Class 10 History Chapter 3: Nationalism in India | Complete NCERT Notes with Exam Focus
📊 Chapter Difficulty & Exam Importance
Exam Weight: 8-10 marks (GUARANTEED 1 major question + source-based)
Difficulty Level:
- Understanding Concepts: ✅ EASY (Story-based, interesting)
- Dates & Events: ⚡ MEDIUM (Needs memorization)
- Map Work: 🔥 HARD (Exact locations required)
Board Exam Pattern:
- 1-2 mark questions: Dates, definitions, key terms
- 3 mark questions: Events, movements, causes/effects
- 5-6 mark questions: Impact of movements, Gandhi's strategies, role of different groups
- Source-based questions: 3-4 marks
- Map work: 3 marks (locations of movements)
Why This Chapter is Crucial:
- Highest marks weightage in History
- Connects to current affairs and Indian identity
- Questions appear EVERY year - mostly predictable
- Map work always from this chapter
- Easy to score if you remember timeline
🎯 What You'll Master in This Chapter
By the end of these notes, you'll confidently:
- ✅ Understand how Indian nationalism grew step by step
- ✅ Explain Gandhi's unique methods (Satyagraha, Non-cooperation)
- ✅ Analyze different movements chronologically
- ✅ Remember key dates and events effortlessly
- ✅ Map all important locations accurately
- ✅ Understand why different groups joined/left movements
- ✅ Score 9-10 marks in this chapter guaranteed!
🇮🇳 Part 1: The Growth of Nationalism (Setting the Stage)
What is Nationalism?
Definition: A feeling of unity among people based on common history, language, culture, and desire for independence.
How Nationalism Grew in India:
Before 1900s:
- Indians saw themselves as Bengalis, Marathas, Tamils (regional identity)
- British rule slowly united Indians against common enemy
- Educated Indians began questioning British exploitation
Key Factors:
- Economic Exploitation: British drained India's wealth
- Racial Discrimination: Indians treated as inferior
- Cultural Awakening: Revival of Indian culture and pride
- Education: English-educated Indians learned about rights and freedom
- World Events: Russian Revolution, World War I inspired independence movements
Important Point: Nationalism wasn't sudden - it grew gradually through various movements and sacrifices.
🧒 EXPLAIN LIKE I'M 5: What is Nationalism?
Imagine your class is being bullied by older students:
- At first, everyone complains separately (Amit cries, Priya tells teacher, Rahul fights back)
- Nobody helps each other because they're not friends
- But then, one day, someone says: "Hey! We're all from Class 5! We should stand together!"
- Suddenly, everyone realizes: "We're the SAME! We're all facing the SAME problem!"
- Now you all unite and say: "We won't tolerate this! We want respect!"
That's EXACTLY what happened in India!
- Indians were divided by language, religion, region
- British exploited this (divide and rule)
- Slowly, Indians realized: "We're all INDIANS! We face the SAME oppression!"
- This feeling of unity = NATIONALISM
- United Indians fought together for freedom!
Key Idea: Nationalism = Feeling proud of your country + Standing together against injustice
📅 Part 2: Timeline of Major Events (MUST MEMORIZE!)
Memory Trick: "RJAC-NCK-CDQIM" (Read each letter as event below)
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1915 | Rowlatt Act protests begin | Gandhi returns to India |
| 1919 | Jallianwala Bagh Massacre | Turning point, shocked nation |
| 1920 | Awwal (First) Non-Cooperation Movement starts | Mass movement begins |
| 1922 | Chauri Chaura incident | Movement withdrawn |
| 1928 | Nehru Report, Simon Commission arrives | Constitutional demands |
| 1930 | Civil Disobedience Movement (Salt March) | Most famous movement |
| 1931 | Karachi Session (Gandhi-Irwin Pact) | Temporary truce |
| 1935 | Government of India Act | Provincial autonomy |
| 1942 | Quit India Movement | "Do or Die" call |
Pro Tip: Write this timeline 10 times before exam - dates are easy 1-2 mark questions!
🔥 Part 3: The First World War & Its Impact (1914-1918)
How WWI Changed India
What Happened:
- Britain forced India to participate in WWI
- 13 lakh Indian soldiers sent to fight
- Promised "responsible government" after war
- But broke promises after war ended
Economic Impact:
- War expenses increased taxes in India
- Prices of goods doubled (inflation)
- Forced recruitment created anger
- Famines and diseases (Spanish Flu 1918-19) killed millions
Political Impact:
- Indians felt betrayed by broken promises
- Demand for "Home Rule" grew stronger
- Moderate leaders became radical
- Stage set for mass movements
Exam Note: Questions often ask: "How did WWI lead to national awakening?" Use these points!
