How to read Modern History for WBCS?
How to read Modern History?
In this section, we come across various revolts / movements /agitations (like 1857 revolt, Tebhaga Peasant Movement, Home Rule Movement,Non Cooperation Movement, Quit India Movement, etc).
What one needs to Focus here is:
The Purpose of the movement[s]
The Reasons which led to the movement[s]
The Consequences of the movement[s]
The people who participated in this movement[s]
Famous Personalities involved in the movement[s] and their contribution
The role of Press and Literature
Give special importance to Events, Movements (including Tribal, Peasant and Trade Union Movements) and Acts passed after Revolt of 1857.
Consolidation of the British rule in India– through enactment of various Acts/Laws (Regulation Act, 1773 to Indian Independence Act, 1947).
At least two to three important changes/provisions made under each Act and the Governor Generals involved should be noted down. And also the impact of the Act should be given importance.
Example: Under Charter Act, 1833- The East Indian Company’s monopoly over tea and China was ended. Lord William Bentinck was the Governor General then and he was instrumental in abolition of ‘sati’ system.
Religious and Social Reform Movements (from 1800 AD to 1947 AD)
This is another important section of Indian National Movement from the Prelims point of view.
Focus:
The Ideological base – rationalism, humanism and universalism
Reform Movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Theosophical Society, Harijan Movement etc.
who started these movements
what was the objective and emphasis of these movements
how these movements were important in building a sense of nationalism among Indians.
Social reforms that had an impact on Education, Status of Women, Caste system of the society.
Famous Personalities (Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Subash Chandra Bose, Dadabhai Naoroji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh, Annie Besant etc)
Focus:
Their contributions – literature, organization of movements and their role in India’s Freedom Struggle
Important Reports, Sessions, Acts, Committees setup during the British period
Note: Famine committees, Round table conference, Poona Pact, MacDonald awards, civil service committees etc.