Nationalist and Revolutionary Literature
Nil Darpan is a Bengali play written by Dinabandhu Mitra in 1858–1859. The play was published in Dhaka in 1860, under a pseudonym of the author. The play was essential to Nil Vidroha, better known as the Indigo Revolt of February–March 1859 in Bengal, when farmers refused to sow indigo in their fields to protest against exploitative farming under the British Raj. It was also essential to the development of theatre in Bengal and influenced Girish Chandra Ghosh, who in 1872 would establish the National Theatre in Calcutta (Kolkata), where the first play ever commercially staged was Nildarpan.
Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay was one such author who used literature to spread the message of patriotism. In Anandamath (1882), set during the famine in Bengal in 1770 B.C.E., Chattopadhyay highlighted various patriotic acts of and sacrifices made by his characters, ordinary people who left their homes and families to fight against subjection, and in service of “the Mother.” He envisaged an insurgency against the British by untrained soldiers who succeeding in beating the more experienced British soldiers through sheer grit and determination, while embodying a sense of patriotism. The novel was banned by the British and the ban was lifted by the Government of India only after independence. Our National Song, Bande Mataram was first published as a poem in this novel as the rallying cry of the characters who used it to give themselves courage and to urge people to fight against the British.
In a case of fact imitating fiction, Bande Mataram served this purpose during the freedom struggle as well. Despite being banned, the general public would recite the poem, or sing the song in front of British officials and many were carted off to jail for doing so. Due to its tradition of sacrifice and its success in bringing a country together against the British, in 1937, the first two verses of Bande Mataram were adopted as the national song by the Indian National Congress.
In 1884, Chattopadhyay published Devi Chaudharani, which became an inspiration to Women to take up the cause of independence. In this novel, he reiterated his belief that an armed conflict is the only way to win independence but he made a woman the protagonist and leader of the struggle. Anandamath also featured a strong woman character, and in both books, while women do take up arms, they fight while embodying the values of love.
Bharatendu harishchandra was a great hindu poet. A large proportion of Bharatendu’s literature is concerned with the question of subjection. For example, in a public lecture on the promotion of Hindi (1877) he asked the people the following poignant question: ‘How come, as human beings we became slaves and they (the British) kings?’ This was a question that touched the very essence of India’s political situation, and did so in such a simple and moving manner that even the most ordinary men and women could understand it. This, however, was a question that could drive among people a feeling of importance in the face of their all-powerful ‘kings’. Bharatendu, consequently, inspifed them with yet another question which was intended to remove their despair. ‘How long’, he asked, ‘would you suffer these sorrows as slaves?’ He went on, in this lecture, to warn against the paralysing tendency of depending on foreigners for the country’s salvation. He spurred the people on to set aside their fear and mutual differences, and to stand up to uphold the dignity of their language, religion, culture and country. This lecture, it may be mentioned, was delivered in the form of very simple couplets that could touch the very core of their listeners and readers.
Bharatendu, thus, employed poetry to carry to the people the message of patriotism. He even used popular and conventional poetic, and other literary, forms for the purpose. For example, he wrote bhajans that were intended to describe the state of the country. In this manner he could enlarge the field of his appeal and message. He also advised his contemporaries to make use of popular literary forms. This, it may be noted, was a development that reached its climax during the heyday of the freedom movement when popular songs were composed and sung during prabhat pheries and public rallies. Many of these songs the British Indian government was forced to proscribe, though without much success.
Until about the first world war (1914-18) and the Russian Revolution (1917) the general trend of the discussion of freedom and subjection followed, by and large, the pattern that had emerged during the later decades of the 19th century. Freedom was seen as the natural condition to which any people should aspire. India could be no exception to this rule. Instead of specific grievances and specific concessions, an integrated critique of British rule evolved over the years and freedom seemed the only solution. What this 1 freedom would mean in concrete terms, however, did not become the dominant theme of discussion during this long phase. It is not that issues like POVERTY and exploitation within the Society/”>Indian Society as against the exploitation by the British did not figure I in Indian Literature before the 1914-18 war. They often did. Indian literature of this period offers many examples of escriptions of the poverty of peasants. Perhaps the most outstanding of these examples provided by Chhaman Atha Guntha (1897) -Six Bighas of Land – a novel mohan Senapati, one of the makers of modern Oriya literature.
