The growth of militant nationalism ushered in a new era in the national movement by employing more radical methods of agitation than the earlier moderates. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipan Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai were among the prominent leaders of this phase of the national movement. Militant nationalism represented a distinct phase in the anti-colonial struggle. It introduced new methods of political agitation, used popular symbols for mobilization, and thus attempted to broaden the movement's base. In this article, we will discuss the Growth of Militant Nationalism which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Militant Nationalism - Background

• Militant nationalism (also known as extremism) has gradually grown in the country over the years. It manifested itself in the Bengal anti-partition movement of 1905.
• Even in its early days, the Indian national movement had made a large number of people aware of the dangers of foreign dominance and the importance of cultivating patriotism.
• It had provided educated Indians with the necessary political training. It had, in fact, changed the mood of the people and given birth to a new way of life in the country.
• Simultaneously, the British government's refusal to accept any of the major demands of the nationalists led to disillusionment among the politically conscious with the principles and methods of the dominant moderate leadership.
• Instead of appeasing moderate nationalists, the British rulers denigrated and mocked them.
• As a result, there was a strong demand for more aggressive political action and methods than meetings, petitions, memorials, and speeches in legislative councils.

Factors Responsible for the Rise of Militant Nationalism

Recognition of the True Nature of the British

• Recognition that the true nature of British rule was exploitative, and that the British India government, rather than conceding more, was taking away even what was already there.
• The moderate nationalists' politics were based on the belief that British rule could be reformed from within. However, the spread of knowledge about political and economic issues gradually undermined this belief.
  • To a large extent, this was caused by the moderates' political agitation.
• Nationalist writers and agitators blamed British rule for the people's poverty.
• Politically aware Indians were convinced that the purpose of British rule was to economically exploit India, that is, to enrich England at the expense of India.
• They realized that unless British imperialism was replaced by a government controlled and run by the Indian people, India would make little economic progress.
• Nationalists, in particular, came to realize that Indian industries could not thrive without an Indian government to protect and promote them.
• The disastrous famines that ravaged India from 1896 to 1900, killing over 90 lakh people, symbolized the evil economic consequences of foreign rule in the eyes of the people.
• The political events of 1892—1905 also disappointed nationalists and prompted them to consider more radical politics. On the other hand, even the people's existing political rights were under attack.
• In 1898, a law was passed making it a crime to incite "disaffection" toward a foreign government.

Growth of Confidence and Self Respect

• There was a growing belief in one's own ability.
• Tilak, Aurobindo, and Bipin Chandra Pal urged nationalists to rely on the character and capabilities of the Indian people.
• Indian nationalists had gained self-esteem and confidence by the end of the nineteenth century.
• They had gained confidence in their ability to govern themselves as well as in the future development of their country.
• They taught the people that the solution to their plight lay in their own hands, and that as a result, they should become fearless and strong.
• Swami Vivekananda, despite not being a political leader, repeatedly emphasized this point.

Growth of Education

• The impact of educational growth, increased awareness and unemployment among the educated drew attention to the poverty and the underdeveloped state of the country.
• 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.

International Influences

• Several events in the world during this time period aided the growth of militant nationalism in India.
• After 1868, the rise of modern Japan demonstrated that a backward Asian country could develop independently of Western influence.
• In just a few decades, Japanese leaders transformed their country into a world-class industrial and military power, implemented universal primary education, and established an efficient, modern administration.
• The defeat of the Italian army by the Ethiopians in 1896 and the defeat of Russia by Japan in 1905 shattered the myth of European superiority.
• People all over Asia rejoiced at the news of a small Asian country's victory over one of Europe's most powerful military powers.
• International influences and events that shattered the myth of white/European supremacy include:
  • Rise of Japan as an industrial power
  • Abyssinia's (Ethiopia) victory over Italy
  • The British suffered setbacks during the Boer Wars (1899-1902)
  • Japan's victory over Russia (1905)
  • Nationalist movements exist all over the world

Response to Growing Westernization

• The new leadership sensed colonial designs to submerge Indian national identity in the British Empire and felt the stranglehold of excessive westernization.
• The new leadership's intellectual and moral inspiration was Indian.
• Intellectuals such as Swami Vivekananda, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and Swami Dayananda Saraswati inspired many young nationalists with their forceful and articulate arguments, painting India's past in more vivid colors than British ideologues.
• By referring to the richness of Indian civilization in the past, these thinkers debunked the myth of western superiority.
• 'India for the Indians,' was Dayananda's political message.

Dissatisfaction with Achievements and Methods of Moderates

• The younger members of Congress were dissatisfied with the Moderates' achievements during the first 15–20 years in office.
• They were harshly critical of the peaceful and constitutional agitation methods popularly known as the "Three 'P's"—prayer, petition, and protest—and referred to them as "political mendicancy."

Curzon's Reactionary Policies

• Curzon's seven-year rule in India, which was full of missions, commissions, and omissions, elicited a strong reaction in the Indian mind.
• He refused to recognize India as a country and insulted Indian nationalists and intellectuals by referring to their activities as "letting off gas."
• He made disparaging remarks about Indians in general.
• Administrative measures adopted during his rule include:
  • Calcutta Corporation Act (1899)
  • Official Secrets Act (1904)
  • Indian Universities Act (1904)
  • Partition of Bengal (1905)

Existence of Militant School of Thought

• By the dawn of the 20th century, a band of nationalist thinkers had emerged who advocated a more militant approach to political work.
• In Bengal, these included Raj Narain Bose, Ashwini Kumar Datta, Aurobindo Ghosh, and Bipin Chandra Pal; in Maharashtra, Vishnu Shastri Chiplunkar and Tilak; and in Punjab, Lala Lajpat Rai.
• Tilak rose to prominence as the most outstanding representative of this school of thought.
• This school of thought's fundamental tenets were:
  • Hatred for foreign rule; since no hope can be derived from it, Indians must work out their own salvation;
  • Swaraj to be the goal of the national movement;
  • Direct political action is required;
  • Belief in the ability of the masses to challenge authority;
  • Personal sacrifices are required, and a true nationalist must always be prepared to make them.

