LBA (Lesson Based Assessment) – Purpose, Advantages & Preparation
SOCIAL SCIENCE-HISTORY-CHAPTER-7
The Freedom Struggle
India’s freedom struggle was a long and determined movement against British rule. Thousands of leaders, revolutionaries, farmers, workers, and common people participated in the struggle for independence. The movement gradually evolved through different stages such as moderate politics, extremist movements, revolutionary activities, Gandhian movements, and mass protests.
This chapter explains the formation of the Indian National Congress, the role of Moderates, Extremists, Revolutionaries, Gandhian era, farmers’ movements, workers’ protests, and the contributions of important leaders in India’s freedom movement.
Formation of the Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded by A.O. Hume in 1885.
The Congress became an important platform for national awakening and political discussions.
Objectives of INC:
- Promote national unity
- Demand reforms
- Create political awareness
- Fight against British rule
The organization later became the main force behind India’s independence movement.
Moderates and Their Role
Moderates were the early leaders of the freedom movement who believed in constitutional methods.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was one of the prominent moderate leaders.
Methods of Moderates:
- Petitions and appeals
- Discussions and negotiations
- Constitutional reforms
- Peaceful methods
Moderates helped create political awareness among Indians.
Drain Theory of Wealth – Dadabhai Naoroji
Dadabhai Naoroji proposed the Drain Theory of Wealth.
According to this theory:
British policies transferred India’s wealth to Britain and caused economic exploitation.
The theory awakened Indians about British economic policies.
Extremists and Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Extremists believed in aggressive methods to achieve freedom.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the newspaper “Maratha.”
He declared:
“Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.”
Tilak also composed “Gita Rahasya.”
Role of Extremists:
- Boycott movements
- National awakening
- Promotion of Swadeshi
- Strong opposition to British rule
Revolutionary Movement
Revolutionaries adopted secret methods and direct action against British rule.
Secret Organizations:
- Anushilan Samiti
- Abhinav Bharat
Methods of Revolutionaries:
- Secret activities
- Armed struggle
- Political resistance
- Revolutionary propaganda
Gandhian Era and Mass Movements
Mahatma Gandhi introduced mass movements and non-violent struggle.
Champaran Movement
Gandhiji started the Champaran Movement to support indigo farmers.
Non-Cooperation Movement
The movement encouraged people to boycott British institutions and cooperate in national activities.
Civil Disobedience Movement
The movement opposed unjust British laws and promoted resistance.
Quit India Movement (1942)
The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942.
Jayaprakash Narayan emerged as one of the important non-Congress leaders during this movement.
Khilafat Movement
The Khilafat Movement was led by the Ali Brothers.
It promoted Hindu-Muslim unity and supported the freedom struggle.
Farmers, Workers and Tribal Protests
Farmers, workers, and tribal communities also played an important role in India’s freedom struggle.
Farmers’ Protests
Farmers protested against:
- Heavy taxes
- Exploitation
- Unfair British policies
Tribal Rebellions
Tribal communities fought against exploitation and British interference.
These movements strengthened the freedom struggle.
Subhash Chandra Bose and Forward Bloc
Subhash Chandra Bose founded the Forward Bloc Party.
He presided over the Haripura Session of Congress.
Achievements of Subhash Chandra Bose:
- Leadership of INA
- Strengthened nationalism
- Inspired youth
- Promoted armed struggle
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar published the newspapers Janata and Mooknayaka.
He worked for social justice and equality.
Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India.
He played an important role in nation building and foreign policy.
Partition of India
The partition of India became an important event in 1947.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah demanded a separate nation for Muslims.
The Radcliffe Commission marked the border between India and Pakistan.
Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India.
Important Questions for LBA Preparation
1 Mark Questions
✔ Who founded Indian National Congress?
✔ Who started the newspaper Maratha?
✔ Who composed Gita Rahasya?
✔ Who led the Khilafat Movement?
✔ Who founded Forward Bloc Party?
✔ Who published Janata and Mooknayaka newspapers?
✔ Who was the last Viceroy of India?
✔ Who declared “Swaraj is my birthright”?
2–3 Mark Questions
Explain the role of Moderates in the freedom struggle.
Moderates used constitutional methods, petitions, and peaceful protests to create political awareness.
Explain Drain Theory of Wealth.
Dadabhai Naoroji explained how British policies transferred India’s wealth to Britain.
Explain the role of Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Tilak promoted Swaraj, nationalism, and extremist methods against British rule.
Long Answer Questions
✔ Methods of revolutionaries
✔ Role of Non-Cooperation Movement
✔ Civil Disobedience Movement
✔ Quit India Movement
✔ Farmers and workers protests
✔ Achievements of Subhash Chandra Bose
✔ Struggle of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
✔ Achievements of Jawaharlal Nehru
Conclusion
“The Freedom Struggle” explains the collective efforts of leaders, revolutionaries, farmers, workers, and common people in achieving India’s independence. Their sacrifices and movements laid the foundation for a free and democratic India.
This chapter is highly important for LBA preparation and board examinations.
LBA Material PDF Link
The Freedom Struggle [PDF]