Nationalism and the Indian National Congress

Rise of Nationalism

• Nationalism is a feeling of oneness and common identity that binds people of a nation together.
• Several factors contributed to the rise of nationalism in India during the British colonial rule.
• British policies and administrative measures, such as a uniform system of law and government, brought Indians together and helped them realize their shared identity.
• Western education introduced new ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity, inspiring Indians to demand self-governance.
• The British government's discriminatory policies and exploitation of India's resources led to widespread resentment and a desire for change.
• The exposure of Indians to the rich cultural heritage and history of their country instilled a sense of pride and encouraged them to assert their national identity.
• Social and religious reform movements played a significant role in awakening national consciousness and promoting unity among Indians.
• The Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which imposed restrictions on Indian language newspapers, further fueled nationalist sentiments.
• The Ilbert Bill controversy of 1883, which sought to grant Indian judges the power to try Europeans, sparked outrage among the British and highlighted racial discrimination, contributing to nationalist mobilization.

The Ilbert Bill

• The Ilbert Bill was introduced in 1883 by Sir Courtenay Ilbert, the law member of the Viceroy's Council.
• The bill aimed to abolish judicial disqualifications based on race and allow Indian judges to preside over cases involving British subjects in the districts.
• The bill triggered widespread opposition from the British community in India, who saw it as a threat to their privileged status.
• British residents organized protests, formed defense associations, and lobbied the government to withdraw or modify the bill.
• The controversy surrounding the Ilbert Bill exposed the deep-seated racial prejudices and inequalities prevalent in British India.
• The government eventually amended the bill, incorporating provisions that allowed European defendants to demand a jury trial with a majority of European jurors.
• The Ilbert Bill controversy had a profound impact on Indian nationalism, uniting Indians across caste, religion, and region in their opposition to racial discrimination.
• It led to the formation of various nationalist organizations and intensified the demand for greater Indian participation in governance.

Indian National Congress (INC)

• The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant.
• The INC aimed to provide a platform for educated Indians to discuss their political grievances and demand reforms from the British government.
• The early leaders of the INC, known as the Moderates, believed in peaceful and constitutional methods of agitation.
• They sought gradual reforms through petitions, resolutions, and appeals to the British government.
• Some prominent Moderate leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Pherozeshah Mehta.
• The INC played a crucial role in uniting Indians from different parts of the country and promoting a sense of national identity.

Moderates and Radicals

• Within the INC, two distinct groups emerged: the Moderates and the Radicals.
• The Moderates advocated for gradual reforms through constitutional means, emphasizing dialogue and negotiation with the British government.
• The Radicals, on the other hand, believed in more assertive and confrontational methods to achieve self-rule, including boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience.
• Some prominent Radical leaders included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, collectively known as the "Lal-Bal-Pal" triumvirate.
• The Radicals criticized the Moderates for their slow pace of progress and their faith in the British government's willingness to grant meaningful reforms.
• The differences in ideology and methods between the Moderates and Radicals led to internal tensions and disagreements within the INC.

Partition of Bengal

• The Partition of Bengal was implemented by the British government in 1905, dividing the province of Bengal into two parts: East Bengal and West Bengal.
• The official reason given for the partition was administrative convenience, but it was widely seen as a deliberate attempt to weaken the growing nationalist movement in Bengal.
• East Bengal had a majority Muslim population, while West Bengal had a majority Hindu population.
• The partition triggered widespread protests and opposition from Indians of all backgrounds, who saw it as a divisive tactic aimed at creating communal divisions.
• The anti-partition movement, known as the Swadeshi movement, involved boycotting British goods, promoting Indian-made products, and organizing mass demonstrations.
• The Swadeshi and Boycott movements emerged as a significant phase in the Indian nationalist struggle.
• It promoted the use of Indian-made goods (Swadeshi) and the boycott of British products.
• The Swadeshi movement contributed to the growth of Indian industries and fostered a sense of economic nationalism.
• The Swadeshi movement also led to the development of national education institutions and the promotion of Indian arts and culture.

Movements and Leagues

• The Swadeshi movement gave rise to various movements and leagues aimed at promoting national unity and resisting British rule.
• The Anushilan Samiti was a revolutionary organization that advocated for armed struggle to overthrow British rule.
• The Muslim League was formed in 1906 to protect the interests of Muslims in India and advocate for separate political representation.
• The Ghadar Party was established by Indian immigrants in North America to organize a rebellion against British rule in India.
• These movements and leagues played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the nationalist cause and intensifying the struggle for independence.

Explore the rise of nationalism in India, the formation of the Indian National Congress, and the socio-political landscape of the time. Key events and figures shaped India's struggle for independence. Learn about the Ilbert Bill, Moderates, Radicals, and the Partition of Bengal.