Growth of Indian Nationalism – Modern History Notes

Nationalism in India during the colonial period was indeed a political and cultural movement that sought to promote a sense of national identity and pride among Indians. The economic, social, and political changes brought about by British colonial rule played a significant role in shaping the growth of nationalism.
The British policies of economic exploitation, land reforms, and the imposition of heavy taxes on Indian goods had a profound impact on the Indian economy and society. These policies led to the disruption of traditional industries, the impoverishment of rural communities, and the displacement of many artisans and craftsmen.
As a result, a new class of educated Indians emerged, comprising lawyers, professionals, intellectuals, and businessmen. This class became the vanguard of the nationalist movement and played a crucial role in articulating and advocating for nationalist ideas.
Literature, art, and music became powerful tools for expressing nationalist sentiments. Indian writers, poets, and artists depicted the richness of Indian culture, celebrated its history and traditions, and critiqued the oppressive nature of colonial rule. The works of writers such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, and Sarojini Naidu inspired a sense of pride and nationalism among Indians.
Furthermore, the growth of nationalism in India was closely tied to the political activities of organizations like the Indian National Congress (INC). The INC, founded in 1885, initially aimed to seek representation for Indians in the colonial administration. However, over time, it became the leading platform for nationalist aspirations and demands for self-rule.
Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Mahatma Gandhi emerged as prominent figures within the nationalist movement. They advocated for political reforms, civil rights, and eventually, complete independence from British rule.
The nationalist movement also witnessed various forms of protest and resistance against colonial rule. Boycotts of British goods, mass movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement, and acts of civil disobedience were employed to challenge British authority and assert Indian identity.
In summary, the economic, social, and political changes brought about by British colonial rule in India led to the emergence of Indian nationalism. It was a response to the challenges and aspirations of the Indian people who sought to assert their identity, protect their culture, and achieve self-determination. The growth of nationalism during this period laid the foundation for India’s eventual independence in 1947.
The growth of Indian nationalism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has evolved over the course of several centuries. It is rooted in the aspirations of the Indian people for self-determination, cultural preservation, and political independence. Here are some key factors that have contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism:
- Colonial Rule: The period of British colonial rule in India (1757-1947) played a significant role in shaping Indian nationalism. The oppressive policies, economic exploitation, cultural alienation, and political subjugation by the British ignited a sense of collective resistance among Indians. The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, became the main platform for nationalist activities.
- Socio-Religious Reform Movements: The 19th century witnessed the rise of socio-religious reform movements in India, such as the Brahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj. These movements aimed to challenge social evils, promote education and revive indigenous cultural practices. They also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of pride in Indian heritage and creating a foundation for nationalist sentiments.
- Role of Intellectuals: Indian intellectuals and thinkers played a vital role in articulating and promoting nationalist ideas. Figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, and Rabindranath Tagore advocated for Indian cultural revival, self-reliance, and political freedom. Their writings and speeches inspired a sense of pride and unity among Indians.
- Partition of Bengal (1905): The British decision to partition Bengal along religious lines in 1905 sparked widespread protests and nationalist fervour. This event led to mass mobilization, boycotts, and a resurgence of cultural and political consciousness among Indians. The Swadeshi movement, which called for the use of indigenous goods, and the promotion of national education emerged as a powerful tool of resistance.
- Mahatma Gandhi and Nonviolent Resistance: Mahatma Gandhi emerged as the leader of the Indian National Congress in the early 20th century and became the face of the Indian nationalist movement. He advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as a means to challenge British rule. His emphasis on self-reliance, grassroots mobilization, and inclusivity helped galvanize the masses and made the freedom struggle a mass movement.
- Unity in Diversity: India’s incredible diversity, encompassing various languages, religions, and cultural practices, has also contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism. The idea of “unity in diversity” has been a central theme, emphasizing the need to forge a common identity that transcends regional, linguistic, and religious differences.
- Impact of World War I and II: The participation of Indian soldiers in World War I and II on behalf of the British Empire had a profound impact on Indian nationalism. The disillusionment and sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, coupled with the contrast between the rhetoric of freedom and the reality of colonial rule, fueled nationalist sentiments and demands for independence.
- Post-Independence Nation-Building: After India gained independence in 1947, the process of nation-building further strengthened Indian nationalism. Policies promoting secularism, democratic governance, and social justice were enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Efforts to bridge regional and linguistic divides, promote economic development, and protect cultural diversity have contributed to a continued sense of Indian nationalism.
It is important to note that the growth of Indian nationalism is a complex and ongoing process, and it continues to evolve in response to various social, political, and economic factors.
For over a century, the British exploited the Indian masses, breeding hatred and animosity toward them. The introduction of Western education opened the eyes of Indians to the British Raj’s colonial rule. Indian nationalism grew as a result of colonial policies and as a reaction to colonial policies. It would be more accurate to view Indian nationalism as the result of a confluence of factors.

