Question

Explain transportation and communication as an important factor for awakening the spirit of nationalism.

Answer 1

Answer:

Several scholars and religious reformers played their role in furthering the cause of progress of the nationalist movement in the country. They emphasized the past glory and the rich heritage of India. The study and publication of the ancient Indian literature by the Asiatic Society of Bengal and the scholars such as Max Muller, Monier Williams, Colebrooke, Ranade, Hari Prasad Shastri, R.G. Bhandarkar, Rajendra Lai Mittra, etc., revealed to the people of India the splendor of the Sanskrit language and also inculcated among them a feeling of pride in their past and their faith in the future.

The primary objective of the British rule in India was the economic exploitation. They took away raw materials from India and brought here their manufactured goods. The policy of economic exploitation ruined the Indian industries; and the British were taking away the wealth of India to their country.

Their free trade policy proved ruinous for Indian trade and industries. Indian industries failed to compete with those of the British because the British had all the advantages and privileges on their side. Moreover, the British officials working in India had become a drain on the Indian resources.

The economic system of India was molded to the needs of the people of England. Thus, the interests of the Indian people’ were completely ignored. No wonder the relations between the Indians and the Britishers became strained.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Development of modern transport and communication means like roads, telegraphs led to an awakening of nationalism

• The emergence of modern means of transport and communication like roads, railways, telegraph and postal services, fostered nationalism. All the contributions were made by Lord Dalhousie.
• The need for administrative convenience, military protection also led to the development of transport and communication.
• Further, commercial exploitation, like the dumping of British goods on the Indian market and raw materials supply from India to British factories, prompted the British to launch plans for transport and communication development.
• Around the year 1839, the Grand Trunk Road was established. In 1853, the first railway line connecting Mumbai to Thane was built. In addition to fostering trade, transport and commerce inventions further expanded people's horizon and contributed to the growth of nationalism.