Chapter-10 : Emergence of Modern Nationalism in India
Arora IAS Class Notes
Factors Leading to Modern Nationalism in India
Growth of Indian Nationalism:
- Explained by India’s response to British rule and a mix of other factors:
- Worldwide Nationalism:French Revolution’s ideas of self-determination.
- Indian Renaissance:Cultural revival and social reforms.
- British Modernization:Unintended consequence of British policies.
- Reaction to British Rule:Resistance to British imperialism.
Understanding Nationalism vs. Colonial Interests:
- Recognition of British rule harming India’s economy.
- Nationalist movement emerged to challenge colonial exploitation.
Political & Economic Unification by British Rule:
- Established a unified state larger than previous empires.
- Introduced a professional civil service, judiciary, and codified laws.
- Developed modern transportation and communication networks (railways, roads, etc.).
- Unified economic fate of different regions.
- Enabled easier communication and mobilization of people.
Influence of Western Thought and Education:
- Modern education exposed Indians to Western ideas.
- Liberal and radical thinkers like Mill, Rousseau, Paine inspired Indian nationalists.
- English language facilitated communication among leaders from different regions.
- Exposed educated Indians to functioning democracies, highlighting a lack of rights in India.
- English-educated middle class became the core of the nationalist movement.
Role of Press and Literature:
- Growth of Indian-owned newspapers in English and vernacular languages, despite restrictions.
- Criticized British policies and urged national unity.
- Spread ideas of self-government, democracy, and civil rights.
- Facilitated exchange of ideas among nationalist leaders.
Rediscovery of India’s Past:
- Historical research by Europeans and Indians highlighted India’s rich heritage.
- Countered colonial myths of Indian servility.
- Boosted self-respect and confidence among educated Indians.
Progressive Social and Religious Reform Movements:
- Aimed to remove social evils and unite Indian society.
- Played a significant role in the growth of nationalism.
Rise of the Middle Class Intelligentsia:
- Emergence of a new urban middle class due to British administration and economy.
- Well-educated, with a sense of unity and purpose.
- Provided leadership to the Indian National Congress.
Impact of Contemporary World Movements:
- Success of national liberation movements in other countries inspired Indian nationalists.
- Examples: South American revolutions, Greece, Italy, and Ireland.
Reactionary Policies and Racial Arrogance of British Rulers:
- British policies perpetuated racial superiority and discrimination.
- Lytton’s policies (reduced ICS exam age limit, Delhi Durbar during famine, Vernacular Press Act, Arms Act) provoked opposition.
- Ilbert Bill controversy: Exposed limitations of expecting fair play from British.
- Taught nationalists the power of organized agitation.
Political Associations Before the Indian National Congress
Early Dominance of Aristocratic Elements:
- Early 19th-century political associations mostly led by wealthy and aristocratic individuals.
- Primarily local or regional in focus.
- Key demands included administrative reforms, Indian participation in administration, and promotion of education.
Shift Towards Educated Middle Class:
- Later in the 19th century, political associations increasingly dominated by educated middle-class professionals like lawyers, journalists, doctors, and teachers.
- Adopted a broader perspective and agenda, reflecting evolving socio-political dynamics.
Political Associations in Pre-Colonial India
Bengal:
- Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha (1836):
- Founded by associates of Raja Rammohan Roy.
- Advocated for socio-cultural reforms and vernacular language use.
- Zamindari Association (Landholders’ Society):
- Established to protect landlord interests.
- Initiated organised political activity and constitutional agitation.
- Bengal British India Society (1843):
- Formed to collect and disseminate information about British India.
- Focused on peaceful and lawful means for the welfare of all classes.
- British Indian Association (1851):
- Result of the merger between Zamindari Association and Bengal British India Society.
- Sent petition to British Parliament demanding reforms in the Charter of the Company, partially accepted in Charter Act of 1853.
- Demands included a separate legislature, separation of executive and judicial functions, and reduction in salaries of higher officers.
- East India Association (1866):
- Organised by Dadabhai Naoroji in London to discuss Indian issues.
- Later expanded with branches in prominent Indian cities.
- Indian League (1875):
- Founded by Sisir Kumar Ghosh to foster nationalism and political education.
- Indian Association of Calcutta (1876):
- Also known as the Indian National Association.
- Founded by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose.
- Aimed at promoting political, intellectual, and material advancement of Indians.
- Demanded reforms in civil service examinations and protested against repressive British laws.
- Organised an all-India conference in Calcutta in 1883, laying groundwork for an all-India nationalist organisation.
- Merged with Indian National Congress in 1886.
Bombay
- Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1867) – Founded by Mahadev Govind Ranade.
- Bombay Presidency Association (1885) – Founded by Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and K.T. Telang.
Madras
- Madras Mahajan Sabha (1884) – Founded by M. Viraraghavachari, B. Subramania Aiyer, and P. Ananda Charlu.
Pre-Congress Campaigns (1875-1885)
- Import duty on cotton (1875)
- Indianisation of government service (1878-79)
- Opposition to:
- Lytton’s Afghan adventure (1878)
- Arms Act (1878)
- Vernacular Press Act (1878)
- Support for:
- Right to join volunteer corps
- Ending plantation labor abuses (against Inland Emigration Act)
- Ilbert Bill
- All-India Fund for Political Agitation
- Pro-India candidates in British elections
- Against reduction in maximum age for Indian Civil Service exam (Indian Civil Service agitation)
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