🕊️ Part 4: Mahatma Gandhi's Early Satyagraha
Gandhi Returns to India (1915)
From South Africa:
- Fought against racial discrimination
- Developed "Satyagraha" (truth force)
- Believed in non-violent resistance
Three Experimental Satyagrahas in India:
1. Champaran Satyagraha (1916) - Bihar
The Problem:
- Tinkathia System: Farmers forced to grow indigo on 3/20th of land
- Indigo prices fell, but farmers still forced
- Extreme poverty and exploitation
Gandhi's Action:
- Went to Champaran, studied problem
- Organized farmers, filed complaints
- British agreed to inquiry commission
Result: ✅ Tinkathia system abolished Lesson: Non-violent protest can win against injustice
2. Kheda Satyagraha (1917) - Gujarat
The Problem:
- Crops failed due to drought
- But British demanded full land revenue
- Farmers couldn't pay, faced punishment
Gandhi's Action:
- Supported farmers' demand for tax waiver
- Asked farmers to refuse paying tax (Civil Disobedience)
- Led peaceful protests
Result: ✅ Revenue collection postponed, poor farmers got relief Lesson: Unity gives strength to fight oppression
3. Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) - Gujarat
The Problem:
- Mill workers wanted 35% wage increase
- Mill owners refused
- Workers suffered poor conditions
Gandhi's Action:
- Advised workers to go on strike (peacefully)
- Gandhi went on fast (hunger strike)
- Moral pressure on mill owners
Result: ✅ Workers got 35% wage increase Lesson: Hunger strike (fasting) is powerful non-violent weapon
Exam Tip: Remember: Champaran = Indigo, Kheda = Tax, Ahmedabad = Wages
🧒 EXPLAIN LIKE I'M 5: What is Satyagraha?
Imagine someone takes your lunch box every day:
Normal Reaction (Violence):
- You fight them, hit them back
- They hit harder, you get hurt
- Problem NOT solved, both injured
Gandhi's Way (Satyagraha):
- You sit quietly, refuse to eat from their food
- You tell everyone: "This is wrong, I won't accept it"
- You don't fight, but you DON'T GIVE UP either
- Other students support you
- The bully feels guilty, others pressure them
- Finally, they return your lunch box
That's Satyagraha!
Key Ideas:
- Satya = Truth (what's right)
- Agraha = Insistence (not giving up)
- Satyagraha = Holding firmly to truth WITHOUT violence
Gandhi's Magic Formula:
- Identify injustice
- Peacefully protest (strikes, fasts, non-cooperation)
- Accept suffering, but DON'T FIGHT BACK
- Create moral pressure
- Win through guilt and public opinion
Why it worked: British couldn't shoot unarmed, peaceful protesters without looking evil to the world!
⚖️ Part 5: The Rowlatt Act (1919) - "Black Act"
What Was It?
The Rowlatt Act:
- Passed in March 1919
- Gave British government power to:
- Arrest anyone without warrant
- Detain without trial for 2 years
- No right to know charges
- No appeals allowed
Why It Was Called "Black Act":
- Took away all civil liberties
- British could imprison anyone they suspected
- No justice, no fair trial
- Indians had NO rights
Gandhi's Response
Strategy:
- Nationwide hartal (strike) on April 6, 1919
- All shops closed, no work
- Peaceful protests in all cities
- Prayer meetings and fasting
Result:
- HUGE participation across India
- British panicked at unity
- Violent clashes in some places (Punjab, Delhi)
- British used brutal force to suppress
Importance: First all-India mass movement against British
💔 Part 6: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919)
The Horror That Shook India
Background:
- Protests against Rowlatt Act in Punjab
- Two popular leaders arrested (Saifuddin Kitchlew and Satyapal)
- People gathered peacefully to protest
What Happened:
Date: April 13, 1919 (Baisakhi festival) Place: Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar (enclosed garden) Gathering: 10,000-20,000 people (men, women, children) Purpose: Peaceful protest meeting
The Massacre:
- General Dyer arrived with armed troops
- Blocked the only exit
- Without warning, ordered troops to fire
- Fired for 10 minutes continuously
- Aimed at densest crowd, maximum casualties
- People jumped into well to escape bullets
Death Toll:
- Official: 379 killed, 1200 injured
- Actual (estimated): 1000+ killed, 2000+ injured
Impact of Jallianwala Bagh
Immediate Impact:
- Entire nation shocked and horrified
- Indians lost ALL faith in British "fairness"
- Moderates became extremists
- Made Indians determined to fight for freedom
Long-term Impact:
- Became symbol of British cruelty
- United Indians like never before
- Rabindranath Tagore returned his knighthood in protest
- Gandhi said: "Cooperation with such a government is sinful"
- Prepared ground for Non-Cooperation Movement
Dyer's Justification: "I wanted to create moral impact" (shocking!)
