Factors responsible for the rise of Indian Nationalism

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ORIGIN OF NATIONALISM

The Rise of Nationalism is reflected in the spirit of Renaissance in Europe when freedom from religious restrictions led to the enhancement of national identity. This expression of Nationalism was furthered by the French Revolution. The political changes resulted in the passing of Sovereignty from the hands of an absolute monarch to the French citizens, who had the power to constitute the nation and shape its destiny. The watchwords of the French Revolution – Liberty, Equality and Fraternity – inspired the whole world. Many other revolutions like the American Revolution, the Russian Revolution, etc.  also strengthened the idea of Nationalism.

Rise of Nationalism in India

For India, the making of national identity was a long process whose roots can be drawn from the ancient era. India as a whole had been ruled by emperors like Ashoka and Samudragupta in ancient times and Akbar to Aurangzeb in Medieval times. But, it was only in the 19th Century that the concept of a national identity and national consciousness emerged. This Growth was intimately connected to the anti-colonial movement. The social, economic and political factors had inspired the people to define and achieve their national identity. People began discovering their unity in the process of their struggle against colonialism.

The sense of being oppressed under colonial rule provided a shared bond that tied different groups together. Each class and group felt the effects of colonialism differently. Their experiences were varied, and their notions of freedom were not always the same. Several other causes also contributed towards the rise and growth of Nationalism. One set of laws of British Government across several regions led to political and administrative unity. This strengthened the concept of Citizenship-2/”>Citizenship and one nation among Indians. This economic exploitation by the British agitated other people to unite and react against British Government’s control over their lives and Resources. The social and religious reform movements of the 19th century also contributed to the feeling of Nationalism. Swami Vivekananda, Annie Besant, Henry Derozio and many others revived the glory of ancient India, created faith among the people in their religion and culture and thus gave the message of love for their motherland. The intellectual and spiritual side of Nationalism was voiced by persons like Bankim Chandra Chatterji, Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Aurobindo Ghosh. Bankim Chandra’s hymn to the Motherland, ‘Vande Matram’ became the rallying cry of patriotic nationalists. It inspired generations to supreme self-sacrifice. Simultaneously, it created a fear in the minds of the British. The impact was so strong that the British had to ban the song. Similarly, Swami Vivekananda’s message to the people, “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”, appealed to the Indians. It acted as a potent force in the course of Indian Nationalism.

Around this time many organizations were being formed which raised their voices against British rule. Most of these organizations were regional in nature. Some of these organizations were very active such as Bengal Indian Association, Bengal Presidency Association, Pune Public Meeting, etc. However it was felt that if these Regional Organizations could work jointly it would help the Indian masses to raise their voices against the British Rule. This led to the formation of Indian National Congress in the year 1885.

EMERGENCE OF INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (1885)

The Indian National Congress was founded by Allan Octavian Hume in 1885. Hume was a retired Civil Service Officer. He saw a growing political consciousness among the Indians and wanted to give it a safe, constitutional outlet so that their resentment would not develop into popular agitation against the British rule in India. He was supported in this scheme by the Viceroy, Lord Dufferin, and by a group of eminent Indians. Womesh Chandra Banerjee of Calcutta was elected as the first President. The Indian National Congress represented an urge of the politically conscious Indians to set up a national organization to work for their betterment. Its leaders had complete faith in the British Government and in its sense of Justice. They believed that if they would place their grievances before the government reasonably, the British would certainly try to rectify them. Among the liberal leaders, the most prominent were Firoz Shah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Dada Bhai Naoroji, Ras Behari Bose, Badruddin Tayabji, etc. From 1885 to 1905, the Indian National Congress had a very narrow social base. Its influence was confined to the urban educated Indians. The early aims of this organization were limited only to communicate with British government on behalf of the Indian people and voice their grievances. It was rightly called the era of the Moderates.

