Our Freedom Struggle (1857-1947)

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This monograph seeks to reflect the desire of a teacher to emphasize the significance of our freedom move- ment which, being invested with some rare attributes remains a unique phenomenon in human history. The author has also tried to highlight the imperceptible impact it had on similar movements in Afro- Asian countries. It was not a mere accident that the liberation of India marked the beginning of the downfall of European imperialism in Asia followed by similar trends in Africa. On the national plane its potential as a character building and faith raising cause has been unquestioned.

What is remarkable about this book is that it comprises within its text the narration of main land marks in our march towards freedom as well as enunciation of the philosophical precepts that manifested themselves in our constructive activities. In brief, it was as if history and philosophy marched together hand in hand to inspire us in the pursuit of our goal.

It will not be too much to expect that the message of the movement briefly stated in this essay will serve as a beacon to the rising generation who should know at what cost their forefathers had to build a world worth living for them. They should prove worthy of the heritage with which they were born.

An alumnus of London School of Economics and Political Science Dr. Shri Ram Sharma has remained engaged in the study of Indian foreign policy the subject all major aspects of which he has discussed in over two dozen works. He also has to his credit the background of a long and sustained study of Indian freedom movement which he shared for over two decades with his students at various university centres in M.P. state and also as a guest speaker at various study camps in the country as well as abroad.

This book is primarily meant for the students of those faculties, such as commerce, engineering, medical and science, which do not provide for regular instruction in a subject which includes the study of freedom movement. It is being gradually realized that the study of this subject is essential for all our youths irrespective of any consideration of the subjects they have to study to obtain their professional degrees. It is as basic a discipline as the elementary knowledge of health and hygiene and as such it cannot be excluded from the syllabus of any subject. The significance of the subject transcends all other considerations as it is vitally concerned with our very survival as an independent nation. We have to live in the atmosphere of 'freedom first, before considering to practice as a doctor, engineer or a scientist. The study of this subject is usually associated with two styles-narrative and normative-but both are intertwined and, therefore, inseparable. Just as storytelling is an art of imparting moral instruction in a delightful way, the study of history should also not be bereft of some ethical motives Mere narration of the events of the movement in one sequence is meaningless as the object of the study of the movement is essentially to draw morals from what happened during the course of freedom struggle. It was not only a freedom struggle in the political sense but also a regeneration of an ancient civilisation which had the misfortunes of a millennium. The loss of freedom by India was not a mere tragic incident of history but the culmination of a long process of our moral decline. To state precisely, we lost our character first and, as its inevitable corollary, freedom later And to revive those dormant values of life which had given us the distinction of being regarded as one of the most advanced nations of the world, the movement was launched as a multi-class upsurge in which the aspirations of the entire people were integrated for the demand of national freedom. It was an article of faith with our leaders to say that achievement of freedom was to be the first step before we could think in terms of rejuvenating our national stature.

This essay seeks to reflect the desire of a teacher to emphasize the significance of the study of our freedom movement which, being invested with some rare attributes, remains a unique phenomenon in human history For the means adopted to achieve the major aim-the liquidation of British imperialism-it would ever remain a model for others to emulate. It has been history's verdict that no nation has ever fought its war of liberation with such dignified means as we did, nor did any one use non-violence as a technique on such a large scale and for such a long duration. Moreover, the liberation of India turned out to be a precursor to a new era which marked the beginning of gradual liquidation of European domination from the whole of Asia and Africa. And surprisingly enough, the process of withdrawal has been, with the exception of a couple of bloody conflicts, fairly orderly and peaceful. Our movement thus has a message for the world at large.

**Contents and Sample Pages**