Exam Alert: 5-mark question often asks: "Describe Jallianwala Bagh massacre and its impact" - Use these points!
🧒 EXPLAIN LIKE I'M 5: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Imagine a terrible nightmare scenario:
- Your entire school is having a peaceful meeting in the playground
- Students, teachers, even small kids present
- Suddenly, someone locks all gates from outside
- Then starts throwing stones at everyone - doesn't stop!
- People can't escape, trapped inside
- Many get hurt, some die trying to climb walls
- The attacker says: "I did this to teach you a lesson"
That's what happened at Jallianwala Bagh!
- Indians had peaceful meeting in a garden
- General Dyer (British officer) blocked exit, ordered firing
- Killed hundreds of innocent people
- His reason? "To teach Indians not to protest"
Why it matters: This cruel act showed Indians that British had NO mercy. It made even peaceful Indians angry enough to fight for freedom.
Remember: This wasn't war - it was MURDER of unarmed, peaceful people (including children!).
✊ Part 7: Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
Why It Started
Gandhi's Proposal at Calcutta Session (September 1920):
- British government is oppressive and unjust
- Indians should refuse to cooperate with it
- Non-cooperation is our weapon
Two Main Causes:
- Khilafat Issue: Muslims angry that British defeated Turkey (seat of Khalifa)
- Jallianwala Bagh: All Indians furious at British brutality
Strategy: Hindu-Muslim unity to strengthen movement
The Programme (What Indians Did)
Stages of Non-Cooperation:
Stage 1: Surrender of Titles
- Indians returned medals, honors given by British
- Example: Gandhi returned Kaiser-i-Hind medal
Stage 2: Boycott of Government Institutions
- Students left government schools and colleges
- Lawyers boycotted courts
- People resigned from government jobs
- No participation in legislative councils
Stage 3: Boycott of Foreign Goods
- Burned foreign cloth publicly (videshi vastra)
- Wore only khadi (hand-spun cloth)
- Boycott of British goods
Stage 4: (Planned) Refusal to Pay Taxes
- This stage never reached due to Chauri Chaura
Participation by Different Groups
1. Middle Class (Urban)
- Students left schools (thousands quit)
- Lawyers like Motilal Nehru, C.R. Das gave up lucrative practice
- Headmasters resigned
- Professionals joined movement
Why they joined: Believed in Gandhi, wanted swaraj (self-rule)
2. Peasants (Rural)
- Interpreted "swaraj" as freedom from oppression by landlords
- In Awadh: Peasants led by Baba Ramchandra
- Demanded reduction in land revenue
- Abolition of begar (forced labor)
- Social boycott of landlords
- Used violence in some places (not Gandhi's way)
Why they joined: Thought swaraj = end of high taxes and exploitation
3. Tribals (Forest Areas)
- Angry at forest laws (couldn't use forest resources)
- Example: Andhra Pradesh tribals led by Alluri Sitaram Raju
- Used guerrilla warfare
- Attacked police stations
- Wanted traditional rights to forest
Why they joined: Believed swaraj = freedom to use forests like before
4. Plantation Workers
- Interpreted "swaraj" as freedom to leave plantations
- Many left tea gardens and headed home
- Believed Gandhi Raj meant they could go anywhere
Why they joined: Wanted freedom from oppressive plantation work
The Problem: Different Meanings of Swaraj
Gandhi's Swaraj: Self-rule through non-violence, moral awakening
Peasants' Swaraj: No more high taxes, own the land
Tribals' Swaraj: Freedom to use forests
Workers' Swaraj: Better wages, freedom to move
Issue: When people interpreted swaraj differently, movement became difficult to control
🔴 Chauri Chaura Incident (February 1922) - The End
What Happened?
Location: Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh Date: February 5, 1922
The Event:
- Peaceful protesters marched
- Police opened fire, killing some
- Angry mob retaliated (against Gandhi's principles!)
- Burned down police station
- 22 policemen died in fire
Gandhi's Reaction:
- SHOCKED and heartbroken
- Said: "Indians not ready for non-violence"
- Immediately withdrew entire Non-Cooperation Movement
- Went on fast as penance
Result:
- Movement stopped suddenly
- Many leaders disappointed (wanted to continue)
- Gandhi arrested and sentenced to 6 years prison (released after 2 years)
Why Gandhi Withdrew Movement?
