The Nationalist Movement: 1905-1918

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the rise of militant nationalism and its impact on Indian society.
2. Analyze the recognition of British exploitation and its influence on Indian politics.
3. Comprehend the growth of self-respect and self-confidence among Indian nationalists.
4. Examine the consequences of the Partition of Bengal and the Anti-Partition Movement.
5. Evaluate the role of communalism and the Muslim League in Indian politics.

Growth of Militant Nationalism

By the early 20th century, the trend of militant nationalism (or Extremism) began to intensify in India, particularly in response to the Partition of Bengal in 1905. The Indian national movement had gradually raised awareness among a large section of the population about the dangers of foreign domination and the necessity for patriotism. This movement provided essential political training to educated Indians, altering the national temperament and instilling a renewed sense of life in the country.

1. The failure of the British government to address the crucial demands of nationalists led to widespread disillusionment with the moderate leadership. Instead of engaging with moderate nationalists, British rulers disparaged them, creating a demand for more vigorous political actions beyond mere meetings and petitions.
2. Moderate nationalist politics were based on the belief that British rule could be reformed from within. However, increased political and economic awareness among Indians gradually eroded this belief. Nationalist writers began to attribute India’s poverty to British exploitation, convincing politically conscious Indians that British rule’s primary purpose was to enrich England at India’s expense.
3. The nationalists understood that India’s economic progress was unattainable under British imperialism and that Indian industries could only flourish under Indian governance. This realization was starkly highlighted by the famines from 1896 to 1900, which claimed over 9 million lives, symbolizing the devastating economic impact of foreign rule.

Recognition of the True Nature of British Rule

The disillusionment with moderate politics and the realization of British exploitation grew, especially with political developments from 1892 to 1905.

1. The Indian Councils Act of 1892 proved a complete disappointment, and existing political rights were increasingly attacked. For instance, laws such as the 1898 Act, which criminalized “disaffection” towards the government, and the 1904 Indian Official Secrets Act, which restricted press freedom, highlighted the oppressive nature of British rule.
2. The deportation of the Natu brothers in 1897 and the imprisonment of Lokamanya Tilak and other editors for anti-government sentiments further fueled nationalist resentment. The anti-Congress stance of Lord Curzon convinced many that political and economic progress was impossible under British rule. Even moderate leaders like Gokhale observed that the bureaucracy was becoming increasingly selfish and hostile.
3. Socially and culturally, British rule was no longer seen as progressive. Primary and technical education stagnated, and the British began to suppress higher education. The Indian Universities Act of 1904 was perceived by nationalists as an attempt to bring universities under tighter control, stunting higher education growth.

Important Note: The increasing number of Indians convinced that self-government was crucial for the country’s economic, political, and cultural progress marked a significant shift towards militant nationalism.

Growth of Self-Respect and Self-Confidence

By the late 19th century, Indian nationalists developed a strong sense of self-respect and self-confidence.

1. Leaders like Tilak, Aurobindo Ghose, and Bipin Chandra Pal emphasized self-respect and encouraged reliance on the Indian people’s character and capacities. They urged people to become fearless and strong, with Swami Vivekananda echoing similar sentiments, warning against weakness and urging the nation to look towards the future instead of dwelling on past glories.
2. The belief in self-effort fostered a desire to extend the national movement. Nationalists realized that the movement should not rely solely on the upper-class educated elite but must engage the masses. Swami Vivekananda emphasized that the hope of India lay in the masses, who could make the necessary sacrifices for freedom.
3. The growth of education and subsequent unemployment also played a crucial role. By the end of the 19th century, a significant number of educated Indians were either employed on low wages or faced unemployment, leading them to criticize the nature of British rule and gravitate towards radical nationalist politics.

The Partition of Bengal

The announcement of the Partition of Bengal in 1905 catalyzed the second phase of the Indian national movement. On 20 July 1905, Lord Curzon divided Bengal into Eastern Bengal and Assam, with a population of 31 million, and the rest of Bengal, with 54 million people. The official justification was administrative efficiency, but the underlying motive was to curb rising nationalism in Bengal, the epicenter of Indian nationalism at the time.