The emergence of a Skilled Leader

• This leadership could provide a proper channel for the enormous potential for the political struggle that the masses possessed and, as militant nationalists believed, were ready to express.
• This popular energy was channeled during the movement against Bengal's partition, which took the form of the Swadeshi agitation.

Prominent Extremists

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak: He is also known as 'Lokamanya.' In 1916, he founded the Poona Home Rule League and gave the slogan, "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it."
• Lala Lajpat Rai: He is also known as the 'Lion of Punjab.' He was a pivotal figure in the Swadeshi Movement. 'Go back, Simon,' was his well-known catchphrase.
• Bipan Chandra Pal: He went from being moderate to becoming an extremist. He was a pivotal figure in the Swadeshi Movement. Through his powerful speeches and writings, he spread his nationalism ideas throughout India.
• Aurobindo Ghosh: He was another extremist leader who actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement. “Political freedom is the lifebreath of a nation”, was declared by Aurobindo Ghosh.

Conclusion

The moderate leaders' inability to obtain meaningful results from British authorities was the main cause of the rise of extremism. The partition of Bengal in 1905 revealed the true colors of the British rulers to the Indians. Some leaders were concerned that the moderates, with their westernized ideas, we're attempting to create an India in the image of the West. At the time, there was a resurgence of national pride. The rise of spiritual nationalism at the time also had an impact on extremist leaders. The extremists believed that independence was to be achieved through self-sacrifice.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who among the following is considered a prominent leader of militant nationalism in India?

A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Lord Curzon

2. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was done under which Viceroy?

A) Lord Ripon
B) Lord Curzon
C) Lord Canning
D) Lord Irwin

3. The success of which Asian country in the Russo-Japanese War inspired Indian nationalists?

A) China
B) Japan
C) Korea
D) Vietnam

4. What was the Swadeshi movement aimed at?

A) Promoting British goods
B) Boycotting foreign goods and using Indian products
C) Supporting European industrialization
D) Encouraging British investments in India

5. Which of the following was NOT a repressive law introduced by the British government in India?

A) Vernacular Press Act
B) Arms Act
C) Government of India Act 1935
D) Rowlatt Act

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the factors that led to the rise of militant nationalism in India in the early 20th century.

Answer: Several factors contributed to the rise of militant nationalism in India during the early 20th century. The disillusionment with moderate politics, the repressive policies of the British government, and the failure of constitutional reforms frustrated many nationalists. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 acted as a catalyst, fueling widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement. The influence of international events, such as Japan's victory over Russia, also played a role in inspiring Indian revolutionaries to adopt more assertive methods. Leaders like Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal emerged as vocal advocates of militant nationalism.

Q2: Examine the role of the Swadeshi and boycott movements in the growth of militant nationalism.

Answer: The Swadeshi and boycott movements were central to the growth of militant nationalism in India. These movements aimed to reduce dependence on British goods and promote Indian-made products, thereby challenging the economic foundations of British rule. The Swadeshi movement fostered a sense of national pride and self-reliance among Indians. Leaders like Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal used these movements to galvanize the masses, leading to large-scale protests and strikes. The success of the Swadeshi movement laid the groundwork for future nationalist campaigns and contributed to the rise of militant nationalism.

Q3: Analyze the influence of international events on the development of militant nationalism in India.

Answer: International events had a profound impact on the development of militant nationalism in India. The victory of Japan over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1905) inspired Indian nationalists by proving that an Asian nation could defeat a European power. Similarly, the Irish struggle for independence influenced Indian revolutionaries, who saw parallels in their own fight against British colonialism. These international examples reinforced the belief among Indian nationalists that armed struggle and direct action could lead to the attainment of self-rule, contributing to the rise of militant nationalism in the early 20th century.

Previous Year Questions on Growth of Militant Nationalism

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1)

Question: Discuss the role of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in promoting militant nationalism in India.

Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a pioneer of militant nationalism in India, advocating for more aggressive and assertive methods to attain Swaraj (self-rule). Tilak criticized the moderate methods of the Indian National Congress and believed that petitions and negotiations with the British would not yield freedom. His leadership in promoting the Swadeshi and boycott movements during the Partition of Bengal (1905) and his call for mass mobilization significantly influenced the growth of militant nationalism. His famous slogan, "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it," became a powerful rallying cry for the nationalists. Tilak’s efforts laid the groundwork for future mass movements and helped shape the revolutionary spirit in the Indian freedom struggle.

2. UPSC CSE Prelims 2017

Question: The Partition of Bengal was carried out in which year?

A) 1905
B) 1911
C) 1899
D) 1907

Answer: A

Explanation: The Partition of Bengal was carried out in 1905 by Lord Curzon, dividing Bengal into East Bengal and West Bengal. This event ignited widespread protests and was a major catalyst for the Swadeshi movement and the rise of militant nationalism in India.