The main factor responsible for the growth of Indian Nationalism was the introduction of Western education. This brought awareness of democratic ideals, equality, and self-governance, inspiring Indians to question British rule. It fostered a sense of unity among diverse groups by providing a common language, English, and exposure to liberal ideas from Europe. The educated elite, influenced by thinkers like John Stuart Mill, began advocating for reforms and independence. This education also highlighted the economic exploitation and racial discrimination under British rule, fueling nationalist sentiments.
The writer of Anandamath was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. This novel, published in 1882, played a significant role in awakening nationalist feelings by portraying the Sanyasi rebellion against British rule. It introduced the song "Vande Mataram," which later became a national anthem, symbolizing resistance and unity.
The song 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' was composed by Muhammad Iqbal. Written in 1904, it became a patriotic anthem, celebrating India's cultural heritage and fostering national pride among Indians during the freedom struggle.
The first railway line in India was constructed on April 16, 1853, between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Thane, covering a distance of 34 kilometers. This marked the beginning of modern transportation, facilitating trade and communication, which indirectly supported nationalist movements.
The first telegraph line in India was constructed in 1851, connecting Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Diamond Harbour. This improved communication, enabling faster coordination among nationalist leaders across regions.
The first Printing Press was established in 1556 by Portuguese missionaries in Goa. The Calcutta Presidency College was established in 1817 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), and it was earlier known as Hindu College, founded to promote Western education among Indians.
Lord William Bentinck introduced the abolition of Sati in 1829, banning the practice of widow burning, and promoted English education through the 1835 English Education Act, aiming to modernize Indian society and reduce social evils.
The first newspaper published in India was the Bengal Gazette, started by James Augustus Hicky in 1780 in Calcutta, playing a key role in disseminating information and nationalist ideas.
Six important reasons include: (1) Western education fostering awareness, (2) economic exploitation by the British, (3) racial discrimination, (4) development of transport and communication, (5) press and literature spreading nationalist ideas, and (6) the impact of the Revolt of 1857, which united Indians against British rule.
Four effects are: (1) Awareness of democratic ideals, (2) creation of a educated middle class, (3) exposure to global reform movements, and (4) development of a national consciousness challenging British authority.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy, known as the "Father of Indian Renaissance," significantly contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism. Born in 1772, he advocated for social reforms and modern education, founding the Brahmo Sabha in 1828, which later became Brahmo Samaj. His efforts to abolish Sati in 1829 with British support highlighted the need for social justice, inspiring nationalist sentiments. Roy promoted Western education and the study of English, which exposed Indians to liberal ideas of equality and self-governance. He established the Hindu College in 1817, fostering an educated class critical of British rule. His newspaper publications, like the Sambad Kaumudi, spread awareness about exploitation and rallied public opinion. Roy’s emphasis on unity among Hindus and Muslims laid the foundation for a collective national identity. His petition to the British Parliament in 1831 for legislative reforms showcased early political activism. These efforts collectively awakened a sense of pride and resistance, making him a pioneer in the nationalist movement that gained momentum in the 19th century.
Dayanand Saraswati, founder of the Arya Samaj in 1875, played a vital role in the growth of Indian nationalism. Born in 1824, he promoted a return to Vedic principles, encouraging pride in India’s ancient heritage. His book "Satyarth Prakash" criticized social evils like caste discrimination and idolatry, fostering a unified Hindu identity against British cultural imposition. The Arya Samaj’s educational initiatives, such as the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic schools, combined traditional learning with modern education, creating a nationalist-minded youth. His slogan "Back to the Vedas" inspired self-reliance and resistance to foreign rule. Dayanand’s efforts to unify Hindus and reform society strengthened national cohesion. His Shuddhi movement aimed to reconvert individuals, reinforcing cultural identity. By challenging British missionary activities, he fueled anti-colonial sentiments. His teachings indirectly influenced the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 by promoting a sense of collective identity, making him a key figure in the early nationalist awakening.
Keshav Chandra Sen, a leader of the Brahmo Samaj, contributed significantly to Indian nationalism. Joining in 1857, he modernized the movement after Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s death, advocating for social reforms like widow remarriage and women’s education. Born in 1838, he established the Bharat Ashram to promote unity and national consciousness. His efforts to bridge Hindu and Muslim communities fostered interfaith harmony, a cornerstone of nationalism. Sen’s lectures and writings, like those in the Indian Mirror newspaper, criticized British policies, raising awareness of exploitation. He supported the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, encouraging political organization. His advocacy for self-governance and education empowered the middle class to challenge colonial rule. Despite internal conflicts leading to his exit from Brahmo Samaj in 1866 to form the Bharat Samaj, his work laid groundwork for nationalist leaders. Sen’s emphasis on cultural revival and social equality inspired a collective identity, significantly influencing the growth of Indian nationalism.
