Introduction The emergence of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 marked a new phase in the history of India’s struggle for freedom. The early leaders of the Congress, commonly known as the Moderates, represented the first organized expression of Indian political awakening under British rule. They sought to reform the colonial administration through peaceful,…
Introduction The Gandhian phase of the Indian national movement, roughly spanning from 1915 to 1947, represents one of the most dynamic and transformative periods in India’s freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi’s entry into Indian politics revolutionized the nature, direction, and spirit of the nationalist movement. His leadership not only united people across regions, castes, classes, and…
Introduction The nineteenth century stands as a period of profound transformation in India’s socio-cultural, intellectual, and political landscape. Often described as the period of the “Indian Renaissance,” this era marked the reawakening of Indian consciousness after centuries of political subjugation, economic exploitation, and cultural stagnation under colonial domination. The term Renaissance—borrowed from the European experience—denotes…
Introduction The Indian national movement underwent a remarkable transformation during the 1920s. Before this decade, the movement had largely been led by elite groups and was confined to urban centers, focusing primarily on constitutional reforms and moderate petitions to the British government. However, from the 1920s onward, the struggle for independence gained new dimensions —…
Introduction Among the British viceroys who governed India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lord George Nathaniel Curzon (Viceroy of India, 1899–1905) stands as one of the most controversial and consequential figures. His tenure marked a critical turning point in the history of British India. A man of immense intelligence and administrative skill,…
Introduction The Indian freedom struggle was not a spontaneous outburst but the culmination of a long and organized process of political awakening, social consciousness, and national unity. The foundation of this grand movement was laid by the Moderates, the early leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC), who worked tirelessly between 1885 and 1905 to…
Introduction The nineteenth century in India was a period of remarkable transformation. It marked the beginning of India’s modern age, characterized by the emergence of new ideas, cultural reawakening, and the fusion of Western education with indigenous traditions. The socio-religious reform movements that arose during this period were a response to the stagnation, superstition, and…
The Indian freedom struggle was not merely a political movement but also a cultural resurgence. Performing arts, including dance, music, and drama, played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses, spreading nationalist sentiments, and reinforcing India’s cultural identity against colonial rule. These art forms served as powerful tools of resistance, inspiring people to fight for…
The British colonial rule in India, which lasted from 1757 to 1947, profoundly influenced the country’s art, literature, and cultural traditions. The interaction between Indian traditions and European influences led to both disruption and transformation. While colonial rule imposed Western ideals and sought to undermine indigenous cultural expressions, it also inadvertently facilitated new artistic and…
Introduction Indian painting has evolved over centuries, reflecting the diverse cultural and historical transformations that have shaped the subcontinent. Two of the most significant figures in Indian painting are Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906) and Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941). Their contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian art, blending indigenous traditions with global influences. This article…