The Hindustan Ghadar was a weekly publication that was the party organ of the Ghadar Party. It was published under the auspices of the Yugantar Ashram (Advent of a New Age Ashram) in San Francisco. Its purpose was to further the militant nationalist faction of the Indian independence movement, especially amongst Indian sepoys of the British Indian Army. In 1912–1913, the Pacific Coast Hindustan Association was formed by Indian immigrants under the Leadership of Har Dayal, with Sohan Singh Bhakna as its president, which later came to be called the Ghadar Party. With donations raised with the help of the Indian Diaspora, especially with the aid of Indian students at the University of California, Berkeley, the party established the Yugantar Ashram at 436 Hill Street where a printing press was set up with the donations. The first Urdu edition of Hindustan Ghadar appeared on 1 November 1913, followed by a Punjabi edition 9 December 1913.
The issues were first handwritten before being printed on the press. Careful measures were taken to shield the party and its supporters from British intelligence, which included the measure of memorising over a thousand names of the subscribers so that no incriminating evidence could fall into the hands of the British government.
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Nationalist and Revolutionary Literature
Nationalist and revolutionary literature is a broad genre of literature that encompasses works written in support of or in opposition to nationalism and revolution. This literature can be found in all cultures and time periods, and it often reflects the political and social Climate of its time.
Some of the most famous examples of nationalist and revolutionary literature include:
- The American Revolution: The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, and the works of Benjamin Franklin
- The French Revolution: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, Maximilien Robespierre’s speeches, and the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- The Russian Revolution: The Communist Manifesto, Vladimir Lenin’s What Is to Be Done?, and the poetry of Alexander Blok
- The Chinese Revolution: The Little Red Book, Mao Zedong’s On Protracted War, and the novels of Lu Xun
- The Cuban Revolution: Che Guevara’s Guerrilla Warfare, Fidel Castro’s speeches, and the poems of Nicolás Guillén
- The Indian Independence Movement: Mahatma Gandhi‘s writings, Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry, and the novels of Mulk Raj Anand
- The Irish War of Independence: Patrick Pearse’s writings, James Connolly’s speeches, and the plays of Sean O’Casey
- The South African Anti-Apartheid Movement: Nelson Mandela’s speeches, Steve Biko’s writings, and the novels of Nadine Gordimer
- The Palestinian Liberation Organization: Yasser Arafat’s speeches, Edward Said’s writings, and the poetry of Mahmoud Darwish
- The Polish Solidarity Movement: Lech Walesa’s speeches, Adam Michnik’s writings, and the novels of CzesÅaw MiÅosz
- The Mexican Revolution: Emiliano Zapata’s speeches, Pancho Villa’s writings, and the novels of Mariano Azuela
- The Turkish War of Independence: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s speeches, Halide Edib Adıvar’s novels, and the poetry of Yahya Kemal Beyatlı
- The Vietnamese War of Independence: Ho Chi Minh’s speeches, Võ Nguyên Giáp’s writings, and the novels of Nguyên Du
- The Welsh Nationalist Movement: Saunders Lewis’s plays, Dylan Thomas’s poetry, and the novels of Emyr Humphreys
- The Zimbabwean Liberation Movement: Robert Mugabe’s speeches, Solomon Mutswairo’s novels, and the poetry of Dambudzo Marechera
Nationalist and revolutionary literature can be divided into two main categories: literature that supports nationalism and revolution, and literature that opposes nationalism and revolution.
Literature that supports nationalism and revolution often celebrates the nation and its people, and it calls for the people to unite in order to achieve their goals. This literature can be very inspiring, and it can motivate people to take action. However, it can also be very dangerous, as it can lead to violence and bloodshed.
Literature that opposes nationalism and revolution often criticizes the nation and its leaders, and it calls for the people to overthrow the government. This literature can be very critical, and it can make people question the legitimacy of the government. However, it can also be very dangerous, as it can lead to instability and chaos.
Nationalist and revolutionary literature is a powerful force that can have a significant impact on society. It can inspire people to take action, and it can also lead to violence and bloodshed. It is important to be aware of the power of this literature, and to use it wisely.
What is nationalism?
Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of a nation’s culture, history, and language. Nationalists believe that a nation should be united by a common identity and that it should have its own government and territory.
What is revolutionary literature?
Revolutionary literature is a type of literature that is written to promote or support a revolution. Revolutionary literature often uses powerful language and imagery to inspire people to take action against the government or other authority figures.
