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Summary
The chapter discusses the factors that led to the growth of nationalism in India during the 19th century. The rise of nationalism in India was influenced by several factors, including economic exploitation, repressive colonial policies, socio-religious reform movements, and the role of the press.
Economic exploitation by the British was a significant cause of discontent. The British policies favored their own economic interests at the expense of Indians. Peasants were heavily taxed, artisans and craftsmen were ruined due to the destruction of local industries, and the working class faced exploitation in factories. Educated Indians, who expected development under British rule, were disappointed as they found limited opportunities for advancement.
Repressive colonial policies also contributed to the growth of nationalistic sentiments. For instance, Lord Lytton’s policies, such as the Vernacular Press Act and the reduction in the age limit for civil service exams, were seen as discriminatory and unfair. These policies, along with others, were viewed as tools to suppress Indian rights and maintain British dominance.
Socio-religious reform movements played a crucial role in shaping Indian nationalism. Reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy and Jyotiba Phule worked to eliminate social evils such as caste discrimination, child marriage, and the subjugation of women. They also promoted the idea of unity and equality, which resonated with the emerging national consciousness. The press was instrumental in spreading these ideas, criticizing British policies, and uniting Indians across different regions.
The formation of political associations, such as the Indian National Congress in 1885, marked a significant step in organizing the nationalist movement. The Congress aimed to promote unity, formulate popular demands, and train public opinion to challenge British rule. The early sessions of the Congress, led by prominent leaders like W.C. Bonnerjee and Dadabhai Naoroji, laid the foundation for India’s struggle for independence.
Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Nationalism is defined as feeling of oneness that emerges when people living in a common territory share the same
A. (i), (ii), and (iii)
B. (i), (iii), and (iv)
C. (i), (ii), and (iv)
D. (ii), (iii), and (iv)
Answer: A. (i), (ii), and (iii)
2. How did the socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century act as pioneers of Indian Nationalism?
A. (i) and (ii)
B. (ii) and (iii)
C. (i) and (iii)
D. All of the above
Answer: C. (i) and (iii)
3. Ilbert Bill proposed to be introduced in 1883 during the reign of Lord Ripon advocated which of the following?
A. Higher power for European Magistrates
B. Equal power for European and Indian Magistrates
C. Abolishment of the appointment of Indian Judges in High Courts
D. None of these
Answer: B. Equal power for European and Indian Magistrates
4. The first meeting/session of the Indian National Congress was held at
A. Kolkata
B. Mumbai
C. Chennai
D. Prayagraj
Answer: B. Mumbai
5. Who presided over the first Session of Indian National Congress?
A. Allen Octavian Hume
B. W. C. Bonnerjee
C. Dadabhai Naoroji
D. Motilal Nehru
Answer: B. W. C. Bonnerjee
6. W. C. Bonnerjee: Mumbai:: Dadabhai Naoroji:
A. Nagpur
B. Mumbai
C. Kolkata
D. Allahabad
Answer: C. Kolkata
7. Why did Lord Dufferin favour the formation of the Congress?
A. He wanted to promote the growth of nationalism in India
B. He wanted it to act like a safety-valve for popular discontent
C. He wanted to mould public opinion in favour of the British
D. None of the above
Answer: B. He wanted it to act like a safety-valve for popular discontent
8. From the given list, identify the aims of the Indian National Congress at its First session.
A. Only (i) and (iii)
B. Only (i), (ii) and (iv)
C. Only (i) and (iv)
D. Only (iii) and (iv)
Answer: C. Only (i) and (iv)
9. Sakshi was given an assignment to study in detail about the evil practice of ‘Sati’ in India. While doing so, she come to know that this practice was abolished by William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India in 1829. Who was the Indian social reformer whose efforts led to the abolition of this evil practice?
A. Swami Dayanand Saraswati
B. Rammohan Roy
C. Jyotiba Phule
D. Swami Vivekananda
Answer: B. Rammohan Roy
10. He considered the caste system prevalent in India as an epitome of slavery. In one of his famous books he described the hardships felt by the lower castes. Who was he?
A. Rammohan Roy
B. Swami Dayanand Saraswati
C. Jyotiba Phule
D. Ramakrishna Paramhansa
Answer: C. Jyotiba Phule
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) Although India had a long history going back to many centuries, it was never a one nation and comprised many kingdoms.
