Indian Diaspora contributions towards Indian freedom struggle

Published on 07 Oct 2025

• Financial Support: Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia, Africa, and North America financially supported nationalist leaders and organizations in India, vital for sustaining freedom movement activities.

• Example: Indian merchants in South east Asia such as Burma and Malaya contributed to INC. Businessmen like Sir Ratan Tata provided financial support.

• Intellectual Influence: Indian expatriates disseminated nationalist ideologies globally through newspapers, pamphlets, and books, raising awareness and garnering international support for Indian independence.

• Example: "India," a journal published by Shyamji Krishna Varma in London, played a significant role in disseminating nationalist ideas among Indian students and expatriates.

• Political Activism: Indian diaspora members engaged in political activism against British colonial rule in their host countries, organizing protests, lobbying international forums, and collaborating with local activists to oppose imperialism's injustices

• Example: In South Africa Natal Indian Congress' resistance against the imposition of the poll tax and the Asiatic Registration Act.

• Formation of Support Networks: Indian diaspora formed support networks aiding freedom struggle, enabling political mobilization, fundraising, and activity coordination toward achieving independence.

• Example: The Ghadar Party, formed by Indian immigrants in the United States and Canada, was instrumental in organizing revolutionary activities against British rule.

• Role in International Diplomacy: Indian expatriates were instrumental in shaping global opinion and rallying support for Indian independence. They lobbied foreign governments, international organizations, and influential individuals, advocating for freedom.

• Example: Lala Lajpat Rai and Indian diaspora members in the US and UK lobbied politicians, leading to resolutions in the US Congress and British Parliament supporting Indian independence.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Indian Diaspora contributions towards Indian freedom struggle National movement independence movement freedom struggle Shyamji Krishna Varma newspapers pamphlets books Asiatic Registration Act diaspora Ghadar Party International Diplomacy Lala Lajpat Rai

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Freedom Struggle