The growth of modern nationalism in India was shaped by various factors, including global influences such as the French Revolution, British modernization efforts, and reactions to British policies. Understanding economic contradictions and political unification played crucial roles, while western education, press and literature, and rediscovery of India’s past further contributed to nationalist sentiments. Socio-religious reform movements and the rise of the middle class intelligentsia also played significant roles, as did contemporary movements and reactionary policies by the British.
French Revolution: The rise of nationalism and the right of self-determination, inspired by the French Revolution, influenced the growth of Indian nationalism.
Indian Renaissance: The Indian Renaissance contributed to the rise of nationalist sentiments by reviving and modernizing Indian culture and thought.
Modernisation by the British: British-initiated modernization in India, including new institutions and infrastructure, played a role in fostering nationalism.
Reaction to British Policies: Strong reactions to British imperialist policies fueled nationalist sentiments and movements.
Economic Backwardness: Realization that colonial rule was the major cause of India's economic backwardness led to the formation of nationalist movements addressing these contradictions.
Collective Interests: The interests of various Indian sections—peasants, artisans, workers, intellectuals, and capitalists—became intertwined, leading to a unified nationalist movement.
British Rule: The British established a larger unified state, with direct rule over provinces and indirect rule over princely states, contributing to political unity in India.
Unified Administration: The British created a unified administration with professional civil service, judiciary, and codified laws across India.
Modern Infrastructure: Development of railways, roads, electricity, and telegraphs linked different regions, facilitating political unity and economic integration.
Regional Impact: Economic and infrastructural developments linked regional economies and facilitated political exchanges and mobilization of public opinion.
Modern Education: Introduction of a modern education system provided exposure to Western ideas and philosophies, influencing Indian political thought.
Influence of European Thinkers: European writers like Milton, Shelley, Mill, Rousseau, Paine, Spencer, and Voltaire inspired Indian intellectuals with ideas of democracy, secularism, and nationalism.
English Language: The English language facilitated communication among nationalist leaders from different linguistic regions and exposed them to modern political institutions.
Middle Class Intelligentsia: The English-educated middle class, often involved in liberal professions and exposed to modern political systems, became the nucleus of political unrest and leadership.
Growth of Press: Despite restrictions, the growth of Indian-owned newspapers in English and vernacular languages played a significant role in spreading nationalist ideas.
Political Criticism and Mobilization: The press criticized colonial policies, urged unity, and spread ideas of self-government, democracy, and industrialization.
Exchange of Ideas: Newspapers, journals, pamphlets, and literature facilitated the exchange of political ideas among nationalist leaders from different regions.
Historical Research: Research by European and Indian scholars created a new, positive picture of India's past, highlighting political, economic, and cultural achievements.
Boost to Self-Respect: Discoveries that contradicted colonial myths boosted the self-respect of educated Indians and helped demolish colonial stereotypes.
Progressive Character of Socio-Religious Reform Movements
Social Reforms: Reform movements aimed at removing social evils and bringing different sections of Indian society together, contributing to the growth of nationalism.
Urban Middle Class: British administrative and economic changes created a new urban middle class, which became a dynamic minority with a sense of unity and purpose.
Leadership: This middle class provided leadership to the Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in the nationalist movement.
Racial Discrimination: British racial myths and discriminatory policies hurt Indian sentiments, provoking opposition and fostering nationalist sentiment.
Controversial Policies: Policies like Lytton’s reduction of the age limit for the I.C.S. examination and the Vernacular Press Act led to widespread agitation and opposition.
Ilbert Bill Controversy: The Ilbert Bill controversy demonstrated the limitations of justice under colonial rule and taught nationalists how to agitate for rights and demands.
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