Gandhi's Logic:
- Non-violence is the soul of movement
- If people become violent, movement loses moral strength
- Violence gives British excuse to brutally suppress
- Indians must FIRST learn non-violence
Leaders' Disagreement:
- C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru felt betrayed
- Argued: One incident shouldn't stop nationwide movement
- But Gandhi's decision was final
Long-term Impact:
- Taught Indians importance of discipline
- Made Gandhi's commitment to non-violence clear
- Showed British that Gandhi controlled masses
🧒 EXPLAIN LIKE I'M 5: Chauri Chaura Incident
Imagine your class is doing a peaceful protest (silent march):
- Everyone agreed: NO fighting, NO violence, just walk silently
- But then, some students from your class get angry
- They start throwing stones, break school property
- Some even hurt teachers
What would happen?
- Principal would say: "Your protest has become violent! Stop immediately!"
- All students punished, including those who didn't fight
- Your right to protest taken away
That's exactly what happened at Chauri Chaura!
- Most protesters were peaceful (following Gandhi's rules)
- But some got angry and burned police station (killed policemen)
- Gandhi said: "If we can't stay non-violent, we don't deserve freedom"
- Stopped ENTIRE movement because of one violent incident
Why Gandhi did this:
- He believed: "Winning through violence is WORSE than losing peacefully"
- Better to lose with dignity than win by becoming like the enemy
- First teach Indians non-violence, THEN fight for freedom
Lesson: Discipline and non-violence are MORE important than quick victory
🗞️ Part 8: The Sense of Collective Belonging
How Indians Felt "United"
Question: How did millions of different Indians feel like ONE nation?
Answer: Through symbols, icons, and shared identity
1. Bharat Mata (Mother India)
Who Created: Abanindranath Tagore (painting, 1905) Image: Woman holding flag, food, cloth (representing India)
How it worked:
- Indians saw India as "mother"
- Fighting for freedom = protecting mother
- Emotional connection created
Bankim Chandra's "Vande Mataram":
- Song praising Mother India
- Became revolutionary anthem
- United Hindus emotionally
Issue: Some Muslims uncomfortable with Hindu imagery
2. Indian Flag (Tiranga)
Evolution:
- 1921: Gandhi designed flag (Red & Green with spinning wheel)
- 1931: Final design (Saffron, White, Green with Ashoka Chakra)
Symbolism:
- Saffron: Courage & sacrifice
- White: Peace & truth
- Green: Faith & prosperity
- Chakra: Progress & righteousness
Impact: Flag at protests made Indians feel united under one symbol
3. Reinterpretation of History
Problem: British portrayed Indians as backwards, uncivilized
Solution: Indian historians showed:
- India had glorious past (ancient science, mathematics, architecture)
- Rich cultural heritage
- Oppression came ONLY after British rule
Effect: Indians felt proud of identity, wanted to restore lost glory
4. Indian Folklore and Songs
Regional songs and tales: Celebrated heroes who fought oppressors
- Example: Songs about Rani Lakshmibai, Shivaji
- Spread nationalist ideas through local languages
- Even illiterate people understood and participated
📜 Part 9: Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)
Background: Why It Started
The Situation by 1930:
- Economic Depression (worldwide) hit India
- Agricultural prices fell drastically
- Peasants couldn't pay revenue
- British refused to reduce taxes
- No political solution in sight
Simon Commission (1928):
- British sent commission to suggest constitutional reforms
- All members were WHITE (no Indians!)
- Indians felt insulted
- Slogan: "Simon Go Back!"
- Lala Lajpat Rai died in lathi-charge during protest
Nehru Report (1928):
- Indian leaders drafted own constitution
- British rejected it
Lahore Congress (December 1929):
- Jawaharlal Nehru became Congress President
- Declared Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as goal
- January 26, 1930 celebrated as Independence Day (now Republic Day!)
Stage Set: Gandhi decides to launch new movement
The Salt March (March 12 - April 6, 1930)
Why Salt?
Gandhi's Brilliant Strategy:
- Salt = basic necessity for everyone (rich, poor, all use it)
- British had Salt Tax + monopoly on salt production
- Indians couldn't even collect natural sea salt!
- Simple issue that EVERYONE understood and related to
The Plan:
- March from Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad) to Dandi (Gujarat coast)
- Distance: 240 miles (385 km)
- Break Salt Law by making salt from sea water
The Historic March
Date: March 12, 1930 Starting Point: Sabarmati Ashram Ending Point: Dandi beach Duration: 24 days
What Happened:
- Gandhi started with 78 followers
- Walked 10-15 miles daily
- Visited villages, gave speeches
- Thousands joined along the way
- Massive crowds everywhere
- Press covered every step
April 6, 1930:
- Reached Dandi beach
- Gandhi picked up natural salt (breaking law!)
