8th Social Science – Our Pasts lll – Chapter 8

Important Topics from the Chapter: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

1. Dissatisfaction with British Rule: Indians' discontent and dissatisfaction with British rule intensified in the 1870s and 1880s due to various factors like the Arms Act, Vernacular Press Act, and racial attitudes of the British7.

2. Emergence of Nationalism: The emergence of nationalism in India led by political associations like the Indian National Congress, with the belief that India belongs to all its people and should be governed by Indians for Indians7.

3. Formation of the Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress was established in 1885 in Bombay with the objective of demanding greater representation and power for Indians in the government and administration7.

4. Moderate Phase of the Congress: The early Congress in its first twenty years was moderate, focusing on demanding more voice for Indians, making Legislative Councils representative, and placing Indians in high government positions to counter racism7.

5. Economic Issues and Demands: The Congress addressed economic issues caused by British rule such as poverty, famines, revenue increases, and food shortages, demanding reforms like revenue reduction, military expenditure cuts, and more funds for irrigation7.

6. Evolution of Political Objectives: By the 1890s, leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai began exploring more radical objectives, emphasizing self-reliance, constructive work, and the pursuit of swaraj (self-rule)7.