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GS Paper: GS1-02.Modern Indian History- Mid-18th century – Present (significant events, personalities, issues);

  • [15th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The trial that progressed rapidly towards Independence

    [15th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The trial that progressed rapidly towards Independence

    PYQ Relevance:
    Mains: 
    Q  Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century. (UPSC IAS/2017)
    Q Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian Soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better-equipped armies of the then-Indian rulers? Give reasons. (UPSC IAS/2022)

    Note4Students: 

    Subject: GS I (Modern India)

    Mains:  Significance of Red Fort Trial 

    Mentor comments: The Red Fort trials, held in 1945-46, were a significant event in India’s struggle for independence. The British colonial government prosecuted key members of the Indian National Army (INA), including Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, charging them with waging war against the King. Despite the government’s expectation of public disdain, the trials ignited widespread support for the INA, leading to national demonstrations. The defendants were ultimately found guilty but received lenient sentences, which further fueled the independence movement and contributed to the eventual end of British rule in India.

    Why in the news? 

    Decades after the Red Fort trial, it is hoped that India’s leaders will once again find the wisdom to commit themselves to what unites us as a people.

    About the Red Fort Trial: 

    • The Red Fort Trial, also known as the Indian National Army (INA) trials, was a series of court-martials held by the British colonial government in India between November 1945 and May 1946. The trials were held at the Red Fort in Delhi, and they are among the most significant events in the final years leading up to India’s independence.

    Background:

    • Indian National Army (INA): The INA was formed by Indian nationalists during World War II under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose. It was composed primarily of Indian prisoners of war who had been captured by the Japanese in Southeast Asia and was aligned with the Axis powers to fight against British rule in India.
    • The objective of the INA: The INA aimed to overthrow British rule in India through military means, and it played a key role in the campaigns in Burma and the Indian Northeast during the war.
    • British Reaction: After World War II ended, the British captured several INA soldiers and officers. The British decided to make an example of the INA by trying its officers for treason, murder, and other charges.

    Protests that spread across India

    • Widespread National Support: Protests erupted in multiple cities, including Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Lahore, Bombay, Patna, and Lucknow, with people from all religious and social backgrounds uniting to demand justice for the INA officers.
    • Role of Congress and Muslim League: Both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League supported the INA officers, with leaders from both parties actively participating in and encouraging the protests, showcasing rare political unity against British colonial rule.
    • Slogans and Symbols of Unity: Protesters chanted slogans like “Laal Quila se aayi aawaaz, Sahgal, Dhillon, Shahnawaaz!” and “Hindu-Muslim Unity Zindabad!”, while the flags of both Congress and the Muslim League were prominently displayed, emphasizing the nationalistic fervour and unity.
    • Violent Clashes and Sacrifices: The protests were met with brutal police repression in several cities, particularly in Madras and Calcutta, where police firing led to significant casualties—five in Madras and 97 in Calcutta—highlighting the intense opposition to British rule and the high cost of the struggle for independence.

    Why is it so significant? 

    • National Unity Across Religious Lines: The trial involved three officers of the Indian National Army (INA)—a Hindu (Prem Kumar Sahgal), a Muslim (Shah Nawaz Khan), and a Sikh (Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon). This symbolized the inclusive and secular nature of India’s struggle for independence.
    • Mobilization of Public Sentiment: The INA officers were seen as heroes who had fought for India’s freedom, despite the controversial alliance with the Axis powers. Their prosecution by the British was widely perceived as unjust, leading to mass protests, strikes, and demonstrations.
    • Challenge to British Moral Authority: The trial highlighted the declining legitimacy of British rule in India. The British attempted to portray the INA officers as traitors, but the Indian public saw them as patriots fighting for their country’s freedom.
    • Catalyst for Independence Movement: The trial also demonstrated the effectiveness of public mobilization and protest in challenging colonial authority, inspiring further actions that ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.

    Conclusion: The Red Fort Trials, featuring INA officers, ignited widespread protests and highlighted national unity, challenging British legitimacy. They symbolized India’s resolve for independence, accelerating the end of colonial rule.

  • Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (1944-2024)

    Why in the News?

    Former CM of West Bengal and leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharya passed away at 80.

    Who was Buddhadeb Bhattacharya?

    • Bhattacharya was a politician who served as CM of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011.
    • He was known for his attempts to modernize and industrialize West Bengal while navigating the challenges of maintaining communist ideology.
    • In 2022, Bhattacharya was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, which he declined, citing his political principles.

