society 7.2.2.4: British Indian Association 7.2.2.5: Indian League 7.2.2.6: Indian Association of Calcutta
Subtopic 7.2.3: Associations in Bombay Presidency
7.2.3.1: Bombay Association 7.2.3.2: Poona Sarvajanik Sabha 7.2.3.3: Bombay Presidency Association
Subtopic 7.2.4: Associations in Madras Presidency
7.2.4.1: Madras Native Association 7.2.4.2: Madras Mahajana Sabha
7.2.5: Associations Abroad (East India Association) 7.2.6: Significance of Early Political Associations
Topic 7.3: The Foundation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885
7.3.1: Political Climate 7.3.2: Role of A.O. Hume & "Safety Valve" Theory 7.3.3: Other Factors and Personalities
Subtopic 7.3.4: First Session of INC (Bombay, 1885)
7.3.4.1: Venue 7.3.4.2: President (W.C. Bonnerjee) 7.3.4.3: Attendees
Subtopic 7.3.5: Aims and Objectives of Early INC
7.3.5.1: Promotion of friendly relations 7.3.5.2: Development of national unity 7.3.5.3: Formulation of popular demands 7.3.5.4: Training public opinion
7.3.6: Initial Character
Topic 7.4: The Moderate Era of Indian National Congress (1885-1905)
Subtopic 7.4.1: Dominance of Moderate Leaders
7.4.1.1: Key Figures 7.4.1.2: Social Background
Subtopic 7.4.2: Ideology and Political Beliefs
7.4.2.1: Loyalty to British Crown 7.4.2.2: Gradual Constitutional Reforms 7.4.2.3: India Not Ready for Self-Govt. 7.4.2.4: National Unity Emphasis
Subtopic 7.4.3: Methodology – "Constitutional Agitation"
7.4.3.1: The "Three P's" 7.4.3.2: Annual Sessions 7.4.3.3: Press & Public Meetings 7.4.3.4: Deputations to Britain 7.4.3.5: Appealing to British Liberalism
Subtopic 7.4.4: Key Demands of the Moderates
7.4.4.1: Constitutional Reforms
A. Expansion of Councils B. Indian Representation C. More Powers to Councils
7.4.4.2: Administrative Reforms
A. Indianization of Services B. Judiciary-Executive Separation C. Repeal of Repressive Laws D. Reduce Admin Expenditure E. Indian Labourers Abroad
7.4.4.3: Economic Reforms
A. End Drain of Wealth B. Reduce Expenditure C. Protect Indian Industries D. Poverty Inquiry E. Salt Tax Reduction
7.4.4.4: Defence of Civil Rights
Subtopic 7.4.5: Contributions and Achievements
7.4.5.1: Pan-Indian Platform 7.4.5.2: Political Education 7.4.5.3: Economic Critique 7.4.5.4: Secured Reforms 7.4.5.5: Maintained Movement Continuity 7.4.5.6: Laid Foundations for Later Nationalism
Subtopic 7.4.6: Limitations and Criticisms
7.4.6.1: Limited Social Base 7.4.6.2: "Political Mendicancy" 7.4.6.3: Over-reliance on British 7.4.6.4: No Swaraj Demand 7.4.6.5: Inability to Counter Divide & Rule
Subtopic 7.4.7: British Government's Attitude Towards Early INC
7.4.7.1: Initial Neutrality 7.4.7.2: Shift to Hostility 7.4.7.3: Divide and Rule 7.4.7.4: Carrot and Stick
Module 8: Era of Assertive Nationalism & Swadeshi Upsurge (1905-1914)
Topic 8.1: Emergence of Extremism (Militant/Assertive Nationalism) – Causes and Context
Subtopic 8.1.1: Disillusionment with Moderate Politics
8.1.1.1: Limited Achievements 8.1.1.2: British Unresponsiveness
Subtopic 8.1.2: Reactionary and Repressive Policies of the British Government
8.1.2.1: Policies of Lord Curzon