Table of Contents

The extensive list of factors that contributed to the rise of Indian nationalism during the colonial period. Here is a summary of the factors:

People United Politically Under the British Rule

People became politically unified under British hegemony.
There was one rule, one administrative framework, one set of laws, and one set of administrative officers that unified people politically.
People became aware that vast India belonged to them, instilling a sense of nationalism in them.

Communication and Transportation Advancements

Lord Dalhousie made a lasting contribution to Indians by introducing railways, telegraphs, and a new postal system. Roads were built from one end of the country to the other.
Even though all of this was intended to serve imperial interests, the people of India capitalized on it. The train compartment mirrored a united India.
It bridged the gap between them and gave them the sense that they all belonged to this vast India under the control of the British Raj.

Influence of Western Education

The introduction of English education in 1835 marked a watershed moment in the British administration.
Its primary goal was to educate the Indian masses so that they would be loyal servants of the British Raj.
However, as time passed, English-educated Indians became forerunners in India’s sociopolitical, economic, and religious reforms.
Raja Rammohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Ferozeshah Mehta, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Surendranath Banerjee all fought for liberty, equality, and humanitarianism.
English-educated Indians gradually became the torchbearers of Indian nationalism, instilling national consciousness in the minds of millions of Indians.

India’s glorious past

Several avenues in the field of oriental studies were opened up by the nineteenth-century Indian Renaissance.
Western scholars such as Max Muller, Sir William Jones, Alexander Cunningham, and others translated several ancient Sanskrit texts from this land, establishing the glorious cultural heritage of India before the people.
Indian scholars such as R.D. Banerjee and R.G. Bhandarkar were inspired by them. Mahan Mukhopadhyaya, Hara Prasad Astir, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and others rediscovered India’s past glory from its history.
This encouraged the people of India, who felt they were the ancestors of this country’s grand monarchs and were being ruled by foreigners. This fanned the flames of nationalism.

Movements for Socio-Religious Reform

In the nineteenth century, the socio-religious reform movements led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Annie Besant, Syed Ahmad Khan, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, and Vivekananda brought about a national awakening in India.
The abolition of Sati and the introduction of widow remarriage resulted in social reforms in India.
Indians gained an understanding of the concepts of liberty, equality, freedom, and social disparities.
This reawakened the people’s minds and instilled in them a sense of nationalism.

Growth of Vernacular Literature

The influence of Western education compelled educated Indians to express the concepts of liberty, freedom, and nationalism through vernacular literature.
They aimed to incite the masses to oppose British rule by instilling a sense of nationalism in them.
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s Anand Math and Dinabandhu Metra’s play Nil Darpan wielded enormous power over the people and instilled anti-British feelings in them.
The play Baraga Purdahs by Bharatendu Harishchandra reflected the plight of the Indian masses under British rule.
Aside from several eminent poets and writers in various languages, such as Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali, Vishnu Shari Chipulunkar in Marathi, Laminate Bazbarua in Assamese, Mohammad Husain Azad and Altar Husain Ali in Urdu, their writings helped to rouse nationalism among the local people.

