The Rise of Nationalism in India

Overview

This lecture is a brief revision of the Class 10 History chapter "Nationalism in India," discussing the rise of nationalism in India, major movements, their causes, limitations, and participating groups.

Rise and Background of Nationalism

• The goal of nationalism in both Europe and India was to create a nation-state.
• British colonial exploitation in India gave rise to anti-colonial movements and the spirit of nationalism.
• Economic exploitation and forced military recruitment during World War I spread discontent.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Non-Cooperation Movement

• Gandhi returned to India and introduced the idea of Satyagraha: truth and non-violence as the path of struggle.
• Applications of Satyagraha: Champaran (1917), Kheda (1917), Ahmedabad (1918).
• The movement against the Rowlatt Act (1919), the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Khilafat Movement gave birth to the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): boycott of British institutions, clothes, schools, and colleges.

Participation and Limitations in the Non-Cooperation Movement

• In towns, students, teachers, and traders boycotted British goods.
• In villages, farmers and tribals were mainly against local landlords/lords.
• The movement turned violent several times, such as the Chauri-Chaura incident (1922), after which the movement was withdrawn.

1922-1930: Interval and Events

• The establishment of the Swaraj Party (1923) chose the path of participation in electoral politics.
• The global economic depression worsened the condition of farmers.
• Opposition to the Simon Commission (1928) and demand for complete Swaraj (full independence) at the 1929 Lahore session.

Civil Disobedience Movement

• Gandhi-Irwin Pact and 11 demands; Dandi March (1930) to break the salt law.
• People broke the salt law, tax, forest laws, and boycotted foreign goods.
• Expansion of the movement: participation of women, but still limitations—caste and religious tensions.

Sense of Collective Belongingness

• The image of Bharat Mata, the song Vande Mataram, folklore, flags, etc., strengthened the feeling of nationalism.
• Cultural and historical reinterpretation boosted self-confidence.

Major Limitations

• Caste: distinctions of high and low, demand for separate electorates by untouchables (Poona Pact).
• Religion: lack of Hindu-Muslim unity, rise of the Muslim League.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Satyagraha — a non-violent method of protest given by Gandhi, based on truth and firmness.
• Rowlatt Act — a law allowing arrest without trial.
• Non-Cooperation Movement — a national policy of not cooperating with the British administration.
• Civil Disobedience Movement — peaceful protest by breaking laws.
• Khilafat Movement — a Muslim movement to save the power of the Caliph of Turkey.
• Complete Swaraj — demand for full independence of India (1929).
• Poona Pact — an agreement for reservation of seats instead of separate electorates for Dalits.
• Swaraj Party — Congress party formed to participate in elections.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Read the "Nationalism in India" chapter from the NCERT book.
• Memorize important dates, movements, and names of leaders.
• Practice questions from previous years' question papers.