A. Calcutta Corporation Act B. Indian Universities Act C. Official Secrets Act D. Partition of Bengal
8.1.2.2: General British attitude of racial arrogance
Subtopic 8.1.3: Worsening Economic Conditions
8.1.3.1: Recurrent Famines and Plague Epidemics 8.1.3.2: Continued Economic Exploitation
Subtopic 8.1.4: Influence of International Events
8.1.4.1: Ethiopia Defeats Italy 8.1.4.2: Boer Wars 8.1.4.3: Japan Defeats Russia 8.1.4.4: Other Nationalist Movements
Subtopic 8.1.5: Growth of Self-Respect, Self-Confidence, and Cultural Nationalism
8.1.5.1: Influence of Thinkers 8.1.5.2: Glorification of Past 8.1.5.3: Use of Festivals
8.1.6: Education & Awareness 8.1.7: New Generation of Leaders
Topic 8.2: The Extremist Leadership – Ideology, Aims, and Methods
Subtopic 8.2.1: Key Extremist Leaders – The Trio and Beyond
8.2.1.1: Bal Gangadhar Tilak 8.2.1.2: Lala Lajpat Rai 8.2.1.3: Bipin Chandra Pal 8.2.1.4: Aurobindo Ghosh 8.2.1.5: Other leaders (e.g., Chidambaram Pillai)
Subtopic 8.2.2: Core Ideology and Political Beliefs
8.2.2.1: Swaraj as Goal 8.2.2.2: Distrust of British intentions 8.2.2.3: Self-Reliance & Pride 8.2.2.4: Belief in Masses 8.2.2.5: Assertive Approach
Subtopic 8.2.3: Methods of Struggle Advocated
8.2.3.1: Passive Resistance 8.2.3.2: Boycott 8.2.3.3: Swadeshi 8.2.3.4: National Education 8.2.3.5: Mass Mobilization 8.2.3.6: Violence Consideration
Topic 8.3: The Partition of Bengal (1905)
8.3.1: Background
Subtopic 8.3.2: Lord Curzon's Rationale and Motives
8.3.2.1: Official Reason
8.3.2.2: Real Political Motives
A. Weaken Bengali Nationalism B. Hindu-Muslim Divide C. Disrupt Unity
8.3.3: The Plan of Partition 8.3.4: Announcement and Widespread Opposition
Topic 8.4: The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement (1905-1908)
8.4.1: Formal Proclamation
Subtopic 8.4.2: Key Programmes and Strategies
8.4.2.1: Boycott 8.4.2.2: Swadeshi 8.4.2.3: National Education 8.4.2.4: Cultural Swadeshi 8.4.2.5: Samitis
Subtopic 8.4.3: Extent of Mass Participation
8.4.3.1: Students 8.4.3.2: Women 8.4.3.3: Urban Middle Class 8.4.3.4: Zamindars 8.4.3.5: Peasantry 8.4.3.6: Muslim Participation
8.4.4: Spread Beyond Bengal 8.4.5: Government Repression
Subtopic 8.4.6: Significance and Achievements
8.4.6.1: First Mass Movement 8.4.6.2: New Agitation Techniques 8.4.6.3: Stimulated Industries 8.4.6.4: Cultural Revival 8.4.6.5: Annulment of Partition 8.4.6.6: Trained New Leaders
Subtopic 8.4.7: Reasons for Decline
8.4.7.1: Repression 8.4.7.2: Loss of Leaders 8.4.7.3: Surat Split 8.4.7.4: Peasant Mobilization Failure 8.4.7.5: Lack of Organization 8.4.7.6: Annulment Impact
Topic 8.5: The Surat Split (1907)
Subtopic 8.5.1: Growing Ideological Differences
8.5.1.1: Over Goals 8.5.1.2: Over Methods 8.5.1.3: Over Pace of Movement
Subtopic 8.5.2: Events Leading to the Split
8.5.2.1: Calcutta Session (1906) 8.5.2.2: Controversy over Surat Presidentship 8.5.2.3: Extremist Fears
8.5.3: The Split at Surat Session
Subtopic 8.5.4: Consequences of the Split
8.5.4.1: Weakening Nationalist Movement 8.5.4.2: British Policy 8.5.4.3: Rise of Revolutionary Nationalism 8.5.4.4: Setback to Swadeshi 8.5.4.5: Efforts for Reunion