- Famous words: "With this, I am shaking the foundations of British Empire"
The Spread of Movement
After Dandi:
- Across India: People made salt everywhere
- Boycott: Foreign cloth burned publicly
- Picketing: Shops selling foreign goods picketed
- Refusal: People refused to pay revenue taxes
- Forest Laws: Peasants violated forest laws
- Factory Workers: Strikes in factories
British Response:
- Arrested thousands (including Gandhi)
- Brutal lathi-charges
- Jailed over 90,000 people
- Violent suppression
Famous Incident: Dharasana Salt Works raid
- Protesters marched to salt depot
- Police beat them brutally
- Not one protester fought back
- World press shocked at British cruelty
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931)
The Negotiation:
- British realized they couldn't suppress movement
- Gandhi released from jail
- Talks with Viceroy Lord Irwin
Terms:
- Gandhi agreed to suspend Civil Disobedience
- Participate in Round Table Conference (London)
- British agreed to release political prisoners
- Allow salt production for personal use (!)
Evaluation:
- Some called it surrender (freedom fighters disappointed)
- Others saw it as moral victory (British forced to negotiate!)
Second Round of Movement (1932-1934)
Why Restarted:
- Round Table Conference failed
- British refused key demands
- Gandhi and Congress leaders arrested again
Characteristics:
- Less mass participation than 1930
- More government repression
- Movement gradually weakened
- By 1934, officially withdrawn
Outcome: Though movement ended, had achieved significant goals:
- Made independence a mass demand
- British forced to think seriously about reforms
- Showed power of peaceful resistance
🧒 EXPLAIN LIKE I'M 5: The Salt March
Imagine this situation:
- Your school says: "From today, you can ONLY drink water from our bottles"
- "You can't bring water from home or drink from tap"
- "You must BUY our bottles - ₹100 per bottle!"
- Everyone needs water, right? So everyone has to pay!
What would you do?
Gandhi's Solution:
- He says: "This rule is UNFAIR! Let's all walk to the water tap together"
- He walks from classroom to school tap (long distance)
- More and more students join the walk
- Everyone watches, supports, cheers
- When he reaches tap, he drinks water from it
- Says: "This is OUR water! We have RIGHT to drink it free!"
- Then EVERYONE starts drinking from tap, breaking the unfair rule!
That's exactly the Salt March!
The Genius:
- Salt = common man's issue (everyone needs it)
- Walk = dramatic, got world attention
- Breaking law = openly challenging British
- Non-violent = couldn't be called terrorism
- Everyone could participate (even make salt at home!)
Why it worked:
- World saw: British won't let Indians have FREE SALT from their own sea!
- Made British look cruel and greedy
- United ALL Indians (rich, poor, Hindu, Muslim - everyone needs salt!)
👥 Part 10: Limits of Civil Disobedience
Not Everyone Participated Equally
Important Realization: The movement was NOT uniform - different groups had different levels of participation and different reasons.
1. The "Untouchables" (Dalits)
Their Situation:
- Faced discrimination from upper-caste Hindus
- Not allowed in temples, schools, wells
- Suffered both British oppression AND caste oppression
Why They Hesitated:
- Congress dominated by upper-caste leaders
- Would swaraj end caste discrimination?
- Many joined Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's separate movement
Gandhi's Response:
- Called them "Harijans" (Children of God)
- Demanded end to untouchability
- BUT many Dalits wanted separate political rights
The Poona Pact (1932):
- British tried to divide with separate electorates
- Gandhi went on fast
- Compromise reached: Reserved seats but joint electorate
Reality: Full inclusion of Dalits remained incomplete
2. Muslims
Initial Participation (1920s):
- Joined during Khilafat Movement
- Hindu-Muslim unity seemed strong
Why Some Withdrew (1930s):
a) Khilafat Issue Died:
- Turkey itself abolished Khilafat in 1924
- Issue that united Muslims no longer existed
b) Communal Clashes:
- Conflicts arose in 1920s (over religious processions, cow slaughter)
- Created suspicion
c) Numerical Concerns:
- Muslims feared Hindu majority in independent India
- Would their interests be protected?
d) Congress Perceived as Hindu:
- Despite Gandhi's efforts, many Muslims felt Congress was Hindu-dominated
- Symbolism (Vande Mataram, Bharat Mata) had Hindu imagery
e) Muslim League's Alternative:
- M.A. Jinnah offered separate identity politics
- Promise of separate nation appealed to some
Result: By 1930s, many Muslims supported Muslim League instead of Congress
Important: Many Muslims STILL supported Congress (Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Maulana Azad, etc.)
