Question

Explain the role of anti-colonial movement in the rise of ‘modern nationalism’ in India.

Answer 1

1. Common Oppression Under British Rule:
   • The exploitation of Indian resources, high taxation, and economic policies that favored British interests created widespread discontent.
   • Indians, despite their regional and cultural differences, began identifying themselves as a single nation suffering under colonial exploitation.
2. Economic Nationalism and Swadeshi Movement:
   • Movements like Swadeshi and Boycott (1905) encouraged the use of Indian goods and rejection of foreign products.
   • Dadabhai Naoroji’s ‘Drain of Wealth’ theory made people aware of British economic exploitation, fostering economic nationalism.
3. Political Awareness and Unity:
   • The formation of the Indian National Congress (1885) provided a platform for nationalists to demand self-rule.
   • Mass movements led by Mahatma Gandhi (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movements) mobilized people from all backgrounds, strengthening national unity.
4. Social and Cultural Awakening:
   • Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyotiba Phule, and Swami Vivekananda linked social reforms with nationalism, advocating for equality and unity.
   • The promotion of Hindi, Bengali, and other regional languages in literature and newspapers strengthened national consciousness.
5. Role of Revolutionaries and Militant Nationalists:
   • Leaders like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Subhas Chandra Bose inspired youth to fight for independence.
   • Their sacrifices instilled a sense of pride, patriotism, and urgency in the national movement.