Topic 8.6: The Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)
8.6.1: Background
Subtopic 8.6.2: Key Provisions of the Act
8.6.2.1: Expansion of Legislative Councils 8.6.2.2: Separate Electorates for Muslims 8.6.2.3: Increased Powers of Councils 8.6.2.4: Indian in Viceroy's Executive Council
Subtopic 8.6.3: Assessment and Impact
8.6.3.1: No Responsible Government 8.6.3.2: Separate Electorates & Communalism 8.6.3.3: Limited Franchise & Powers 8.6.3.4: Nationalist Dissatisfaction 8.6.3.5: Aimed to Divide
Topic 8.7: Revolutionary Nationalism – First Phase (Post-Swadeshi to WWI)
Subtopic 8.7.1: Reasons for Emergence
8.7.1.1: Failure of Constitutional/Passive Methods 8.7.1.2: Government Repression 8.7.1.3: International Inspiration 8.7.1.4: Appeal to Youth
Subtopic 8.7.2: Ideology and Methods
8.7.2.1: Armed Struggle Belief 8.7.2.2: Methods (Assassinations, Dacoities) 8.7.2.3: Aims
Subtopic 8.7.3: Major Revolutionary Groups and Activities in India
8.7.3.1: Maharashtra
A. Chapekar Brothers B. Abhinav Bharat Society
8.7.3.2: Bengal
A. Anushilan Samiti B. Jugantar (Yugantar) Group C. Alipore Bomb Case D. Rash Behari Bose & Sachin Sanyal
8.7.3.3: Punjab 8.7.3.4: Madras Presidency
Subtopic 8.7.4: Revolutionary Activities Abroad
8.7.4.1: England (India House) 8.7.4.2: France (Paris)
8.7.4.3: USA and Canada – The Ghadar Movement
A. Founding & Journal B. Aims & Komagata Maru C. Attempted Uprising (1915)
8.7.4.4: Germany (Berlin Committee)
8.7.5: Government Repression and Decline
Topic 8.8: Major Political Developments (1911-1914)
Subtopic 8.8.1: Annulment of the Partition of Bengal (1911)
8.8.1.1: Reasons 8.8.1.2: Decision
Subtopic 8.8.2: Shift of Capital from Calcutta to Delhi (1911)
8.8.2.1: Reasons 8.8.2.2: Impact
8.8.3: Political atmosphere on eve of WWI
Module 9: The Gandhian Era – Apex of Mass Nationalism (1915-1947)
Topic 9.1: Mahatma Gandhi's Emergence and Early Experiments
Subtopic 9.1.1: Gandhi – Formative Years & South African Experience
9.1.1.1: Early Life & Education 9.1.1.2: South Africa 9.1.1.3: Development of Satyagraha 9.1.1.4: Phoenix & Tolstoy Farm 9.1.1.5: Influences
Subtopic 9.1.2: Gandhi's Return to India & Initial Approach
9.1.2.1: Gokhale's Advice 9.1.2.2: Sabarmati Ashram 9.1.2.3: Initial Cautious Approach
Subtopic 9.1.3: Early Localized Satyagrahas
9.1.3.1: Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
A. Issue (Tinkathia) B. Gandhi's Intervention C. Key Associates D. Outcome
9.1.3.2: Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)
A. Issue (Plague Bonus) B. Gandhi's Intervention (Hunger Fast) C. Outcome
9.1.3.3: Kheda Satyagraha (1918)
A. Issue (Crop Failure) B. Gandhi's Intervention (Sardar Patel) C. Outcome
Subtopic 9.1.4: Significance of Early Satyagrahas
9.1.4.1: Gandhi as Mass Leader 9.1.4.2: Testing Satyagraha 9.1.4.3: New Social Groups Mobilized
Topic 9.2: Rowlatt, Jallianwala Bagh, Khilafat & Non-Cooperation
9.2.1: Impact of World War I
Subtopic 9.2.2: The Rowlatt Act (1919)
9.2.2.1: Rowlatt Committee 9.2.2.2: Provisions 9.2.2.3: Indian Opposition
