The period between 1858 and 1885 was crucial for the growth of modern nationalism in India.
End of the East India Company Rule (1858):
The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, led to the dissolution of the British East India Company’s rule and the direct governance of India by the British Crown through the Government of India Act 1858. This marked a significant turning point as Indians began to confront British colonialism more directly.
Intellectual Awakening:
The period saw the emergence of a modern Indian intelligentsia that sought to challenge British rule intellectually. Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar initiated social and educational reforms, laying the foundation for future nationalist movements.
The influence of Western political thought, especially liberalism and nationalism, started permeating Indian society through the education system introduced by the British. Indian intellectuals began to articulate their demands for self-governance and political representation.
Formation of Associations and Societies:
The 1860s and 1870s saw the establishment of various socio-religious reform movements and associations that played a crucial role in nurturing a sense of national identity and unity among Indians.
Organizations like the Indian Association (founded in 1876) and the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870) provided platforms for Indians to discuss political issues and advocate for their rights.
Press and Literature:
The proliferation of newspapers and literature in Indian languages contributed significantly to the spread of nationalist ideas. Publications like the Bengali newspaper, “Amrita Bazar Patrika,” and writings by nationalist leaders such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Swami Vivekananda helped galvanize public opinion against British rule.
Nationalist literature, including Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel “Anandamath” with its famous song “Vande Mataram,” inspired patriotism and a sense of unity among Indians.
Foundation of the Indian National Congress (1885):
The most significant event in the growth of modern nationalism during this period was the establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. Founded by Allan Octavian Hume and other Indian leaders, the INC initially served as a platform for political dialogue and representation of Indian interests within the British colonial system.
Although its early years were marked by moderate demands for reforms and representation, the INC would later evolve into the leading organization advocating for Indian independence.
Local Resistance Movements:
Several localized resistance movements against British policies and taxation continued during this period, contributing to a broader sentiment of nationalism. These movements often revolved around issues such as land revenue, salt taxes, and forest laws.
In conclusion, the period between 1858 and 1885 laid the groundwork for the growth of modern nationalism in India, characterized by the emergence of a politically conscious intelligentsia, the formation of associations, the spread of nationalist literature, and the establishment of the Indian National Congress. These developments paved the way for more organized and sustained resistance against British colonial rule in the following decades.