(B) The feeling of nationalism emerged during the British rule mainly as a reaction to the British rule.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: India’s history shows that it was composed of several kingdoms and regions with no unified national identity. However, during British rule, the shared experience of colonial oppression fostered a collective consciousness and desire for self-rule, giving rise to nationalism. Therefore, the emergence of nationalism (B) was directly caused by the reaction to British rule, which ties back to the fragmented historical past (A).
2. (A) The British government used to take away a large part of the farmers’ produce in the form of land revenue and other taxes.
(B) The farmers were led into the clutches of landlords and moneylenders.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The British government imposed heavy taxes on farmers, leading to their impoverishment. Unable to pay these taxes, farmers were often forced to borrow money from landlords and moneylenders, trapping them in a cycle of debt. This sequence shows that the oppressive taxation (A) directly resulted in farmers becoming indebted to landlords and moneylenders (B).
3. (A) All sections of Indian society gradually realised that their salvation lay in freeing themselves from the yoke of British rule.
(B) Many newspapers and magazines in vernacular languages were brought out.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: The growing realization among all sections of society that freedom from British rule was necessary (A) was a separate phenomenon from the rise of newspapers and magazines in vernacular languages (B). While both contributed to the nationalistic movement, they developed independently of one another. The press did help spread awareness, but the realization itself (A) did not solely stem from the press’s existence (B).
4. (A) The social reformers launched a crusade against socio-religious evils prevalent in Indian society in the 19th century.
(B) The British government supported these reforms to strengthen their control over India.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (c) (A) is true but (B) is false
Explanation: Social reformers indeed fought against socio-religious evils during the 19th century (A), but it is incorrect to say that the British government supported these reforms to strengthen their control (B). In reality, the British often viewed these reforms with suspicion and did not actively support them as a means of consolidating power. Thus, (A) is true, but (B) is false.
5. (A) Various political associations were formed in India by the second half of the 19th century to protect and promote general public interests.
(B) The Indian National Congress was the first political association to be established in India.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (c) (A) is true but (B) is false
Explanation: Several political associations did emerge in India during the second half of the 19th century to address public concerns (A), but the Indian National Congress was not the first; it was preceded by other organizations such as the Indian Association and the East India Association. Hence, while (A) is accurate, (B) is incorrect.
Short Answer Questions
1. State two reasons for the development of nationalism in the late 19th century.
Answer: The concepts of nationalism and the right of self-determination initiated by the French Revolution; the socio-religious reform movements in India.
2. Give two reasons for industrial stagnation during the British rule in India.
Answer: The British economic policies were against the interests of Indian trade and industry. India became a source of raw materials for the industries of Britain and a market for its finished products.
3. Who passed the Vernacular Press Act in 1878? Why was it passed?
Answer: Lord Lytton introduced the Vernacular Press Act (1878). The Vernacular Press Act forbade vernacular papers to publish any material that might incite feelings of dissatisfaction against the British Government. This Act was not applicable to English newspapers.
4. Who repealed the Vernacular Press Act in 1882? What impact did the Act have on Indians?
Answer: In 1881 this Act was repealed by Lord Ripon. The Act caused widespread discontent among the Indians as it curbed their freedom of speech and expression.
5. Name any two prominent newspapers of the 19th century which played a significant role in arousing national sentiment among the Indians.
Answer: The Hindu and the Statesman.
6. State any two issues that the socio-religious reform movements worked for.
Answer: They worked for the abolition of the caste system and the promotion of women’s rights, including the right to education and the right to remarry.
7. Name any two socio-religious reformers who prepared the ground for national movement.
Answer: Raja Rammohan Roy, Jyotiba Phule
8. Write a short note on Raja Rammohan Roy’s approach to religion.
Answer: Raja Rammohan Roy was a great humanist who stressed the unity of all religions. He studied Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy, the Quran, Persian and Arabic literature, and Western thought and culture. He believed that all the principal ancient texts of the Hindus preached monotheism. In 1803, he wrote Gift to Monotheists in Persian, where he expressed his views against the belief in many gods and advocated for the worship of a single God. In 1815, he started the Atmiya Sabha, opposing idol worship and meaningless religious rituals. In 1828, he founded the Brahmo Sabha, later renamed Brahmo Samaj, which believed in monotheism, condemned idol worship, and emphasised prayer, meditation, charity, morality, and unity among men of all religions and creeds.
