The history of freedom movement in India comes with a lot of struggle. Since the Revolt of 1857 to India’s independence in 1947, this movement experienced multiple stages and is more than a story - it carries a lengthy history of important movements, countless sacrifices, and an extended past of rebellion and strategic politics; marked by centuries of bloodshed, sacrifice, and unwavering resilience.
Today, nearly 80 years after independence, the history of freedom movement in India and its struggle is recent enough for us to feel its heat, yet distant enough to think about it clearly, and with the advantage of hindsight. We must analyze it, as our past, present and future are inextricably linked to it. Men and women of every age and society make their history, but they do not make it in a vacuum. Their efforts, however innovative, at finding solutions to their problems in the present and charting out their future, are guided and circumscribed, molded and conditioned, by their respective histories, their inherited economic, political and ideological structures, as seen in the Indian freedom movement.
The path that India has followed since 1947 has deep roots in India’s struggle for independence. The political and ideological features that shaped development after India became independent are largely a heritage from the Indian independence movement. It is a legacy that belongs to all the Indian people, regardless of which party or group they belong to now, for the ‘party’ which led this struggle was not then a party, but the Indian independence movement 1857 to 1947; all political trends from the Right to the Left were incorporated in it.
Here we will briefly review and highlight the most significant moments in the Indian freedom movement and India's journey to independence.
The history of freedom movement in India includes a great role of the 1857 rebellion, which marked a significant beginning in the Indian independence movement 1857 to 1947. It was a major initial attempt to resist British rule, which was sparked by a combination of grievances related to politics, economy, military issues, and religious discontent. The revolt started in Meerut and rapidly gained momentum in Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow with notable leaders such as Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Bahadur Shah Jafar and Nana Sahib who played key roles in guiding the uprising. Although the British suppressed the rebellion, it ignited a sense of national awareness and consciousness among average Indians, paving the way for the Nationalist Movement.
Key early events of the Indian independence movement during the Revolt of 1857 are outlined below:
| Date | Event Summary |
| 29 Mar 1857 | Mangal Pandey revolts at Barrackpore; later executed. |
| 24 Apr 1857 | Sepoys in Meerut refuse greased cartridges; dismissed. |
| 9 May 1857 | 85 sepoys imprisoned, increasing army unrest. |
| 10 May 1857 | Meerut sepoys revolt, march to Delhi, and kill British officers. |
| May 1857 | Rebels declared Bahadur Shah II as Emperor in Delhi. |
| June 1857 | Nana Saheb leads the Kanpur revolt, declares himself Peshwa. |
| Jun-Jul 1857 | Major uprisings in Lucknow and Cawnpore. |
| Aug 1857 | Rani Lakshmibai and Tatya Tope try to capture Gwalior. |
| Sep 1857 | The British begin the siege of Delhi. |
| Mar 1858 | British retake Cawnpore; revolt crushed in most areas. |
| 1858 | Revolt ends; British Crown replaces East India Company. |
The Revolt of 1857, India’s First War of Independence, was a major turning point in the history of the freedom movement in India. Even if the revolt was suppressed, it ended the rule of the British East India Company and shifted India to direct British Crown control through the Government of India Act 1858. The British changed the military by selecting soldiers from diverse locations and communities and introduced a “divide and rule” policy to prevent unified uprisings. It set in motion nationalism, with the next generations of Indians becoming more united in their desire for independence from British rule and laid the foundation for future independence movements.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati in Bombay (present Mumbai) initiated the Arya Samaj movement, which later spread to Punjab. The primary objective in the history of freedom movement in India was to revive Vedic values, fight social injustices, and ensure education for all, thereby establishing the Arya Samaj movement. The Arya Samaj Movement was a significant socio-religious movement of its time, sparking critical thinking and awakening among Hindus, fostering national consciousness, and laying the groundwork for political awakening and nationalism.
