Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 The Last Heroic Days discusses the events of the Indian independence movement from the early 20th century to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
The chapter begins with a discussion of the rise of nationalism in India and the various factors that contributed to it. It then goes on to describe the different phases of the independence movement, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement.
In this article, we will look into the topic of The Last Heroic Days in detail. It is an important topic in the Class 12 History NCERT. Class 12 History Chapter 11 The Last Heroic Days.
The Last Heroic Days
On 15 August 1947, Mahatma Gandhi was absent from festivities in the capital and Calcutta, marking the day with a 24-hour fast.
The nation was divided, with Hindus and Muslims fighting each other. Gandhiji went to hospitals and refugee camps to offer consolation and appealed to the Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims to forget the past and live in peace.
At the initiative of Gandhiji and Nehru, the Congress passed a resolution on the rights of minorities, stating that India would remain a democratic secular state, regardless of religion. The Congress aimed to assure minorities that it would continue to protect their rights against aggression.
Gandhiji’s Finest Hour
After India’s independence, Gandhiji’s “finest hour” was marked by his efforts to bring peace to Bengal and then move to Delhi, where he hoped to address the riots in Punjab.
- However, his meetings were disrupted by refugees who objected to Koran readings and shouted slogans.
- Gandhiji was concerned with the sufferings of the minority community in Pakistan but could not guarantee full redress to the Muslims in Delhi.
- An attempt on his life on January 20, 1948, was unsuccessful.
- On January 26, he spoke at a prayer meeting about the celebration of Independence Day, expressing hope that the worst was over and that Indians would work collectively for equality.
- He also hoped that despite India’s geographical and political divisions, they would always be friends and brothers, helping and respecting one another.
Gandhiji’s Assassination
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was killed on January 30, 1948, at the age of 78, in the complex of Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti), a stately house in downtown New Delhi.
- His assassin was Nathuram Godse, a Hindutva activist from Pune, Maharashtra, who was a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu paramilitary group, as well as the Hindu Mahasabha.
- According to witnesses, Gandhi arrived at the top of the steps leading to the raised lawn behind Birla House, where he held multi-faith prayer gatherings every evening, sometime after 5 p.m.
- As Gandhi approached the dais, Godse emerged from the crowd encircling Gandhi’s path and fired three shots into his chest and stomach at point-blank range.
- Godse was apprehended by members of the crowd, the most prominent of whom was Herbert Reiner Jr, a vice-consul at the American embassy in Delhi, and turned over to authorities.
- The Gandhi murder trial began in May 1948 in Delhi’s historic Red Fort, with Godse as the primary defendant, his collaborator Narayan Apte, and six others deemed co-defendants.
- The trial was expedited, which some attribute to Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel’s wish “to avoid scrutiny for the failure to prevent the assassination.”
- Godse and Apte were sentenced to death on November 8, 1949.
Gandhiji’s Death
Gandhiji, a lifelong fighter for a united India, urged respect and friendship between the divided country. However, other Indians were less forgiving.
- On 30 January, Gandhiji was shot dead by Nathuram Godse at his daily prayer meeting.
- His death sparked a widespread outpouring of grief, with tributes from various political parties and international figures like George Orwell and Albert Einstein.
- Time magazine compared Gandhiji’s martyrdom to Abraham Lincoln’s, comparing it to a bigoted American killing for believing in equal rights and friendship between Indians of different faiths.
- The world mourned Gandhiji’s death, similar to Lincoln’s.
Conclusion – Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 The Last Heroic Days
In conclusion, Chapter 11 of Class 12 History, “The Last Heroic Days,” looks into the final stages of India’s war for independence. The chapter gives information on the Indian people’s perseverance, determination, and sacrifices in their fight for liberation from British colonial authority through a detailed analysis of significant events and leaders during this period.
From the Quit India cause until the martyrdom of leaders such as Bhagat Singh, this chapter highlights the unbreakable spirit of the Indian nationalist cause. Despite lasting repression and hardships, the Last Heroic Days represent the peak of India’s independence fight and stand as a tribute to the people’s constant commitment to obtaining self-government and sovereignty.
People Also View:
- Mahatma Gandhi: Biography, Movements, Education, Birth Date & History
- Gandhian Ideologies and Gandhian Principles
- Role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Freedom Struggle
Class 12 History Notes Chapter 11 The Last Heroic Days- FAQs
What is the focus of Class 12 History Chapter 11?
The chapter focuses on the final stages of India’s struggle for independence, often referred to as “The Last Heroic Days.”
When did “The Last Heroic Days” take place?
This period includes the years leading up to India’s independence in 1947, particularly the intense nationalist movements of the 1940s.
Who were some key leaders during “The Last Heroic Days”?
Leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, and Jawaharlal Nehru played crucial roles during this period.
What were the major nationalist movements during this time?
The Quit India Movement, the Indian National Army’s struggle, and various revolutionary activities marked this period of intense nationalist fervor.
What were the objectives of “The Last Heroic Days”?
The primary objective was to achieve independence from British colonial rule and establish self-governance for India.
How did the British respond to the nationalist movements?
The British responded with repression, arrests, and attempts to suppress the movements through force and legislation.
What was the significance of “The Last Heroic Days” in India’s history?
These days mark the end of decades of struggle and sacrifice, ultimately leading to India’s independence and the birth of a sovereign nation.