Rise of Nationalism | Indian Modern History | UPSC | Lecture 22 | Aadesh Singh

Summary

The video discusses the early phase of the Indian National Movement from 1857 to 1885, highlighting the factors that led to its rise. It explains the impact of the British Crown taking control from the East India Company post-1857, and how various political organizations before the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 contributed to the movement. The video covers the role of intellectuals, the press, and socio-religious reformers in awakening a sense of unity and nationalism among Indians, ultimately leading to the organized political struggle for independence.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Indian National Movement began in the late 19th century with a focus on political and social change after the 1857 Revolt, leading to the establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
• 👥 The British Crown took direct control of India post the 1857 Revolt, aiming to reduce the power of the East India Company and implement repressive policies that affected Indians.
• 🔗 The British introduced a unified structure in India through laws and institutions like the civil services, judiciary, and modern means of transport and communication, which connected different parts of India.
• 🌏 The introduction of modern education by the British led to the spread of Western thought and ideas, influencing Indian intellectuals and contributing to the rise of the National Movement.
• 📰 The growth of press and literature in the second half of the 19th century played a significant role in the Indian National Movement, with newspapers criticizing British policies and advocating for national unity.
• 🏛 The rediscovery of India's past by scholars and the promotion of Indian history, art, and culture boosted Indian self-motivation and confidence, challenging British dominance.
• 🔍 The social and religious reform movements of the 19th century raised awareness among various social groups and attempted to unite Indians by criticizing the caste system and advocating for social change.
• 🚫 Experiences of racial discrimination against Indians, such as exclusion from English clubs and restrictions on travel with European passengers, fueled resentment towards British rule.
• 📈 The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 was a response to the Ilbert Bill of 1883, which proposed allowing Indian magistrates and session judges to try European subjects, and was seen as a step towards self-governance.
• 🤝 Before the Indian National Congress, several political organizations were established in mid-19th century India, laying the groundwork for a unified national movement.
• 📝 Key demands of the early Indian National Congress included reducing public expenditure, reforming Indian civil services, involving Indians in legislative councils, and promoting modern education to rural areas.

Q & A

What was the context of the Indian National Movement before the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885?

The Indian National Movement emerged as a response to the political and social changes in India following the 1857 Rebellion. After the rebellion, British Crown took direct control of India, and the East India Company's power was reduced. The movement was also a reaction to the repressive policies of the British Crown, which did not resonate well with the Indian populace.

What were the reasons for the emergence of the Indian National Movement in the second half of the 19th century?

The emergence of the Indian National Movement was driven by the realization that colonial rule was the main cause of India's backwardness. British policies like creating a unified structure through laws and institutions, modern means of transport and communication, and the introduction of Western education and ideas contributed to the rise of a national consciousness among Indians.

How did the British rule impact the Indian society and lead to the rise of the Indian National Movement?

British rule unified India through a standardized structure of governance and institutions, which connected different parts of the country. It also introduced modern education, leading to the spread of Western thought and ideas. The British policies, however, were repressive, causing dissatisfaction among the Indian intellectuals and leaders, which in turn fueled the rise of the Indian National Movement.

What role did the press and literature play in the Indian National Movement?

The press and literature played a significant role in spreading the ideas of the Indian National Movement. By the second half of the 19th century, there were about 169 newspapers and journals published in various languages, criticizing British policies and advocating for Indian self-governance and unity.

Who were some of the prominent nationalist newspapers that contributed to the Indian National Movement?

Some of the prominent nationalist newspapers included 'Hindu Patriot' and 'Amar Bazar Patrika' in Bengal, 'Indian Mirror' and 'Sanjivani' in Mumbai, 'Native Opinion' in Madras, and 'Kesari' and 'Maharashtra' in Poona.

How did the discovery of India's past contribute to the self-confidence of Indians?

The discovery of India's rich history, arts, and culture by European scholars and Indian scholars like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Max Muller, Monier Williams, and Swami Vivekananda boosted the self-confidence of Indians. It allowed them to take pride in their heritage and challenge the British logic of dominance over what they considered a 'civilized' nation.

What were the demands of the early political organizations before the Indian National Congress?

Early political organizations demanded a reduction in public expenditure, reforms in Indian civil services, involvement of Indians in legislative councils, and the spread of modern education to the villages. They also advocated for the representation of Indian interests in governance and opposed repressive policies like the Vernacular Press Act.

What was the significance of the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885?

The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 marked the beginning of a unified political platform for various regional political organizations. It aimed to consolidate the demands and efforts of these organizations to negotiate with the British government for political reforms and self-governance.

What were the main demands of the Indian National Congress at its formation?

The main demands of the Indian National Congress at its formation included reducing public expenditure, implementing reforms in Indian civil services, increasing Indian involvement in legislative councils, ensuring freedom of the press, and extending modern education to the masses.

How did the British government's policies contribute to the rise of the Indian National Movement?

British government policies, such as the Vernacular Press Act, the reduction of Indian civil service opportunities, and the exclusion of Indians from certain social spaces, fueled resentment and a desire for self-governance among Indians, thus contributing to the rise of the Indian National Movement.

What role did social and religious reform movements play in the Indian National Movement?

Social and religious reform movements played a crucial role in awakening different sections of society and promoting a sense of unity among Indians. They critiqued the caste system and worked towards social reform, women's upliftment, and rights, which helped in building a collective identity and resistance against British rule.