Role of Press

Newspapers and magazines were critical in instilling a sense of nationalism in Indians.
Raja Rammohan Roy edited Persian journals such as ‘Mirat-ul-Akhbar’ and the Bengali newspaper ‘Sambad Kaimiudi.’
Similarly, several newspapers, such as Hindu Patriot, Bangalee, Amrit bazar patrika, Sudharani, and Sanjivani in Bengali; Indu Prakash in Maharashtra, Native Opinion, Kesari, Koh-i-Noor, Akhbar-i-Am and ‘The Tribune’ in Punjab, reflected British rule and aroused feelings of nationalism among people.

The First War of Independence’s Memory

The memory of the Revolt of 1857 instilled in the Indians a sense of nationalism.
After becoming aware of the British’s bad intentions, the heroic roles of Rani Laxmi Bai, Nana Saheb, Tayta Tope, and other leaders became fresh in the minds of the people.
This instilled in the people a desire to fight the British.

The Ilbert Bill Controversy

The Ilbert Bill was passed during Lord Ripon’s tenure as Viceroy. It gave Indian judges the authority to try the Europeans.
It sparked outrage among Europeans, who pushed for a change in the bill, including a provision requiring an Indian to try a European in the presence of a European witness.
This exposed the British authorities’ deception and projected their racial animosity.

Antagonism Between Races

The British considered themselves superior to Indians and never offered them good jobs regardless of their merits or intelligence.
The Indian Civil Service examination was held in England, and the age limit was 21.
Aurobindo Ghosh passed the written exam but was disqualified from horseback riding and did not pass the ICS exams. The British purposefully disqualified them.
They believed that Indians were brown and unfit to rule and that it was the white men’s responsibility to rule them. This inflamed people’s resentment of British rule.

Economic Exploitation

Britishers economically exploited India by draining wealth from India to Britain, as expressed in Dada Bhai Naoroji’s ‘Drain Theory.’
Following the Industrial Revolution in England, the British needed raw materials and markets, which were met by draining the raw materials of India and using Indian markets.
The landlords, guided by Britishers, exploited the Indian masses and further exploited the Indian economy.
The ‘Drain Theory’ of Dadabhai Naoroji, Ranade, and G.V. Joshi raised awareness about the exploitation of Indian handicrafts, which mirrored the exploitative nature of Britishers toward the Indian economy.
This ruined India’s factories, handicrafts, and economy, leaving the Indian people impoverished and filled with resentment toward the British.

Formation of the Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885. It expressed the Indian people’s desire in front of the British.
The mass movements and leaders played an important role in the development of people’s national consciousness.
The Indian National Congress enabled the Indians to wage ideological battles against the British, resulting in India’s independence.
Moderates such as Dada Bhai Naoroji and S.N. Banerjee, as well as extremists such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, all played important roles in instilling a sense of nationalism in Indians.

Bengal’s Partition (1905)

Lord Curzon, the British viceroy, was in charge of partitioning Bengal in 1905.
Since 1765, Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa had been united as a single province of British India.
By 1900, the province had grown too large for a single administration to handle. East Bengal had been overlooked in favor of West Bengal and Bihar due to its isolation and poor communication.
Partition was opposed by the Hindus of West Bengal, who controlled the majority of Bengal’s commerce, professional, and rural life. They saw the partition as an attempt to suffocate nationalism in Bengal, where it was stronger than elsewhere.
The Indian National Congress was transformed from a middle-class pressure group into a nationwide mass movement as a result of this.

