Question

What are the various factors leading to the emergence of nationalisam ? Explain the characteristics of nationalisam?

Answer 1

ANSWER

During the 19th century, feelings of nationalism emerged and brought a colossal change Europe , both mentally and politically . The concept of nation state and nationalism came into being with both the rulers and citizens . They joined their hands and developed a sense of collective identity and shared history.

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Answer 2

Answer:

The rise and growth of Indian nationalism was the response generated by the British government through the creation of a new institution, new opportunities and new style allocation of resources as well as a worldwide upsurge of the concepts of nationalism initiated by the French Revolution. The various factors which were responsible for the growth of Modern Nationalism during British rule are discussed below:

1. Motives behind the colonial interest

The Indian nationalist movement was started when Indians realize that the colonial rule was the main reason for India’s economic backwardness. In other words, the interest of Indian involved the interest of all sections and classes like peasants, artisans, handicrafts men, workers, intellectuals, the educated and the capitalists.

2. Unification of Indians through political, administrative and economic reforms

The Europeans came as a trader in the 16th century, but British among other European proved themselves to be the strongest and broke the Dutch monopoly of trade in India. They got political control and began to exploit Indian resources and India was drained of its wealth badly. The Indian subcontinent under British rule extended from the Himalayas in the north to Cape Comorin in the south and from Assam in the east to the Khyber Pass in the west.

3. Role of Western Thought and Education

The modern education played an important role in awakening of Indian political thinking because it assimilates the modern western ideas. The British introduces modern education to educate a small section of upper and middle classes to create a class “Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste” who would act as interpreters between the Government and the masses.

4. Role of Press and Literature

The evolution of Indian press was fraught with developmental difficulties, illiteracy, colonial constraints and repression. It disseminated the ideas of freedom and became prominent tool for freedom struggle. There were 169 newspapers were published in vernacular languages and their circulation reached the neighbourhood of 1, 00,000 in 1870.

5. Rise of Indian Intellects and rediscovery of India’s past

The British Policy of interference resultant the rise of Indian intellects like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidhyasagar etc. who started reforming the Indian society from social evils and preaches the superiority of the Indian text and culture.

6. Role of Socio-religious Movement

It played important role to remove social evils which divided the Indian society which had detrimental effect to the colonial rule. It brings different sections of the society all together and proved to be an important factor in the growth of India nationalism.

7. Role of contemporary Movements in the world

The French revolution, end of Spanish and Portuguese empire in South Africa and the national liberation movements of Greece and Italy deeply influence the Indian national movements.

Characteristics of Nationalism

The Royal institute of International Relations pointed out the following characteristics of nationalism in its report published in 1930.

1. One Nation. An idea of a common government always implies in a nation. It may he the reality of past or present or just an ambition of the future.

2. Group Feelings. There is sense of belonging together among the people of a nation.

3. Distinction. There is distinctiveness in a nation that separates it from other nation as language, religion, race and national character.

4. Defined Territory. There is defined territory large or small.

5. Common Interest: Existence of same common interest shared by all is also one of the most important features of nationalism.

6. General Picture of State. A general picture of state in the mind of every individual.