Rise Of Indian Nationalism

• Factors contributing to the growth of nationalism in India:
• The Revolt of 1857 and its aftermath increased political awareness among Indians
• Nationalism in India grew in the second half of the 19th century, uniting against foreign rule and aiming for independence
• Social-historians describe 'Nationalism' as the feeling of oneness, of belonging to one nation
• Periodic revolts took place after the 1857 uprising, making Indians more confident in their fight against foreign rule
• The British suppression of these revolts made Indians bolder and more courageous
• Scholars and writers rediscovered India's glorious past, making Indians proud
• Social and religious reformers, writers, and poets played important roles in arousing patriotic sentiments
• The press supported the Indian cause, leading to the development of nationalist literature spreading messages of patriotism and modern ideas
• British policies caused discontent among Indians due to low wages for factory workers, high taxes on peasants, and economic drain on India
• Discriminatory policies by the British towards Indians caused further discontent
• British unification of India politically, administratively, and economically created a feeling of togetherness among Indians
• Modern industries and systems of communication and transport promoted unity among Indians
• English and vernacular newspapers highlighted atrocities on Indians by foreign rulers, spreading awareness and national consciousness
• Works of Rabindranath Tagore, Mohammad Iqbal, Subramania Bharati, and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee developed nationalism among Indians
• Modern education exposed Indians to western thought and culture, influencing them with ideas of freedom and equality
• Introduction of the English language unified Indians and facilitated communication and sharing of ideas
• Policies of Viceroy Lord Lytton, Acts like Vernacular Press Act and Arms Act, and the Ilbert Bill added to Indian discontent
• Early political associations in India aimed for administrative reforms and a more prominent role for Indians, but their petitions were ignored
• The Start of Organised Nationalism - Indian National Congress:
• Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 to communicate Indian demands to the government and prevent uprisings
• Moderate Phase (1885-1905) focused on constitutional methods and increasing unity among Indians
• Radical Phase (1905-1918) led by Lal-Bal-Pal demanded Swaraj or freedom from British rule through bold methods like strikes and boycotts
• Viceroy Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905 to curtail Bengali politicians' influence and create disunity between Hindus and Muslims
• The partition led to public outrage and a stronger, more organized freedom struggle in India
• Boycott aimed at boycotting British goods, while Swadeshi movement promoted self-help, national education, and use of Indian languages
• The movement spread across India, encouraging people to use Indian goods and criticising those using British goods
• Surat Split (1907):
• Moderates and Extremists differed, leading to a split in the Congress in 1907, but they reunited in 1916 at the Lucknow session
• Indian Councils Act Of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms):
• Morley-Minto Reforms pleased Moderates by granting some concessions, like elected representatives in legislative councils
• Failure of Moderates and Radicals led to the rise of revolutionaries who aimed at expelling the British from India through violent means
• Revolutionaries like Khudiram Bose and Profulla Chaki used violent methods to resist British rule
• The First World War And The Indian National Movement:
• Indian resources and soldiers were used in the First World War, leading to the Home Rule Movement and hopes for concessions after the war
• Home Rule Leagues were formed by Tilak and Annie Besant to demand self-government for India