The Freedom Movement, also known as the Indian National Movement, is a historical concept encompassing the protracted struggle by the people of the Indian subcontinent to end British colonial rule. Its origin is often traced to the Revolt of 1857, which marked the beginning of organized resistance against foreign domination. The movement was created to solve the problem of British economic exploitation and political subjugation, with the ultimate goal of achieving self-rule (Swaraj) and complete independence (Purna Swaraj).
The movement formally began with the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. It worked through distinct phases, evolving from the Moderate Phase (1885–1905) of constitutional petitions to the Gandhian Era (1919–1947) of mass mobilization. The key mechanism was Satyagraha, a philosophy of non-violent resistance, which powered pivotal campaigns like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930), and the Quit India Movement (1942). The goal of the movement was officially declared as Purna Swaraj by the INC on January 26, 1930.
The movement culminated in the passage of the Indian Independence Act, 1947, by the British Parliament on July 18, 1947, which formally ended Crown suzerainty and established the two independent dominions of India and Pakistan on August 15, 1947. This Act replaced the previous constitutional framework, notably the Government of India Act, 1935. The movement’s vision was institutionalized with the adoption of the Constitution of India, establishing the Republic of India on January 26, 1950.