What are some examples of nationalist and revolutionary literature?
Some examples of nationalist and revolutionary literature include:
- “The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
- “The Declaration of Independence” by Thomas Jefferson
- “The Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln
- “The Internationale” by Eugène Pottier
- “We Shall Overcome” by Guy Carawan and Zilphia Horton
What are some of the key themes of nationalist and revolutionary literature?
Some of the key themes of nationalist and revolutionary literature include:
- The importance of national identity
- The need for freedom and independence
- The struggle against oppression
- The power of the people
- The hope for a better future
What are some of the effects of nationalist and revolutionary literature?
Nationalist and revolutionary literature can have a powerful effect on people. It can inspire them to take action, to fight for their rights, and to create a better future. It can also help to unite people around a common cause and to build a sense of national identity.
What are some of the criticisms of nationalist and revolutionary literature?
Some of the criticisms of nationalist and revolutionary literature include:
- It can be used to promote violence and hatred
- It can be used to suppress dissent
- It can be used to create a false sense of unity
- It can be used to justify the oppression of others
What are some of the benefits of nationalist and revolutionary literature?
Some of the benefits of nationalist and revolutionary literature include:
- It can inspire people to take action
- It can help to unite people around a common cause
- It can build a sense of national identity
- It can promote freedom and independence
- It can help to create a better future
Question 1
Which of the following is not a characteristic of nationalist and revolutionary literature?
(A) It often focuses on the struggle for independence or freedom.
(B) It often uses strong language and imagery to evoke emotion.
(C) It often celebrates the achievements of the nation or group.
(D) It often criticizes the government or other powerful institutions.
Answer
(D)
Nationalist and revolutionary literature often focuses on the struggle for independence or freedom, and it often uses strong language and imagery to evoke emotion. It also often celebrates the achievements of the nation or group. However, it does not typically criticize the government or other powerful institutions.
Question 2
Which of the following is an example of nationalist and revolutionary literature?
(A) “The Star-Spangled Banner”
(B) “The Internationale”
(C) “The Gettysburg Address”
(D) “The Lord’s Prayer”
Answer
(A)
“The Star-Spangled Banner” is a song that was written during the American Revolutionary War. It is a patriotic song that celebrates the American flag and the American people.
(B) “The Internationale” is a socialist anthem that was written in the 19th century. It is a song about the struggle for workers’ rights and the overthrow of capitalism.
(C) “The Gettysburg Address” is a speech that was given by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It is a speech about the meaning of the American Civil War and the importance of Equality.
(D) “The Lord’s Prayer” is a prayer that is found in the Bible. It is a prayer about faith, hope, and love.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a purpose of nationalist and revolutionary literature?
(A) To inspire people to fight for their country or cause.
(B) To educate people about the history and culture of their country or cause.
(C) To entertain people.
(D) To persuade people to support their country or cause.
Answer
(C)
Nationalist and revolutionary literature is often used to inspire people to fight for their country or cause. It can also be used to educate people about the history and culture of their country or cause. However, it is not typically used to entertain people.
Question 4
Which of the following is an example of a nationalist and revolutionary literary work?
(A) “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain
(B) “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien
(C) “Animal Farm” by George Orwell
(D) “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
Answer
(C)
“Animal Farm” is a novella that was written by George Orwell in 1945. It is a satirical allegory about the Russian Revolution and the rise of Joseph Stalin.
(A) “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” is a novel that was written by Mark Twain in 1884. It is a story about a young boy who runs away from home and travels down the Mississippi River with an escaped slave.
(B) “The Lord of the Rings” is a fantasy novel that was written by J.R.R. Tolkien in the 1950s. It is a story about a group of hobbits who set out on a journey to destroy the One Ring, an evil artifact that threatens to destroy Middle-earth.
(D) “The Catcher in the Rye” is a coming-of-age novel that was written by J.D. Salinger in 1951. It is a story about a teenage boy who is struggling to find his place in the world.
Question 5
Which of the following is not a characteristic of nationalist and revolutionary literature?
(A) It is often written in a simple, direct style.
(B) It is often set in the past.
(C) It is often concerned with the common people.
(D) It is often critical of the government or other powerful institutions.
Answer
(B)
Nationalist and revolutionary literature is often written in a simple, direct style. It is often set in the present or near future. It is often concerned with the common people. However, it is not typically set in the past.