Using the following points, briefly describe the growth of radical nationalism
in India :
a. Partition of Bengal
b. International events
c. Reactionary policies of Lord Curzon
Answers
Answer:
The failure of the moderate leaders in getting any significant results from the British authorities.
The limitations of the moderates were the main causes of the rise of extremism.
The partition of Bengal in 1905 opened the eyes of the Indians to the true colours of the British rulers.
Lord Curzon and his disdain for anything Indian also created resentment and anger against the foreigners.
There was a fear among some leaders that the moderates with their westernized notions were trying to create an India in the image of the West.
There was a revival of national pride at that time.
The extremist leaders were also influenced by the growth of spiritual nationalism at that time.
The Delhi Durbar held in 1903 when people had not fully recovered from the horrific effects of the famine that killed lakhs of people drew widespread condemnation.
Events happening around the world also inspired the extremist leaders. Abyssinia’s successful repulsion of the Italian army in 1896 and Japan’s defeat of Russia in 1905 shattered the notion of European invincibility.
Other national movements like in Persia, Egypt and Turkey also motivated the Indian leaders.