Nationalism in india

Chapter 8: Emergence of Nationalism in India

Introduction

  • Nationalism in India emerged during the 19th century.

  • Key factors influencing nationalism: Western education and English language.

    • Western Education: Introduced principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance.

    • English Language: Unified educated Indians across regions, enabling idea exchange for freedom.

Background

  • European entry into India began with the revival of sea routes in the 15th century.

  • Initial presence was as traders, later transitioning to political control.

  • East India Company: Established in 1600 to enhance trade; waged wars to annex territories.

    • Key Battles:

      • Battle of Plassey (1757): Gained control over Bengal.

      • Battle of Buxar (1764): Acquired Diwani rights to collect taxes in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

  • The economic exploitation and racial supremacy policies spurred discontent, leading to The First War of India's Independence in 1857, which was suppressed.

  • Queen Victoria's Proclamation (1858) marked the start of direct British Crown rule in India.

Formation of Indian National Congress

  • Indian National Congress (INC) established on 28 December 1885 in Bombay.

    • Key Figures: Womeshchandra Bannerjee (first President), K.T. Telang (first Indian secretary), and Allan Octavian Hume (key founder).

  • The INC provided a platform for diverse Indian voices to unify against British rule.

Phases of the Freedom Movement

  1. Era of the Moderates (1885-1905)

    • Leaders like Bannerjee, Gokhale, and Motilal Nehru used constitutional methods, focusing on petitions.

    • Known as 'Petition Politics'.

    • Revolutionary Activities: Led by individuals like Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar; marked by secret organizations and armed uprisings.

    • Partition of Bengal (1905) by Lord Curzon worsened tensions; Congress split at Surat Session in 1907.

  2. Era of the Extremists (1905-1920)

    • Leaders: Lal Bal Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal).

    • Advocated direct action and self-respect among Indians.

    • Emphasized Swadeshi and Boycott campaigns against British goods.

    • Major Events:

      • Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) galvanizing public opinion against British Rule.

  3. Gandhian Era (1920-1947)

    • Mahatma Gandhi introduced Satyagraha, Non-Violence, and Non-Cooperation principles.

      • Led to mass mobilization through movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920).

      • Chauri Chaura incident led to the suspension of the movement.

    • Demand for Complete Independence (Poorna Swaraj) arose in 1929 under Nehru's leadership.

    • Civil Disobedience Movement initiated with Dandi March (1930) against salt tax.

    • Key slogans and massive public participation were pivotal in these movements.

Important Milestones

  • Simon Commission (1927): Resisted due to lack of Indian representation; spurred protests across India.

  • Bhagat Singh and revolutionaries used militant methods for independence; they became symbols of the youth movement.

  • Quit India Movement (1942): Demanded immediate independence; Gandhi's famous slogan 'Do or Die'.

  • Transfer of Power:

    • 1946-47: British decision for independence led to partition discussions.

    • Indian Independence Act passed, leading to India's independence on 15 August 1947.

Conclusion

  • The evolution of nationalism in India involved a spectrum of methods from moderate petitions to revolutionary actions, ultimately leading to a unified fight for independence culminating in 1947.

  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India on 26 January 1950 when India adopted its Constitution.

Mind Map: Emergence of Nationalism in India

  • Introduction

    • Nationalism's emergence in the 19th century

    • Influenced by Western education and English language

  • Background

    • European entry: 15th-century sea routes

    • East India Company establishment (1600)

      • Key Battles:

        • Battle of Plassey (1757)

        • Battle of Buxar (1764)

    • Economic exploitation → Discontent → First War of Independence (1857)

    • Direct British Crown Rule begins (1858)

  • Formation of Indian National Congress (1885)

    • Key Figures:

      • Womeshchandra Bannerjee (first President)

      • K.T. Telang, Allan Octavian Hume

  • Phases of the Freedom Movement

    • Moderates (1885-1905)

      • Leaders: Bannerjee, Gokhale, Motilal Nehru

      • Methods: Petition politics

    • Extremists (1905-1920)

      • Leaders: Lal Bal Pal

      • Methods: Direct action, Swadeshi, Boycott campaigns

    • Gandhian Era (1920-1947)

      • Principles: Satyagraha, Non-Violence

      • Key Movements: Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience

  • Important Milestones

    • Simon Commission (1927)

    • Quit India Movement (1942)

    • Transfer of Power (1946-47)

  • Conclusion

    • Nationalism's evolution: from moderate petitions to revolutionary actions

    • Independence achieved on 15 August 1947; Dr. Rajendra Prasad becomes first President (1950).