Growth of Education in Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) - Modern India History Notes
The growth of education was one of the key factors responsible for the rise of militant nationalism. A radical trend of a militant nationalist approach to politics actively started emerging in the 1890s, and it took a concrete shape by 1905. As an adjunct to this trend, a revolutionary wing also emerged. From 1905-to 1909 was the phase of militant nationalism i.e, the extremists phase. They took a radical approach and made aggressive demands. They saw self-sufficiency as a powerful weapon against oppression. In this article, we will discuss the impact of the growth of education in the era of militant nationalism which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.
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Table of Contents |
Growth of Education - An Overview
- The number of educated Indians had increased noticeably by the end of the nineteenth century.
- Many of them worked in the administration for extremely low pay, while many others faced increasing unemployment.
- Their economic plight compelled them to question the nature of British rule. Many were drawn in by radical nationalist politics.
- Even more significant was the ideological aspect of education's spread.
- The greater the number of educated Indians, the greater the influence of western ideas of democracy, nationalism, and radicalism.
- Because they were low-paid or unemployed, and because they were educated in modern thought and politics, as well as European and world history, educated Indians became the best propagators and followers of militant nationalism.
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| Moderate Phase(1885-1905) | Important Leaders of Moderate Phase |
| growth of education | International influences |
Growth of Education - Impact on Militant Nationalism
- The extremists emphasized the national education scheme, boycotting all government-controlled universities and colleges across the country.
- The government has threatened to retaliate harshly against such boycotts.
- The extremists advocated for the establishment of National Universities that would be independent of the government. The Bengal Council of National Education founded the Bengal National College.
- The masses boycotted British goods and education, which altered India's economy and provided Indians with employment and other opportunities.
- A major reform in the education sector was seen in the country, as extremists worked hard to establish National universities free of government control.
- East Bengal saw a surge in the number of National Schools.
- The Pachaiappa National College was established in Madras.
- The D.A.V. Movement did a lot of good work in Punjab by establishing national schools and colleges.
- As a result, the extremists' policies reverberated throughout the country.
Conclusion
The extremists' activities were marked in many parts of India. While the spread of education increased awareness among the masses, the rise in unemployment and underemployment among the educated drew attention to poverty and the underdeveloped state of the country's economy under colonial rule. This fueled already raging discontent among more radical nationalists.
FAQs
Question: What is the significance of the period 1905-1909 in the history of Indian education?
Answer: The period 1905-1909, marked by militant nationalism, saw significant growth in Indian education. Nationalist leaders emphasized education as a tool for social reform and political mobilization. Institutions like the National Council of Education were established to promote indigenous education, moving away from colonial structures and curricula.
Question: How did the partition of Bengal in 1905 influence education in India?
Answer: The partition of Bengal in 1905 sparked widespread nationalist protests. It led to the establishment of several educational institutions aimed at promoting Swadeshi and nationalist values. Educational reforms during this period focused on fostering a sense of national pride and political awareness, especially among the youth.
Question: Which educational institutions were established during the period of militant nationalism in India?
Answer: During the period of militant nationalism, several educational institutions were founded, including the National Council of Education (1906) and the Bengal National College. These institutions played a crucial role in spreading nationalist ideas and providing an alternative to British-controlled educational systems.
Question: What role did the Indian National Congress play in the growth of education during 1905-1909?
Answer: The Indian National Congress played a pivotal role in the growth of education during this period by supporting educational reforms. They advocated for the establishment of institutions that focused on fostering a sense of national identity and empowerment. The Congress also supported the creation of schools and colleges that taught in vernacular languages.
Question: How did the militant nationalist leaders view Western education during 1905-1909?
Answer: Militant nationalist leaders viewed Western education with skepticism, believing it was designed to serve British colonial interests. They called for the promotion of indigenous education systems that emphasized Indian culture, history, and values. This period saw a shift toward promoting nationalistic and self-reliant educational models.
MCQs
1. What was the primary focus of education during the period 1905-1909 in India?
A) To promote British colonial values
B) To foster a sense of nationalism and self-reliance
C) To expand access to Western education
D) To establish a uniform education system across India
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Explanation: During the period 1905-1909, the primary focus of education was to foster nationalism and self-reliance. Nationalist leaders emphasized the need for education that would promote Indian culture, values, and history, rather than the colonial-oriented curriculum imposed by the British.