A.O. Hume founded the Indian National Congress (INC) in Bombay in 1885 as a platform for Indians to voice their aspirations and grievances under British rule, marking an important step in the Indian freedom movement. Prominent leaders like Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee served as its first president, with notable figures such as Dadabhai Naoroji playing key roles. Dadabhai Naoroji is often referred to as the "Grand Old Man of India" for his contributions to the nationalist movement and his criticism of British rule. The INC (Indian National Congress) began by advocating for administrative reforms through dialogue with the British. Gradually, it transformed into the principal organization driving India's fight for freedom.
The British government decided in 1905 to divide Bengal, which was a classic example of the ''divide and rule" policy. The partition led to the Swadeshi Movement, a significant part of the Indian freedom movement, which promoted the boycott of British goods and encouraged the use of Indian-made products. The efforts of leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal sparked public awareness through their protests, significantly boosting Indian Nationalism.
The All India Muslim League was formed under the patronage of Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka and the Aga Khan III, with the primary goal of protecting Muslim interests in British India. Established on December 30, 1906, in Dhaka, the party aimed to promote loyalty to the British government, safeguard Muslim political rights, and prevent prejudice against other Indian communities. This was a marked formation in the beginning era of Communal politics in India.
Bengal, during the history of freedom movement in India, witnessed the rise of secret societies like the Anushilan Samiti, which quickly promoted militant nationalism. Under the leadership of revolutionaries like Barindra Ghosh and Aurobindo Ghosh, these leaders resorted to armed struggle, committing political murders and bomb attacks. Despite the British Government's efforts to suppress the Indian freedom movement, the freedom fighters inspired a new generation during that time.
Between 1916 and 1918, the Home Rule movement took place in India, inspired by the Irish Home Rule League, and was a significant chapter in India’s struggle for independence and self-governance. The movement was led by prominent leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Annie Besant, Joseph Baptista, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, with the primary goal of securing self-governance for India while remaining part of the British Commonwealth.
The movement was initiated to express the response to the satisfaction within the Government of India Act 1909, the hardships of war, and the need to revive National political activism. In April 1916, Bal Gangadhar Tilak launched the Indian Home Rule League, focusing on Maharashtra, Karnataka and parts of Central provinces. Meanwhile, Annie Vasant established the All-India Home Rule League in September 1916 with a broader scope across the country.
The significant achievement was influencing the 1917 Montagu Declaration, which promised the gradual development of self-governing institutions in India.
The Jallianwala Bagh Situation happened on April 13, 1919, while participating in a peaceful public meeting and became the darkest one in the most discussed movements. On that day, thousands of men, women, and children gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab. But not all were for protests; there were a lot of people who had come to celebrate the Baishakhi festival, while others were there to protest about two resolutions of the British Rowlatt Act, but without any arms. But in the end, the British reacted with extreme force, leading to many injuries and deaths among the unarmed protesters, a tragic episode in the history of freedom movement in India.
When the news reached to Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, he arrived with his troops and sealed off the sole exit route, then ordered firing without giving any warning. More than 1650 rounds were fired at common people for 10-15 minutes that day. It was reported according to the Britishers that 379 people died and more than 1200 people were injured, but Indian numbers were much bigger. The brutality of the massacre stunned the nation and the world within the Indian freedom movement. Destroyed the small amount of trust left between the Indian people and the British government with that incident. This became the major turning point in the freedom struggle, promoting leaders such as Gandhi to initiate movements like non-cooperation and uniting people across India in the fight for freedom.
The Non-Cooperation Movement, part of the Indian independence movement 1857 to 1947, was launched in the wake of events like the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and was called off after the Chauri Chaura incident of 1922. The Indian national movement was basically a non-violent and peaceful campaign against the British government in India. Indians were asked to relinquish their titles and resign from nominated seats in the local bodies as a mark of protest.
People were asked to resign from their government jobs, to withdraw their children from government-controlled or aided schools and colleges, boycott foreign goods and use only Indian-made goods. Due to this movement, people boycotted the elections to the legislative councils and decided not to serve in the British army.
It was also planned that if the above steps did not bring results, people would refuse to pay their taxes. The INC also demanded Swarajya or self-government. Only completely non-violent means would be employed to get the demands fulfilled. The non-cooperation movement was a decisive step in the history of freedom movement in India because, for the first time, the INC was ready to forego constitutional means to achieve self-rule. Gandhiji had assured that Swaraj would be achieved in a year if this movement were continued to completion.