Bengal’s Swadeshi Movement

The Swadeshi Movement arose from Bengal’s anti-partition movement.
The decision escalated the protest meeting, resulting in the passage of a Boycott resolution in a massive meeting held in Calcutta Town Hall, as well as the formal proclamation of the Swadeshi Movement.
The extremists dominated the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal. They proposed new forms of struggle. The movement primarily advocated a boycott of foreign goods, as well as mass mobilization through public meetings and processions.
Self-sufficiency, or ‘Atma Shakti,’ as well as Swadeshi education and enterprise, were emphasized.
Several families remained active to ensure mass participation, and songs written by Rabindranath Tagore, Rajanikanta Sen, Dwijendralal Ray, Mukunda Das, and others inspired the masses in the cultural sphere.
Soon after, the movement spread to other parts of the country, with Tilak leading in Pune and Bombay, Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh leading in Punjab, Syed Haider Raza leading in Delhi, and Chidambaram Pillai leading in Madras.

Political Associations in the Bengal Presidency

Landholders Society

Before the establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, several political associations in India played significant roles in advocating for various reforms and expressing the aspirations of the Indian people. These associations were primarily regional or local in their operations and had specific agendas related to their respective regions. Some of these early political organizations include:
The Zamindari Association, also known as the Landholders’ Society, was established in 1838 to protect the interests of landlords in Bengal. It was founded by prominent intellectuals such as Bhabani Charan Bandyopadhyay, Dwarkanath Tagore, Prasanna Kumar Tagore, Radhakanta Deb, and Ramkamal Sen. The association advocated for the implementation of Permanent Settlement across India, which was a land revenue system introduced by the British.
The Zamindari Association formed close ties with the British India Society in London and managed to secure concessions from the British, such as tax exemptions for temples and lands belonging to Brahmans. It also allowed British citizens in India to become members of the association. The organization aimed to reform the police, judiciary, and revenue departments.
However, the influence of the Zamindari Association remained primarily limited to Bengal. Its program of Permanent Settlement did not extend to other Indian states, and as a result, its reach and impact were confined to a specific region. Additionally, the association faced a decline in influence after 1842 and eventually closed down in 1850. It merged with the Bengal British India Society to form the British India Association.
It is important to note that the Zamindari Association focused primarily on the interests of landlords and did not address the issues faced by ordinary people. Its activities were centered on institutional politics and the use of constitutional means for political struggle. While it marked the beginning of organized political activity in India, its scope was limited, and it did not acquire a pan-India character.

Bengal British India Society

The Bengal British India Society was established in 1843 with the objective of gathering and sharing information about the conditions of the people in British India. It aimed to promote the welfare, rights, and interests of all classes of subjects in India through peaceful and lawful means.
In 1851, the Landholders’ Society and the Bengal British India Society merged to form the British Indian Association. This merger brought together the interests of landlords and the broader objective of advancing the welfare and rights of the people in British India. The formation of the British Indian Association marked a significant development in the organized political struggle in India during that time.
The British Indian Association played a crucial role in advocating for the interests of Indians and pushing for reforms. It became one of the predecessors to the Indian National Congress (INC), which was established in 1885. The formation of the British Indian Association laid the foundation for collective political action and paved the way for further organized movements for Indian independence.
The Bengal British India Society was founded in 1843 by the combined efforts of George Thompson, Dwarkanath Tagore, Chandra Mohan Chatterjee, and Parmananda Maitra.
It was founded on the advice of George Thompson. He was brought to India from England by Dwarkanath Tagore.
George Thomas was the Secretary of the British Indian Society.
It primarily represented the aristocratic class.
The organization’s main goals were to collect and disseminate information about people’s health and well-being.
The society, founded in 1843, aimed to ensure the welfare and advancement of all classes while remaining loyal to the British sovereign. It emerged as the second politically inclined public association in British India, following the Zamindari association.
Unlike the Zamindari Association, which focused solely on the interests of the landed aristocracy, the Bengal British India Society was dominated by Bengal intellectuals, particularly the young Bengal group. These intellectuals, influenced by their Western education and awareness, sought to collect and disseminate information about the conditions of the people of British India.
The objectives of the Bengal British India Society included advancing the interests of all classes, promoting good citizenship qualities among Indians, urging the government to increase Indian employment in public offices and implement judicial reforms, raising public awareness about governance issues, and working towards the realization of their just rights through peaceful and lawful means while remaining loyal to the British sovereign.
However, despite its pioneering role in the development of political parties in India, the Bengal British India Society, along with the Zamindari Association, became dormant by 1850 and was unable to achieve significant outcomes.
Overall, the Bengal British India Society and the Zamindari Association laid the groundwork for organized political movements in India, but their impact was limited in the early stages of the struggle against British imperialism.