3. Business Class (Industrialists)
Why They Supported Initially:
- Wanted protection from foreign competition
- British policies favored British goods
- Formed Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress (1920)
Why Support Became Limited:
- Feared Gandhi's mass movements (worried about workers' strikes)
- Preferred negotiated settlements
- When business interests clashed with movement, withdrew
Pattern: Supported financially, but didn't want radical change
4. Industrial Workers
Expectations:
- Better wages
- Improved working conditions
- Right to form unions
Problem:
- Congress focused on political independence
- Worker issues seen as secondary
- Strikes often discouraged during national movements
Result: Some workers joined Congress, others joined Socialist/Communist movements
5. Women
Significant Participation:
- Thousands of women joined protests
- Many arrested and jailed
- Participated in picketing, making salt, boycotts
But Limited Role:
- Still expected to handle domestic responsibilities
- Not given leadership positions (mostly)
- After independence, returned to domestic sphere
Legacy: Proved women could play public role, laid foundation for future women's movements
🗺️ Part 11: Map Work (MUST Practice!)
Mark these locations on India map:
- Champaran (Bihar) - Indigo Satyagraha
- Kheda (Gujarat) - Tax Satyagraha
- Ahmedabad (Gujarat) - Mill Workers Strike
- Amritsar (Punjab) - Jallianwala Bagh
- Chauri Chaura (UP) - Violence that stopped Non-Cooperation
- Sabarmati to Dandi (Gujarat) - Salt March route
- Bardoli (Gujarat) - No-tax campaign
Exam Tip: Practice map 5 times with a blank India map!
📝 Important Terms & Definitions
Must memorize word-by-word for 1-mark questions:
- Satyagraha: Non-violent resistance based on truth and moral force
- Hartal: A day of strike, shops closed, work suspended
- Boycott: Refusal to deal with, buy from, or use something as protest
- Swaraj: Self-rule or independence
- Khadi: Hand-spun and hand-woven cloth
- Begar: Forced labor without payment
- Picket: To stand outside shop/building to discourage entry
- Civil Disobedience: Deliberate breaking of unjust laws non-violently
- Purna Swaraj: Complete independence
- Vande Mataram: "I bow to thee, Mother" - nationalist song
🎯 Exam-Focused Section
Source-Based Questions Practice
Example Source:
"With this, I am shaking the foundations of the British Empire" - Mahatma Gandhi, April 6, 1930
Questions: (i) Which event is Gandhi referring to? (1 mark) (ii) Where did this event take place? (1 mark) (iii) Why was this event significant? (2 marks)
Answers: (i) Breaking the Salt Law / Making salt at Dandi (ii) Dandi beach, Gujarat (iii) Significance:
- Symbolized defiance of British laws
- United entire nation around simple issue
- Attracted international attention
- Started mass Civil Disobedience Movement
Previous Year Question Patterns
1-Mark Questions:
- When was Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
- Who led Khilafat Movement?
- What was Rowlatt Act?
- Define Satyagraha
3-Mark Questions:
- Why did Non-Cooperation Movement slow down?
- What was Poona Pact?
- Why did Gandhi start Salt March?
- Explain any three features of Civil Disobedience Movement
5-Mark Questions:
- Describe any five features of Civil Disobedience Movement
- "Nationalism spreads when people begin to believe they are part of the same nation" - Explain
- Why did some people not participate in Civil Disobedience Movement?
- Describe the events of Jallianwala Bagh and its effects
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake 1: Confusing dates
- Non-Cooperation: 1920
- Civil Disobedience: 1930 Tip: Remember 10-year gap
❌ Mistake 2: Wrong locations
- Jallianwala Bagh: AMRITSAR (not Lahore!)
- Dandi: GUJARAT (not Maharashtra!)
❌ Mistake 3: Mixing up leaders
- Khilafat: Muhammad Ali & Shaukat Ali
- Muslim League: M.A. Jinnah
- Don't confuse!
❌ Mistake 4: Wrong reasons for withdrawal
- Non-Cooperation withdrawn: Chauri Chaura (NOT failure)
- Civil Disobedience paused: Gandhi-Irwin Pact (NOT defeat)
❌ Mistake 5: Ignoring different groups
- Don't just write about Gandhi/Congress
- Mention peasants, workers, women, Muslims, Dalits for complete answer
💪 Memory Techniques for This Chapter
1. Timeline Memory: "RJAC-NCK-CDQIM"
- Rowlatt (1919)
- Jallianwala (1919)
- Awwal/First Non-Cooperation (1920)
- Chauri Chaura (1922)
- Nehru Report (1928)
- Civil Disobedience (1930)
- Karachi Session (1931)
- Quit India (1942)
2. Gandhi's Three Satyagrahas: "CIA"
- Champaran (Indigo)
- Kheda (Tax) - sound like "kicked out tax!"
