ICSE Class 8 History & Civics, Unit 8: India’s Struggle for Freedom

What this unit aims at

India’s Struggle for Freedom is one of the important turning points in the history of India. This theme provides an insight into a phase that changed the course of India’s future. The end of the 19th century and the beginning of 20th century witnessed the rise of nationalist feelings among many Indians. These feelings ultimately led to the birth of Indian National Movement. The foundation of Indian National Congress marked the beginning of an organised political movement by Indians. The politically active Indians expressed their dissatisfaction with the exploitation of Colonial rule in India that gradually gained the momentum for the demand of self-rule. Mahatma Gandhi adopted the unique method of protest based on Satyagraha and Non-Violence that finally led the country to its independence. This theme will enable children to understand and appreciate the contributions and the sacrifices

Your child should be able to

• define nationalism and identify factors giving rise to nationalism
• state the objectives of the Indian National Congress
• discuss and comprehend the methods and demands of the moderates
• appreciate the ideas of Nationalism and Swadeshi
• identify the significance of the Home Rule Movement and the Lucknow Pact
• discuss various campaigns initiated by Gandhi
• explain the various factors responsible for the launching of Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movement and Quit India movement
• discuss the impact of the mass movements
• analyse the objectives of Forward Bloc and the INA
• examine the various clauses of the Indian Independence Act

Key concepts in this unit

• Concerns Phase 1 Rise of nationalism – factors- economic exploitation, spread of western education, role of the Press, repressive policy of Lord Lytton (to be covered briefly)
• Early political associations – The Indian National
• Congress (formation and objectives), The Moderates- leaders, methods, demands
• Partition of Bengal- only the Anti Partition Concerns
• Movement-Swadeshi and Boycott to be covered briefly, Surat split- a brief understanding.
• Phase 2 Home Rule Movement- leaders and objectives, Lucknow Pact (1916)- as
• Unity Pact (a brief understanding).
• Gandhian Era (1917 – 1947).
• Early campaigns- Kheda, Champaran, Ahmedabad (a brief description).
• Mass Movements-Non- cooperation (causes, withdrawal, impact), Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala, Khilafat (Chauri- Chaura).
• Civil Disobedience Movement (causes)
• Simon Commission, Lahore Session Quit
• India-Forward Bloc and INA (objectives only)
• Independence and partition – Cabinet
• Mission Plan, Mountbatten plan, Indian Independence
• Act (only clauses).