Indian Freedom Struggle List from 1857 to 1947

Indian Freedom Struggle List from 1857 to 1947 is an important part of Indian national movement history. It is also called the Indian Independence Movement. This struggle started with the Revolt of 1857 and ended in 1947 when India got freedom. During this time, many leaders, groups, and people came together. Some used non-violent ways like marches and protests, while some decided to fight the British.

The list of the Indian National Movement 1857 to 1947 is a vital part of the UPSC Current Affairs and General Studies Paper-1 syllabus. It includes events like the Swadeshi Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement. By learning about the national freedom movement, we also learn important facts about India and the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.

Keep reading to explore the Indian Freedom Struggle List from 1857 to 1947 to understand the timeline of the long journey of India’s independence.

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Indian National Movement Overview

Indian National Movement was a long journey of struggle to end British rule in India. It started with the Revolt of 1857 and continued until 1947, when India became independent. This period is an important part of the Indian national movement history and covers the full journey from 1857 to 1947. 

The National Freedom Movement brought Indians together from all regions and religions to fight for freedom. After years of struggle, India became independent on 15 August 1947. Let’s now check the Indian Freedom Struggle List from 1857 to 1947.

Indian Freedom Struggle List from 1857 to 1947

There are different phases of the Indian national movement. It had many leaders, methods, and sacrifices. From the Revolt of 1857 to 1947, people in India fought against British rule with the aim of freedom. Historians generally divide the Indian national movement history into three main phases:

• Moderate Phase (1885–1905), where leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale used peaceful methods like petitions and reforms.

• Extremist Phase (1905–1919), where leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai demanded Swaraj and encouraged bold protests.

• Gandhian Phase (1919–1947), where Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel led non-violent movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India.

All these phases are part of the indian national movement 1857 to 1947, which finally gave India independence in 1947. To understand it better, check the Indian Freedom Struggle List from 1857 to 1947 given below.

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5 Major Indian National Movements Before Independence

The Indian National Movement was a long struggle against British rule. From 1857 to 1947, different revolts, movements, and leaders contributed to the fight for India’s freedom. Here are the five most important Indian National Movements before independence.

1. Revolt of 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny)

It was India’s First War of Independence, which started on 10 May 1857 in Meerut and spread to Delhi, Kanpur, and Lucknow.

• Causes: Soldiers were unhappy about new rifles with animal fat, high taxes, and British rules.

• Main Leaders: Mangal Pandey, Rani Laxmi Bai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Nana Saheb.

• Outcome: The revolt did not win, but it made Indians angry at the British and gave hope for later fights.

2. Swadeshi Movement (1905–1908)

When Bengal was divided into Eastern Bengal and Assam (Muslim-majority) and Western Bengal (Hindu-majority) by Lord Curzon, people protested.

• Causes: Division of Bengal by the British and the need to use Indian goods.

• Main Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal.

• Outcome: People stopped buying British goods, started using Indian things, and set up schools and industries in India.

3. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

Mahatma Gandhi started the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Indian National Congress in 1920 to protest British rule in India.

• Causes: Jallianwala Bagh killings, unfair laws, and poverty after World War I.

• Main Leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad.

• Outcome: Indians stopped going to British schools, courts, and offices; it brought people together.

4. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

It is also known as the Salt Satyagraha and was started by Mahatma Gandhi on 6 April 1930 with the Dandi March. It aimed to protest British salt laws and demand complete independence from British rule.

• Causes: The British ignored Indian demands, made unfair salt laws.

• Main Leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, Sarojini Naidu.

• Outcome: People made salt from seawater, protested without violence, and many leaders were sent to jail.

5. Quit India Movement (1942)

The Quit India Movement was started by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress in 1942. People wanted the British to leave India immediately.

• Causes: Long wait for freedom, unfair British control, and World War II.

• Main Leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel.

• Outcome: Mass protests happened across India, leaders were jailed, and Britain felt more pressure to leave.

Read More: List of National Symbols of India with Names

List of India’s Freedom Fighters from 1857 to 1947

Many brave leaders sacrificed their lives and gave their best efforts in national freedom movements. From soldiers to thinkers and social reformers, everyone contributed in their own way to fight British rule. From the first revolt in 1857 to India’s independence in 1947, these freedom fighters played an integral role in India’s fight for freedom. Here is a list of India’s freedom fighters from 1857 to 1947, along with their contributions.

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Indian National Movement History: Important Points

The Indian national movement history started with the Revolt of 1857 and ended when India became independent in 1947.

• Many leaders, like Mahatma Gandhi and groups like the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, took part.

• People used different ways to protest, from non-violent methods like Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience to armed fights.

• Important events included the Swadeshi Movement, Home Rule Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement.

• British actions like the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre made people even more eager to fight for freedom.

Reasons Behind the Indian National Movement

• British rules were unfair, and people wanted self-rule.

• Political groups like the Indian National Congress helped organize protests.

• High taxes and economic exploitation made people angry.

• Social unfairness under British rule united people.

• Success of revolutions in other countries inspired Indians.

To strengthen your preparation on the Indian freedom struggle and related topics, you can also check the UPSC Mindmaps Modern Indian History book by PW. It covers key facts about India in a simple way that makes the Indian national movement UPSC study easy.

To know the question types based on general awareness, check UPSC 5 Years General Studies PYQs. Together, these books can help you revise smartly, understand events better, and stay confident for exams.

Also Read: List of Important Articles in Indian Constitution for 2025 Competitive Exams

Indian Freedom Struggle List from 1857 to 1947 FAQs

Q.1. What is the Indian national movement?

Ans. The Indian national movement is a series of struggles made by Indians to fight against British rule and gain independence. It included protests, movements, and campaigns from 1857 to 1947.

Q.2. What were the 5 most important national freedom movements before independence?

Ans. Freedom movements like the Swadeshi Movement, Satyagraha Movement, Khilafat Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, and protests against the Rowlatt Act are included in the Indian national movement history.

Q. 3. Is the Indian National Movement UPSC an important topic?

Ans. Yes, the Indian national movement is an important topic for UPSC and other competitive exams.

Q.4. From where did the Indian Freedom Struggle begin?

Ans. The Indian Freedom Struggle started with the Revolt of 1857. It continued through many movements and protests and ended with India gaining independence on 15 August 1947.