Struggle For Independence

In 1885 a group calling itself the Indian National Congress, consisting largely of Hindus, was organized to work for Indian participation in government. Britain responded by permitting Indian representation in legislative councils. In 1905 a group of Muslims, fearing Hindu control, formed the Muslim League to represent Muslim interests.

India supported the British cause during World War I. In 1919, however, the Congress party began a campaign for self-government. Party leader Mohandas K. Gandhi led a noncooperation (or civil disobedience) movement, in which British courts and other institutions were boycotted and taxes withheld. Gandhi was jailed in 1922, but the drive for independence continued.

The British reorganized the government under the Government of India Act of 1935, which provided for elective governments for each of the provinces and an elected legislative assembly for the national government. Control of the government, however, remained with the British, and most Indians rejected the changes as inadequate.