Live Session on Nationalism in India
Introduction
- Presenter: Welcome to the live session.
- Focus: Nationalism in India, Multipurpose Projects, Key exam topics.
Multipurpose Projects
- Definition: Projects like dams serving multiple purposes beyond irrigation.
- Benefits: Generation of electricity, recreational activities, agricultural water supply.
Nationalism in India
Key Concepts
- Gross Enrollment Ratio: Measures enrollment at primary, secondary, and higher education levels.
- Net Attendance Ratio: Specific to 14-15-year-olds attending school.
Nationalism Development
- Early Chapters: 'Rise of Nationalism in Europe', now focusing on 'Nationalism in India'.
- Common Themes: Development of nation-states through collective identity and unity.
Background
- Modern Colonialism: Growth of colonial power led by the British in India transformed into anti-colonial movements, fueling nationalism.
- Unity Through Struggle: Diverse groups unified against a common colonial oppressor.
Key Movements
Non-Cooperation Movement
- Preceding Events: First World War, Khilafat Movement, Rowlatt Act (1919), Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa in 1915.
- Objective: Launched in 1920 to withdraw cooperation with British authorities through non-violence (Satyagraha).
- Participation: Boycott of schools, colleges, courts, and foreign goods.
- Limitations: Movement turned violent (e.g., Chauri Chaura incident, 1922), leading to its suspension.
Civil Disobedience Movement
- Initiation: Led by Mahatma Gandhi starting with the Dandi March (Salt March) in 1930 to violate salt laws.
- Strategies: Breaking colonial laws, refusal to pay taxes, non-violent protests.
- Government Reaction: Arrest of leaders, violent suppression by British authorities.
- Outcome: Movement called off following the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931. Attempts to relaunch were less successful.
Participation and Differing Perspectives
In the Countryside
- Rich Peasants: Supported the movement for reducing revenue demands.
- Poor Peasants: Wanted rent reduction; less focused, sometimes resorted to radical methods.
In Towns and Cities
- Industrialists and Merchants: Supported for business expansion, opposed colonial restrictions.
- Workers: Limited participation; concerned about Congress siding with industrialists due to funding.
Women
- Role: Actively participated in marches, salt manufacturing, picketing shops.
Challenges to Unity
Caste and Religious Divisions
- Untouchables: Demand for separate electorate versus integration (Puna Pact, 1932).
- Religious Differences: Rising Hindu-Muslim tensions, Muslim League seeking separate representation.
Cultural Processes in Fostering Unity
- Cultural Icons: Bharat Mata image by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
- Songs and Symbols: Vande Mataram song, national flags representing unity (e.g., Swadeshi flag, Swaraj flag).
- History and Folklore: Reviving Indian history and folklore to instill pride and unity.
Quit India Movement (1942)
- Final Major Movement: Demanded British withdrawal from India, led to significant British repression, but paved the way for eventual independence.
Conclusion
- Overall Impact: Understanding the struggle for Indian independence, the role of different social groups, challenges of uniting diverse populations, and cultural processes in fostering a collective national identity.
Telegram Channel for Notes
This session concludes with a focus on upcoming topics and continuous revision.