Evolution of Indian Nationalism Since the Late 19th Century

The evolution of Indian nationalism from the late 19th century marks a significant chapter in India’s struggle for freedom. It reflects a dynamic movement influenced by socio-economic changes, political awareness, and cultural revival.

Early Stages of Nationalism (Late 19th Century)

• Factors Leading to Nationalism:
  • British Colonial Policies: Exploitation through the drain of wealth, commercialization of agriculture, and oppressive taxation fueled discontent​.
  • Western Education: Ideas of liberty and equality from European thinkers (Rousseau, Locke) influenced an educated middle class​.
  • Socio-Religious Reforms: Movements like Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj questioned colonial narratives and social evils, promoting self-respect​.
• Formation of Indian National Congress (1885):
  • Spearheaded by leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and A.O. Hume, INC provided a platform for political discussion and demands for reform​.

Moderate Phase (1885–1905)

• Strategies:
  • Constitutional methods like petitions, resolutions, and advocacy for administrative reforms were employed​.
  • Emphasis was placed on economic critiques of colonial exploitation, especially through Dadabhai Naoroji’s “drain theory”​.
• Achievements:
  • Pressured the British for greater representation of Indians in governance, leading to minor reforms like the Indian Councils Act of 1892.

Extremist Phase (1905–1920)

• Shift in Approach:
  • Frustration with British apathy led to a radical shift under leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal).
  • The Swadeshi Movement (1905) emphasized economic self-reliance by boycotting British goods​​.
• Partition of Bengal (1905):
  • British attempts to divide Bengal on communal lines backfired, uniting Indians across religious and regional divides.

Gandhian Era (1920–1947)

• Rise of Mass Movements:
  • Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movements mobilized millions across caste, class, and gender.
  • Gandhi’s focus on non-violence and Swaraj (self-rule) gained international attention​.
• Inclusion of Marginalized Groups:
  • Movements addressed social issues like untouchability and women’s rights, expanding the appeal of nationalism​.

Role of Literature and Press

• Newspapers like Kesari and The Hindu and works like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s Anand Math played pivotal roles in shaping nationalist thought​.

Conclusion

Indian nationalism evolved as a reaction to colonial exploitation and as an assertion of cultural identity. It transitioned from elite-led constitutional efforts to mass-based movements that united diverse groups under a common goal: freedom from British rule. This journey reflects India’s ability to integrate modernity with tradition, paving the way for its independence in 1947.