    Key Contributions: 

    Category Details
    Political Reforms
    • Attempted to reduce the influence of powerful trade unions in the state, particularly in the industrial sector, to attract investments and improve work culture.
    Social-Cultural Reforms
    • Played a key role in establishing the Kolkata International Film Festival and promoted Bengali literature.
    • Authored several books and translated works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Vladimir Mayakovsky into Bengali, enriching the state’s cultural heritage.
    • Introduced measures to eliminate corruption in school recruitments by ensuring all hiring was conducted through transparent exams.
    • Initiated reforms to integrate mainstream subjects into madrassa education.
    Economic Reforms
    • Led efforts to industrialize West Bengal by attracting investments in IT, steel, and special economic zones (SEZs), including the Tata Nano project in Singur.
    • Faced significant opposition and protests in Singur and Nandigram over land acquisition, which ultimately contributed to the political decline of the Left Front.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories?

    (a) Empirical liberalism

    (b) Existentialism

    (c) Darwin’s theory of evolution

    (d) Dialectical materialism

  • 85th death anniversary of Shaheed Udham Singh

    Why in the News?

    • On July 31, 1940, Indian revolutionary leader Udham Singh was executed at the Pentonville prison in London for killing Michael O’Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of Punjab.

    Udham Singh (1899-1940) and his Contributions:

    Details
    Birth and Early Life Singh was born in Sunam in Punjab’s Sangrur district in 1899.
    Political Activism Became associated with the Ghadar Party while in the US, which was founded by Sohan Singh Bhakna in 1913 and headquartered in California.
    Purpose and Actions In 1934, Singh travelled to London to assassinate Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
    Reason for Targeting O’Dwyer O’Dwyer had ordered Brigadier Reginald Dyer to Amritsar before the massacre, fearing a second Indian mutiny due to Hindu-Muslim unity and demonstrations.
    Assassination of O’Dwyer On March 13, 1940, Singh shot O’Dwyer at a meeting in Caxton Hall, London.
    Arrest and Execution Arrested immediately, held in Brixton prison, sentenced to death, and hanged on July 31, 1940, at Pentonville Prison.
    Legacy and Recognition
    • Regarded as a hero for avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
    • Gandhi termed it an “act of insanity”.
    • He symbolized Hindu-Sikh-Muslim unity by adopting the name ‘Ram Mohamed Singh Azad’ during his trial.
    Posthumous Honors
    • His remains were returned to India in 1974 and cremated in his village in Sunam.
    • His statue was installed at Jallianwala Bagh in 2018;
    • Udham Singh Nagar district in Uttarakhand is named after him.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a:

    (a) Revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco.

    (b) Nationalist organization operating from Singapore

    (c) Militant organization with headquarters at Berlin

    (d) Communist movement for India’s freedom with head-quarters at Tashkent

  • [pib] Birth Anniversary of Chandrashekhar Azad and Lokmanya Tilak  

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister paid his tributes to legendary freedom fighters Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries.

    About Chandrashekhar Azad and Lokmanya Tilak  

    [1] Chandrashekhar Azad:

    Details:
    • Born Chandra Shekhar Tiwari on 23 July 1906;
    • Indian revolutionary leader of HSRA;
    • Died 27 February 1931.
    Early Life
    • From Bardarka, Uttar Pradesh;
    • Joined Non-Cooperation Movement at 15;
    • Famously declared his name as “Azad” when arrested.
    Revolutionary Life
    • Joined Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), participated in Kakori Train Robbery, avenged Lala Lajpat Rai’s death;
    • Reorganized HRA into Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA);
    • Influenced by socialist literature.
    Support from Congress Financially supported by Motilal Nehru.
    Activities in Jhansi Used Jhansi as a base, practiced shooting, lived as Pandit Harishankar Bramhachari, taught children, connected with local revolutionaries.
    Collaboration with Bhagat Singh Reorganized HRA into HSRA, planned to assassinate James A. Scott, mistakenly killed John P. Saunders.
    Death Surrounded by police in Alfred Park, Allahabad;

    Ensured companion’s escape; shot himself to avoid capture on 27 February 1931.