Initial stages of Indian National Congress

The congress placed its demands before the government always in the form of petitions and worked within the framework of law. It was for this reason that the early Congress leaders were referred to as ‘Moderates’. During its first twenty years the Congress made moderate demands. The members placed their demands before the Government always in the form of petitions and worked within the framework of law. It was for this reason that the early Congress leaders were referred to as ‘Moderates’ They asked for: (a) representative legislatures, (b) Indianization of Services, (c) reduction of military expenditure, (d) Education, EMPLOYMENT and holding of the ICS (Indian Civil Services) examination in India, (e) decrease in the burden of the cultivators, (f) defense of civil rights, (g) separation of the judiciary from the executive, (h) change in the tenancy laws, (i) reduction in land revenue and salt duty, (j) policies to help in the growth of Indian industries and handicrafts, (k) introduction of welfare programmes for the people. Unfortunately, their efforts did not bring many changes in the policies and administration of the British in India. In the beginning, the Britishers had a favourable Attitude towards the Congress. But, by 1887, this attitude began to change. They did not fulfill the demands of the Moderates. The only achievement of the Congress was the enactment of the Indian Councils Act, 1892 that enlarged the legislature by adding a few nonofficial members and passing of a resolution for holding Indian Civil Services Examination simultaneously in London and in India. Many leaders gradually lost faith in the Constitutional process. Even though the Congress failed to achieve its goal, it succeeded in creating national awakening and instilling in the minds of the Indian people a sense of belonging to one Nation. They provided a forum for the Indians to discuss major national issues. By criticizing the government policies, they gave the people valuable political training. Though, They were not ready to take aggressive steps which would bring them in direct conflict with the Government. The most significant achievement was the foundation of a strong national movement. The Britishers who were earlier supporting the Moderates soon realized that the movement could turn into a National force that would drive them out of the country. This totally changed their attitude. They passed strict laws to control education and curb the press. Minor concessions were given so as to win over some Congress leaders. The British Viceroy, Lord Curzon was a staunch imperialist and believed in the superiority of the English people. He passed an Act in 1898, making it an offence to provoke people against the British rulers. He passed the Indian Universities Act in 1904, imposing stiff control over Indian Universities. Curzon was out to suppress the rising Nationalism in India. This was evident from what he did in 1905.

PARTITION OF BENGAL (1905)

Curzon announced the partition of Bengal. The reason for partition was given as an attempt to improve administration. But the real aim was to ‘Divide and Rule’. The partition was done in order to create a separate State for Muslims and so introduce the poison of Communalism in the country. However the Indians viewed the partition as an attempt by the British to disrupt the growing national movement in Bengal and divide the Hindus and Muslims of the region. Widespread agitation ensued in the streets and in the press. People of different parts of India opposed the partition of Bengal all over the country. This opposition was carried on by organized meetings, processions and demonstrations etc. Hindus and Muslims tied ‘rakhi’ on each other’s hands to show their unity and their protest. The use of Swadeshi (made in our own country by our own people) goods, business, national education and Indian languages were encouraged. The new nationalist spirit of self reliance- shed the fear of repression including imprisonment and painful torture by the British rule. It was Bal Gangadhar Tilak who realized the importance of boycott as a weapon that could be used to paralyze the whole British administrative machinery in India. The boycott and Swadeshi movements were instrumental in the establishment of swadeshi enterprises – textile mills, banks, hosiery, tanneries, chemical works and insurance companies. Swadeshi stores were opened. Volunteers supplied goods at the doorstep of every household. The movement spread to all classes and groups of people. Everyone, including Women and children, came forward to take part. The most active were school and college students. This made the British reverse the partition of Bengal and unite it in 1911. During this time, the role of Radical Nationalists in the Indian National Congress, who were called the ‘Garam Dal’, came to be appreciated. They tried to involve people from all classes and groups including peasants, worker, students as well as women. They succeeded in uniting the Indian people against the common enemy – the British. The young people were roused to the highest level of patriotism and zeal to free their country. They helped in making people self confident and self reliant. They also revived the Indian Cottage Industry.

