Rise of Nationalism in India

Rise of Nationalism in India has a connection with the anti-colonial movement going on in India. Different groups of people in India had come to share a common sense of bonding with each other, because of the oppression which were being faced under the rule of colonialism of the Britishers.

Nationalism in India

Rise of Nationalism in India- Under Moderates and Radicals

In the initial period, Indian National Congress (INC) worked as moderates in their approach and began to demand a greater voice for all the Indians in the administration as well as governance. By the year 1890s, Lala Lajpat Rai in Punjab, Bipin Chandra Pal in Bengal as well as Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra were very unhappy with the approach of Congress. The group of radicals wanted to fight for swaraj with own strength and not by having good intentions and subdued forces of moderates.

Rise of Nationalism in India- Leadership of Mahatma Gandhi

Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian National Congress brought all the different groups together under one movement, even with disagreements between them, they came together for attainment of Swaraj or independence. Mahatma Gandhi has led many movements which include Dandi March, Civil Disobedience Movement, Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation and Quit India Movement against the britishers and all these movements ignited feeling of nationalism for the people.

Civil Disobedience Movement- by Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi has launched Civil Disobedience movement. On 31st January 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin for imposing 11 demands, the most important of which was to abolish salt tax which was consumed by both rich and poor.

Non-Cooperation Movement

Non- cooperation movement was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi on 31st August 1920 and was a national movement as the movement saw the participation of middle class, tribals, workers and peasants from the countryside. Each of the social groups had different aspirations. Most of which were:

1. Working for eradication of untouchability.
2. Adopt swadeshi principles.
3. Adopt swadeshi habits which include hand spinning.
4. Foreign goods were boycotted and also eliminated from the markets.
5. Merchants, peasants and traders had refused to trade in foreign goods and services.
6. Council elections were boycotted in most provinces except Madras.
7. Many students left government schools and colleges, teachers and doctors resign.

Dandi March

Mahatma Gandhi had led a large group of people from the Sabarmati Ashram on 12th March 1930 to Dandi, for breaking the salt law and the march lasted for 24 days from 12th March 1930 to 5th April 1930. He was accompanied by 80 satyagrahis initially. On 6th April, Mahatma Gandhi reached Dandi and violated the salt law and marked the beginning of civil disobedience. Civil disobedience movement was a nation wide movement. The main notoo was non- violence. Women participated in large numbers and different sections had their own aspirations and hence there was discontent among people about the goals to achieve.

The Emergence Of Nationalism

The roots of Indian nationalism go back to the late 19th century when people began to question their country’s identity and purpose. They recognized that India belonged to all of its peoples, regardless of social status, religion, language, or gender, and that the British were not acting in the best interests of Indians.  This led to the formation of various political associations such as Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Indian Association, Madras Mahajan Sabha, Bombay Presidency Association, and Indian  National Congress in the 1870s and 1880s, which were mainly governed by English-speaking professionals like lawyers. 

While these associations operated in specific regions of the country, they were intended to represent the aspirations of all indigenous peoples, not any particular community or class. They believed that India should be sovereign and have the right to decide its own affairs. This idea of ​​popular sovereignty was a key feature of nationalism, which was relatively modern at the time. Dissatisfaction with the British government increased during the 1870s and 1880s as the British government passed legislation restricting Indian liberties. The Gun Act of 1878 prohibited Native Americans from owning firearms, and the Vernacular Press Act of the same year authorized the government to confiscate the assets of newspapers that published anything deemed “offensive”. In 1883, the Ilbert Act was introduced to ensure greater equality between British and Indian judges but was eventually withdrawn in 1887 due to opposition from whites.

 This incident exposed the racist attitude of the British in India and fueled a desire to create an all-Indian organization of educated Indians. When 72 delegates from all over India gathered in Bombay in December 1885, the Indian National Congress was formed. Early Congress leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Badruddin Tyabji, W.C. Surendra Nath Banerji, Bonnerji, Romesh Chandra Dutt, and S.Subramania Iyer were mainly from Bombay and Calcutta. Naoroji, a London businessman, columnist, and former MP, advises young nationalists. A retired British civil servant, A.O. Hume, was also instrumental in bringing together Native Americans from different regions.

A Nation in the Making

During the first two decades of its existence, the Indian National Congress pursued moderate goals and employed peaceful methods to achieve them. It aimed to increase Indian participation in the government and administration, demanding that the Legislative Councils be made more representative and given greater power. The Congress also sought to Indianize the civil service by holding exams in India and placing Indians in high-ranking government positions. These demands were made in response to the racist assumption by the British that Indians were incapable of holding positions of responsibility, which resulted in most important jobs being held by white officials.

Moreover, the Congress’ demand for the Indianization of the administration was also a response to the economic exploitation of India by the British. British officers were sending a large part of their salaries back to England, leading to a drain of wealth from India. The Congress believed that Indianization would help reduce this economic exploitation.

The early Congress also raised economic issues related to poverty, famines, and agricultural distress caused by British policies. It demanded a reduction in land revenue, military expenditure, and more funds for irrigation. Additionally, Congress passed resolutions on issues such as the salt tax, the treatment of Indian laborers abroad, and the plight of forest dwellers.

Despite being composed of educated elites, Congress did not solely advocate for the interests of professional groups, zamindars, or industrialists. Its leaders worked to develop public awareness about the unjust nature of British rule by publishing newspapers, writing articles, and giving speeches. They believed that the British respected the ideals of freedom and justice and would accept the just demands of Indians if they were made aware of them. Therefore, Congress aimed to express these demands and mobilize public opinion to pressure the government to fulfill them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which factors led to rise of nationalism in India?

The factors which led to rise of nationalism in India include economic exploitation, repressive colonial policies, socio religious, and other factors.

What is rise of nationalism?

Rise of nationalsm refers to emergence of nation state in place of multi national dynasties of Europe in 19th century, which let to many political and economic changes around Europe.

Who were the first nationalists in India?

The first nationalists in India were the moderates of Indian National Congress in 1885.

Who is the father of Indian Nationalism?

The father of Indian Nationalism was Surendranath Banerjee.