     

    [2] Lokmanya Tilak:   

    Details:
    • Born Bal Gangadhar Tilak on 23rd July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra;
    • Died on 1st August 1920.
    Education Founded Deccan Education Society (1884) and Fergusson College (1885) in Pune.
    Ideology
    • Devout Hindu using scriptures to inspire resistance;
    • Advocated for self-rule (Swarajya); famous slogan: “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!”;
    • Emphasized cultural and religious revival.
    • Popularized Ganesh Chaturthi and Shiv Jayanti festivals.
    Political Life
    • Early advocate for complete independence;
    • Part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio; joined Indian National Congress (INC) in 1890.
    Surat Split (1907) Split INC into Extremists (led by Tilak) and Moderates (led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale) due to leadership disputes and differing approaches.
    Contribution to Freedom Movement
    • Promoted swadeshi movements and boycott of foreign goods; co-led Indian Home Rule Movement (1916);
    • Founded All India Home Rule League;
    • Involved in Lucknow Pact (1916) for Hindu-Muslim unity.
    Imprisonment Imprisoned from 1908 to 1914 in Mandalay Prison for defending revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki.
    Publications
    • Edited weekly Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English);
    • Authored books “Gita Rahasya” and “Arctic Home of the Vedas.”

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English?

    (a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

    (b) Jawaharlal Nehru

    (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

    (d) Sarojini Naidu

  • National Flag Day, 2024

    Why in the News?

    On 22nd July in 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag.

    PC: The Better India

    About the National Flag Day

    • The Constituent Assembly met in New Delhi at 10 o’clock, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
    • The Assembly had been meeting since December 9, 1946, discussing various subjects.
    • The Chair announced the first agenda item: “a Motion by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru about the Flag.”

    Jawaharlal Nehru’s Resolution on National Flag

    • India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, moved the Resolution:
      • The National Flag of India shall be a horizontal tricolour of deep Saffron (Kesari), white, and dark green in equal proportion.
      • In the centre of the white band, there shall be a navy blue Wheel representing the Charkha.
      • The design of the Wheel is based on the Chakra from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka.
      • The diameter of the Wheel approximates the width of the white band.
      • The ratio of the width to the length of the Flag shall be 2:3.
    • The motion was adopted unanimously by the Assembly.
    • Adoption by Popular Acclaim:
    • Nehru mentioned that the Flag was adopted by popular acclaim and sacrifice over the past decades.
    • Nehru clarified that the Flag was not meant to be seen in communal terms.
    • The design was intended to represent the spirit and tradition of India, grown over thousands of years.

    Reactions and Support

    • There were no significant objections to Nehru’s Resolution.
    • Several members, including Seth Govind Das, V I Muniswami Pillai, Chaudhri Khaliquzzaman, S Radhakrishnan, Saiyid Mohammad Saadulla, Frank R Anthony, and Sarojini Naidu, paid tributes to the Flag and supported the Resolution.
    • H V Kamath suggested adding a Swastika inside the Chakra to symbolize peace but withdrew the amendment after seeing the Flag’s design.
    • Dr. P S Deshmukh preferred retaining the original tricolour with the Charkha but did not push his amendment, respecting the House’s preference.

    Back2Basics: History of Our National Flag

    First Public Display in Kolkata (1906):

    • The first national flag of India was hoisted on August 7, 1906, in Kolkata at Parsee Bagan Square (Green Park).
    • The flag had three horizontal stripes of red, yellow, and green, with “Vande Mataram” inscribed in the center.
      • Symbolism: The red stripe included symbols of the sun and a crescent moon, while the green stripe featured eight half-open lotuses.
    • The flag is believed to have been designed by freedom activists Sachindra Prasad Bose and Hemchandra Kanungo.

    Indian Flag in Germany:

    • In 1907, Madame Cama and her group of exiled revolutionaries hoisted an Indian flag in Germany.
    • This event marked the first time the Indian flag was hoisted in a foreign country.

    Home Rule Movement Flag:

    • Dr. Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak introduced a new flag in 1917 as part of the Home Rule Movement.
    • The flag featured alternate red and green horizontal stripes, with seven stars in the Saptarishi configuration.
    • It included a white crescent and star in one top corner, and the Union Jack in the other.

    Version by Pingali Venkayya:

    • Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter, is credited with the design of the modern Indian tricolour.
    • Venkayya first met Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa during the second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).
    • He conducted extensive research and published a book in 1916 that included possible designs for the Indian flag.
    • At the All India Congress Committee in Bezwada in 1921, Venkayya proposed a basic flag design to Gandhi, featuring two bands of red and green to represent Hindus and Muslims.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from

    (a) Katha Upanishad
    (b) Chandogya Upanishad
    (c) Aitareya Upanishad
    (d) Mundaka Upanishad

  • Who was Prithipal Singh Randhawa, student leader shot dead 45 years ago?

    Why in the News?

