Rise of Nationalism in India
What is Nationalism?
Nationalism is a strong feeling of love, loyalty, and pride for one’s country. It is based on shared
culture, language, religion, and history. Nationalism often inspires people to seek independence
and self-rule. It can unite people for common goals, but sometimes it can also create conflicts
between groups. People feel proud of their country and want to work for its progress.
Nationalism has helped countries like India, South Africa, and the USA gain freedom. It can
build stronger societies, but it may also lead to violence, hatred, or unfair treatment of other
groups.
Historical Background
Nationalism in India began with the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in the
late 1800s. The INC aimed to give Indians more power under British rule. Initially, it pursued
peaceful methods, asking for reforms through petitions and laws. However, the Jallianwala
Bagh massacre of 1919, where British soldiers fired on peaceful protestors, shocked the nation
and intensified the struggle for freedom.
Moderates and Radicals
• Moderates: Early INC leaders adopted a soft and careful approach, seeking gradual
reforms.
• Radicals: From the 1890s, leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai (Punjab), Bal Gangadhar
Tilak (Maharashtra), and Bipin Chandra Pal (Bengal) demanded stronger action.
They believed Indians should use their own power to fight for self-rule rather than relying
on British goodwill.
Causes of the Rise of Nationalism
1. Western Education: British education exposed Indians to ideas of freedom, equality,
and democracy. English helped people from different regions communicate and share
ideas.
2. Use of Vernacular Languages: Local languages regained importance, spreading ideas of
liberty and reasoning among common people.
3. End of Old Social Order: British policies dismantled traditional social systems, creating
resentment.
4. Social Reform Movements: Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra
Vidyasagar, and Jyotiba Phule worked to remove social evils and promote education,
rational thinking, and patriotism.
5. British Economic Policies: Exploitative policies led to poverty, debt, and famines
among farmers, creating anger and desire for freedom.
6. Political Unity: British rule unified most of India under one system, fostering a sense of
national identity.
7. Communication Network: Railways, roads, postal services, and telegraphs helped
people connect and exchange ideas, accelerating the freedom movement.
8. Growth of Press: Newspapers in English and local languages spread awareness of
national issues.
9. Lord Lytton’s Policies: Famine during his viceroyalty (1876–1880) and extravagant
events like Delhi Durbar, along with unfair laws like the Vernacular Press Act and
Arms Act, angered people.
10. Revolt of 1857: British harshness after the revolt caused mistrust and resentment among
Indians.
11. Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883): Proposed allowing Indian judges to try British citizens;
strong opposition revealed British racial bias.
12. Influence of Foreign Movements: The French Revolution and American War of
Independence inspired Indian nationalists.
Rise of Communalism under Colonial Rule
What is Communalism?
Communalism refers to conflicts or political exploitation based on religion. It is a political idea
where religion is used to gain power and can create clashes between religious groups. Its main
assumptions are:
1. People of the same religion share similar needs and interests.
2. These interests conflict with those of other religions.
3. Religious group interests cannot be reconciled and are inherently in conflict.
Communalism often uses religion for political purposes and can lead to violence and hatred.
How Communalism Grew in Indian Society
• Ancient India saw peaceful coexistence; rulers like Ashoka supported tolerance.
• During medieval times, Akbar promoted secular values, while Aurangzeb used religion
to assert power.
• Despite occasional conflicts, most people lived peacefully in villages. Hindus and
Muslims had common goals and coexisted.
Under British rule, communalism grew stronger due to policies that divided people:
• Partition of Bengal (1905)
• Separate electorates (1909)
• Communal Award (1932)
These policies emphasized religious identity over national unity.
Stages of Communalism
1. First Stage – Soft Communalism: Late 1800s, groups like Arya Samaj (Hindu) and
Faraizi Movement (Muslim) began focusing on their religion; leaders like Sir Syed
Ahmad Khan promoted Muslim interests.
2. Second Stage – Liberal Communalism: Before 1937, groups like Hindu Mahasabha
and Muslim League practiced religion-based politics while respecting democracy.
3. Third Stage – Extreme Communalism: After 1937, Muslim League and Hindu
Mahasabha became aggressive, demanding separate nations and using hate and violence.
How Communalism Spread
• Poverty, corruption, and poor education made religion a tool for gaining jobs and social
advantage.
• Middle-class and elite groups supported communalism to protect their interests.
• British policies favored Hindus in jobs and administration, leaving Muslims feeling
excluded after the 1857 revolt.
• Religious identity also reflected class differences:
o Punjab: Muslim landlords vs. Hindu moneylenders
o Eastern Bengal: Muslim farmers vs. Hindu zamindars
• Leaders like Sir Syed Ahmad Khan represented Muslim concerns.
• Ultimately, communalism became a tool for powerful groups to safeguard wealth, status,
and political influence.
