Chapter 9: The Making of the National Movement (1870s–1947)

These NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 9 notes explain how Indian nationalism developed from the 1870s and gradually turned into a powerful mass movement against British rule. The chapter shows how early political associations evolved into a nationwide struggle for independence.

The Making of the National Movement (1870s–1947) discusses the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, the role of Moderates and Extremists, the Swadeshi movement, the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience and the Quit India Movement (1942). It also explains the events that led to Independence and Partition in 1947.

This chapter is extremely important for understanding India’s freedom struggle and is highly relevant for school exams and BPSC foundation preparation.

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1. Introduction: From Protest to Freedom

• Between the 1870s and 1947, Indian resistance evolved significantly.
• Early protests were limited to educated elites.
• Later movements involved peasants, workers, women, and students.
• The demand gradually shifted from reforms to complete independence.
• Nationalism transformed into a mass movement.

2. Early Discontent Under British Rule

• Indians opposed high land revenue and taxes.
• Racial discrimination existed in administration.
• Economic drain theory exposed exploitation.
• Famines and poverty increased in the 19th century.
• Educated Indians began forming political associations.

3. Formation of Indian National Congress (1885)

• The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885.
• The first session was held at Bombay.
• Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee was the first President.
• Congress aimed to represent Indian interests.
• It initially demanded reforms through peaceful means.

4. The Moderates (1885–1905)

• Leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
• They believed in constitutional methods.
• Petitions and memoranda were used to demand reforms.
• They trusted British sense of justice.
• Their approach was gradual and moderate.

5. Drain of Wealth Theory

• Proposed by Dadabhai Naoroji.
• It explained how wealth was transferred to Britain.
• Highlighted economic exploitation of India.
• Strengthened nationalist economic criticism.
• Inspired later nationalist leaders.

6. Rise of the Extremists (1905–1915)

• Leaders included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
• They supported mass mobilisation.
• Boycott and protest were encouraged.
• Assertive nationalism replaced moderate politics.
• They demanded swaraj (self-rule).

7. Partition of Bengal (1905)

• Announced by Lord Curzon in 1905.
• Bengal was divided on administrative and communal lines.
• Indians saw it as a divide-and-rule policy.
• Widespread protests followed.
• It triggered the Swadeshi Movement.

8. Swadeshi Movement (1905–08)

• Swadeshi promoted use of Indian goods.
• British goods were boycotted.
• The movement spread to Bengal, Maharashtra, and Punjab.
• National education initiatives were started.
• It strengthened unity and nationalism.

9. Formation of Muslim League (1906)

• The All India Muslim League was formed in 1906.
• It was founded at Dacca.
• It aimed to protect Muslim political rights.
• Initially supported constitutional methods.
• Later played a major role in partition politics.

10. Home Rule Movement (1916)

• Led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.
• Demanded self-government within the British Empire.
• It spread political awareness widely.
• It revived nationalist activities.
• Prepared ground for mass movements.

11. Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi

• Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915.
• Introduced Satyagraha based on truth and non-violence.
• Focused on involving common people.
• Emphasised moral resistance.
• Changed the character of the national movement.

12. Early Gandhian Movements

• Champaran (1917) supported indigo peasants.
• Ahmedabad (1918) addressed mill workers’ issues.
• Kheda (1918) demanded tax relief for peasants.
• These movements built Gandhi’s leadership.
• Non-violent protest became popular.

13. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)

• Launched after Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919).
• Called for boycott of British institutions.
• Lawyers and students left government jobs and schools.
• It became a mass movement across India.
• Withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura incident (1922).

14. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34)

• Began with the Dandi March (1930).
• Gandhi broke the salt law at Dandi.
• People refused to pay taxes.
• British laws were openly defied.
• The movement gained global attention.

15. Government of India Act, 1935

• Introduced provincial autonomy.
• Elections were held in 1937.
• Congress formed ministries in several provinces.
• It expanded political participation.
• It was the last major constitutional reform before independence.

16. Quit India Movement (1942)

• Launched during World War II in 1942.
• Gandhi gave the slogan “Do or Die.”
• British arrested major leaders.
• Mass protests erupted across India.
• It intensified pressure for independence.

17. Role of Women in National Movement

• Leaders included Sarojini Naidu and Aruna Asaf Ali.
• Women participated in marches and protests.
• Many women went to jail.
• Their participation widened the movement’s base.
• Women emerged as political leaders.

18. Towards Partition and Independence

• The Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution (1940) demanding Pakistan.
• Communal tensions increased during the 1940s.
• British announced plans to withdraw.
• Negotiations for transfer of power began.
• Political divisions deepened.

19. Independence and Partition (1947)

• India became independent on 15 August 1947.
• The country was divided into India and Pakistan.
• Partition led to mass migration.
• Widespread communal violence occurred.
• Freedom came with heavy human cost.

20. NCERT Focus Areas (Must Remember)

• Differences between Moderates and Extremists.
• Role of Gandhian movements.
• Significance of Swadeshi and Civil Disobedience.
• Importance of Quit India Movement (1942).
• Causes and consequences of Partition (1947).

21. Important Keywords and Definitions

• Nationalism – Feeling of unity and desire for independent nationhood.
• Swadeshi – Movement promoting use of Indian goods and boycott of foreign goods.
• Satyagraha – Non-violent resistance based on truth introduced by Gandhi.
• Civil Disobedience – Open defiance of unjust laws.
• Quit India Movement – Mass movement launched in 1942 demanding British withdrawal.
• Partition – Division of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947.

Understanding NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 9 is essential to learn how political awareness grew into a national movement that united different sections of society. The chapter clearly explains the phases of the freedom struggle and the contribution of major leaders.

The ideas discussed in this chapter help students understand how India achieved independence in 1947. It is highly useful for school examinations and BPSC foundation studies.

Continue reading NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 10 – India After Independence to understand how independent India faced challenges of nation-building, democracy and development.

FAQs

Q1. When was the Indian National Congress formed?
It was formed in 1885.

Q2. What was the Swadeshi Movement?
It was a movement promoting the use of Indian goods and boycott of British products after the Partition of Bengal (1905).

Q3. What was the Quit India Movement?
It was a mass movement launched in 1942 demanding immediate British withdrawal.

Q4. Who led the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Mahatma Gandhi led the Civil Disobedience Movement starting with the Dandi March in 1930.

Q5. Why is Chapter 9 important for exams?
It explains the stages of India’s national movement and is crucial for school exams and BPSC preparation.

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