THE RISE OF RADICAL NATIONALISTS

The mild policies of the Moderates in the Congress led to the rise of passionate, radical nationalists, who came to be called the ‘Garam Dal’. Thus the first phase of the nationalist movement came to an end with government reaction against the Congress on the one hand and a split in the Congress in 1907 on the other. That is why the period after 1905 till 1918 can be referred to as the ‘Era of Passionate Nationalists or Garam Dal’. Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal-Bal-Pal) were important leaders of this Radical group. When the Moderates were in the forefront of the action, they had maintained a low profile but now they swung into action. Their entry marked the beginning of a new trend and a new face in India’s struggle for freedom. According to them, the Moderates had failed to define India’s political goals and the methods adopted by them were mild and ineffective. Besides, the Moderates remained confined to the upper, landed class and failed to enlist mass support as a basis for negotiating with the British.

The Garam Dal realized that the British were out to exploit Indians, destroy their self-sufficiency and drain India of its wealth. They felt that Indians should now become free of foreign rule and govern themselves. This group, instead of making petitions to the government, believed in organizing mass protests, criticizing government policies, boycotting foreign goods and use of Swadeshi (home-made) goods etc. They did not believe in depending on the mercy of the Britishers, but believed that freedom was their right. Bal Gangadhar Tilak gave a slogan ‘Freedom is our birth right and we must have it’. In 1916 the two groups were again united with the efforts of Mrs. Annie Besant. She started working for The Home Rule Movement in 1914. She was convinced that India should be granted Self-Government. In 1916, Muslim League and Congress also came to an understanding with each other and signed the Lucknow Pact. Later, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose became the eminent figures of Indian National Congress, who led the freedom movement of India forward.

FORMATION OF THE MUSLIM LEAGUE (1906)

As the radical movement grew stronger the British began to look for ways and means to break the unity among Indian. They tried to do this through the partition of Bengal and by sowing the seed of communalism among Indian people. They motivated Muslims to form a permanent political association of their own. In December, 1906, during the Muhammadan Educational conference in Dacca, Nawab Salim Ullah Khan raised the idea of establishing a Central Muhammadan Association to take care of Muslim interests. Accordingly, on 30th December, 1906, the All India Muslim League was founded. Another prominent person, Aga Khan was chosen as its president. The main objective of the league was to protect and advance the rights of Muslims in India and represent their needs to the government. By encouraging the issue of separate electorates, the government sowed the seed of communalism and separatism among Indians. The formation of the Muslim League is considered to be the first fruit of the British master strategy of ‘Divide and Rule’. Mohammad Ali Jinnah later joined the League.

MORLEY-MINTO REFORMS (1909)

The Council Act of 1909 was an extension of the 1892 reforms, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms after the names of the then Secretary of State (Lord Morley) and the then Viceroy (Lord Minto). It increased the members of the Legislative Assembly from sixteen to sixty. A few non-elected members were also added. Though the members of the Legislative Council were increased, they had no real powers. They remained mainly advisory in character. They could not stop any bills from being passed. Nor did they have any power over the budget.

The British made another calculated move to sow the seed of communalism in Indian politics by introducing separate electorates for the Muslims. This meant that from the constituencies dominated by Muslims only Muslim candidates could be elected. Hindus could only vote for Hindus, and Muslims could only vote for Muslims. Many leaders protested against this communal electorate policy of the British to ‘Divide and Rule’.

THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT DURING THE FIRST WORLD WAR

The First World War started in the year of 1914. This War was fought among the nations of Europe to get colonial monopoly. During war time, the British Government made an appeal to the Indian leaders to join hands with them in their time of crisis. Indian leaders agreed but they put their own terms and conditions i.e. after the war was over, the British government would give Constitutional (legislative and administrative) powers to the Indian People. Unfortunately, the steps taken by the British government during the World War I created unrest among the Indian people. This was because the British government had taken a huge loan during war time which they had to repay. They increased rent from the land, i.e. lagan. They forcefully recruited Indians in the British Army. They increased the price of necessary goods and imposed taxes on personal and professional income. As a result, they had to face protest from the Society/”>Indian Society. Farmers and workers of Champaran, Bardoli, Kheda and Ahmedabad actively protested against the exploitative policies of British government. Lakhs of students left schools and colleges. Hundreds of lawyers gave up their practice. Women also significantly contributed in this movement and their participation became wider with the emergence of Gandhi. The boycott of foreign cloth became a mass movement, with thousands of bonfires of foreign cloth lighting the Indian sky.,

The Indian independence movement was a long and complex struggle that lasted for over a century. It was a time of great upheaval and change, as Indians fought for their right to self-rule. There were many different factors that contributed to the rise of Indian nationalism, including the spread of Western education, the Indian National Congress, the Swadeshi movement, the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement.

The spread of Western education was one of the most important factors in the rise of Indian nationalism. Western education introduced Indians to new ideas about Democracy, liberty, and equality. This led to a growing awareness of the injustices of British rule and a desire for self-rule.

The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 to promote Indian unity and to demand greater political rights from the British. The Congress played a major role in the Indian independence movement. It organized protests, strikes, and boycotts of British goods. It also lobbied the British government for reforms.

The Swadeshi movement was a boycott of British goods and a promotion of Indian-made goods. It was launched in 1905 in protest against the partition of Bengal. The Swadeshi movement helped to raise national consciousness and to unite Indians against British rule.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi. It was a mass movement of non-violent protest against British rule. The Non-Cooperation Movement was a major turning point in the Indian independence movement. It led to the resignation of many Indians from government jobs and the boycott of British schools and colleges.

The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1930 by Mahatma Gandhi. It was a mass movement of non-violent protest against British rule. The Civil Disobedience Movement was even more successful than the Non-Cooperation Movement. It led to the imprisonment of thousands of Indians, including Mahatma Gandhi.

The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942 by Mahatma Gandhi. It was a call for the British to leave India. The Quit India Movement was the most successful of all the Indian independence movements. It led to the arrest of Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the Indian National Congress. It also led to widespread violence and chaos.

The Indian independence movement was a long and difficult struggle. It was a time of great upheaval and change. There were many different factors that contributed to its success. The spread of Western education, the Indian National Congress, the Swadeshi movement, the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement were all important factors in the rise of Indian nationalism.

What are the factors responsible for the rise of Indian nationalism?

There are many factors that contributed to the rise of Indian nationalism. Some of the most important factors include:

  • The British colonial rule: The British ruled India for over 200 years, and their rule was often oppressive and exploitative. This led to a growing sense of resentment among Indians, who began to demand independence.
  • The Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885, and it quickly became the leading organization for Indian nationalism. The INC played a major role in the independence movement, and it eventually led India to independence in 1947.
  • The Swadeshi movement: The Swadeshi movement was a boycott of British goods that began in 1905. The movement was successful in promoting Indian-made goods, and it also helped to raise awareness of the Indian independence movement.
  • The Non-Cooperation Movement: The Non-Cooperation Movement was a mass movement of civil disobedience that began in 1920. The movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi, and it was one of the most important events in the Indian independence movement.
  • The Quit India Movement: The Quit India Movement was a mass movement that began in 1942. The movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi, and it called for the British to leave India. The movement was successful in pressuring the British to grant India independence.

These are just some of the factors that contributed to the rise of Indian nationalism. The independence movement was a complex and multifaceted event, and there are many different factors that can be attributed to its success.

What were the main goals of Indian nationalism?

The main goals of Indian nationalism were to achieve independence from British rule and to establish a self-governing nation for India. Indian nationalists believed that India was a distinct nation with its own culture and history, and they wanted to create a nation that would be free from British rule.

