8.1 - The Emergence of Nationalism

Nationalism refers to the belief that people who share common culture, language, and history should form an independent nation. The emergence of nationalism in India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a response to British colonial rule and the socio-economic changes it brought to the country.

During the British colonial period, many factors contributed to the rise of nationalism. These factors included:

• Economic Exploitation: British policies led to the economic drain of India's wealth. The country’s resources were exploited for the benefit of the British economy, leading to widespread poverty, famine, and unemployment in India.
• Social Reforms and Awareness: Social reform movements like the Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and the Indian Renaissance inspired a sense of unity and pride among Indians, leading them to question British rule and demand reforms.
• Introduction of Western Education: The spread of Western education helped create an educated middle class in India that became more aware of the concepts of liberty, equality, and democracy, influencing their demand for rights and self-rule.
• The Press and Literature: The growth of the Indian press played a significant role in spreading nationalist ideas. Newspapers, journals, and books began to criticize British policies and promote Indian culture and heritage.
• The Role of Indian Leaders: Indian leaders such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal became vocal in demanding political and social reforms from the British government.

The 1857 revolt, also known as the First War of Independence, although unsuccessful, was a significant event in the emergence of nationalism. It marked the beginning of an organized struggle against British rule. Following the revolt, the British government took direct control of India, and the colonial policies became harsher, leading to further resentment among Indians.

The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 was a key event in the development of Indian nationalism. Initially, the INC aimed at promoting dialogue between the British and Indians, seeking reforms within the framework of the British Empire. However, over time, under the leadership of figures like Dadabhai Naoroji and later, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the INC began to demand self-rule for India.

The rise of the INC marked a significant shift in Indian politics, as it mobilized various sections of society, including the educated elite, industrialists, and common people. The formation of the INC also led to the formation of other regional nationalist movements, such as the Home Rule Movement, led by Tilak and Annie Besant, which aimed at achieving self-governance for India within the British Empire.

The nationalist movement was further energized by events such as:

• The Partition of Bengal (1905): The British decision to partition Bengal on the grounds of administrative convenience was seen as an attempt to divide and rule by creating religious divisions between Hindus and Muslims. This led to widespread protests and boycotts, which strengthened nationalist sentiments.
• Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908): The Swadeshi Movement was a reaction to the partition of Bengal. It called for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of indigenous products, which played a key role in spreading nationalist ideas across the country.
• The Lucknow Pact (1916): A significant political development, the Lucknow Pact was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League. It marked the beginning of Hindu-Muslim cooperation and was a step toward greater unity in the struggle for self-rule.

Through these developments, nationalism in India began to gain momentum, leading to a united demand for self-rule and eventually independence from British colonial rule.