Subtopic 9.2.3: Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919)
9.2.3.1: Gandhi's Call 9.2.3.2: Protests & Violence
Subtopic 9.2.4: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)
9.2.4.1: Background (Amritsar) 9.2.4.2: Event (General Dyer) 9.2.4.3: Punjab Repression 9.2.4.4: National Outrage 9.2.4.5: Hunter Committee & Congress Inquiry
Subtopic 9.2.5: The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924)
9.2.5.1: Background (Ottoman Turkey) 9.2.5.2: Objectives 9.2.5.3: Leadership (Ali Brothers) 9.2.5.4: Gandhi's Support
Subtopic 9.2.6: The Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) (1920-1922)
9.2.6.1: Convergence of Agendas 9.2.6.2: Congress Sessions (Calcutta, Nagpur)
9.2.6.3: Programme of Non-Cooperation
A. Boycott B. Swadeshi
9.2.6.4: Phases and Spread
A. Initial Phase B. Later Phase (Mass Mobilization) C. Mass Participation
9.2.6.5: Government Repression 9.2.6.6: Chauri Chaura 9.2.6.7: Withdrawal 9.2.6.8: Reactions
9.2.6.9: Significance and Achievements
A. First Nationwide Mass Movement B. Broadened Social Base C. Hindu-Muslim Unity D. Self-confidence E. Swadeshi & Khadi
9.2.6.10: End of Khilafat Movement
9.3: Interlude – Swarajists, No-Changers, and Constructive Work (1922-1929) 9.4: Simon Commission, Nehru Report, and Demand for Purna Swaraj 9.5: The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and Round Table Conferences (1930-1934) 9.6: Post-CDM Developments – Government of India Act 1935, Congress Ministries, and Prelude to WWII 9.7: India and World War II – Towards Quit India Movement 9.8: The Quit India Movement ("August Revolution") and its Aftermath (1942-1945) 9.9: Subhas Chandra Bose, Indian National Army (INA), and RIN Mutiny 9.10: Post-War Negotiations, Communalism, Partition, and Independence (1945-1947)
Module 10: Diverse Currents within the Indian National Movement
Topic 10.1: Peasant Movements and Agrarian Struggles
Subtopic 10.1.1: Nature and Causes of Peasant Unrest
10.1.1.1: Land Revenue Systems 10.1.1.2: Exploitation 10.1.1.3: Commercialization 10.1.1.4: Impoverishment 10.1.1.5: Forest Policies
Subtopic 10.1.2: Early Peasant Uprisings
10.1.2.1: Sanyasi-Faqir 10.1.2.2: Pagal Panthis 10.1.2.3: Faraizi Movement 10.1.2.4: Wahabi-linked 10.1.2.5: Moplah (19th C)
Subtopic 10.1.3: Peasant Movements in Post-1857 Era
10.1.3.1: Indigo Revolt 10.1.3.2: Pabna Leagues 10.1.3.3: Deccan Riots 10.1.3.4: Ramosi Force
Subtopic 10.1.4: Peasant Movements in 20th Century
10.1.4.1: Gandhian Movements
10.1.4.2: Kisan Sabha Movement
A. UP Kisan Sabha B. Andhra Ryots Assn. C. Bihar Kisan Sabha D. AIKS
10.1.4.3: Eka Movement 10.1.4.4: Mappila (Moplah) Rebellion (1921) 10.1.4.5: Movements during Great Depression 10.1.4.6: Princely States 10.1.4.7: Bakasht Agitation 10.1.4.8: Tebhaga Movement 10.1.4.9: Telangana Struggle 10.1.4.10: Punnapra-Vayalar
10.1.5: Nature, Methods, Significance, Limitations
Topic 10.2: Tribal Revolts and Forest Satyagrahas
Subtopic 10.2.1: Causes of Tribal Uprisings
10.2.1.1: Colonial Policies 10.2.1.2: Forest Laws 10.2.1.3: Exploitation by Outsiders 10.2.1.4: Missionary Interference 10.2.1.5: Disruption of Systems