British India Association (1851)

The British India Association formed in 1851 through the merger of the Landholders’ Society and the Bengal British India Society, played a significant role in Indian political activism during that time. The organization was headed by Raja Radhakant Dev as President and Debendranath Tagore as Secretary, and it had several other prominent members.
The formation of the British India Association was prompted by the opposition of the European community in Bengal to the four bills drafted by Bethune, a law member of the British Government, in 1849. These bills aimed to extend the jurisdiction of the East India Company’s criminal courts over British-born subjects. While the Indian community supported these bills, the European community protested against them, leading to their withdrawal by the government. This incident highlighted the need for a strong political organization to protect Indian interests against organized attacks by Europeans.
The objectives of the British India Association included petitioning the British Parliament to incorporate their suggestions in the Company’s renewed Charter, advocating for the establishment of a popular legislature, separation of executive and judicial functions, salary reductions for higher officers, and the abolition of the salt duty, abkari, and stamp duties.
The British India Association was one of the first political associations to bring Indians together. It propagated its ideology through the newspaper “Hindu Patriot,” which had a critical political tone. The association sent a petition to Parliament in 1852, raising grievances and seeking relief, which led to the addition of six members to the governor-general’s council for legislative purposes in the Charter Act of 1853. It worked towards structural changes in local administration and government systems, striving for the greater welfare of Indians.
However, the British India Association had limitations. It primarily represented the interests of landlords and the upper class, with membership restricted to the wealthy. It focused more on measures that affected their class interests, and its high annual subscription rate drew public criticism. Over time, it became associated with the landed aristocracy and failed to represent the broader political aspirations of the Indian people. There were allegations that the association supported British rule to protect its own interests, as seen in their petition urging the implementation of permanent settlements throughout India.
The British India Association mainly relied on petitioning authorities and holding occasional public meetings to reinforce its demands. It struggled to meet the aspirations of the growing middle class in Bengal and had limited engagement with the Muslim community, which consisted largely of peasants and had little interest in the association’s activities.
Overall, the British India Association played a significant role in Indian political activism during its existence, but its limitations and focus on certain class interests hindered its ability to become a popular representative organization and fulfill the broader aspirations of the Indian people.

Indian League (1875)

The Indian League, founded in 1875 by Sisir Kumar Ghosh, played an important role in stimulating nationalism among the people of India and promoting political education. Sisir Kumar Ghosh himself was a prominent Indian journalist, the founder of the Amrita Bazar Patrika newspaper, and a Bengali freedom fighter.
The Indian League aimed to instill a sense of nationalism among the people and had notable nationalist leaders associated with it, including Ananda Mohan Bose, Durgamohan Das, Nabagopal Mitra, and Surendranath Banerjee.
Sisir Kumar Ghosh’s Amrita Bazar Patrika, established in 1868, became a powerful medium for expressing national opinions and highlighting the misrule of the British. Ghosh was known for his writings on Lord Chaitanya, a Vaishnavite mystic-saint, and he published “Lord Gauranga or Salvation for All” in 1897. He was also one of the first students to pass Calcutta University’s first entrance examination in 1857.
The Indian League emerged at a time when the Indian National Movement was gaining broader support and receiving publicity through the press. Ghosh and his progressive colleagues founded the Indian League to represent not only the middle class but also the masses, aiming to stimulate a sense of nationalism among the people.
In conclusion, the Indian League, founded by Sisir Kumar Ghosh in 1875, played a significant role in promoting nationalism and political education in India. While it was not the first political organization, it contributed to the broader Indian National Movement and laid the foundation for subsequent organizations like the Indian National Association, founded by Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose in 1876.

