Mahatma Gandhi and The Nationalist Movement Class 12 History Chapter 11 CBSE Notes - 2025-26

Mahatma Gandhi was a defining figure in India's history, shaping the nationalist movement from 1915 to 1948. His return from South Africa in 1915 introduced new strategies and philosophies to Indian politics. He brought the concept of satyagraha, which means non-violent resistance to injustice.

When Gandhi arrived in India, the political scene was already active but needed unity and a new direction. 

The age-old discriminatory practices and social divisions existed, and Gandhi aimed to unite people across religions, castes, and regions. He became a symbol of simplicity by wearing khadi, living modestly, and speaking in the language of the masses.

His first major activities in India included supporting peasants in local movements. These were the Champaran (1917), Kheda (1918), and Ahmedabad (1918) struggles, where he worked closely with farmers and mill workers. Gandhi used peaceful agitation and negotiation to secure relief for the distressed.

Gandhi also popularised the use of Indian-made goods and spinning of khadi as tools of resistance. The spinning wheel or charkha became a symbol of self-reliance and national pride. 

His style of leadership inspired confidence among the ordinary people, and his message spread through speeches, newspapers, and word of mouth.

The Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

In 1919, the British introduced the Rowlatt Act, which allowed them to arrest and jail people without trial. Gandhi called for countrywide hartal (strike) and non-violent protest against this unjust law. Protests erupted across the country.

The peaceful protests turned tragic in Amritsar, Punjab. There, on 13 April 1919, General Dyer and his troops fired on an unarmed crowd at Jallianwala Bagh. Hundreds were killed, and the incident shocked the entire nation, hardening attitudes against British rule.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22)

Gandhi initiated the Non-Cooperation Movement to unite Hindus and Muslims and challenge British authority peacefully. People gave up British titles, boycotted government schools and courts, picketed shops selling foreign goods, and promoted swadeshi products and khadi.

• Surrender of government titles and honours
• Boycott of government institutions, courts, and foreign goods
• Promotion of hand-spun cloth and Indian industries

The movement saw participation from all parts of the country. However, the Chauri Chaura incident (1922), where protesters clashed with the police and burnt a police station, halted the movement. Gandhi, loyal to non-violence, called off the agitation.

Khilafat Movement and Hindu-Muslim Unity

Gandhi supported the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924), which aimed to protect the rights of the Turkish Caliph, seen as the leader of Muslims worldwide. By aligning non-cooperation with Khilafat, he brought Muslims and Hindus closer in the fight for freedom.

This unity was short-lived but crucial for creating a sense of shared purpose. Both movements increased mass participation in the national struggle and shaped the nationalist movement’s inclusive character.

The Civil Disobedience Movement and Salt March

One of Gandhi’s most iconic protests was the Salt Satyagraha in 1930. Challenging the British monopoly on salt and unjust laws, Gandhi marched from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi (about 240 miles) with 78 followers. He broke the salt law by making salt from seawater at Dandi.

This act inspired thousands across the nation to break salt laws, boycott British goods, and refuse tax payments. 

The movement saw mass arrests, and Gandhi became a global symbol of peaceful resistance. This campaign also attracted attention worldwide and showed the power of non-violent struggle.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact and Second Round Table Conference

In 1931, after much confrontation, Gandhi agreed to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact with the British government. He agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement, and many political prisoners were released. 

Gandhi represented the Indian National Congress at the Second Round Table Conference in London.

However, the conference did not produce any concrete results, mainly due to differences between Indian leaders and British officials.

Quit India Movement (1942) and Towards Independence

During World War II, the British dragged India into the war without consulting Indian leaders. This led to the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942. Gandhi gave the famous call, “Do or Die,” urging people to fight for complete independence.

The movement saw mass protests, strikes, sabotage of communications, and harsh British repression. Most leaders were arrested, but ordinary citizens kept the movement alive. It became clear that the British could no longer rule without Indian support.

Symbolism and Mass Participation

Gandhi identified with the masses by adopting village attire, using local languages, and living simply. 

The spinning wheel, salt satyagraha, and charkha all stood for self-sufficiency, justice, and Indian pride. Villagers, peasants, women, students, and workers all found a place in the movement.

Timeline of Important Events

Gandhi’s Vision and Criticism of Modernity

Gandhi believed that true freedom meant not only political independence but also social harmony and economic self-reliance. 

He argued against the blind adoption of Western industrialization, urging the use of simple tools and equitable distribution of wealth.

Legacy and Impact

Through his unique leadership style, Gandhi transformed the Indian National Congress into a people’s movement. He unlocked the potential of ordinary people, making them active participants. His campaigns unified various sections of society—peasants, urban workers, students, and women—on one platform.

• Introduced non-violent mass protest as a method of struggle
• Promoted Hindu-Muslim unity during key phases
• Built a sense of national identity and solidarity among Indians

Finally, by 1947, India achieved independence. Gandhi’s ideals and strategy left a lasting influence on India’s political thinking and world history.

Key Questions for Revision

• How did Gandhi try to connect with common people?
• Why was salt chosen as a symbol of protest?
• How did the charkha and khadi become icons of self-reliance?
• What were the main events of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
• Why is non-violence an important principle in freedom movements?

Recommended Reads

• Sekhar Bandyopadhyay: From Plassey to Partition
• David Hardiman: Gandhi in His Time and Ours
• Sumit Sarkar: Modern India, 1885-1947

Class 12 History Chapter 11 Notes – Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement: For Quick Revision

These handy revision notes for Class 12 History Chapter 11 cover all the key events and insights from Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on the nationalist movement. Focused bullet points and timelines help students remember important facts faster and understand the significance of non-cooperation, satyagraha, and the Quit India Movement.

By reviewing major movements, leaders, and their impact on independence, these History revision notes for Class 12 guide students in quick learning. The chapter summary simplifies exam preparation while ensuring you don’t miss essential themes of nationalism and Gandhi’s legacy.