- Ahmedabad (Workers)
3. Why Civil Disobedience Started: "SEND"
- Simon Commission (insult)
- Economic Depression (poverty)
- Nehru Report rejected (no hope)
- Demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence)
4. Groups in Movement: "UPWMB"
- Upper class / Urban middle class
- Peasants
- Women
- Muslims
- Business class
5. Salt March Details: "SADD"
- Sabarmati to Dandi
- April 6, 1930
- Distance: 240 miles
- Duration: 24 days
📊 Quick Comparison Tables
Non-Cooperation vs Civil Disobedience
| Feature | Non-Cooperation (1920) | Civil Disobedience (1930) |
|---|---|---|
| Main cause | Khilafat + Jallianwala | Economic crisis + Simon Commission |
| Main method | Boycott of institutions | Breaking laws (Salt Law) |
| Symbol | Khadi cloth | Salt |
| Iconic event | Chauri Chaura | Dandi March |
| Why ended | Violence at Chauri Chaura | Gandhi-Irwin Pact |
| Muslim participation | Very high | Lower |
| Women's role | Limited | Significant |
| Duration | 1920-1922 | 1930-1934 (with break) |
Different Groups' Understanding of Swaraj
| Group | Their "Swaraj" Meant | Why They Joined | Why Some Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Middle Class | Self-governance, dignity | Nationalist feeling, educated | When movement became radical |
| Peasants | No high taxes, own land | Economic relief | When demands not met |
| Tribals | Forest rights restored | Traditional lifestyle | When Congress didn't prioritize |
| Workers | Better wages, rights | Economic issues | When strikes discouraged |
| Women | Social reform, equality | Patriotism, Gandhi's call | Forced back to domestic roles |
| Muslims | Religious freedom | Khilafat issue | Fear of Hindu majority |
| Business Class | Protection from foreign goods | Economic interests | Fear of worker strikes |
| Dalits | End of caste discrimination | Hope for equality | Separate political demands |
🎓 Scoring Strategy for This Chapter
For 1-2 Mark Questions:
Definitions (Learn exact wordings):
- Write precise definitions
- Include 1 example if possible
- Example: "Satyagraha means non-violent resistance based on truth. Example: Salt March."
Dates (Memorize key ones):
- 1919: Jallianwala Bagh
- 1920: Non-Cooperation starts
- 1922: Chauri Chaura
- 1930: Civil Disobedience, Salt March
- 1931: Gandhi-Irwin Pact
For 3 Mark Questions:
Golden Rule: 3 Points = 3 Marks
Structure:
- Brief introduction (1 line)
- Three clear points (with examples)
- Brief conclusion (1 line)
Example Question: Why did Gandhiji choose salt to start Civil Disobedience?
Perfect Answer: Gandhiji chose salt as the symbol of Civil Disobedience for strategic reasons.
- Universal Need: Salt was essential for everyone - rich or poor, all needed it daily.
- British Monopoly: The salt tax and British monopoly on salt production was seen as unjust exploitation.
- Simple & Relatable: Making salt from sea water was a simple act that everyone could understand and participate in.
This made the Salt March highly effective in uniting all Indians against British rule.
For 5-6 Mark Questions:
Golden Rule: 5-6 Points + Introduction + Conclusion
Structure:
- Introduction (2-3 lines): Define/contextualize
- 5-6 detailed points (each with example/explanation)
- Conclusion (2-3 lines): Significance/impact
Example Question: Explain the main features of Civil Disobedience Movement.
Perfect Answer Format:
Introduction: The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) was a mass movement led by Mahatma Gandhi to achieve Purna Swaraj through non-violent breaking of unjust British laws.
Main Features:
- Breaking of Salt Law: Gandhi started the movement by making salt at Dandi beach, symbolically breaking the salt monopoly. This inspired millions to manufacture salt illegally.
- Boycott of Foreign Goods: People boycotted foreign cloth and goods, burned them publicly, and promoted khadi as a symbol of self-reliance.
- Refusal to Pay Taxes: Peasants refused to pay land revenue, especially in areas like Gujarat (Bardoli) where the no-tax campaign was strong.
- Violation of Forest Laws: In forest areas, people violated colonial forest laws by entering reserved forests and collecting forest produce.
- Picketing: Liquor shops and shops selling foreign goods were picketed to discourage people from buying foreign products.
- Women's Participation: For the first time, thousands of women participated actively in protests, picketing, and were arrested.
Conclusion: Though the movement was withdrawn in 1934, it succeeded in making independence a mass demand and demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance to the world.
Map Work Strategy:
Before Exam:
- Practice marking 10 times on blank map
- Remember relative positions (Champaran is NORTH, Dandi is WEST)
- Use pencil first, then pen
- Mark neatly with proper labeling
In Exam:
- Mark all locations clearly with dots (•)
- Write names neatly beside marks
- If unsure of exact location, mark approximate area (partial marks given!)
