Contents: Preface. Introduction. 1. Road to Rowlatt satyagraha. 2. Rowlatt satyagraha. 3. Khilafat movement. 4. Non-cooperation movement. 5. Communal politics and the freedom movement. 6. Simon commission and constitutional reforms. 7. The revolutionary phase. 8. Civil disobedience movement. 9. Freedom struggle - role of Delhi villages. Conclusion. Appendix. Bibliography. Index.

The period starting with the Rowlatt Satyagraha in 1919 right to the civil disobedience movement in 1934 constitutes the most significant phase in the history of the freedom struggle in India and in Delhi. This book provides a unique historical account of the role of Delhi during this crucial phase. With the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1912, all eyes focused on Delhi for inspiration and guidance. Delhi now emerged as a centre for agitations, demonstrations and political activities.

The cruelty perpetrated by the British during the revolt of 1857 had left an indelible imprint on the psyche of the Indian people. The Delhi Durbar of 1876, the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, the second Delhi Durbar of 1903, the partition of Bengal in 1905, the transfer of capital and the hurling of the bomb on Lord Hardinge in 1912 were some of the major events in the history of Delhi which contributed towards the freedom struggle in subsequent decades.

The book looks at the struggle from different perspectives including the role played by the villagers, the revolutionaries and the women who were determined to achieve independence. It also studies the communal divide and how it impacted the freedom struggle in Delhi. All these aspects come together to weave yet more valuable insight into the current knowledge of the Indian freedom struggle. (jacket)