Modern India Chapters

1. Expansion of British Power (Bengal, Mysore, Punjab etc.)2. Economic Impact of British Rule3. Socio Religious Movements in 19th 20th Centuries4. Freedom Struggle I5. The Revolt of 18576. Moderate Phase7. Extremist Phase8. The Gandhian Era

The Gandhian Era

“The Gandhian Era (1915–1948) marked a significant phase in India’s struggle for independence, defined by Mahatma Gandhi's unique approach of non-violent resistance and mass mobilization.”

Arrival of Gandhi in India (1915)

Gandhiji returned from South Africa in 1915 and joined the Indian National Congress. He initially spent time understanding Indian society and politics, guided by Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Major Movements under Gandhian Leadership

  • Champaran Satyagraha (1917): First civil disobedience movement in India against the exploitation of indigo farmers in Bihar.
  • Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Peasants protested against tax during famine in Gujarat.
  • Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918): First hunger strike led by Gandhi to support textile workers.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

In response to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Rowlatt Act, Gandhi launched this nationwide movement urging Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, and services.

  • Support from Muslims (Khilafat Movement).
  • Withdrawn after Chauri Chaura incident in 1922.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

Started with the famous Dandi March (Salt March) on 12 March 1930. Gandhi marched 240 miles to produce salt at Dandi, breaking the salt law.

  • Mass boycotts, picketing, and refusal to pay taxes.
  • Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed in 1931 to attend Second Round Table Conference.

Quit India Movement (1942)

Launched on 8 August 1942, demanding immediate British withdrawal.

  • Gandhi's slogan: “Do or Die.”
  • Leaders arrested; movement turned leaderless but massive protests occurred.

Role in Independence

Gandhi's principles influenced national consciousness and international support. Though partitioned, India gained independence on 15 August 1947. Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2019: Where did Gandhi start his first Satyagraha in India?
  • Champaran, Bihar
  • RRB NTPC 2020: Dandi March was related to which movement?
  • Civil Disobedience Movement
  • HSSC 2018: Which movement was withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura incident?
  • Non-Cooperation Movement
  • SSC CHSL 2017: What was the slogan of the Quit India Movement?
  • Do or Die
  • SSC CGL 2020: In which year was the Quit India Movement launched?
  • 1942
  • RRB Group D 2019: Which pact allowed Gandhi to attend the Second Round Table Conference?
  • Gandhi-Irwin Pact
  • HSSC 2019: Who gave the slogan “Do or Die”?
  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • SSC JE 2016: When did Gandhiji return from South Africa?
  • 1915
  • SSC GD 2021: What was the main reason for launching the Non-Cooperation Movement?
  • Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Rowlatt Act
  • HSSC 2021: The Salt March began from which place?
  • Sabarmati Ashram
  • SSC CPO 2018: Which event forced Gandhiji to call off Non-Cooperation Movement?
  • Chauri Chaura incident
  • RRB JE 2019: Who led the Ahmedabad Mill Strike?
  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • SSC MTS 2020: Who founded Sabarmati Ashram?
  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • SSC CGL 2016: In which year was Gandhi assassinated?
  • 1948
  • SSC CHSL 2019: Gandhi's first hunger strike in India was during which event?
  • Ahmedabad Mill Strike
Did You Know? Mahatma Gandhi was nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize but never won it.
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