9. Name the organisation founded by Raja Rammohan Roy. Why did he establish this organisation?
Answer: The organisation founded by Raja Rammohan Roy was the Brahmo Sabha, later renamed Brahmo Samaj. He established this organisation to promote monotheism, oppose idol worship and meaningless religious rituals, and to strengthen the bonds of unity between men of all religions and creeds.
10. What was the objective of the Ilbert Bill? Why was it not passed?
Answer: The objective of the Ilbert Bill was to allow Indian judges to try British or European persons in India. It was not passed because it was strongly opposed by the British community in India, who resented the idea of being judged by Indians. This led to a counter-agitation by educated Indians, and the government ultimately withdrew the Bill.
11. Mention two main objectives of the Indian Association.
Answer:
- Creation of a strong body of public opinion.
- Integration of Indian people on the basis of common political interests.
12. Mention the regional association that each nationalist was associated with: (a) Surendranath Banerjee (b) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: (a) Surendranath Banerjee: Indian Association
(b) Dadabhai Naoroji: East India Association
Structured Questions
1. Various factors led to the rise and growth of nationalism in India in the 19th century. In this context, explain the role of each of the following:
(a) Economic Exploitation
Answer: The economic discontent of various sections of society included:
(i) The Peasants: They were the main victims of British colonial policies, losing a large part of their produce to land revenue and taxes, pushing them into the clutches of landlords and moneylenders.
(ii) The Artisans and Craftsmen: British economic policies destroyed Indian handicrafts and industry, turning India into a source of raw materials for British industries and a market for their finished products, depriving artisans of their livelihood.
(iii) The Working Class: Modern industries led to the rise of a new working class, exploited by factory owners, mainly Englishmen. Although small in number, they developed a broad political outlook, significant beyond their numerical strength.
(iv) The Educated Indians: Employment for educated Indians was limited to government service with tough competition and bleak promotion prospects. They found that British policies kept India economically backward instead of aiding its development.
(b) Repressive Colonial Policies
Answer: The British conquered India to serve their own interests, enforcing repressive policies that hindered India’s economic, social, cultural, intellectual, and political development. These policies, particularly those of Lord Lytton, Viceroy from 1876 to 1880, catalysed the nationalist movement in India. Key policies included:
(i) Grand Delhi Durbar (1877): Lord Lytton organised this event to proclaim Queen Victoria as Empress of India, spending lavishly while ignoring the famine affecting Indians.
(ii) Vernacular Press Act (1878): This Act censored vernacular newspapers from publishing content that could incite dissatisfaction against the British, while exempting English newspapers. It was repealed by Lord Ripon in 1881.
The Indian Arms Act (1878) made it a criminal offence for Indians to carry arms without a licence, exempting the British.
(iii) Civil Service Exam: The maximum age limit for appearing in the Indian Civil Service exam was reduced from 21 to 19, making it more difficult for Indians.
(iv) Import Duties: Lord Lytton removed import duties on cotton textiles to benefit the British cloth industry, harming the nascent Indian textile industry.
(c) The Press
Answer: A large number of newspapers were started in the later half of the 19th century. Some of the prominent newspapers were the Amrit Bazar Patrika, The Bengali, The Tribune, The Pioneer, The Times of India, The Hindu and The Statesman in English. Many other newspapers and magazines in the vernacular languages were also brought out. These newspapers played a significant role in developing a strong national sentiment among the Indians. It did so in the following manner:
(i) It was through the press that the message of patriotism and modern liberal ideals of liberty, freedom, equality, home rule and independence spread among the people.
(ii) The press carried on daily criticism of the unjust policies of the British Government in India and exposed the true nature of British rule in India.
(iii) It made possible the exchange of views among different social groups from different parts of the country and to organise political movements.
(iv) It made Indians aware of what was happening in the world. This awareness helped them to understand the political and social development of the outside world and shape their own policies and programmes.
2. With reference to Nationalism and the birth of the Indian National Congress, explain each of the following:
(a) Vernacular Press Act, 1878
Answer: Lord Lytton introduced the Vernacular Press Act (1878) and Indian Arms Act (1878). The Vernacular Press Act forbade vernacular papers to publish any material that might incite feelings of dissatisfaction against the British Government. This Act was not applicable to English newspapers. In 1881 this Act was repealed by Lord Ripon.