10.2.2: Characteristics of Tribal Revolts
Subtopic 10.2.3: Major Tribal Revolts and Movements
10.2.3.1: Revolts in Eastern India
A. Paharia Rebellion B. Chuar Uprising C. Kol Uprising D. Ho & Munda Uprisings E. Santhal Rebellion F. Bhumij Revolt G. Khasi Uprising H. Ahom Revolts I. Khonds & Savaras J. Koya Rebellion K. Naga Movements L. Kuki Revolts
10.2.3.2: Revolts in Western India
A. Bhil Revolts B. Koli Risings C. Ramosi Risings
10.2.3.3: Revolts in Central India (Bastar)
10.2.3.4: Munda Ulgulan (Birsa Munda)
A. Leadership B. Aims C. Birsa's Call D. Suppression & Impact
10.2.3.5: Rampa Rebellion (Alluri Sitarama Raju)
10.2.4: Forest Satyagrahas during Gandhian Era 10.2.5: Significance & Legacy
Topic 10.3: The Working Class Movement and Trade Unionism
Subtopic 10.3.1: Rise of Modern Industries & Working Class
10.3.1.1: Conditions of Labour 10.3.1.2: Key Industries
Subtopic 10.3.2: Early Efforts at Labour Welfare and Organization
10.3.2.1: Philanthropic efforts & early legislation 10.3.2.2: N.M. Lokhande 10.3.2.3: Sporadic Strikes
Subtopic 10.3.3: Rise of Modern Trade Unionism (Post-WWI)
10.3.3.1: Factors 10.3.3.2: Formation of Early Trade Unions
10.3.3.3: All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
A. Formation & Leadership B. Influences C. Aims
Subtopic 10.3.4: Phases of Working Class Movement
10.3.4.1: Early Phase (1920s) 10.3.4.2: Repression
10.3.4.3: Splits in AITUC
A. Ideological Differences B. ITUF Formation C. RTUC Formation D. Unity Efforts
10.3.4.4: During Congress Ministries (1937-39) 10.3.4.5: During World War II 10.3.4.6: Post-War & INTUC
10.3.5: Role of Working Class in National Movement 10.3.6: Labour Legislation
Topic 10.4: The Women's Question and their Role in the National Movement
10.4.1: Women in 19th C 10.4.2: Impact of Reform
Subtopic 10.4.3: Early Participation in Public Life
10.4.3.1: Pioneers 10.4.3.2: Early Congress
10.4.4: Swadeshi Movement 10.4.5: Home Rule Leagues
Subtopic 10.4.6: Gandhian Era – Mass Mobilization
10.4.6.1: Gandhi's Appeal 10.4.6.2: NCM 10.4.6.3: CDM 10.4.6.4: QIM
Subtopic 10.4.7: Prominent Women Leaders
10.4.7.1: Sarojini Naidu 10.4.7.2: Kasturba Gandhi 10.4.7.3: Annie Besant 10.4.7.4: Madame Cama 10.4.7.5: Other Leaders 10.4.7.6: Bi Amma
Subtopic 10.4.8: Women in Revolutionary Nationalism
10.4.8.1: Secret Societies 10.4.8.2: Key Figures
10.4.9: Women in INA
Subtopic 10.4.10: Growth of Women's Organizations
10.4.10.1: WIA 10.4.10.2: NCWI 10.4.10.3: AIWC 10.4.10.4: Issues
10.4.11: Impact
Topic 10.5: Development of Socialist and Communist Ideas and Movements
10.5.1: Russian Revolution Influence
Subtopic 10.5.2: Early Indian Communists and Activities
10.5.2.1: M.N. Roy 10.5.2.2: Other Early Communists 10.5.2.3: CPI Formation
10.5.3: Organizing Workers & Peasants
Subtopic 10.5.4: Government Repression
10.5.4.1: Peshawar Cases 10.5.4.2: Kanpur Case 10.5.4.3: Meerut Case
Subtopic 10.5.5: Rise of Socialist Ideas within Congress
10.5.5.1: Influence on Leaders
10.5.5.2: Congress Socialist Party (CSP, 1934)