- Don't leave any location unmarked
🔗 Connect with Other Chapters
This chapter connects to:
Class 10 History:
- Chapter 1: Rise of Nationalism in Europe (compare Indian & European nationalism)
- Chapter 2: Nationalism in Indo-China (similar colonial resistance)
Class 10 Political Science:
- Federalism (how diversity affected nationalism)
- Democracy (roots in freedom struggle)
Class 10 Economics:
- Colonialism's economic impact (why peasants/workers joined)
Check these related posts:
- Class 10 History: Print Culture - How print media spread nationalist ideas
- Class 9 Geography: India - Size and Location - Understanding India's geography
- Class 11 Political Science: Constitution - How freedom struggle shaped our constitution
✅ Final Revision Checklist
One Week Before Exam:
- Memorized all key dates (1919, 1920, 1922, 1930, 1931)
- Can write timeline from memory
- Remember all three early Satyagrahas
- Know Jallianwala Bagh details (date, place, death toll, impact)
- Understand Non-Cooperation Movement completely
- Know why Chauri Chaura was significant
- Remember Salt March route, dates, significance
- Understand Civil Disobedience features
- Know Gandhi-Irwin Pact terms
- Remember why different groups participated/withdrew
- Can mark all locations on map correctly
- Practiced 5 source-based questions
- Written 3 full 5-mark answers
Day Before Exam:
- Revise timeline 3 times
- Write definitions of all key terms
- Practice map one last time
- Read notes completely once
- Revise memory tricks
- Sleep well!
🎯 Last-Minute Quick Revision
30 Minutes Before Exam - Read This:
Key Dates:
- 1919: Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh
- 1920: Non-Cooperation starts
- 1922: Chauri Chaura, movement withdrawn
- 1930: Salt March (April 6), Civil Disobedience
- 1931: Gandhi-Irwin Pact
Key People:
- Gandhi: Satyagraha, Salt March, non-violence
- Nehru: Purna Swaraj demand, Congress President
- Jinnah: Muslim League, separate nation demand
- Ambedkar: Dalit rights, Poona Pact
- Lala Lajpat Rai: Died in Simon Commission protest
Key Events (in order):
- Gandhi returns (1915) → Three Satyagrahas
- Rowlatt Act (1919) → Jallianwala Bagh (1919)
- Non-Cooperation (1920-1922) → Chauri Chaura ends it
- Simon Commission (1928) → Insulted Indians
- Lahore Congress (1929) → Purna Swaraj demand
- Salt March (1930) → Civil Disobedience starts
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) → Temporary peace
- Movement continues till 1934
Most Important for 5-Mark Questions:
- Features of Civil Disobedience Movement
- Why different groups participated
- Jallianwala Bagh and its impact
- Why Non-Cooperation withdrawn
- Significance of Salt March
Map Locations (Mark from memory): Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Chauri Chaura, Sabarmati-Dandi route, Bardoli
📚 Conclusion
The story of Nationalism in India is not just history - it's the story of how millions of ordinary Indians became extraordinary freedom fighters!
Key Takeaways:
- Nationalism grew gradually - through education, awareness, and shared suffering
- Gandhi's genius - made complex political struggle simple (salt, khadi, non-violence)
- Unity in diversity - different groups had different reasons, but ONE goal
- Non-violence as weapon - proved peaceful resistance can defeat mighty empire
- Unfinished agenda - some groups (Dalits, women) still struggled for full equality
Why This Matters Today:
- India's diversity = strength (lesson from freedom struggle)
- Non-violent protest = powerful tool (used worldwide now)
- Unity despite differences = India's core value
- Standing up to injustice = our heritage
Remember: Every freedom you enjoy today was won by someone's sacrifice during these movements. Respect it, value it, protect it!
📢 About NCERT Nation
At NCERT Nation, we don't just teach history - we make you LIVE it!
What Makes Our Notes Special: ✅ Story-based learning (not boring dates!) ✅ "Explain Like I'm 5" for tough concepts ✅ Memory tricks that actually work ✅ Exam strategy from board toppers ✅ Previous year question patterns ✅ Map work practice included ✅ Source-based question practice
Explore More Historical Adventures:
- Class 10 History: Print Culture and Modern World - How newspapers spread freedom ideas
- Class 9 Geography: India Size and Location - Know your motherland
- Class 6 History: What, Where, How and When - Start of Indian history journey
- Class 11 Political Science: Constitution - Legacy of freedom struggle
Good luck with your boards! Make your ancestors proud - score high and remember their sacrifices! 🇮🇳🎓
Last Updated: November 2025 | Aligned with Latest CBSE Syllabus Difficulty Levels: Easy ✅ | Medium ⚡ | Hard 🔥