(b) State any three objectives of the Indian National Congress
Answer: In his presidential address at the first session of the Indian National Congress, W.C. Bonnerjee declared the following as the aims of the Indian National Congress:
(i) To promote friendly relations between nationalist political workers from different parts of the country;
(ii) To develop and consolidate the feelings of national unity irrespective of caste, religion or province;
(iii) To formulate popular demands and present them before the government.
(c) Role of Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji, often referred to as the “Grand Old Man of India,” was a key figure in the Indian Nationalist Movement. He was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress and played a significant role in articulating the economic critique of British rule in India. Naoroji’s work focused on highlighting the economic drain theory, which argued that India’s wealth was being systematically drained to Britain, leaving the country impoverished. He was instrumental in making the British public and government aware of the economic hardships faced by Indians under colonial rule. His advocacy for Indian self-rule and his efforts to unite Indians of different regions and communities under a common national cause were crucial in the early phases of the Indian independence movement.
3. The establishment of the Indian National Congress was a significant event in the development of national movement in India. In this context:
(a) What was the name of the Indian National Congress before it got this name? Who gave it its present name? Where was it established and who was its founder?
Answer: In 1884, Hume, in consultation with the Indian leaders, laid the foundation of the Indian National Union. The conference of the representatives of different parts of India was convened by the Union at Pune on December 25, 1885. Plague broke out in Pune at that point of time. So the meeting of the Union was held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Mumbai from December 28 to 31, 1885 under the presidentship of Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee. It was attended by 72 delegates. On the suggestion of Dadabhai Naoroji, the name of the Union was changed to the Indian National Congress. Thus, the foundation of the Indian National Congress was laid on December 28, 1885.
(b) Why did Lord Dufferin favour the formation of the Indian National Congress?
Answer: The Viceroy, Lord Dufferin, favoured the formation of the Congress because he wanted it to act as a ‘safety-valve’ for popular discontent, thereby, safeguarding the British interest in India.
(c) What was the nature of the political associations formed before the Indian National Congress was established? Name any two associations which acted as the forerunners of the Indian National Congress.
Answer: By the second half of the 19th century, there emerged a consciousness among the Indians that the British were exercising control over the resources of India and the lives of its people and until this control existed, India could not be a sovereign nation. This consciousness led to the formation of a number of political associations led by English-educated professionals. Though many of these associations were formed in specific parts of the country, they had common goals for all the people of India. They did not work for any one religion, community or class. The first political association to be started in India was the Landholders’ Society in Kolkata in 1838. Many public associations were started in different parts of India like Bengal British India Society, British Indian Association, East India Association, the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, London Indian Society and Indian Association. These associations served as a base for the formation of the Congress – an all India political organisation. The most prominent among these associations were the East India Association and the Indian Association.
Picture Study
(a) Identify the person in the given picture. Name the organisation formed by him. State any two beliefs of this organisation with regard to upliftment of women.
Answer: The person in the given picture is Jyotiba Phule. The organisation formed by him is Satya Shodhak Samaj. Two beliefs of this organisation with regard to the upliftment of women are:
- Jyotiba Phule considered women superior to men and worked towards providing education to women to maintain their status of superiority.
- He pioneered the widow remarriage movement in Maharashtra and worked for the education of women.
(b) Mention his contribution to the growth of Indian National movement.
Answer: Jyotiba Phule worked towards socio-economic and gender equality. He wanted to liberate the depressed classes and make them aware of their rights by educating them. He considered the caste structure prevalent in India as an epitome of slavery and worked for social justice for the lower castes. His efforts laid the groundwork for social equality, which became a crucial aspect of the Indian National movement.
(c) How did the socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century act as pioneers of Indian Nationalism?
Answer: The socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century acted as pioneers of Indian Nationalism in the following ways:
- Swami Dayanand and Swami Vivekananda proclaimed the superiority of Indian culture and civilisation.
- The reformers condemned untouchability and the caste system, and the ideas of brotherhood and equality attracted the so-called lower castes.
- The reformers taught people not to ignore the importance of women, who could participate in the national movement.
- They protested against the British domination of India. Swami Dayanand Saraswati was the first to use the word ‘Swaraj’ and to raise the slogan ‘India for the Indians.’
