Growth of Nationalism Flashcards
Factors that lead to birth of awakening in India.
the concept of nationalism and the right of self-determination initiated by the French Revolution;
the socio-religious reform movements in India:
as an offshoot of modernization introduced by the British in India; and
as a reaction of the Indians to the British colonial policies.
What is nationalism
Nationalism refers to the feeling of oneness and common consciousness that emerges;
when people living in a common territory share the same historical, political, and cultural background,
have the same cultural values and consider themselves as one nation.
Factors that lead to nationalism
- Economic exploitation of - peasants, artisans and craftsmen, working class and educated indians
- Regressive colonial policies like - Delhi durbar during famine, Vernacurlar press act and Indian Arms act, age decrease for Indian Civil Service Exam, Import duties, Ilbert bill
- Socio-religious reforms - carries out by reformers
- Press - allowed people to be aware, spread the movement, criticise the British gov., exchange of views amongst people
What did the Vernacular Press act do?
The Vernacular Press Act forbade vernacular papers to publish any material that might incite feelings of dissatisfaction against the British Government.
What was the change in the Indian Civial Service Exam? How did it affect the Indians?
The maximum age limit for the Indian Civil Service examination was reduced from 21 to 19 years thus making it difficult for the Indians to compete for it.
What was the Ilbert Bill? What happened to it?
The Ilbert Bill provided for the trial of British or European persons by Indians. By this Act, the British tried to introduce equality between British and Indian judges in India. This was resented by the British and they started a Defence Association to defend their special privileges. This reaction provoked counter-agitation by educated Indians. The government ultimately withdrew the Bill. The event highlighted the racist attitude of the British.
Who started the Brahmo Samaj? What was he also known as? What was the belief of the Brahmo Samaj?
How did his efforts help?
Raja Rammohan Roy
father of Indian Renaissance and the prophet of Indian nationalism.
The Brahmo Samaj believed in Monotheism or worship of one God.
It was because of the efforts of him that William Bentick, the Governor-General of India, passed a law making the practice of Sati illegal and punishable by law.
What was Jyotiba’ Phule’s cause? How did he support it?
He worked for the upliftment of women. He, along with his wife, Savitribai Phule started one of the first girls school in Pune.
He founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj with the aim of securing social justice for the weaker sections of the society.
Effects of Socio-Religious reforms.
(i) Swami Dayanand and Swami Vivekananda proclaimed the superiority of Indian culture and civilisation.
(ii) The reformers condemned untouchability and the caste system and spread ideas of brotherhood and equality among the lower castes.
(iii) The reformers taught people not to ignore the importance of women who could participate in the national movement
(iv) 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 Indians.’
(v) The reform movements created a consciousness of a new society devoid of privileges based on caste, creed or religion.
Impact of Press.
(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 unjust policies of the British government 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.
Purpose of East India Association.
The Association provided information on all Indian subjects to British citizens and Members of Parliament.
It voiced the grievances of Indians and suggested remedial measures.
Dadabhai Naoroji the grand old man of India was of the opinion that the British were basically just and good. He wanted to place the true state of affairs in India before the people of England so that the problems of the Indians may be resolved.