Indian National Association (1876)

The Indian National Association, also known as the Indian Association of Calcutta, was established in 1876 as one of the earliest nationalist organizations in India. It was founded by Surendranath Banerjee and Anand Mohan Bose, initially under the name Bharat Sabha. The association played a significant role in the political awakening and mobilization of Indians toward the goal of independence.
The Indian National Association aimed to promote various legitimate means for the advancement of the Indian people, including political, intellectual, and material aspects. It sought to build a strong public opinion on political issues and unite Indians behind a common political agenda. The organization attracted various nationalist leaders, including Anand Mohan Bose, Durga Mohan Das, Nabagopal Mitra, and Surendranath Banerjee.
The association emerged during a period of growing political consciousness and the rise of political associations and national movements for independence in India. Before the Indian National Association, the India League was founded in 1875 by Sisir Kumar Ghosh and Sambhu Charan Mukherjee, aiming to represent the middle class and foster a sense of nationalism. However, the India League eventually disbanded, leading to the formation of the Indian Association by Surendranath Banerjee and Anand Mohan Bose.
The Indian National Association had several distinctive features. It represented the interests of the middle class and worked to promote a sense of nationalism among the people. The organization emphasized political unity among the educated middle class and aimed to create a strong body of public opinion in the country. It also advocated for the unity of Indian races and peoples based on common political interests and aspirations. The association promoted brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims and made efforts to include the masses in the political movement.
The Indian National Association campaigned on various issues, including the removal of the age limit for candidates in the Indian Civil Service examination, the Indianization of higher administrative positions, and the repeal of repressive acts such as the Arms Act and the Vernacular Press Act. It established branches in different towns and cities across Bengal and beyond, and its membership fee was kept low to attract members from the poorer sections of society.
In 1886, the Indian National Association merged with the Indian National Congress, another prominent nationalist organization. The association played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the Indian National Congress and its subsequent activities in the Indian independence movement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: What were the key factors that contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism in the 19th and early 20th centuries?

Answer: The growth of Indian nationalism in the 19th and early 20th centuries was influenced by various factors. One significant factor was the impact of British colonial rule, which led to economic exploitation, cultural oppression, and social discrimination. The introduction of Western education and ideas of liberty and equality also played a role in shaping nationalist sentiments. Additionally, the emergence of a unified Indian identity was fostered by the shared experience of facing common challenges under British rule.

FAQ 2: How did the Indian National Congress (INC) contribute to the growth of nationalism in India?

Answer: The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, played a crucial role in the growth of Indian nationalism. Initially, it functioned as a platform for educated Indians to voice their concerns and grievances to the British government. However, over time, under leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and later Mahatma Gandhi, the INC transformed into a powerful nationalist movement. It advocated for constitutional reforms, and representation, and gradually shifted towards a demand for complete independence. The INC served as a unifying force, bringing together diverse communities under the common goal of self-rule.

FAQ 3: How did the Partition of Bengal in 1905 impact the growth of Indian nationalism?

Answer: The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a controversial administrative decision by the British, ostensibly for administrative efficiency but widely perceived as an attempt to divide and rule by creating religious divisions. The move sparked widespread protests and opposition from various sections of society. The Swadeshi Movement, led by leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh and Bipin Chandra Pal, gained momentum as people boycotted British goods and promoted indigenous products. The anti-partition agitation fostered a sense of unity among Indians transcending religious differences, contributing significantly to the growth of Indian nationalism by strengthening the resolve of the people to resist divisive policies imposed by the colonial rulers.

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Growth of Indian Nationalism – Modern History Notes – Edukemy