1. The partition was perceived as a deliberate attempt to divide Bengalis based on territorial and religious lines, undermining the growth of Bengali language and culture. Nationalists firmly opposed the partition, viewing it as an assault on Indian nationalism.
2. The Anti-Partition Movement was a collective effort led initially by moderate leaders like Surendranath Banerjea and later taken over by militant and revolutionary nationalists. The movement began on 7 August 1905 with a massive demonstration in Calcutta, spreading throughout the province.
3. The Swadeshi and Boycott movements emerged in response to the partition, advocating the use of Indian goods and boycotting British goods. This movement, especially in Bengal, was characterized by mass meetings, the burning of foreign cloth, and the picketing of shops selling British goods.

Important Note: The Swadeshi Movement not only impacted economic practices but also led to a cultural renaissance, with an emphasis on self-reliance, national dignity, and indigenous enterprise.

Growth of Revolutionary Nationalism

The failure of peaceful protests and moderate politics led to the rise of revolutionary nationalism.

1. Revolutionary terrorism emerged as a response to government repression and the frustration over the failure of Indian leadership to provide a clear direction. Young revolutionaries in Bengal, influenced by the methods of Irish terrorists and Russian Nihilists, turned to assassinations of unpopular officials, such as the attempt on the life of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal in 1907.
2. Despite these efforts, terrorism as a political strategy failed to mobilize the masses. However, the heroism of the revolutionaries inspired pride and nationalism among Indians, even though most did not agree with their methods.

The Indian National Congress (1905-1914)

The Anti-Partition Movement had a profound impact on the Indian National Congress.

1. The Congress united all sections in opposition to the partition and supported the Swadeshi and Boycott movements. However, disagreements arose between the moderates and militant nationalists over the scope of these movements.
2. The Surat session of 1907 marked a significant split between the two factions. The moderates, who captured the Congress machinery, excluded militant elements, weakening the nationalist movement temporarily. However, the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, which introduced separate electorates and other limited constitutional changes, did not satisfy the nationalists.
3. The growth of communalism posed a significant threat to Indian unity. The colonial government, through its divide and rule policy, actively encouraged communalism by promoting separate electorates and supporting the Muslim League.

The Rise of Communalism

Communalism emerged as a significant challenge to Indian unity towards the end of the 19th century.

1. Communalism is the ideology that religious groups have distinct social, political, and economic interests. It thrives on the belief that these interests are incompatible with those of other religious groups, leading to communal strife and division.
2. The British exploited these divisions by promoting communal electorates, pitting Hindus against Muslims, and fostering separatist tendencies, especially within the Muslim League.
3. Unfortunately, the early militant nationalists contributed to communalism by emphasizing a Hindu tinge in their political activities, which alienated many Muslims and allowed the British to sow further division.

The Nationalists and The First World War

The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 marked a new phase in Indian nationalism.

1. Initially, Indian leaders, including Tilak, supported the war effort, hoping it would lead to concessions from the British. However, the war led to increased misery for the Indian populace, particularly the poorer classes, who faced heavy taxation and soaring prices.
2. The Home Rule Leagues were formed in response to the need for a mass political movement. Led by Tilak and Annie Besant, these leagues propagated the demand for Home Rule or self-government, gaining widespread support across India.
3. The war also witnessed a resurgence of revolutionary activities, particularly through the Ghadar Party, which sought to overthrow British rule through armed rebellion.

Lucknow Session of The Congress (1916)

The

Lucknow Session of 1916 marked a significant turning point in Indian nationalism.

1. The Congress reunited its moderate and militant factions, acknowledging the need for a united front against British rule. Tilak played a key role in this reconciliation, emphasizing the need for political unity.
2. The Congress-League Pact, known as the Lucknow Pact, brought the Congress and the Muslim League together. This pact was significant as it represented a united demand for self-government and marked an important step towards Hindu-Muslim unity.

MCQ: What was the primary objective of the Home Rule Leagues formed during the First World War?

a) To oppose the British war effort
b) To demand immediate independence for India
c) To propagate the demand for Home Rule or self-government
d) To support the British in exchange for economic concessions
Answer: c) To propagate the demand for Home Rule or self-government

Comparative Table

This structure provides a thorough examination of the rise of militant nationalism and its implications, all while adhering to the user’s format requirements.