Important Dates and Movements in India’s Freedom Struggle

India’s freedom movement was shaped by a series of historic events and mass movements led by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, and many others.

These movements brought people together from villages, towns, and cities, uniting them under the common goal of independence.

Knowing the important dates and movements is essential for students and aspirants preparing for competitive exams.

Key Movements and Their Dates

Movement / EventYearKey Leader(s)Main FeaturesOutcome / Importance
Swadeshi Movement1905Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat RaiBoycott of foreign goods after Partition of BengalStrengthened national consciousness, rise of Indian industries
Home Rule Movement1916Annie Besant, Bal Gangadhar TilakDemand for self-rule within British EmpireCreated political awakening, foundation for mass struggle
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre1919—Peaceful gathering fired upon by General Dyer in AmritsarShocked the nation, increased demand for complete independence
Non-Cooperation Movement1920–22Mahatma GandhiBoycott of British goods, schools, courts, titlesFirst nationwide mass movement; later suspended after Chauri Chaura
Civil Disobedience Movement (Dandi March)1930Mahatma GandhiSalt Satyagraha against British salt taxMass participation, challenged British monopoly, international attention
Quit India Movement1942Gandhi, Nehru, Patel“Do or Die” call, demand for immediate British withdrawalMost intense struggle, huge participation, weakened British control
INA Movement1943–45Subhas Chandra BoseIndian National Army fighting with Japanese supportInspired Indian soldiers, created pressure on British
Independence of India15 August 1947Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Bose (legacy)End of British rule, India became free nationBeginning of sovereign, democratic India

Key Facts for Exams

  • 1905 – Partition of Bengal → Swadeshi Movement.
  • 1919 – Jallianwala Bagh massacre → Turning point in freedom struggle.
  • 1920 – Non-Cooperation Movement → First large mass participation under Gandhi.
  • 1930 – Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) → Symbol of defiance against colonial laws.
  • 1942 – Quit India Movement → Strongest demand for immediate independence.
  • 1947 – Independence achieved.

These movements show how Indians moved from small protests to mass nationwide struggles, ultimately forcing the British to leave India.