A. Founders B. Aims C. Ideology D. Relationship with Congress
Subtopic 10.5.6: Role of Socialists and Communists in National Movement
10.5.6.1: Participation 10.5.6.2: CPI's "People's War" 10.5.6.3: Peasant/Worker Struggles
10.5.7: Other Left Groups
Topic 10.6: Growth of Communalism and the Politics of Partition
10.6.1: Communalism – Definition, Characteristics, Stages
Subtopic 10.6.2: Factors Contributing to Growth of Communalism
10.6.2.1: British Policy 10.6.2.2: Muslim Backwardness 10.6.2.3: Revivalist Movements 10.6.2.4: Communal Historiography 10.6.2.5: Failures of Secularism 10.6.2.6: Communal Organizations
Subtopic 10.6.3: Muslim Communalism and Rise of Muslim League
10.6.3.1: Sir Syed's Later Stance 10.6.3.2: Simla Deputation (1906) 10.6.3.3: Muslim League Formation 10.6.3.4: Lucknow Pact (1916) 10.6.3.5: Khilafat & Unity 10.6.3.6: Post-Khilafat Divergence 10.6.3.7: Key Reports & Points 10.6.3.8: Iqbal's Address 10.6.3.9: League in 1937 Elections 10.6.3.10: Pakistan Resolution 10.6.3.11: League during WWII 10.6.3.12: Jinnah as "Sole Spokesman" 10.6.3.13: Role in Partition
Subtopic 10.6.4: Hindu Communalism
10.6.4.1: Hindu Mahasabha 10.6.4.2: RSS 10.6.4.3: Ideology & Activities 10.6.4.4: Role in Politics
10.6.5: Other Communal and Separatist Trends 10.6.6: Impact of Communalism
Topic 10.7: Development of Indian Press and its Role in National Movement
10.7.1: Early Phase 10.7.2: Growth in Mid-Late 19th Century
Subtopic 10.7.3: Role of the Press in National Movement
10.7.3.1: Political Education & Propaganda 10.7.3.2: Mobilizing Opinion 10.7.3.3: Forum for Debate 10.7.3.4: National Unity 10.7.3.5: Social Reform
Subtopic 10.7.4: British Government's Attitude and Repressive Press Laws
10.7.4.1: Early Censorship 10.7.4.2: Metcalfe Act 10.7.4.3: Gagging Act 1857 10.7.4.4: Vernacular Press Act 10.7.4.5: Act of 1908 10.7.4.6: Press Act 1910 10.7.4.7: Press Act 1931
10.7.5: Press in Gandhian Era
Topic 10.8: Educational Development in Colonial India (Consolidated View)
10.8.1: Indigenous System 10.8.2: Early British Efforts & Debates
Subtopic 10.8.3: Key Landmarks in Educational Policy
10.8.3.1: Wood's Despatch 10.8.3.2: Hunter Commission 10.8.3.3: Universities Act 1904 10.8.3.4: Sadler Commission 10.8.3.5: Hartog Committee 10.8.3.6: Wardha Scheme 10.8.3.7: Sargent Plan
10.8.4: National Education Movement 10.8.5: Technical & Women's Education 10.8.6: Impact & Limitations
Module 11: Constitutional Developments in British India (1773-1947)
Topic 11.1: Early Regulatory and Charter Acts (1773-1853)
11.1.1: Context
Subtopic 11.1.2: The Regulating Act, 1773
11.1.2.1: Objectives 11.1.2.2: Key Provisions 11.1.2.3: Significance 11.1.2.4: Defects
11.1.3: Amending Act of 1781
Subtopic 11.1.4: Pitt's India Act, 1784
11.1.4.1: Objectives 11.1.4.2: Key Provisions 11.1.4.3: Significance
11.1.5: Charter Act of 1793
Subtopic 11.1.6: Charter Act of 1813
11.1.6.1: Context 11.1.6.2: Key Provisions
Subtopic 11.1.7: Charter Act of 1833
11.1.7.1: Context 11.1.7.2: Key Provisions
Subtopic 11.1.8: Charter Act of 1853
11.1.8.1: Key Provisions
Topic 11.2: Post-1857 Developments – Towards Representative Government
