Beginning of Modern Nationalism In India: 19th Century Movements

Introduction

The seeds of modern nationalism in India were sown during the 19th century under British colonial rule. Influenced by various socio-political movements and the ideas of Western thinkers, Indian intellectuals began to envision a unified identity and voice for their country. The convergence of liberal, rational, and nationalist ideologies laid the foundation for a cohesive movement that eventually led to India’s struggle for independence.

Factors in the Growth of Modern Nationalism

• The political unification of India during British rule
• • British control extended from the Himalayas to Cape Comorin and from Assam to the Khyber Pass, creating a larger state than past Indian empires.      
  • The British military power unified India politically through direct rule(Indian provinces) and indirect rule(princely states).
• Role of Press and Literature: Rise of Indian-owned newspapers (both English and vernacular languages) despite colonial restrictions in the late 19th century.
• • In 1877, around 169 regional newspapers were in circulation, distributing nearly 100,000 copies. 
  • It propagated ideas about self-governance, democracy, civil rights, and industrial progress.
• Rediscovery of India’s Past: Scholars like Max Mueller, Monier Williams, R.G. Bhandarkar, and Swami Vivekananda portrayed India’s rich heritage, well-developed institutions, extensive trade, cultural wealth, and debunking colonial myths of history.
• Socio-religious Reform Movements: Eradication of social evils dividing Indian society, fostering unity, and nationalism.

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Reactionary Policies and Racial Arrogance of Rulers.

• Lord Lytton‘s Controversial Policies: Reduction of maximum age limit for the I.C.S. examination from 21 years to 19 years (1876) and Delhi Durbar in 1877 during a severe famine.
• Legislations Fueling Opposition Acts like the Vernacular Press Act (1878) and the Arms Act (1878)
• Ilbert Bill Controversy: This bill provided that a British or European could be tried by an Indian judge. 
  • Earlier, an Indian judge was not allowed to try cases in which the convict was British or European.[UPSC, 2013]

The impact of Western thought and education on Indian political thinking:

• Influential Western Thinkers: Ideas of Milton, Shelley, J S Mill, Rousseau, Paine, Spencer, and Voltaire reshaped Indian political thinking towards liberalism, rationality, secularism, democracy, and nationalism. 
• Role of English Language: The English language facilitated communication among nationalist leaders from diverse linguistic regions.
• Economic Impact of Rule: Economic interdependence emerged, tying the fate of people across regions. 
• • Further improved transport and communication brought leaders together, enabling the exchange of political ideas and the mobilization of public opinion.

Political Associations Before the Indian National Congress

• Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha(1836): Formed by associates of Raja Rammohan Roy.
• Zamindari Association (1837)

• • Founder: Dwarkanath Tagore
  • More popularly known as the ‘Landholders’ Society’ was formed to safeguard the landlord’s interest.
  • Marked the beginning of an organised political activity and the use of methods of constitutional agitation for the redressal of grievances.
• Bengal British India Society(1843)
  • Founder: George Thompson, Dwarkanath Tagore, Chandra Mohan Chatterjee, and Parmananda Maitra.
  • Collection and dissemination of information relating to the actual condition of the people of British India 
• British Indian Association (1851)
  • President: Radhakant Deb [UPSC 2017]
  • General Secretary: Debendranath Tagore.
  • Product of merger of Landholders Society and Bengal British India Society.
  • Petition to British Parliament: It gave a petition to the British Parliament in 1852 when the new Charter Act was being discussed. The petition referred to:
    • Establishment of Universities in the three presidencies(Bengal, Madras and Bombay).
    • Establishment of a separate legislature of a popular character.
    • Separation of executive from judicial functions.
    • Reduction in salaries of higher officers.
    • Abolition of salt duty, abkari(intoxicant tax), and stamp duties.
• East India Association (1866): Under Dadabhai Naoroji in London for discussion of Indian issues and influencing English public figures to promote Indian welfare and later established branches in major Indian cities. Branches were established in Indian cities.
  • Poona Sarvajanik Sabha(1867): By Mahadev Govind Ranade and others as a liaison between the government and the people
  • Indian League(1875): By Sisir Kumar Ghosh to stimulate nationalism and promote political education.

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• Indian Association of Calcutta (Indian National Association) (1876)
  • Led by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose for discontent  with conservative and pro-landlord policies of the British Indian Association
  • Against age reduction in ICS examination (1877) and demanded simultaneous holding of civil service examinations in England and India and Indianisation of higher administrative posts.
  • Campaign against the Repressive Arms Act and the Vernacular Press Act.
  • The association sponsored an all-India conference which first took place in Calcutta (the forerunner of INC)
• All-India Conference (1883)
  • Sponsored by the Indian Association of Calcutta.
  • Hosted a significant conference in Calcutta from December 28 to 30, laying the groundwork for an all-India nationalist organization. In 1886, it merged with the INC.
• Madras Mahajan Sabha (1884)
  • Established by M. Viraraghavachari (also, Veeraraghavachariar), B. Subramania Aiyer, and 
• P. Ananda- charlu.
• Bombay Presidency Association (1885)
  • Initiated by Badruddin Tyabji, Pherozeshah Mehta,  and K.T. Telang.
• Pre-Congress Campaigns 
• • In 1875 for imposition of import duty on cotton.
  • Indianisation of government service (1878-79).
  • Against Lytton’s Afghan adventure.
  • In 1878 Against Arms Act and Vernacular Press Act.
  • Right to join volunteer corps
  • Against plantation labour and against the Inland Emigration Act.
  • Support of Ilbert Bill.
  • All-India Fund for Political Agitation.
  • Campaign in Britain to vote for pro-India party 
  • Reduction in maximum age for appearing in Indian Civil Service, popularly known as the Indian  Civil Service agitation.

Conclusion

The ideals of unity, self-determination, and sovereignty that emerged during this period continue to resonate in India’s national consciousness and shape its identity as a vibrant and diverse nation. This nascent nationalism set the stage for a prolonged struggle against colonial oppression, eventually culminating in India’s independence in 1947.