    • Prithipal Singh Randhawa, leader of the Punjab Students Union (PSU), was murdered in Ludhiana on July 18, 1979.
      • At the time of his death, he was 27 years old and among the most prominent leaders of the student union movement in Punjab during the 1970s.

    Who was Prithipal Singh Randhawa?

    • Randhawa hailed from Hoshiarpur in Punjab and joined Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, in 1972.
    • On October 5, 1972, students protested outside Regal Cinema in Moga district against black marketing of tickets. 
      • The police opened fire, killing four people, including student leaders Swarn Singh and Harjeet Singh.
    • In response, Randhawa launched a mass movement, leading to the arrest of the responsible police officers.
    • On October 26, 1974, he organized the massive Moga Sangram rally, addressing issues like student fee hikes and the United States’ imperial war in Vietnam.
    • He was assassinated on July 18, 1979, after abduction.
    • His rising popularity and anti-establishment stance led to his arrest and 19-month imprisonment under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency.
    • His death led to massive protests in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.

    Back2Basics: Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA): Overview

    • The MISA was a controversial law enacted by the Indian government in 1971.
    • It was primarily aimed at ensuring internal security and public order during times of political unrest and emergencies.
    • MISA was heavily used during the Emergency period (1975-1977) declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

    Key Provisions:

    • Preventive Detention: MISA allows for the preventive detention of individuals without trial for a maximum period of two years. This was intended to pre-emptively address threats to national security.
    • Detention without Charges: Individuals could be detained without being charged with a specific offense, based on the suspicion of being a threat to national security or public order.
    • No Right to Legal Representation: Detainees under MISA did not have the right to legal representation or a fair trial.
    • Limited Judicial Review: The act severely restricted the scope of judicial review, making it difficult for courts to intervene in cases of detention under MISA.

    Controversy and Criticism:

    • Human Rights Violations: MISA was widely criticized for its draconian measures and violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to liberty, freedom of speech, and due process.
    • Political Repression: The act was seen as a tool for political repression, used by the government to silence opposition and dissent.
    • Abuse of Power: There were numerous instances of abuse of power under MISA, with individuals being detained on vague or politically motivated grounds.

    Repeal:

    • After the end of the Emergency in 1977, the newly elected Janata Party government repealed MISA in 1978 as part of its efforts to restore democratic norms and civil liberties.
    • The legacy of MISA remains a stark reminder of the potential for misuse of power and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles and human rights.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?

    1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
    2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
    3. To impeach the President of India

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) 3 only

  • In news: Santhal Hul of 1855 

    Why in the News?

    • The Santhal Revolt of 1855 was a revolt against imperialism led by four brothers, Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu, along with sisters Phulo and Jhano.
      • June 30 marks the 169th anniversary of the beginning of the revolt.

    About Santhal Hul

    • The Santhal people revolted against the British East India Company and the Zamindari system, also known as the Santhal Rebellion or Santhal Hul.
    • The rebellion began on June 30, 1855.
    • Martial Law was imposed on November 10, 1855, by the East India Company, lasting until January 3, 1856, when the rebellion was suppressed.

    Who are the Santhals?

    • Santhals were agricultural people living in the Rajmahal Hills of Bihar.
    • Ol Chiki (Ol Chemet) is the writing script of Santhals.
    • The British asked them to clear forests for agriculture to increase revenue.
    • Damin-i-Koh (1832) was created as a designated area for Santhals, now known as Santhal Pargana.
    • Over time, the British began exploiting the Santhals, leading to the Santhal Rebellion.

    What makes the revolt so unique?

    • Marginalized Indigenous Community: Led by the Santhal tribe, a marginalized indigenous community in mid-19th century India.
    • Agrarian Uprising: Primarily a fight against exploitative land laws, high taxes, and forced labor rather than political or religious issues.
    • Tribal Unity and Guerrilla Tactics: Characterized by a strong sense of tribal unity and guerrilla warfare tactics, making it unique and significant.

    Causes of the Santhal Revolt:

    • Permanent Settlement System (1793): Introduced by the British East India Company, giving Zamindars long-lasting property rights.
    • Oppression by Zamindars: Zamindars misused their power to oppress and enslave peasants, leading to resentment.
    • Exploitation and Debt: Santhals faced exploitation through high-interest loans and lost their land and freedom.
    • Violent Suppressions: British police supported Zamindars and moneylenders in evicting Santhals violently.
    • Disruption of Traditional Structures: Traditional social and political structures of the Santhals were disrupted, pushing them into debt and poverty.
    • Economic Hardship: Led to the Santhals revolting against the British and Zamindars to escape their predicament.

