The Indian Councils Act of 1909, popularly known as the Morley-Minto Reforms, was introduced to placate the growing demand for political reforms in India. While it gave Indians a limited role in governance, its most significant and controversial feature was the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims, which sowed the seeds of communal division. Background …
Morley-Minto Reforms and Government of India Act (1909) Read More »
The Surat Split was a major event in the history of the Indian National Congress, marking the division between the Moderates and the Extremists. It highlighted the growing differences in methods and ideologies within the national movement. Background By the early 20th century, the Indian National Congress had two groups: Moderates led by Gopal Krishna …
The All India Muslim League was founded in 1906 at Dhaka. It emerged as a political platform for Muslims in India and gradually played a decisive role in shaping communal politics. Its formation was encouraged by the British as part of their “Divide and Rule” policy to counter the growing unity among Hindus and Muslims …
By the beginning of the 20th century, dissatisfaction with the moderate leaders of the Indian National Congress grew rapidly. The failure of constitutional reforms, the arrogance of the British, and the impact of the Partition of Bengal (1905) gave rise to a more assertive and militant phase of Indian nationalism. This new leadership, known as …
The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was one of the most controversial decisions taken by the British colonial government. It not only divided Bengal territorially but also gave rise to the Swadeshi Movement, which became a significant milestone in India’s freedom struggle. Background Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, announced the partition of Bengal on …
Before the formation of the Indian National Congress (1885), several political associations and organizations were established in India. These groups were formed mostly by educated Indians and reformers who sought to represent Indian interests before the British government. Though their demands were moderate and constitutional, they played a pioneering role in awakening political consciousness among …
Indian National Congress: Foundation and its Impact Read More »
Before the formation of the Indian National Congress (1885), several political associations and organizations were established in India. These groups were formed mostly by educated Indians and reformers who sought to represent Indian interests before the British government. Though their demands were moderate and constitutional, they played a pioneering role in awakening political consciousness among …
After the Revolt of 1857, the governance of India passed from the East India Company to the British Crown (1858). The Viceroys played an important role in shaping India’s political, social, and economic conditions. The period of the later Viceroys (1876–1947) saw major reforms, nationalist movements, and finally India’s independence. Lord Lytton (1876–1880) Known as …
The British land revenue policies, exploitation by zamindars and moneylenders, and destruction of traditional agrarian structures created immense hardship for peasants. As a result, several peasant movements arose in different parts of India during the 18th and 19th centuries. Though most were local and spontaneous, they highlighted the agrarian discontent under colonial rule and later …
Before the great Revolt of 1857, India witnessed several uprisings against British rule. These early revolts were led by peasants, tribals, zamindars, soldiers, and dispossessed rulers. Although most of them were local, uncoordinated, and quickly suppressed, they reflected the growing resentment against British exploitation and laid the foundation for the later national struggle. Causes of …