3. CAUSES OF INDIAN NATIONALISM
• The Macaulavian system of education
The liberal and radical thoughts of European writers inspired the Indian
intelligentsia with the ideals of liberty, nationality and self-government.
• English Language
The English language played an important part in the growth of nationalism in the
country. It acted as the lingua franca of the intelligentsia of India. Without the
common medium of the English language it would have been impossible for the
Bengalees, Madrasis and the Punjabis to sit at one table and discuss the common
problems facing the country.
• Indian Press
The Indian press, both English and vernacular aroused national consciousness.
Great was the influence of the news papers like the Amrit Bazar Patrika, the Hindu,
the Kesari, the Bengalee, the Hurkura and a lot more. The growth of Indian Press
was phenomenal and by 1875, there were no less than 478 newspapers in the
country. The Indian press helped in mobilizing the public opinion, convening
national and provincial conferences, organising political movements, building up
public institutions and fighting out public controversies.
4. Religious and social reformers
The religious and social reformers like Ram Mohan Roy, Keshab Chandra
Sen, Debendranath Tagore, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Dayanand Saraswati,
Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanandaand others inculcated a spirit of
confidence, courage, self-respect and pride in the ancient heritage of India. It is
contended that political awakening in India began with Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
British Imperialism
British Imperialism destroyed the old, order of society in India. Sepoy Mutiny, 1857
The economic policy of the British
- pursued by the British in India had resulted in a lopsided development of Indian
economy and impoverishment of the people. The economy of India was geared to
the production of raw materials needed for the developing machine industry of
England. Such a policy also made India as a growing market for English manufactured
goods. Periodical famines became a regular feature of Indian economy.
5. • Means of Transport and communication
The improvements in the means of transport and communication also
quickened the pace of the nationalist movement in the country. A network of
roads and railways linked the bigger towns and the country with the world
market. The setting up of an efficient posts and telegraphs system and the
accompanying developments gave India the appearance of unity and
fostered the spirit of one-mindedness.
• Short-sighted Acts and Policies of Lord Lytton
The maximum age limit for the I.C.S. examination was reduced from 21 years
to 19 years, thus making it impossible for Indians to compete for it.
Vernacular Press Act and Indian Arms Acts (1878)
• External Factors
Certain external factors like home-rule movement in Ireland, Unification of
Germany, Italy; Victory of Japan over an European power Russia in 1905 also
produced nationalist and revolutionary feelings among the Indians.
6. 1. The Macaulavian system of education
2. English Language
3. Indian Press
4. Religious and social reformers
5. British Imperialism
6. The economic policy of the British
7. Means of Transport and communication
8. Short-sighted Acts and Policies of Lord Lytton
9. External Factors