11.2.1: Government of India Act, 1858 (Recap)
Subtopic 11.2.2: Indian Councils Act, 1861
11.2.2.1: Context
11.2.2.2: Key Provisions
A. Viceroy's Council Expansion B. Provincial Powers C. Portfolio System D. Limited Powers
11.2.2.3: Significance
Subtopic 11.2.3: Indian Councils Act, 1892
11.2.3.1: Context
11.2.3.2: Key Provisions
A. Increased Members B. Indirect Election C. Expanded Functions
11.2.3.3: Significance
Subtopic 11.2.4: Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)
11.2.4.1: Context
11.2.4.2: Key Provisions
A. Expansion of Councils B. Separate Electorates C. Increased Powers D. Indian in Viceroy's Council
11.2.4.3: Assessment and Impact
A. No Responsible Govt. B. Communalism C. Limited Franchise D. Nationalist Dissatisfaction
Topic 11.3: Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms / Government of India Act, 1919
11.3.1: Context 11.3.2: Montagu-Chelmsford Report (1918)
Subtopic 11.3.3: Government of India Act, 1919
11.3.3.1: Preamble
11.3.3.2: Dyarchy in Provinces
A. Division of Subjects B. Reserved Subjects C. Transferred Subjects D. Governor's Powers & Unworkability
11.3.3.3: Changes at the Centre
A. Bicameral Legislature B. Governor-General's Executive Council C. G-G's Overriding Powers
11.3.3.4: Franchise Expansion 11.3.3.5: Separate Electorates Extended 11.3.3.6: Budgets 11.3.3.7: High Commissioner 11.3.3.8: Statutory Commission Provision
Subtopic 11.3.4: Assessment and Reactions
11.3.4.1: Criticisms 11.3.4.2: Significance
Topic 11.4: Towards Responsible Government – Simon Commission to GoI Act 1935
11.4.1: Simon Commission, Nehru Report, RTCs (Recap) 11.4.2: GoI Act 1935 (Overview)
Topic 11.5: The Government of India Act, 1935
11.5.1: Background and Objectives
Subtopic 11.5.2: Key Provisions
11.5.2.1: All-India Federation 11.5.2.2: Provincial Autonomy 11.5.2.3: Dyarchy at the Centre 11.5.2.4: Central Legislature 11.5.2.5: Provincial Legislatures 11.5.2.6: Franchise Expansion 11.5.2.7: Communal Electorates 11.5.2.8: Federal Court 11.5.2.9: RBI 11.5.2.10: Separation of Burma 11.5.2.11: Abolition of India Council
Subtopic 11.5.3: Assessment and Reactions
11.5.3.1: Congress Reaction 11.5.3.2: Muslim League Reaction 11.5.3.3: Significance
Topic 11.6: Constitutional Developments Leading to Independence and Partition (1939-1947)
11.6.1: Impact of WWII & Resignation of Ministries 11.6.2: August Offer (1940) 11.6.3: Cripps Mission (1942) 11.6.4: QIM Aftermath 11.6.5: Wavell & Shimla
Subtopic 11.6.6: Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
11.6.6.1: Proposals 11.6.6.2: Reactions
11.6.7: Interim Govt & Constituent Assembly 11.6.8: Attlee's Announcement
Subtopic 11.6.9: Mountbatten Plan / June 3rd Plan (1947)
11.6.9.1: Mountbatten's Assessment 11.6.9.2: Key Proposals 11.6.9.3: Acceptance
Subtopic 11.6.10: Indian Independence Act, 1947
11.6.10.1: Implementation 11.6.10.2: Dominions 11.6.10.3: Abolition of Viceroy & SoS 11.6.10.4: Constituent Assemblies 11.6.10.5: Lapse of Paramountcy 11.6.10.6: Division of Assets
11.6.11: Significance