- The reform movements created consciousness of a new society devoid of privileges based on caste, creed, or religion.
Thinking Skills
1. Imagine you are a potter, making water pitchers. List the difficulties that you are facing in the second half of the 19th century.
Answer: As a potter in the second half of the 19th century, I am facing severe difficulties due to the British economic policies. The British have systematically destroyed the local handicrafts industry, which has severely impacted my livelihood. The introduction of mass-produced goods from Britain has reduced the demand for my handcrafted water pitchers. Additionally, the exorbitant taxes imposed by the British government have increased the cost of raw materials, making it even more challenging to sustain my business. The influx of cheaper, machine-made goods has flooded the market, further diminishing the value of traditional crafts like mine. This has led to financial instability and the loss of a craft that has been passed down through generations.
2. Imagine you are a member of Brahmo Samaj. Elaborate what convinced you to join the Brahmo Samaj and how are you influenced by Raja Rammohan Roy.
Answer: I was convinced to join the Brahmo Samaj because of its progressive ideals and the vision of Raja Rammohan Roy. The Brahmo Samaj advocates for Monotheism, which aligns with my belief in the worship of one God, rejecting the prevalent practices of idol worship. The emphasis on rational thinking, moral values, and social reform resonated with me deeply. Raja Rammohan Roy’s relentless efforts to abolish the oppressive practices such as sati, child marriage, and the purdah system were particularly inspiring. His campaign against the rigidity of the caste system and his advocacy for the rights of widows to remarry reflected a modern and humane approach to religion and society. Roy’s pioneering work in promoting education, especially for women, and his commitment to the upliftment of the marginalized sections of society convinced me that the Brahmo Samaj was the right path for bringing about meaningful change in our society. His efforts to create a society based on equality, justice, and moral integrity influenced me profoundly and motivated me to join the movement.
3. Suppose you were a high school student living in the second half of the 19th century. State how your routine of reading a newspaper every day created strong nationalist sentiments against the British.
Answer: As a high school student in the second half of the 19th century, my daily routine of reading the newspaper played a crucial role in shaping my nationalist sentiments against the British. The newspapers were a powerful tool for spreading awareness about the unjust policies of the British government and the exploitation faced by the Indian people. Through the press, I learned about the various repressive laws imposed by the British, such as the Vernacular Press Act, which attempted to silence the voice of Indian publications. The newspapers exposed the economic exploitation of our country, detailing how the British were draining our resources and impoverishing our people. I also read about the struggles and sacrifices of Indian leaders who were fighting for our rights and dignity. The exchange of ideas and the sense of unity among different regions of India, as reported in the newspapers, inspired me to believe in the possibility of an independent and united India. The coverage of events like the formation of the Indian National Congress and the discussions on social and political issues made me aware of the importance of collective action against British rule. This daily exposure to nationalist ideas and the injustices inflicted by the British fueled my desire to contribute to the freedom movement and strengthened my resolve to fight for our country’s independence.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. In what year was the Indian National Congress established?
A. 1885
B. 1875
C. 1895
D. 1865
Answer: A. 1885
45. The Indian National Congress held its first session in which city?
A. Kolkata
B. Mumbai
C. Pune
D. Chennai
Answer: B. Mumbai
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. What was one of the most distinguishing features of the second half of the 19th century in India?
Answer: The birth of national awakening in India.
67. What were the major factors leading to the growth of Indian nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
Answer: The growth of Indian nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries can be attributed to several key factors:
- Economic Exploitation: The British colonial policies led to the systematic exploitation of India’s resources, causing widespread poverty and economic hardship among Indians. This exploitation fostered a sense of resentment and resistance among the Indian populace.
- Repressive Colonial Policies: The British government’s repressive measures, including harsh laws and discriminatory practices, further alienated Indians and fueled the desire for self-governance.
- Socio-Religious Reform Movements: Reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others played a crucial role in awakening the Indian consciousness and promoting ideas of social and political change. These movements emphasized the need for unity and the rejection of social evils, thereby laying the groundwork for nationalism.
- Role of the Press: The emergence of an Indian press played a vital role in spreading nationalist ideas and creating awareness among the masses. Newspapers and journals became platforms for discussing political issues, criticizing British policies, and mobilizing public opinion against colonial rule.
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