Factors Behind Development of Indian Nationalism
Indian nationalism developed not on the basis of religion, caste, regionalism or race but as result of the peculiar circumstances of the 19th century. The following factors contributed in the development of the Indian Nationalism:
Historical Factors
Among some western writers, there has been an assertion that India was never a nation in the “physical, political, social, or religious” sense and the British colonialism helped India to become a nation state, yet the Indian nationalism emerged out of opposition to the British in the 19th century. The modern national identity was pronounced during the struggle for independence and the British imperialism was then the main enemy of Indian nationalism.
Geographical Factors
India is located within the limits of the Himalayas in the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west and the Indian Ocean in the south. These geographical factors not saved India from unrestrained aggressions on one hand and enabled interaction with the rest of the world on other.
Moreover, divergent natural features and climate have created a feeling among the people to respect and recognize the cultural diversities.
Socio-cultural Factors
Though there were diversities, the people learnt to co-exist for the necessities of life. India was able to assimilate the religions which originated in India and those which came from abroad owing to these features.
The various cultures which reached India have contributed much to Indian society. Indian culture is the sum total of the essence of the different cultures of the world.
Role of British Colonialism
Nation-states are a modern phenomenon, prior to this, the Kingdoms and Sultanates were the norm. The Nation states first replaced the Kingdoms in Europe. The European nations which industrialized earlier colonized other countries particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The British plunder was based on taking away raw materials from here and creating markets for their goods. India, which was hitherto an agrarian economy, saw the rise of new classes of merchants, bankers, industrialists and placation owners. Introduction of English education and changing social dynamic laid the foundation of Indian Nationalism.
In its very elementary form, the changed scenario led to rise of several reform movements; new associations and unions of economic, social and political nature on the pattern of such organizations in west. In due course, the intelligentsia started demanding widening of the franchise, simultaneous examinations of administrative services, indianization of civil services, various political and judiciary reforms, agrarian and land reforms etc. In the 19th century, Indian society saw its changing face in the form of rise of modern education, railways, telegraphs, press and hatred for British racial discrimination, economic exploitation, weakness of judiciary etc. The press created a strong impetus for the rise of national consciousness. Many local and regional associations such as Bombay Association, Madras Natives association, Pune Sarvajanik Sabha, Madras Mahajan Sabha etc. were formed which aimed at voicing the grievances of the emerging elite and projecting their vision of the nation.
The Indian National Congress from its very birth in 1880s expressed the ambitions of Indian elite and asked for many reforms in the councils, holding of Indian civil service Examinations in India, more facilities for industry, and commerce and land reforms. INC started striving towards the eradication of race, creed and provincial prejudices, and encouragement of natives in the political process.