The Chauri Chaura incident occurred at Chauri Chaura in the Gorakhpur district of the United Province (modern Uttar Pradesh) in British India on 4 February 1922, when many people protesting together in the Non-cooperation movement clashed with police, who opened fire. In retaliation, the demonstrators attacked and set fire to a police station, killing all of its occupants. The incident led to the deaths of three civilians and 23 policemen. Mahatma Gandhi, who was strictly against violence, halted the Non-cooperation Movement on the national level on 12 February 1922, as a direct result of this incident.
Key events of the Chauri Chaura incident, a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence, are listed below:
| Date | Incident |
| Feb 4, 1922 | Protesters gathered for a Non-Cooperation movement meeting |
| Feb 4, 1922 | Police opened fire on protesters, killing several people |
| Feb 4, 1922 | Protesters attacked and set fire to the police station |
| Feb 4, 1922 | 23 police officers and 3 civilians were killed |
The Simon Commission, officially designated as the Indian Statutory Commission, played a significant role in the history of freedom movement in India. Which was established by the British government in 1927 to analyze the Government of India Act 1919 and advise on changes to the constitution. The commission was overseen by Sir John Simon and included seven British members, sparking controversy and anger in India due to the lack of Indian representation.
The Simon Commission of 1927 marked a major turning point in India’s independence movement. The clear ignoring of Indians in decision-making regarding the future of their own country incited widespread protests. It rekindled the nationalist fervour that had somewhat subsided after the Non-Cooperation Movement. The large-scale opposition to the commission merged different factions within India and underscored the Indians’ demand for meaningful self-governance. The sacrifices of leaders and common citizens alike in opposing the Simon Commission deepened the resolve of the Indian people, who grew increasingly determined to overthrow colonial rule and pave the way toward independence, marking a pivotal moment in the Indian freedom movement.
The Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) was formed on September 10, 1928, at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi, by prominent revolutionaries as an important chapter in the history of freedom movement in India by Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Ajay Ghosh, Surya Sen, Jatindranath, and others. Their thoughts united national loyalty with socialism. Their daring actions, including the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly and the killing of Saunders, galvanized youth participation in the Indian independence movement. Civil Disobedience Movement(1930) is regarded as the second major mass movement and a distinct advancement in widening the social reach of India’s struggle for freedom after the Non-Cooperation Movement. Known also as Salt Satyagraha, it was also the first time when Congress put the objective of complete independence to the British authority as well as to the Indian masses.
The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) is regarded as the second major mass movement and a distinct advancement in widening the social reach of India’s struggle for freedom, marking an important phase in the history of freedom movement in India after the Non-Cooperation Movement known also as Salt Satyagraha and also the first time when Congress put the objective of complete independence to the British authority as well as to the Indian masses. The Civil Disobedience Movement was formally launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 6 April 1930 by breaking the salt law after his historic Dandi March. It was a crucial part of the Indian freedom movement and was followed by the widespread arrest of national leaders throughout the nation.
Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, affiliated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, were found guilty in the assassination of John Saunders, carried out to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death during India’s struggle for independence. Their hunger strikes in prison, asking to be treated as political prisoners, won huge public support and became an important chapter in the history of freedom movement in India. Even with protests all over the country and appeals by national leaders to reduce their death sentence, the trio was secretly hanged in Lahore Jail on 23 March 1931, a day before the scheduled date. They were secretly burned which caused anger everywhere. This day is now commemorated as Shaheed Diwas in honour of their courage and sacrifice, marking an important moment in the Indian freedom movement.
