Indian national phase 1

• The National Movement in India shaped a significant age in history as it assisted with welding different individuals and segments of society into one country. It built solidarity and friendship among the people and strengthened the feeling of national unity and integrity among Indians.  

Emergence  of Nationalism in India

•  The latter half of the 19th century marked the onset of national political awareness and the development of an organized National Movement in India.
•  During this period, a fresh sense of unity and identification with the same nation also surfaced, steering the movement towards the quest for Swaraj or Home Rule.
•  Various factors contributed to the ascent of nationalism in India, including:

Administrative and Economic Unification in India 

• The process of modernization was a crucial element in the colonial administrative framework, and ironically, it played a role in the emergence of Indian nationalism.
•  The establishment of political unity contributed to a sense of collective purpose and identity.
• The British economic policies had detrimental effects on various segments of Indian society, including peasants, the middle class, workers, and industrialists.
• The significant economic drain, commercialization of agriculture, and periodic famines resulting from land settlements proved disastrous.

• Consequently, the nationalist spirit gained considerable momentum through this process.

Spread of Western Education and Ideology 

•  The adoption of the English language as the medium of instruction in schools and colleges in 1835 elevated it to the language of the educated elite in India.
•  The introduction of a modern education system created opportunities for the assimilation of contemporary Western ideas, leading Indians to recognize the adverse effects of foreign rule. This, in turn, steered Indian political thinking in a new direction.

Development  in Communication Infrastructure

• During Dalhousie's rule, the development of railways, a modern postal system, and the introduction of the electric telegraph played a crucial role in unifying the country. The railways fostered increased passenger traffic, facilitating greater interaction among people and maintaining regular contact.

Emergence  of the Modern Press 

• The rapid expansion of the press proved instrumental for nationalist Indians, enabling the dissemination of patriotic messages and modern liberal ideas. 
• This growth helped build a robust public opinion against the excesses and inequalities of colonial administration.
• Newspapers such as The Hindu, Patriot, Amrita Bazaar Patrika, Kesari, and Mahratta advocated nationalist ideals.

Rediscovery of India's Historical Heritage

• European scholars like Max Muller, Monier Williams, Sassoon, Roth, and Indian scholars such as RG Bhandarkar, RL Mitra, and Swami Vivekananda conducted historical research that unveiled India's rich socio-political, economic, and cultural heritage. This exploration instilled a new sense of self-respect and confidence among nationalists.

Socio-Religious Reforms 

• Various socio-religious reform movements, including Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and the Ramakrishna Mission, were initiated to bring about positive changes in society.
• In the religious domain, the reform movements scrutinized practices such as religious superstition, idolatry, polytheism, and the concept of hereditary priesthood. Additionally, these movements actively criticized the caste system, untouchability, and various social and legal inequalities. Notably, figures like Swami Dayanand, who was a pioneer in using the term "Swaraj," played a pivotal role in fostering nationalist sentiments.
• Numerous Arya Samajis were at the forefront of the national movement and played a significant role in the emergence of extremism within the Indian National Congress.

Emergence of the Urban Middle-Class Intelligentsia

• The introduction of Western education, coupled with British administrative and economic innovations, gave rise to a new urban middle-class intelligentsia. 
• This class, closely connected to the ruling class and well-versed in British imperialistic policies, took a leading role in nationalist movements.

Lord Lytton's Reactive Policies 

• The highly costly Second Afghan War (1878-80), funded from Indian revenues, along with the abolition of import duties on British textiles and the Arms Act of 1878 (aimed at disarming the Indian population), led to widespread discontent against British rule.
•  Another controversial move by Viceroy Lord Lytton was the reduction of the age limit (from 21 to 19) for the Indian Civil Services Examination, held exclusively in London. In response, the Indian Association launched a significant agitation, led by SN Bannerjee and Lalmohan Ghosh.

Role of Press and Literature

•  The Vernacular Press Act, which initially restricted the freedom of the Indian Press (later repealed by Lord Ripon), was colloquially known as the Gagging Act.
• To circumvent the constraints imposed by the Vernacular Press Act, Amrita Bazaar Patrika promptly transformed into an English publication. The establishment of the newspaper Hindu in Madras also emerged as a response to Lytton's Press Act.

The Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883)

• Officially named the Criminal Procedure Amendment Code Bill, Sir Courtenay Ilbert (law member in the Governor-General Executive Council) introduced it in the Governor-General's Legislative Council in February 1883.
• The bill aimed to grant Indian District Magistrates and Session judges the authority to adjudicate criminal cases involving European and British offenders. The bill triggered a robust protest movement by members of the European community, who rallied against it.
• Lord Ripon had to revise the bill, now providing European-British subjects accused of criminal offenses the right to opt for a trial by jury, with at least half of the members being Europeans or Americans.
• The Ilbert Bill Controversy served as an awakening for Indians and heightened the burgeoning sense of unity and nationalism among them.

Role of the Educated Middle Class

• The advancement and nurturing of Indian nationalism were primarily credited to the 'educated middle classes,' encompassing the professional classes, the English-educated elite, and the intelligentsia.
• The emerging group exhibited a crucial characteristic, notably the substantial inclusion of Indians who had acquired proficiency in English, been influenced by British rule, and engaged in professions such as law, teaching, and journalism.
• Fueled by a sense of national consciousness and pride in India's illustrious history, the middle class initiated constitutional agitation for political rights.
• Contrary to having roots in industry or commerce, this class was anchored in traditional landholding, government service, or professions regarding its social and economic foundations.

• Many educated Indians actively worked towards disseminating English education among the masses.
• Subsequently, they ardently advocated for the implementation of compulsory elementary education. The social composition and perspective of this educated middle class markedly differed from that of the princes, chiefs, and zamindars who had previously spearheaded resistance movements against the British.

• During the 19th century, this class made a significant contribution for bringing religious and social reforms, writing patriotic songs, plays and novels, preparing an economic critiques of British rule and establishing political organizations.

Political Associations Before 1885

• Before the establishment of the Indian National Congress in India, there were various associations had been established in India. These are as follows

Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha

•  Established in 1836, Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha stands as the inaugural political association formed in India. The founding members included Dwarkanath Tagore, Kasinath Roy, and Prasanna Kumar Tagore.
• The primary objective of this association was to bring the grievances of India to the attention of the British Government and advocate for remedial measures.

Landholders' Society

• The Landholders' Society, founded in 1837, marked the earliest organized political activity in India.
•  Comprising landholders from Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa (now Odisha), its main goal was to safeguard the interests of its class.
•  Initially named the Zamindari Association, it was established by Dwarkanath Tagore in collaboration with Prasanna Kumar Tagore, Radhakanta Deb, Ramkamal Sen, and Bhabani Charan Mitra.

Bengal British India Society

• Established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1843, the Bengal British India Society is recognized as the second political association formed in British India. Its mission extended beyond specific class interests, aiming to safeguard and advance the general public's welfare.

British Indian Association

• In 1851, the Landholders' Society and Bengal British India Society merged, giving rise to a new entity known as the British Indian Association. This association played a prominent role in the political landscape before the 1857 Revolt. Radhakanta Deb served as its first President, and Debendranath Tagore was the inaugural General