Module 12: The Dawn of Freedom: Partition, Independence, and Early Nation-Building (c. 1947-1950s)
Topic 12.1: Climax of Freedom Struggle & Transfer of Power (Recap)
12.1.1: Post-War Landscape 12.1.2: Negotiations & Plans 12.1.3: Role of Key Personalities 12.1.4: Independence Act
Topic 12.2: The Partition of India – Causes, Process, and Horrors
Subtopic 12.2.1: Genesis and Growth of Demand for Pakistan
12.2.1.1: Two-Nation Theory 12.2.1.2: League & Jinnah 12.2.1.3: Congress Failure 12.2.1.4: British Policy
Subtopic 12.2.2: Factors Leading to Acceptance of Partition by Congress
12.2.2.1: Communal Violence 12.2.2.2: League's Intransigence 12.2.2.3: British Eagerness 12.2.2.4: Smaller, United India View 12.2.2.5: Avoid Further Delay 12.2.2.6: Gandhi's Reluctant Acceptance
Subtopic 12.2.3: The Process of Partition
12.2.3.1: Radcliffe Commission 12.2.3.2: Division of Assets 12.2.3.3: Referendums 12.2.3.4: Provincial Voting
Subtopic 12.2.4: The Human Tragedy of Partition
12.2.4.1: Riots & Massacres 12.2.4.2: Migrations 12.2.4.3: Violence vs Women 12.2.4.4: Economic Disruption 12.2.4.5: Long-term Impact
12.2.5: Partition Historiography
Topic 12.3: Integration of Princely States into the Indian Union
Subtopic 12.3.1: The Problem of Princely States
12.3.1.1: Lapse of Paramountcy 12.3.1.2: Options for States 12.3.1.3: Number & Variety
Subtopic 12.3.2: Government of India's Approach
12.3.2.1: Patel & Menon 12.3.2.2: Policy & Methods 12.3.2.3: Instrument of Accession 12.3.2.4: Mountbatten's Role
Subtopic 12.3.3: Process of Integration – Case Studies
12.3.3.1: Junagadh 12.3.3.2: Hyderabad 12.3.3.3: Kashmir 12.3.3.4: Other States 12.3.3.5: Smaller States
12.3.4: Significance of Integration
Topic 12.4: Making of the Indian Constitution
Subtopic 12.4.1: Formation and Composition of Constituent Assembly
12.4.1.1: Election & Representation 12.4.1.2: Domination & Diversity 12.4.1.3: Key Personalities
Subtopic 12.4.2: Working of the Constituent Assembly
12.4.2.1: Duration & Meetings 12.4.2.2: Objectives Resolution 12.4.2.3: Major Committees 12.4.2.4: Debate & Consensus
12.4.3: Sources of the Indian Constitution
Subtopic 12.4.4: Salient Features of the Constitution
12.4.4.1: Preamble 12.4.4.2: Written, Lengthiest 12.4.4.3: Parliamentary Form 12.4.4.4: Federal System (Unitary Bias) 12.4.4.5: Fundamental Rights 12.4.4.6: Directive Principles 12.4.4.7: Fundamental Duties 12.4.4.8: Independent Judiciary 12.4.4.9: Adult Franchise 12.4.4.10: Single Citizenship 12.4.4.11: Emergency Provisions 12.4.4.12: Special Provisions
12.4.5: Significance
Topic 12.5: Initial Challenges Faced by Independent India
12.5.1: Refugee Crisis 12.5.2: Communal Harmony 12.5.3: Economic Challenges
Subtopic 12.5.4: Linguistic Reorganization of States
12.5.4.1: Dhar & JVP Committees 12.5.4.2: Andhra Agitation 12.5.4.3: SRC
12.5.5: Foreign Policy 12.5.6: Democratic Institutions 12.5.7: Social Transformation
Topic 12.6: Current Affairs Linkages for this Period
12.6.1: Anniversaries 12.6.2: Document Declassification 12.6.3: Partition Legacy Debates 12.6.4: Constitutional Values 12.6.5: J&K Integration Issues 12.6.6: Site Conservation