2. Which educational institution was established during the era of militant nationalism in India?
A) Aligarh Muslim University
B) National Council of Education
C) Delhi University
D) University of Calcutta
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Explanation: The National Council of Education was established in 1906 during the period of militant nationalism. It aimed to promote Indian education and provide an alternative to the British-controlled education system. The institution focused on fostering nationalistic values among the youth.
3. What was the impact of the partition of Bengal on education in India?
A) It led to the expansion of English education
B) It triggered a rise in nationalist educational institutions
C) It caused the closure of several schools
D) It promoted the establishment of universities in India
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Explanation: The partition of Bengal in 1905 led to the rise of nationalist movements, which also influenced the educational landscape. Many nationalist leaders established new educational institutions that promoted Swadeshi ideals and Indian culture, serving as alternatives to the British education system.
4. Who played a significant role in the establishment of the National Council of Education?
A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
B) Lala Lajpat Rai
C) Surendranath Banerjee
D) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: Surendranath Banerjee, a prominent nationalist leader, played a key role in the establishment of the National Council of Education. The institution was founded in 1906 to promote education in the Indian context and provide a platform for Indian students to learn nationalistic ideals.
5. What was the stance of the militant nationalists regarding Western education?
A) They fully embraced Western education
B) They wanted to modernize Western education in India
C) They rejected Western education and promoted indigenous systems
D) They sought to integrate Western and Indian education systems
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Explanation: Militant nationalists rejected Western education, seeing it as a tool for colonial control. They advocated for indigenous educational systems that would reflect India's culture, values, and history. The focus was on creating a sense of national pride and self-reliance through education.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Analyze the impact of militant nationalism on the development of education in India during 1905-1909.
Answer: The period of militant nationalism from 1905 to 1909 significantly influenced the growth of education in India. Nationalist leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai emphasized the importance of education in promoting nationalistic ideals. The establishment of institutions like the National Council of Education marked a turning point in Indian educational history. These institutions focused on providing education that was rooted in Indian culture and values, as opposed to the colonial education system that served British interests. This period witnessed the rise of vernacular education, the promotion of indigenous knowledge, and the introduction of Swadeshi values in educational curricula.
Q2: How did the partition of Bengal in 1905 influence the educational landscape of India?
Answer: The partition of Bengal in 1905 was a catalyst for the rise of militant nationalism, which also had a profound impact on education in India. The partition led to the establishment of several nationalist educational institutions aimed at promoting the Swadeshi movement and fostering a sense of unity among Indians. Schools and colleges were set up to impart education that emphasized Indian culture, history, and values. The Bengal National College, established by Subhas Chandra Bose, is one of the key institutions that emerged from this period, which contributed to the spread of nationalist sentiments through education.
Q3: Discuss the role of education in the promotion of nationalism in India during the early 20th century.
Answer: Education played a critical role in promoting nationalism in India during the early 20th century, especially after the partition of Bengal in 1905. The nationalist leaders recognized that education could be a powerful tool to awaken political consciousness and instill a sense of pride in India's heritage. During this period, the focus shifted towards the establishment of educational institutions that were aligned with nationalist values. These institutions not only emphasized vernacular education but also promoted Indian culture and history. Leaders like Surendranath Banerjee and Rabindranath Tagore encouraged the youth to engage with indigenous ideas and resist British colonial ideologies, fostering the growth of the Indian nationalist movement.
Previous Year Questions on Growth of Education in the Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)
1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:
Question: Which of the following educational reforms was introduced during the period of militant nationalism (1905-1909)?
A) The establishment of the National Council of Education
B) The introduction of the Macaulay education system
C) The promotion of English education in rural India
D) The creation of the All India Educational Reform Commission
Answer: (A)
Explanation: The National Council of Education, established in 1906, was a significant educational reform introduced during the period of militant nationalism. It was designed to provide an alternative to the colonial education system and promote nationalist values among Indian students.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):
Question: Examine the role of education in fostering nationalist sentiments during the early 20th century in India.
Answer: Education played a pivotal role in fostering nationalist sentiments in India during the early 20th century. The establishment of nationalist educational institutions, such as the National Council of Education, was aimed at promoting Indian culture and history while challenging the British education system. The focus on vernacular languages and indigenous knowledge helped instill a sense of pride and unity among Indians, mobilizing them for the freedom struggle.
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