Sambhav-2025

Approach Briefly introduce the growing discontent during the second half of the nineteenth century. Discuss the economic and social conditions that fueled the growth of Indian nationalism. Conclude by summarizing that these conditions laid the foundation for later movements.

Introduction

The latter half of the nineteenth century was a pivotal period for the emergence of Indian nationalism. This era witnessed a deepening sense of economic exploitation under British colonial rule, alongside a growing social and cultural awakening among Indians.

Body

Economic Conditions Leading to Nationalism

• Drain of Wealth: British colonial rule focused on extracting resources from India for the benefit of the British Empire, leaving the Indian economy underdeveloped.
  • Dadabhai Naoroji introduced thе 'drain thеory' in his rеnownеd book "Povеrty and thе Un-British Rulе in India (1901).”
  • Naoroji highlighted how British rule resulted in the continuous and systematic outflow of wealth from India to Britain without any reciprocal benefit.
• De-industrialization: The influx of cheap British-manufactured goods devastated Indian artisans, leading to widespread unemployment and economic hardship in rural and urban areas.
• Land Revenue System: The British land revenue system, such as the Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari System, placed heavy burdens on Indian farmers.
• Railways and Communication Networks: While the primary goal of the British was to facilitate the extraction of resources, the development of railways and communication networks inadvertently helped spread nationalist ideas.
  • They provided a means for nationalist leaders to mobilize and connect with people across vast geographical areas.
  • The Indian National Congress was able to organize annual sessions in different cities, ensuring widespread participation from across the country.

Social Conditions Contributing to Nationalism

• Emergence of Social Reform Movements: The rise of social reformers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Swami Vivekananda played a crucial role in awakening Indian society.
  • These reformers emphasized education, the abolition of social evils like Sati and child marriage, and the upliftment of women.
  • Their ideas began to inspire a sense of national pride and unity, particularly among the educated classes.
• Spread of Western Education: The British colonial system of education, though primarily designed to serve colonial interests, contributed to the rise of an educated Indian middle class.
  • Many Indians began to pursue Western education, which exposed them to liberal ideas like democracy, equality, and self-governance.
  • Prominent intellectuals such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai utilized their Western education to articulate the economic and political grievances of the Indian population.
• Press and Literature: The rise of the Indian press during this period played a significant role in disseminating nationalist ideas.
  • Newspapers like Kesari and The Hindu became important platforms for discussing national issues, economic policies, and social reforms.

Conclusion

The growth of Indian nationalism in the latter half of the nineteenth century was fueled by a combination of economic exploitation and social awakening. The establishment of organizations like the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 was a direct result of the growing discontent with British rule. These economic and social conditions laid the groundwork for the later, more intense nationalist movements that eventually led to India’s independence.