The Government of India Act of 1935 was one of the most impactful acts adopted by the British Parliament for administering British India. The Act showed a meaningful transition towards Indian self-government. It suggested a federal system, let provinces rule themselves, and increased voting rights due to rising demands to give Indians a bigger role in governance, marking an important step in the history of freedom movement in India. Although the Government of India Act of 1935 brought about considerable constitutional changes that contained several significant limitations that led to rejection by Indian leaders:
The Act allowed the Governor-General and provincial governors to retain extensive powers, including veto authority, despite provincial autonomy. This Act extended communal electorates, deepening divisions among religious and social groups, and imposed a rigid framework with no provision for amendments by Indian authorities, reserving this power for the British Parliament. That faced widespread rejection from the Indian National Congress and other groups, failed to establish the proposed federation, and retained a restricted franchise limiting voting rights to only 10% of the population, yet it remained a notable episode in the Indian freedom movement.
Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership made possible the Quit India Movement on August 8, 1942, which is considered a significant anti-colonial struggle in the Indian independence movement 1857 to 1947. “Do or Die” slogan from Gandhi represented a strong push to end British rule. Initially a civil disobedience movement, it soon turned violent, aiming to dismantle the colonial regime. Acknowledging the nation’s mood, Gandhi thought fighting against government oppression was thought to be right, even if it sparked clashes.
Also called as “August Kranti Movement”, it showed a strong refusal of British rule rather than traditional Satyagraha and Even though the government said that independence could be granted only after the end of the war, the movement called for full independence as the main goal of the freedom movement.
The naval revolt in Bombay marked a powerful chapter in the history of freedom movement in India and the Indian independence movement 1857 to 1947. The massive public support, including strikes and shutdowns, showed widespread unrest against British rule. This united rebellion shook British confidence as even colonial troops defied commands, revealing their growing nationalist spirit. The movement’s call for releasing political prisoners highlighted its true intentions. The uprising’s impact made the British realize they could no longer rely on the army to maintain control, accelerating talks for India’s independence and signalling the end of colonial rule.
The 1946 Naval Mutiny ended through appeals by Sardar Patel and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, accelerated the decline of British authority in India and became an important episode in the Indian national movement. By challenging army discipline and demonstrating widespread public support, it strengthened civilian supremacy, motivated national unity, and marked a decisive step toward the end of colonial rule.
The Indian Independence Act became law in 1947. The act set up two new independent dominions: India and Pakistan. Pakistan was split into Pakistan and East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh. The Bengal and Punjab provinces were divided between the two new countries. The dominion of India and Pakistan separated the Muslims from the rest of the population. The Hindu and Sikh population caused the largest forced movement of people ever, which wasn’t caused by war or famine. The Act got rid of the use of ‘Emperor of India' as a title for the British Crown and ended all existing treaties with the princely states. Lord Mountbatten continued as Governor-General and Jawaharlal Nehru was appointed India's first Prime Minister, Muhammad Ali Jinnah became Pakistan's Governor-General and Liaquat Ali Khan its Prime Minister.
Following independence, India and Pakistan faced widespread communal violence, leading to mass migration and clashes among Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims. Mountbatten remained Governor-General during the transition, with Nehru as India’s first Prime Minister and Jinnah as Pakistan’s Governor-General. Princely states were integrated into India under Vallabhbhai Patel’s leadership, including Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Kashmir. The Constituent Assembly, headed by B.R. Ambedkar drafted the Indian Constitution, completed on 26 November 1949, and India became a republic on 26 January 1950, with Rajendra Prasad as President. Subsequent integration of territories like Goa, Pondichéry, and Sikkim completed India’s territorial consolidation.
India’s freedom movement was not a single act of rebellion but a symphony of voices- moderate, revolutionary, religious, and secular- converging over time to demand dignity, justice, and liberty. From the valor of Rani Lakshmibai to the moral strength of Gandhi, from the firebrand speeches of Tilak to the silent salt march of Dandi, each moment shaped the India we live in today. This history is not just about dates and events- it’s about the people, ideas, and emotions that fueled one of the world’s greatest struggles for independence.
The Indian freedom movement united people across diverse beliefs, showing that collective effort drives change. Leaders like Rani Lakshmibai and Gandhi displayed courage and moral strength, while protests and symbolic acts inspired participation. The history of freedom movement in India teaches enduring lessons on bravery, justice, dignity, and the power of ordinary people.