Bipan Chandra Summary: Nationalist Movement 1905-1918 | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Growth of Militant Nationalism (1905-1918)

Expression against Bengal Partition

• The movement against the partition of Bengal in 1905 marked the emergence of militant nationalism, also known as Extremism.

Impact of Early National Movement

• The Indian national movement in its early phase heightened awareness among the populace regarding foreign domination and the necessity of patriotism.
• Educated Indians received political training, altering the nation's temperament and fostering a new life.

Disillusionment with Moderate Leadership

• Failure of the British Government to address significant demands disillusioned politically conscious individuals with moderate leadership.
• There arose a demand for more aggressive political action beyond meetings and petitions.

Recognition of British Role

• Initial belief in reforming British rule from within gradually waned.
• Nationalists recognized British imperialism's economic exploitation and its hindrance to India's progress.
• The devastating famines of 1896-1900 symbolized the economic consequences of foreign rule.

Political Events Fueling Radicalism

• Disappointments with policies such as the Indian Councils Act of 1892 fueled radical political ideologies.
• Legal restrictions and actions against dissent furthered disillusionment.
• Lord Curzon's anti-Congress stance reinforced skepticism towards British intentions.

Social and Cultural Stagnation

• British rule was perceived as stagnant socially and culturally.
• Primary and technical education stagnated, while higher education faced official suspicion.
• Efforts such as the Indian Universities Act of 1904 were seen as attempts to control Indian education.

Growth of Self-Respect and Self-Confidence

• By the late 19th century, Indian nationalists gained self-respect and confidence.
• Leaders like Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal advocated self-reliance and emphasized Indian capacity for self-governance and development.
• Swami Vivekananda stressed self-effort, rejecting weakness and emphasizing the importance of building the future.

Emphasis on Mass Involvement

• Shift towards involving the masses in the nationalist cause rather than relying solely on educated elites.
• Realization that mass participation was crucial for achieving freedom and making sacrifices.
• Nationalist leaders advocated continuous political activity rather than sporadic gatherings.

Growth of Education and Unemployment

Educational Expansion and Economic Struggles

• By the late 19th century, there was a noticeable increase in the number of educated Indians, many of whom found employment in the administration but received minimal salaries.
• Simultaneously, a significant portion of educated Indians encountered rising unemployment, exacerbating their economic hardships.
• The economic challenges faced by educated Indians prompted a critical examination of British rule's impact on their livelihoods and well-being.

Ideological Influence of Education

• Besides economic factors, education played a pivotal role in shaping ideological perspectives.
• The proliferation of education widened the dissemination of Western concepts such as democracy, nationalism, and radicalism among the Indian populace.
• As a result, educated Indians emerged as influential proponents and adherents of militant nationalism.

Connection to Militant Nationalism

• The economic struggles faced by educated Indians, compounded by rising unemployment, contributed to their attraction towards radical nationalist ideologies.
• Moreover, their exposure to modern thought, political theories, and world history through education further fueled their inclination towards militant nationalism.
• Educated Indians, despite their qualifications, found themselves either underpaid or unemployed, which deepened their discontent with British rule and propelled them towards more radical political activism.

International Influences

Rise of Modern Japan

• The emergence of modern Japan following the Meiji Restoration in 1868 served as a significant inspiration for Indian nationalists.
• Japanese leaders rapidly transformed their country into an industrial and military powerhouse, implemented universal primary education, and established an efficient administration.
• Japan's remarkable progress demonstrated that an Asian nation could develop independently without Western control, challenging the notion of European superiority.

Defeats of European Powers

• The defeats of the Italian army by the Ethiopians in 1896 and of Russia by Japan in 1905 shattered the perception of European invincibility.
• These victories of small Asian countries over European powers ignited enthusiasm across Asia and instilled a sense of pride and confidence among colonized peoples.
• The Marathi weekly, the Kesari, edited by Tilak, reflected this sentiment by highlighting the awakening of Asian nationalism and the possibility of independent nations challenging European dominance.

Impact on Indian Nationalists

• The victories of Japan and Ethiopia inspired Indian nationalists, fostering a belief in the potential for Asian countries to assert themselves against European imperialism.
• Newspapers like the Karachi Chronicle echoed the sentiment that if Japan could defeat Russia, India could similarly challenge British rule.
• Revolutionary movements in various countries, including Ireland, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, and China, along with events like the Boer War in South Africa, further reinforced the idea that determined and united peoples could challenge even the most powerful imperial governments.

