Indian nationalism, a broad based movement that aimed to free India from colonial rule, was notably influenced by international upheavals such as World War II and the Russian Revolution. These global events not only modified India’s political ideologies but also had a profound impact on the strategies employed in its anticolonial struggle.

Influence of International Upheavals on Indian Nationalism

• World War II’s Economic Drain: British resources were severely drained during WWII, weakening their hold on colonies like India. The Bengal Famine of 1943, exacerbated by the British diverting resources for war, resulted in mass deaths and ignited widespread anti-British sentiments.
• Women’s Participation: Both the Russian Revolution and WWII had significant female involvement, influenced India by inspiring more women to take active roles in the freedom struggle, like Aruna Asaf Ali in the Quit India Movement and Captain Lakshmi Sahgal in the INA.
• Quit India Movement: Initiated in 1942, Gandhi called for a ‘Do or Die’ approach, seeking to exploit Britain’s engagement in WWII. It was one of the most significant civil disobedience movements and posed a considerable challenge to British authority.
• International Support: The end of WWII saw the emergence of anti imperialist sentiments globally. Leaders like President Truman of the USA openly supported decolonization, adding international pressure on Britain to expedite India’s road to independence.
• RIN Mutiny: The Royal Indian Navy mutiny of 1946 was a landmark event heavily influenced by anti-fascist and anti-imperialist ideologies. Sailors raised slogans of ‘Quit India’ and ‘Jai Hind’, shaking the confidence of the British administration in their naval security.
• Peasant Movements: Socialist ideologies inspired leaders to focus on agrarian reforms and peasant rights. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati organized the Kisan Sabha, which later merged with the Indian National Congress, highlighting the plight of the peasants and advocating for their rights.

Impact on India’s Anti-Colonial Strategies, Ideology, and Tactics

• Passive Resistance: The ideals of passive resistance and civil disobedience in movements like the Salt March and Quit India Movement, notably championed by Gandhi, drew inspiration from various international philosophies, including the nonviolent aspects of the Russian Revolution.
• Armed Struggle: The Russian Revolution and WWII both had factions that advocated and used armed struggle to meet their ends. This influenced Indian leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, who organized the Azad Hind Fauj to overthrow British rule through military might.
• Ideological Shifts: The Russian Revolution of 1917 introduced socialist and communist ideologies that influenced Indian leaders. Jawaharlal Nehru, for example, was significantly influenced by socialist principles and worked towards incorporating them into the Indian National Congress’ policies.
• Labour Reforms: The Marxist ideologies that gained prominence after the Russian Revolution influenced labour laws in India. The Factory Act, Minimum Wages Act, and other labour reforms aimed at social justice can be traced back to these influences.
• Secularism: The destructive impact of fascist ideologies during WWII influenced India’s strong commitment to secularism. Leaders saw secularism as an essential principle for maintaining a diverse and harmonious society.
• Rise of Communist Parties: Inspired by the Russian Revolution, the Communist Party of India was formed in 1925. It adopted Marxist-Leninist ideologies, and started to exert influence in trade unions and peasant movements, adding another layer of complexity to the freedom struggle.

International upheavals like World War II and the Russian Revolution had a multifaceted impact on Indian nationalism and its anticolonial strategies. These global events not only shaped India’s path to independence but also laid ideological foundations that continue to influence its politics and foreign policy.