Rise Of Indian Nationalism 1885-1905

“A national spirit is necessary for national existence. A flag is a material aid to the development of such a spirit” it’s been truly quoted by the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi, a person who led numerous nationalist movements, developed a fire amongst Indians, taught about the significance of democracy, the significance of being free. Nationalism is an idea and movement that binds the nation with the state. As a movement, nationalism tends to promote the interests of a particular nation especially to gain and maintain the nation's dominion over its homeland.

The first war of India’s independence began in the year 1857. The fury seen by the British in the eyes of Indians must have been the toughest obstacle for them. The seed of nationalism was sown. This was done by a brave Indian woman, a woman who fought till her last breath, a woman to never gave up, Rani Lakshmi Bai. Bai was also titled as “clever and beautiful” as well as “the most dangerous of all Indian leaders” by British officer Huge Rose. This spirit was kept alive until India gained its independence. During this era, a lot of freedom fighters were seen to portray their active participation to throw out the British. All religions became one. Whether it was a Hindu, Muslim, or Sikhs unanimously their identity was just one, INDIANS. From MK Gandhi to Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mangal Pandey to Chandra Shekhar Azad every freedom fighter became a part of the struggle for independence.

INC or Indian National congress was found in the year 1885 on 28th December. It was chaired by W.C Banerjee and was attended by 72 delegates. A.O Hume played an important role in the foundation of INC intending to provide Safety Valve to the British Government. The Radical leaders were Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh. Their emphasis was on self-reliance, constructive work, and swadeshi. After the announcement of the Partition of Bengal in the year 1905 by Lord Curzon for administrative ease, Swadeshi and Boycott resolution was passed in 1905. Where nationalism came into existence through the participation of all in wars and movements culturally too nationalism had a broad sense. Folklore and songs, popular prints, and symbols played a vital part in the making of nationalism. In the 20th century, the identity of India came to be visually linked with the image of Bharat Mata. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay created the image and in the 1870s he wrote ‘Vande Mataram’ as a hymn to the motherland. Bharat Mata was a symbol that had created a sense of togetherness and national personification of India. Today also after 74 years of independence this sense of identity and unity lies within each one of us. The spirit of nationalism must always be kept alive till India a glorious nation exists.