    About the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876) and Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908)

    • Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876): Enacted by the British as a result of the Hul.
      • Land Inheritance: Prohibits the transfer of Adivasi lands to non-Adivasis and allows land to be inherited only as per the Act.
      • Self-Governance: Retains the rights of Santhals to self-govern their land.
    • Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): Result of the Birsa Movement.
      • Land Transfer Restrictions: Allows land transfers within the same caste and geographical areas with District Collector’s approval.
      • Protection of Adivasi and Dalit Land: Restricts the sale of Adivasi and Dalit land but allows transfers within the same community.

    PYQ:

    [2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?

    1. The territories called `Santhal Parganas’ were created.
    2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Sucheta Kripalani (1908-1974): India’s first woman Chief Minister

    Why in the News?

    June 25 is the birth anniversary of “Sucheta Kripalani”, India’s first woman Chief Minister.

    Who was Sucheta Kripalani?

    • Sucheta Kripalani was born on June 25, 1908, in Ambala, Punjab. Daughter of S. N. Majumdar, a government surgeon. She studied at Indraprastha College for Women and St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.
    • She married J. B. Kripalani, a former Congress president and Gandhian, in April 1936 against familial and Mahatma Gandhi’s wishes.

    Political Journey and Chief Ministership

    • Early Career: Joined BHU to teach Constitutional History in 1929, participated in Satyagraha, and was imprisoned in 1940.
    • Congress Role: Organized the foreign affairs wing of AICC and later founded the All India Mahila Congress.
      • She won by a margin of 99 votes over Kamalapati Tripathi and was sworn in as CM on October 2, 1963.

    Contributions and Achievements

    • Educational Reforms: Waived school fees for girls up to Class 10 from January 1965. Established Meerut University and Kanpur University.
    • Social Reforms: Increased reservation for SCs in government jobs to 24% in Group C and 45% in Group D until the 18% target was achieved.
    • Infrastructure Developments: Established a Sainik School in Ghorakhal, a new medical college in Meerut, and the UP Awas Vikas Parishad. She created the post of agriculture production commissioner.
    • Crime Control: Neutralized many dacoits in the Chambal Valley with the help of the Police Radio Unit.
    • Anti-Corruption Stance: Emphasized the need to tackle growing corruption in public services, supporting the Union government’s initiative to appoint a vigilance commission.
    • Multifaceted Contributions: Involved in relief activities for the 1934 Bihar earthquake, Noakhali riots, Tibetan refugee rehabilitation, and the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
      • Criticism and Response: Faced criticism for being influenced by English, despite being a staunch supporter of Hindi. Advocated for creating an atmosphere for Hindi in governance.

    Later Life and Legacy

    • Post-CM Career: Served as Lok Sabha MP until 1971.
    • Impact: Her tenure as CM and various social contributions left a lasting impact on Indian politics and society, especially in terms of women’s leadership and social reforms.

    PYQ:

    [2011] With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for:

    (a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of the Quit India Movement

    (b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference

    (c) Leading a contingent of the Indian National Army

    (d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

  • 124th Death Anniversary of Birsa Munda

    Why in the News?

    Jharkhand CM marked the 124th death anniversary of revolutionary tribal leader “Birsa Munda” by paying his tributes.

    Who was Birsa Munda (1875-1900)?

    • Birsa Munda was born on November 15, 1875, during a period of significant change for his community, the Mundas, residing in the Chotanagpur region of present-day Jharkhand.
    • Birsa Munda spent his early years travelling with his parents and received primary education under Jaipal Nag.
    • Inspired by the peaceful Sardari agitation against British rule, Birsa became a prominent leader advocating for tribal rights.

    Causes of the Rebellion

    • Impact of Colonial Policies: Colonial policies, including the Permanent Settlement Act (1793), disrupted traditional land ownership systems, leading to displacement and exploitation of indigenous communities.
    • Erosion of Khuntkattidar System: The Mundas’ traditional land rights system, known as khuntkatti, was eroded by jagirdars and thikadars, leading to land alienation.
    • Land Alienation and Exploitation: Non-tribal migration into tribal regions accelerated under British rule, resulting in exploitation through high-interest money lending and forced labour.
    • Missionary Activity: The spread of education through missionary activities led to increased awareness among tribals, deepening social cleavages but also inspiring movements for tribal reconstruction.

