The growth of militant nationalism in India during the early 20th century was marked by a shift towards radical political activity, driven by factors such as disillusionment with British rule, economic hardships, repressive legislation, and international influences. Key leaders like Tilak and Aurobindo inspired this change, and the emergence of a trained leadership played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses against colonial rule. This period also saw the rise of influential views advocating for a more aggressive stance against British imperialism.
A radical trend of a militant nationalist approach to political activity began emerging in the 1890s and took concrete shape by 1905. A revolutionary wing also took form as an adjunct to this trend.
Recognition of the True Nature of British Rule: Disillusionment with British rule due to its failure to meet important demands and worsening economic conditions, such as severe famines and plagues, led to a desire for more effective political action.
Economic Misery: The economic hardships of the 1890s highlighted the exploitative nature of colonial rule, including famines and the bubonic plague.
Repressive Legislation: Various acts and policies from 1892 to 1904, including:
1892 — The Indian Councils Act was criticized by nationalists as it failed to satisfy them.
1897 — The Natu brothers were deported without trial and Tilak and others were imprisoned on charges of sedition.
1898 — Repressive laws under IPC Section 124 A were further amplified with new provisions under IPC Section 156 A.
1899 — Number of Indian members in Calcutta Corporation were reduced.
1904 — Official Secrets Act curbed freedom of press.
1904 — Indian Universities Act ensured greater government control over universities, which it described as factories producing political revolutionaries.
Suppression of Education: British rule was no longer progressive socially and culturally, suppressing the spread of mass and technical education.
Growth of Confidence and Self-Respect: Leaders like Tilak, Aurobindo, and Bipin Chandra Pal urged nationalists to rely on the character and capacities of the Indian people, advocating for the involvement of the masses in the struggle for freedom.
Growth of Education: Increased awareness due to education, alongside rising unemployment and underemployment, drew attention to poverty and the underdeveloped state of the economy under colonial rule.
International Influences: The progress of Japan and defeats of European powers inspired Indians, demonstrating that economic and political progress was possible and inspiring nationalist movements worldwide.
Reaction to Westernisation: The new leadership felt the excessive westernisation and colonial designs aimed to submerge Indian national identity. Intellectuals like Swami Vivekananda and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee inspired nationalists with arguments highlighting the richness of Indian civilization.
Dissatisfaction with Achievements of Moderates: Younger Congress members were dissatisfied with the moderate methods and achievements, leading to a shift towards more radical approaches.
Reactionary Policies of Curzon: Curzon’s rule, characterized by the Official Secrets Act, Indian Universities Act, Calcutta Corporation Act, and the partition of Bengal, reinforced the reactionary nature of British rule and intensified nationalist resentment.
Existence of a Militant School of Thought: By the early 20th century, nationalist thinkers advocating a militant approach emerged, including:
Raj Narain Bose
Aurobindo Ghosh
Bipin Chandra Pal
Vishnu Shastri Chiplunkar
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Lala Lajpat Rai
Tilak emerged as the most outstanding representative of this school of thought.
Swami Vivekananda: “If there is a sin in the world, it is weakness; avoid all weakness, weakness is sin, weakness is death.”
B.G. Tilak: “The Extremists of today will be the Moderates of tomorrow, just as the Moderates of today were the Extremists of yesterday.”
Karachi Chronicle (June 18, 1905): “What one Asiatic has done, others can do... if Japan can drub Russia, India can drub England with equal ease... let us drive the British into the sea and take our place side by side with Japan among the great powers of the world.”
Trained Leadership: New leaders emerged who could channel the political struggle of the masses. This leadership was evident during the movement against the partition of Bengal and the subsequent swadeshi agitation.
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