Call for Patriotism and Self-Sacrifice

• These international events underscored the importance of patriotism and self-sacrifice in the struggle against colonial rule.
• Indian nationalists recognized that solidarity and determination were crucial for confronting imperial powers and achieving independence.
• The international context provided Indian nationalists with examples of successful resistance movements, encouraging them to pursue their own struggle against British rule with renewed vigor.

Existence of a Militant Nationalist School of Thought

Origins and Leaders

• From the early stages of the national movement, a militant nationalist school of thought existed in India.
• Prominent leaders of this school included Rajnarain Bose and Ashwini Kumar Dutt in Bengal, Vishnu Shastri Chiplunkar in Maharashtra, and later Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Contribution of Bal Gangadhar Tilak

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak, born in 1856, dedicated his life to the service of India following his graduation from Bombay University.
• He played a crucial role in founding institutions like the New English School and newspapers like the Mahratta and the Kesari, through which he propagated nationalist ideas.
• Tilak utilized cultural festivals like Ganpati and Shivaji to instill nationalist fervor among the masses.
• His bold initiatives included organizing a no-tax campaign in Maharashtra during 1896-1897, advocating for peasants to withhold land revenue payments amidst famine.
• Tilak's refusal to apologize to the government upon arrest in 1897 and subsequent imprisonment symbolized the spirit of self-sacrifice in the nationalist movement.

Emergence of Militant Nationalist Leaders

• By the turn of the 20th century, the militant nationalist school found a conducive political climate, with leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghose, and Lala Lajpat Rai emerging.
• These leaders emphasized the need for Indians to chart their own destiny and were willing to make significant sacrifices for national progress.

Distinctive Political Aspects

• Militant nationalists rejected the idea of India progressing under British guidance and control, advocating for complete independence.
• They placed faith in the strength of the masses and believed in achieving Swaraj (self-rule) through mass action.

Importance of Trained Leadership

• By 1905, India had developed a cadre of leaders with experience in guiding political agitations and struggles.
• These trained political workers were essential for advancing the national movement to a higher political stage.

The Partition of Bengal

Context and Rationale

• The conditions for the emergence of militant nationalism were ripe when the partition of Bengal was announced in 1905, marking the second stage of the Indian national movement.
• Lord Curzon's decision to divide Bengal into Eastern Bengal and Assam, and the rest of Bengal, was justified on administrative grounds but was perceived as an attempt to curb the rising tide of nationalism in Bengal.
• Official documents revealed the strategic aim of weakening Bengali nationalism by dividing the population.

Opposition and Protests

• The Indian National Congress and nationalists in Bengal vehemently opposed the partition, viewing it as a deliberate attempt to disrupt Bengali unity and culture.
• Various sections of Bengali society, including zamindars, merchants, lawyers, students, and women, rose up in spontaneous opposition to the partition.
• The partition was seen as an attack on Indian nationalism and a threat to the growth of Bengali language and culture.

The Anti-Partition Movement

• The Anti-Partition Movement was led by the entire national leadership of Bengal, including both moderate and militant nationalists.
• The movement commenced with a massive demonstration against the partition on August 7, 1905, followed by widespread protests throughout the province.
• October 16, 1905, the day the partition took effect, was observed as a day of national mourning with fasting, hartals, and public demonstrations.
• Rabindranath Tagore's composition of the national song "Bande Mataram" became a rallying cry for the movement.

The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement

• In response to the partition, the leaders initiated the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement, advocating the use of Indian goods and boycotting British products.
• The movement gained widespread support, with public burnings of foreign cloth and picketing of shops selling British goods.
• The Swadeshi movement led to the establishment of Indian industries and inspired cultural rejuvenation, including nationalist poetry, prose, journalism, and national education initiatives.

Role of Students, Women, and Muslims

• Students played a significant role in the Swadeshi movement, despite facing government suppression and disciplinary actions.
• Urban middle-class women participated actively in processions and picketing, marking their entry into nationalist activism.
• While many Muslims supported the Swadeshi movement, others, influenced by communal sentiments and official incentives, remained neutral or even favored partition.

Impact and Limitations

• Although popular, the Anti-Partition Movement primarily involved the urban middle classes and did not effectively engage the peasant population.
• The movement highlighted the unity and resilience of Bengali nationalism and laid the groundwork for future nationalist activities.

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