    Major Activities:

    1. New faith ‘Birsait’ against religious conversion

    • Having gained awareness of the British colonial ruler and the efforts of the missionaries to convert tribals to Christianity, Birsa started the faith of ‘Birsait’.
    • Soon members of the Munda and Oraon community started joining the Birsait sect and it turned into a challenge to British conversion activities.
    • The Mundas called him Dharati Aaba, the father of earth.

    2. The Birsa Movement: Ulgulan

    • The Munda Rebellion was a tribal rebellion led by Birsa Munda in the region south of Ranchi in 1899-1900.
    • It mainly concentrated in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon.
    • The revolt sought to establish Munda Raj and independence, known as Ulgulan or ‘Great Tumult’ by Munda tribals.
    • The rebellion ended with the suppression by British forces and the death of Birsa Munda.

    Significant Outcomes

    • Impact: Birsa Munda’s mobilization of tribal communities left a lasting legacy, prompting government reforms such as the repeal of the Begar system and the enactment of the Tenancy Act (1903).
    • His Death: The movement was violently suppressed and Birsa Munda died in jail on 9 June 1900.

    What is Permanent Settlement System?

    • The Permanent Settlement system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 was a land revenue system implemented in British India, particularly in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
    • Under this system, the land revenue to be paid by the peasants (ryots) was fixed permanently without revision for an extended period (typically 10 years or more).
    • This fixed amount was based on the estimated productive capacity of the land.
    • It established the Zamindari system, where Zamindars (landlords) were recognized as the owners of land.
    • They were responsible for collecting revenue from the peasants and paying it to the British government.
    • In return, they were entitled to keep a portion of the collected revenue as their income, often ranging from 10% to 15%.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?

    (a) The Revolt of 1857

    (b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

    (c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60

    (d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

  • 131 years of Gandhiji’s Natal Satyagraha

    Why in the News?

    • On June 7, 1893, Mahatma Gandhi faced racial discrimination when he was forced off a first-class train compartment at “Pietermaritzburg railway station” in South Africa.
      • This event ignited the spirit of civil disobedience in him through his first non-violent protest in the “Natal Satyagraha”.

    History of ‘Satyagraha’

    • The terms originated in a competition in the news-sheet Indian Opinion in South Africa in 1906.
    • Mr. Maganlal Gandhi, grandson of an uncle of Mahatma Gandhi, came up with the word “Sadagraha” and won the prize.
    • Subsequently, to make it clearer, Gandhi changed it to Satyagraha.

    About the Pietermaritzburg Incident 

    • Gandhi’s forced removal from a first-class train compartment in 1893 served as a catalyst for his commitment to resisting racial discrimination.
    • This event inspired him to pursue nonviolent resistance, planting the seeds for his philosophy of Satyagraha.

    Its’ Aftermath

    • Formation of Natal Indian Congress and Advocacy
      • Establishment: Gandhi organized the Indian community and founded the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) in 1894 at Durban to advocate for their rights.
      • Campaigns: He initiated various campaigns, including petitions and boycotts, challenging discriminatory laws and policies in South Africa.
    • Natal Satyagraha
      • The passage of the Asiatic Registration Act in 1906 sparked the Natal Satyagraha, protesting against this discriminatory law.
      • Gandhi emerged as the leader of the movement, advocating for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
      • Satyagraha emphasized confronting oppression with moral courage and integrity, without resorting to violence.

    Gandhiji’s South Africa Settlements:

    • Phoenix Settlement in Natal: Founded in 1904, the Phoenix Settlement was established by Gandhi as a communal living space and centre for social and political activism. It served as a hub for his Satyagraha campaigns against racial discrimination and injustice in South Africa.
    • Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg: Gandhi established Tolstoy Farm in 1910 as a self-sustaining community inspired by the teachings of Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. It served as a refuge for Indian immigrants and a base for organizing resistance against discriminatory laws.

    Characteristics and Impact of Natal Satyagraha

    • Mass Participation: The movement garnered widespread support from the Indian community, involving thousands in nonviolent protests.
      • He mobilized support for the welfare of Indians and established the Transvaal British Indian Association in Johannesburg in 1903.
    • Arrests and Imprisonment: Gandhi and many others faced arrests and imprisonment for their acts of civil disobedience. He faced imprisonment multiple times for his nonviolent protests, including the Volkrust Satyagraha in 1913.
    • Attracted International attention: The Satyagraha attracted international attention and led to negotiations, culminating in the Indian Relief Act in 1914.

    PYQ:

    [2019] With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: 

    1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’.
    2. In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
    3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3