Annie Besant, a British theosophist, made a profound contribution to Indian nationalism. Arriving in India in 1893, she embraced the Theosophical Society and later the Indian National Congress. Founding the Home Rule League in 1916, she demanded self-governance, mobilizing public support during World War I. Her newspaper, New India, spread nationalist ideas, exposing British injustices. Besant’s leadership in the Congress presidency in 1917 marked a milestone, giving Indians a prominent voice. She promoted education through the Central Hindu College, fostering a nationalist youth. Her adoption of Indian culture and support for the Khilafat Movement bridged Hindu-Muslim unity. Despite British internment in 1917, her resilience inspired resistance. Besant’s efforts to unite diverse groups under a common cause strengthened the freedom struggle, influencing leaders like Gandhi. Her work laid a foundation for mass participation, significantly boosting nationalism until her departure from active politics in the 1920s.
The Aligarh Movement, initiated by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in 1875, aimed to modernize Indian Muslims through education and social reform. Establishing the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (now Aligarh Muslim University), he promoted Western education alongside Islamic studies, reducing religious orthodoxy. This movement sought to bridge the gap between Muslims and the British, encouraging loyalty while fostering a modern outlook. It infused critical thinking by exposing Muslims to science, literature, and governance, countering the post-1857 isolation. The movement’s Urdu Defense Association preserved cultural identity while advocating progress. It inspired political awareness, leading to the formation of the Muslim League in 1906. However, its pro-British stance initially limited revolutionary nationalism. Over time, educated Muslims like Muhammad Ali Jinnah embraced broader nationalist ideals. The movement significantly modernized Muslim society, enhancing their role in India’s freedom struggle, though its full impact varied across regions and classes.
The printing press in India, introduced in 1556 by Portuguese missionaries in Goa, played a pivotal role in the growth of Indian nationalism. It enabled the mass production of books, newspapers, and pamphlets, spreading awareness of British exploitation and nationalist ideas. Publications like the Bengal Gazette (1780) and later Amrita Bazar Patrika criticized colonial policies, mobilizing public opinion. The press facilitated the dissemination of reformist literature by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, fostering unity across linguistic and regional divides. It educated the masses about democratic ideals from Western thought, encouraging resistance. During the Revolt of 1857, printed materials helped coordinate efforts against British rule. The growth of vernacular presses empowered local languages, strengthening cultural identity. By the late 19th century, newspapers like The Hindu and Kesari, led by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, became platforms for political agitation. Thus, the printing press was instrumental in shaping a collective national consciousness, laying the groundwork for the Indian National Congress in 1885.
The birth of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 was influenced by several factors. Western education introduced liberal ideas, creating an educated middle class aware of self-governance. Economic exploitation, including high taxes and deindustrialization, fueled discontent. The Revolt of 1857, though suppressed, united Indians against British rule. Social reforms by leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and the press highlighted racial discrimination and cultural erosion. The development of transport and communication, like railways and telegraphs, enabled coordination among regions. The Ilbert Bill controversy in 1883 exposed British racial biases, prompting political organization. A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, facilitated the INC’s formation to channel Indian grievances peacefully. The Theosophical Society and early associations like the Indian Association (1876) laid the groundwork. These factors culminated in the first INC session in Bombay, marking the beginning of organized nationalism.
The Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885, began as a moderate platform during its early years. Its first session in Bombay, led by W.C. Banerjee, attracted 72 delegates to discuss Indian grievances. Initially, it focused on constitutional reforms, demanding more Indian representation in governance and civil services. The early years saw annual sessions in cities like Calcutta and Madras, addressing issues like economic exploitation and racial discrimination. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Surendranath Banerjee advocated for petitions to the British Parliament, emphasizing loyalty while seeking reforms. The INC published resolutions and reports, like the “Congress Address,” to gain public support. It promoted unity among Hindus and Muslims, though participation was limited to the educated elite. Economic critiques, such as Naoroji’s “Drain of Wealth” theory, highlighted British exploitation. Despite British surveillance, the INC’s moderate approach laid a foundation for mass movements, evolving into a stronger political force by the early 20th century under leaders like Gokhale.