Beginning of Modern Nationalism in India – Free Modern History Notes for UPSC 2025

The genesis of modern nationalism in India can be traced back to the 19th century, a period marked by colonial domination and the awakening of Indian consciousness against British rule. The emergence of modern nationalism was not only a response to external colonial oppression but also a result of internal socio-political transformations and intellectual ferment. This movement laid the groundwork for India’s eventual independence and profoundly shaped its political landscape.

Nationalism is when people believe that their nation and government should be the same thing. It’s about working towards what’s best for your country and making sure it has control over its own land. Nationalists think that each nation should be able to make its own decisions without other countries interfering. They believe that a nation is the best way to organize a government and that only the people of that nation should have the power to govern themselves. Nationalism also aims to bring people together by creating a shared identity based on things like culture, language, history, and traditions.

Features of Indian Nationalism

• Modern nationalism led to the formation of nation-states, changing how people saw themselves and their sense of belonging.
• New symbols, songs, and ideas emerged, shaping connections and redefining community boundaries.
• Developing a new national identity took time in most countries.
• In India, like in other colonies, modern nationalism grew alongside the anti-colonial movement.
• The struggle against colonialism united people, despite differences in experiences and ideas about freedom.
• The Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, aimed to bring together different groups, but there were conflicts in achieving unity.

Factors contributing to the rise of modern nationalism:

1. Impact of Colonial Rule: British colonial policies, characterized by exploitation, discrimination, and cultural hegemony, fueled resentment among Indians. Economic exploitation, racial discrimination, and the imposition of British laws and administrative structures provided a common ground for Indians to unite against colonial oppression.
2. Intellectual Awakening: The 19th century witnessed a renaissance of Indian intellectual thought and cultural revival, often referred to as the Bengal Renaissance. Scholars like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and Rabindranath Tagore advocated for the revitalization of Indian culture, language, and traditions, instilling a sense of pride and identity among Indians.
3. Impact of Western Ideas: The ideas of liberalism, democracy, and nationalism that emerged from the Enlightenment and the French Revolution influenced Indian intellectuals. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Bal Gangadhar Tilak adapted these ideas to articulate the demands for self-governance and civil liberties within the Indian context.
4. Social Reform Movements: Social reform movements, such as the Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj, sought to eradicate social evils like caste discrimination, widow remarriage, and untouchability. These movements not only addressed internal social issues but also fostered a sense of collective identity and solidarity among Indians.
5. Role of Press and Literature: The proliferation of vernacular newspapers, pamphlets, and literary works played a crucial role in disseminating nationalist ideas and mobilizing public opinion against British rule. Figures like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, through works like “Anand Math” and “Vande Mataram,” infused nationalist fervor among the masses.

Reach of Early Nationalists

• Early nationalists, despite not being able to attract large numbers of people, played a significant role in stirring up national feelings.
• They represented the most forward-thinking groups in the country during their time.
• They helped create a widespread awakening among Indians who shared common interests and the need to unite against colonial rule.
• They educated people about politics and spread modern ideas.
• They exposed the exploitative nature of colonial rule, which weakened its moral legitimacy.
• Their political work focused on practical realities rather than superficial aspects like religion.
• They successfully argued that India should be governed in the interests of its own people.
• They laid the groundwork for a stronger, more active national movement to emerge later on.
• However, they didn’t expand their support base or broaden the scope of their demands to include more people in the democratic process.

The seeds of modern nationalism sown in 19th-century India would eventually blossom into a full-fledged movement for independence in the 20th century. The convergence of historical circumstances, intellectual awakening, and socio-political transformations catalyzed the emergence of a unified national consciousness. Despite the diversity of languages, religions, and cultures, Indians found common ground in their shared aspiration for freedom and self-determination. The legacy of modern nationalism continues to resonate in contemporary India, serving as a reminder of the power of unity and collective action in the pursuit of justice and liberty.

Also read: Revivalist Movement.