Nationalism in India

Introduction

• Modern nationalism in Europe tied to nation-states and identity.
• In India, nationalism connected to anti-colonial movement.
• Unity discovered through the struggle against colonialism.
• Congress, under Gandhi, tried to unite diverging groups.

1. The First World War, Khilafat, and Non-Cooperation

Economic and Political Situation Post-War

• War increased defense expenditure and taxes.
• Price rise and forced recruitment caused hardship.
• Crop failures and influenza epidemic resulted in millions of deaths.

Satyagraha

• Gandhi's principle of satyagraha: truth, non-violence, and mass agitation.
• Successful satyagraha campaigns in Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad.

Rowlatt Act

• Empowered government to repress political activities without trial.
• Nationwide hartal on 6 April led to violence and repression.
• Jallianwala Bagh massacre on 13 April increased unrest.

2. Non-Cooperation Movement

Reasons for Non-Cooperation

• Gandhi's Hind Swaraj: British rule sustained by Indian cooperation.
• Proposed boycott of British institutions and goods.

Movement in Towns

• Middle-class participation; students, teachers, lawyers boycotted British institutions.
• Economic impact: foreign goods boycotted, local production increased.

Rebellion in Countryside

• Peasant movements in Awadh led by Baba Ramchandra, demanding rights.
• Tribal peasant movements led by Alluri Sitarama Raju, advocating force.

3. Civil Disobedience Movement

Salt March as a Symbol

• Gandhi's Dandi March against salt tax united diverse groups.
• Civil disobedience expanded: breaking laws, boycotting goods.

Different Social Groups

• Rich peasant communities struggled with revenue demands.
• Poor peasants wanted rent remission; joined radical movements.
• Business classes initially supportive, later apprehensive.
• Women participated in large numbers, but with limited leadership roles.
• Dalits sought political representation; limited participation.

Limits and Challenges

• Communal tensions increased due to Hindu-Muslim clashes.
• Complex identity and representation issues among diverse Indian communities.

4. Sense of Collective Belonging

Cultural Processes

• National identity through symbols like Bharat Mata.
• Folklore revival and reinterpretation of history to instill national pride.

Challenges

• Problems of inclusive representation across diverse communities.

Conclusion

• Nationalism in India: a complex, multi-faceted struggle with diverse aspirations.
• Congress efforts to unite various groups met with internal conflicts and external challenges.

Quit India Movement

• Launched in 1942 demanding British withdrawal.
• Mass movement cutting across social strata, leading to arrests and repression.

Key Dates

• 1919: Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
• 1921: Non-Cooperation Movement launched.
• 1930: Dandi March and Civil Disobedience Movement.
• 1942: Quit India Movement.