8.2 - The Growth of Mass Nationalism

The growth of mass nationalism in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a significant turning point in the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. This phase saw the participation of a wider section of society, including peasants, workers, and students, in the nationalist movement. The period between the 1870s and 1947 witnessed the rise of mass political mobilization that eventually led to the Indian freedom struggle. Key events and factors that contributed to the growth of mass nationalism include the emergence of new political ideas, changing social conditions, and the development of a more organized national movement.

1. Socio-Political Changes and New Nationalist Ideas

During the late 19th century, India was undergoing significant socio-political changes. These changes were driven by both external factors (British colonial rule) and internal factors (social reform movements). The spread of Western education, new technologies, and exposure to European ideas such as democracy, liberty, and equality began to influence Indian intellectuals. This helped in the formation of new nationalist ideas that called for Indian political and economic freedom.

2. Role of Indian National Congress (INC)

The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, initially started as a platform for moderate demands for reforms within the British colonial system. However, by the early 20th century, the INC became an important vehicle for the Indian masses to voice their demands for greater political participation and self-rule. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal helped radicalize the INC and transform it into a national political organization.

3. The Rise of the Extremists

By the early 20th century, a faction of the INC, led by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lal Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal, became more radical in their approach. They believed in the idea of "Swaraj" (self-rule) and called for a more direct confrontation with British rule. This shift in ideology was evident in the aggressive campaigns for national unity, such as the promotion of Swadeshi (the use of domestic goods) and the Boycott of British goods.

4. Role of the Press and Literature

The press played an important role in the growth of mass nationalism. Newspapers like 'Kesari' (published by Tilak) and 'The Hindu' (edited by C. Vijayaraghavan) helped spread nationalist ideas to the masses. These newspapers highlighted issues such as the exploitation of Indian resources, the oppression of Indian workers, and the need for self-governance. Literature, poetry, and speeches further ignited the spirit of nationalism among people across India.

5. Economic Exploitation and Its Impact

The economic policies of the British, including heavy taxation, the drain of wealth, and the destruction of local industries, led to widespread poverty and unrest among the Indian masses. Economic exploitation became one of the main rallying points for the nationalist movement. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji brought attention to the economic impact of British rule through his theory of the "Drain of Wealth," which argued that Britain was draining India's resources for its own benefit.

6. The Impact of World War I

World War I (1914-1918) played a crucial role in shaping the nationalist movement. India’s involvement in the war, with thousands of Indian soldiers fighting for the British, raised expectations among Indians for greater political concessions. However, the British response to the Indian demand for independence was the repressive Rowlatt Act of 1919, which sparked widespread protests and became a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle.

7. The Non-Cooperation Movement

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), led by Mahatma Gandhi, was one of the first large-scale mass movements in India. It involved non-violent resistance against British rule, including the boycott of British goods, institutions, and schools. The movement aimed to unite all sections of Indian society, including workers, peasants, and students, against colonial exploitation.

8. The Role of Peasants and Workers

During this period, peasants and workers began to participate actively in the nationalist movement. Economic hardships, especially due to the impact of British policies, created widespread discontent among these groups. The peasant uprisings, such as the Champaran Satyagraha (1917) led by Gandhi, were important moments in the history of mass nationalism. Similarly, workers’ strikes in places like the textile mills of Ahmedabad and the plantation areas of Bengal became key moments of resistance.