What were the main achievements of Indian nationalism?

The main achievements of Indian nationalism were the achievement of independence from British rule and the establishment of a self-governing nation for India. Indian nationalists also played a major role in shaping the modern Indian state, and they helped to establish a number of important institutions, such as the Indian National Congress and the Reserve Bank of India.

What were the main challenges faced by Indian nationalism?

The main challenges faced by Indian nationalism were the opposition of the British colonial government and the lack of unity among Indian nationalists. The British colonial government was determined to maintain its rule over India, and it used a variety of methods to suppress the independence movement. Indian nationalists also faced the challenge of uniting a diverse Population with a variety of different languages, cultures, and religions.

What was the legacy of Indian nationalism?

The legacy of Indian nationalism is a complex one. On the one hand, Indian nationalism was successful in achieving independence from British rule and establishing a self-governing nation for India. On the other hand, Indian nationalism also led to the partition of India and the creation of two separate nations, India and Pakistan. The legacy of Indian nationalism is still being debated today, and it is a topic that is likely to continue to be discussed for many years to come.

The following are some of the factors responsible for the rise of Indian nationalism:

  • The spread of education: The British introduced Western education in India, which led to the rise of a new class of educated Indians who were exposed to Western ideas of democracy, liberty, and equality. These ideas led to the growth of a sense of national consciousness among Indians.
  • The economic exploitation of India by the British: The British East India Company exploited India’s resources for its own benefit, which led to widespread POVERTY and economic hardship among Indians. This led to resentment against the British and a desire for independence.
  • The Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by a group of educated Indians who were committed to fighting for Indian independence. The Congress played a major role in the Indian independence movement.
  • The Swadeshi movement: The Swadeshi movement was a boycott of British goods and products that began in 1905. The movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi and aimed to promote Indian industries and products.
  • The Non-Cooperation Movement: The Non-Cooperation Movement was a mass movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. The movement called for Indians to boycott British institutions and products. The movement was a major turning point in the Indian independence movement.
  • The Civil Disobedience Movement: The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. The movement called for Indians to disobey British laws and regulations. The movement was a major success and led to the British granting India limited self-government in 1935.
  • The Quit India Movement: The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942. The movement called for the British to leave India immediately. The movement was a major success and led to the British granting India independence in 1947.

The following are some of the effects of the rise of Indian nationalism:

  • The end of British rule in India: The rise of Indian nationalism led to the end of British rule in India in 1947.
  • The partition of India: The rise of Indian nationalism also led to the partition of India into two separate countries, India and Pakistan, in 1947.
  • The creation of the Indian Republic: The rise of Indian nationalism also led to the creation of the Indian Republic in 1950.
  • The adoption of a secular and democratic constitution: The rise of Indian nationalism also led to the adoption of a secular and democratic constitution for India in 1950.
  • The Economic Development of India: The rise of Indian nationalism also led to the economic development of India in the post-independence period.

The following are some of the challenges faced by India in the post-independence period:

  • The problem of poverty: India is one of the poorest countries in the world. The problem of poverty is one of the major challenges faced by India in the post-independence period.
  • The problem of illiteracy: India has a high rate of illiteracy. The problem of illiteracy is another major challenge faced by India in the post-independence period.
  • The problem of Unemployment: India has a high rate of unemployment. The problem of unemployment is another major challenge faced by India in the post-independence period.
  • The problem of communalism: India is a multi-religious country. The problem of communalism is a major challenge faced by India in the post-independence period.
  • The problem of terrorism: India is a victim of terrorism. The problem of terrorism is another major challenge faced by India in the post-independence period.

Despite these challenges, India has made significant progress in the post-independence period. India is now a major economic power and a member of the G20. India is also a nuclear power and a member of the United Nations Security Council. India is a vibrant democracy and a pluralistic society. India is a country with a rich history and culture. India is a country with a bright future.