eey rg1 SOCIO-RELIGIOUS REFORM MOVEMENTS Introduction and Definition: ‘= It was not possible to reform society without reforming religion. There were several movements in several parts of India that emerged in the 19th century and all these movements put together are known as socio-religious reform movements. These movement were connected to several religions ie. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Parses etc. + Factors responsible for the rise of Socio- Religious Movement: > After the British colonized india, they started to impose colonial cultural traditions. > Many thoughtful Indians presented the idea that Indian society was beset with several socio religious evils representing serious weaknesses and this resulted in India becoming a victim of British conquest and colonization. > ‘These thoughtful Indians which were traditionally or Western educated began to make moves towards reforming Indian society and Indian social tradition. These moves were meant for strengthening the weakness which caused British conquest of Indi > ‘The traditionally educated Indians focused on reviving the past socio-tradition and religious ‘tradition; whereas the Western educated Indians imbibed Western progressive ideas and values, toreform the society. Though the approachis different, their spirit of reformis common, Common Spirit of Reform > These movements symbolized expressiveness and de-colonial consciousness. In fact, British colonialism occasioned these reforms movements. It is said that anti-colonial consciousness in India first manifestedin socio-cultural and aterin the political field. Socio-religious evilsin the 19° century + CasteRigidity = Untouchabilty, + Female infanticide+ Child Marriage = Polygamy + Sati * Purda System + Miserable plightof the widows + Little education for Women + Lowstatus of Women Religious superstitions + Dominance of Priest + Plethoraof Rituals Raja Rammohan Roy. Henry Vivian Derozio Vivekanand Dayanand Saraswati HP. Blavatasky and colonel Elcott ‘Atmaram Pandurang Debendranth Tagore KcSen z g ; 3 é 70 Hinduism Reforms But the Young Bengal ‘Movement by Henry Vivian Derozio is quite a radical ‘movement, which emerged in 1820s. He denounced all ‘aspects of religion‘Syed Ahmed Khan ‘Syed Ahmed Barelwi emcees entonnen ins Hawa Ma. Qasim Nanautvi & Rashid Ahmed Gangohi ‘Sikh Movements D.B.Naoroji&others Parsi Reforms Nature or Character of the Movement: © 002220, + Ideological-cultural struggle: These movements symbolized an ideological, cultural struggle because ittook place in the domain of ideas and culture, Ths struggle was against colonial cutural hegemony and also against socal evils of indian society. + Anti-Colonial consciousness: These movements were occasioned by British colonialism and they represented Indian response to British colonial cultural hegemony. + Reformist: Many movements were reformist in character. These movements focused on eradicatie of the evil practices and making Indian society free from these evils. For eg, Issue of Sati Issue of female infanticide, issue of caste rigidity etc. ‘+ Revivalist: It means a move to revive the past. The traditionally educated reformer's vision was to strengthen Indian society by reviving the past socio religious traditions. For eg. Revival of the pure ‘form of Sikhism, Revival of the pure form of Islam. Their vision was that this restoration would be serving as aremedy for allthose evils, nRationalism: Leaders that were inspired by Western progressive ideas were characterized by rationalism. For eg, Raja Rammohan Roy, Syed Ahmad Khan, Henry Vivian Derozio, Rationalism demands that acceptance or rejection of things should be based on reason or logic. Reason is considered as a substitute fr faith or tradition. > So, itis said that many progressive movements amang these were inspired by rationalism and they both accepted and rejected the Western as well as tradi said that these movements were not a mave towards westernization rather a move towards modernization Humanism: The center of humanism is human beings. The focus is human progress, human welfare, human liberty, human rights. Many progressive movements are also marked by humanism, For eg RajaRammohan Roy, Henry Vivian Derozio, Vivekanand were great believersin humanism Religious Universalism: Religious universalism means belief in the goodness of all religions, Reformers ike Raja Rammohan Roy, Keshab Chandra Sen, Syed Ahmed Khan etc presented the view that all religions are good. So this vision represents Religious Universalism. So religious Universalism isa very important facet of many progressive movements, ‘Associated with several religions: These movements were associated with Sikhism, Hinduism, slam and Zoroastrianism ‘Sabha, Society and Association: The platforms of these movements were some specific Sabhas or society or the association like Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission, Theosophical society. Literary activities: Many reformers were connected to literary activities like writing books and journeys, creating pamphlets ete, ‘Women's issues: In many movements, women's issues became the basis of the reform movement. Reformers highlighted al the social evils connected to them like Sati, Widew Remarriage etc. Education: Education was considered a panacea for awakening. So many reformers focus on education, including Western education because they thought Western education would be providing certain progressive ideas and values. For eg. School initiative by Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna Mission etc. Leadership of educated middle class: The educated middle class played animportantrolein initiating and carrying forward these movements. Foreg. Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Rabindranath Tagore , Keshab Chandra Sen, Vivekananda etc. Urban: The organization and spread of these movements was urban. Even the impact of these movements wasalsourban. Not revolutionary: These movements in general, were not revolutionary, rather evolutionary. Reformers were not the exponents of social revolution. They were believers in gradual change society. The reformers in general did not stand for structural changes in society rather changes within ‘the structure, For eg. In general, the issue was not to destroy the caste system rather to aim for the rigidity of caste. So the focus of these movements was not social religious structure rather the evils, Within the socio-religious structure. Renaissance: Renaissance took place in Europe towards the end during the 13th-15th century which was marked by a new vision towards change. The basis of the term Renaissance, use for the 19th tional ideas, That's why itis sometimes ncentury reforms is that these movernents also symbolized a new vision or a new approach towards change. These movements stood for a new society, a new religion, eradication of social evils. These ‘movements wereinspired by rationalism, inspired by humanism, inspired by religious universalism, + Nationalistic Consideration: These movements were loaded with nationalist considerations:~ > These movements represented an expression of anti-colonial consciousness and it incorporated nationalistic consciousness. > These movements stood for creation of a new society and creation of a new society incorporated theidea of anew Indian, > These movements focused on certain progressive values, equality, liberty and freedom, certain democratic values, individualism and these values had also positive implications for growth of nationalistic consciousness. > Therefor was meant for creating a new India and the concept of new Indiainvolves the conceptof ‘new political endeavors. Question: How socio religious reforms movement of 19th century contributed to national identity and ‘growth of national consciousness? Significance and Impact: + Firstexpression of anti-colonial consciousness + Symbol of Cultural defense + Progressive ideas * Social Reforms + Education + Women's upliftment + Literature = MovetocreateaNew Society ‘+ Nationalldentity and Nationalism cei mass, + ModeristendTadlonlst Dichotomy + Ground orcommunalt rend + ideougcl Conredcionsandconfes + Eseenalyan Urban Phenomenon + Notatove beyondtradton andreion @ Previous Year’s Questions Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the ‘emergence of nationalidentity, (uPSc 2018) m8@ Previous Year's Questions ‘The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the lath century social reform movement. What were the major issues and debates concerning women inthat period? (upsc zon ™LOWER CASTE MOVEMENTS Introduction ‘= Caste movements had their origin in the 1870s, and became pronounced in the early decades of the 20th century. = These movements were products of various contradictions within Indian society particularly the caste contradictionsi.e. dominance of the Brahmins + These movements were by a specific caste or by a group of caste and leadership were provided by a ‘small group of educated caste members. ‘+ These movements stood in search of higher social status, social recognition, and claim for jobs, services and political favors. And also for rights and freedom. inthis context, certain movements were against caste oppression and suppression. y N ih. Factors for Caste Movements © v00256 + Contradictions within Indian Society: Indian society was characterized by varied caste contradictions. Existence of a huge number of castes has been the hallmark of Indian society. During ‘the British periad, these contradictions became more intense and the British colonial rule provided conducive conditions. ‘= Dominance of Brahmins: Brahmins had been dominant in Indian society since ancient times. They ‘occupied an exclusive position in socio-cultural, ideological and political. The dominance continued to ‘modern times as well ‘= Western Education: British rule introduced Western education. This education system played a rolein dissemination of Westen progressive values like equality, liberty, individualism and this caused awakening. Some members of the caste groups, those who received Western education, got awakened too and became leaders. democratic soci 6It served as a new ladder to social recognition because the knowledge of English became crucial to social recognition and social status during British rule. So those who acquired this knowledge felt that they should now move upward though they were low in the traditional caste structure. '* Democratic Social consciousness: With the intraduction of Western Education and its Westem progressive values like equality, liberty, individualism caused democraticsocial awakening, + Socio economic political integration: British rule cost socio-political and economic integration through its various policies. New kind of socioeconomic network emerged. Social movements from one place to another became possible, interactions and association became possible. This also played a role in the association of caste members, their interactions and emergence of caste associations. ‘British policy of divide and rule: Indis was already very much divided from ancient times but British rule created further division. Divisions were in the interest of the British rulers because this division created a support base for British rule. (One important basis ofthis division was division on caste lines. For example, from 1901 onwards British began to classify caste on the basis of social precedence as recognized by native public opinion. So, this played a direct role in fostering the caste consciousness and this policy of dividing also created ground for casterivalries. ‘= Sanskritisation: It isthe term presented by a famous Indian sociologist, MN Srinivas. Sanskritization refers toa process by which the lower castes imitate, pursue and follow the social traditions, customs, and taboos of the dominant caste of their race with the objectives of asserting higher status, Nature or character of caste system: © vo1648 ‘= Socio-Cultural-Ideological Struggle: The character of these movements was that they represented socio-cultural-ideological struggle within Indian society for certain specific goals. These goals were insearch of higher social status or social recognition, These goals were also related to claims forjobs and services and political favors. And they were also related to demand for rights and freedoms: a freedom from oppression and separation by the higher castes, ‘= Anti-Brahmin: Brahmins occupied a dominant place in Indian society from ancient times. Even during British time, they remained dominant in education, jobs and services and even polities. This, dominance was characterized by the suppression and oppression in many cases with respectto lower caste groups. So, mostof the movernents were anti-Brahmmin, ‘+ Twomain strands: This caste movernent represents dualism of two trends. In the fist trend, the caste movement emerged from the intermediate caste against the Brahmins. These intermediate casts, ‘many of them, are affluent and well off. In the second trend, the caste movement emerged from the lower caste against the Brahmins. These lower castes are highly suppressed and oppressed: they represent untouchables as well. The nature or the character of these two trends was different. 78A ‘TREND TWO: MOVEMENTEMERGED FROM LOWERCASTE AGAINST THE > The first trend was conservative and parochial for certain claims like politcal favors, seats in legislature, and job services in the face of brahminical dominance. Example: Justice Party Movement > The second trend was populist in character, common masses were involved and democratic. It stood for rights and freedoms and represented moves against oppression and suppressing Example: B.R Ambedkar's Movement ‘= Reformist Trend: Some caste movements particularly the movement which arose out of lower castes exhibit a reformist trend, Example: Satyashedhak Samaj movement started by Jyatiba Phule in Maharashtra, ‘+ Loyalist: Thisis essentially being loyal to the British. The reason being British promoted caste divisions and caste consciousness. The British give a specific castea specific support. ‘The Indian National Congress that was a platform of Indian national movement, thought was a movement forall classes, there was a dominance of the educated middle class in the leadership. Several caste leaders, ‘considered the Indian National Congress as an organization of high caste. So their reason was that the Congress would not be doing anything forthe intermediate caste or the lower caste rather British would be. Because of these two reasons, most of the caste movements remains loyal to the British and fail to develop any nationalistic strategy. This represents a serious imitation of these caste movements. ‘© Mainly in South and Maharashtra: These movements were more pronounced in South and Maharashtra regions. Reasons being: > There was less clear cut brahminical dominance in the north because of the existence of several high caste groups such as Rajput. These high caste groups acted as buffers whereas the scenario was absent in South & Maharashtra, So in South and Maharashtra, the brahmanical dominance was greater. > ‘Thecaste rigidity was also greater in the South in comparison with the North, ‘Various caste movements took place during the British rule in India. They represented the oppressed sections of the society and demanded right to dignified life.Major Movements G 003636) 1. Satya ShodhakSamajMovement-1873 __Jyotirao Govindrao Phule 2. Self-RespectMovement- 1925 EV Ramaswamy Naicker Periyar’ 3. Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam- Shri Narayan Guru 1903 4, BRAmbedkar's Movement-1920's DrB.RAmbedkar 5. Justice Party Movement-1917 ‘T.MNair,P. Theagraya Chetty &C.N Mudaliar @) South Indian Liberal Federation 1917 b) Renamed Justice Party ©) Renamed Dravida Kazhagam, 1944 Impacts of caste movement: @ jooa039) Democratic social consciousness and awakening: The lower caste movement among the caste ‘movement created democratic social consciousness and awakening among thelower caste. Cause of lower caste: These moments presented the plight of the lower caste, the miserable and the pitiable status. This also puta moral pressure on the Congress movement. Social reforms: These moments also initiated certain social reforms like Satya Shadhak Samaj Movement Legal reforms: Indian leaders and legislature worked for enactment of certain acts in order to ameliorate the conditions of the lower caste. Caste Leadership: This give birth to a new kind of leadership called caste leadership. Caste organization: A huge number of caste organizations and associations emerged. Caste rivalry & divisive tendencies: Caste movement also played a role in giving birth to divisive tendencies in Indian society and even caste rivalries. Contribution to the rise of leftist trends: in certain parts of India, the caste leaders contributed to the developmentof communist and socialist movements. Constitutional provisions: When the Indian Constitution was written, provisions were inserted and \were meant for amelioration of the conditions of the lower caste. Provisions like liberty, equality et. \were aroused from thesemavements, Caste based politics: Caste movement gave ise tocastebased politics. Background for caste politics & movement after 1947 8PEASANT REVOLTS & MOVEMENTS Introduction ‘The peasantry represented a highly discontented class during the British Rule which was the result of massive colonial exploitation, ‘= Peasant revolts and peasant movements are two distinct terms, The revolt refers to a protest by any specific group or a class againstan authority which may be political authority or economic authority (oF military authority and this often involves violence. Whereas, a movement refers to a group of people sharing common’ ‘Peasant revolts and Peasant movements together constitute peasant unrest during British rule (19605-19405), Phases of peasantrevolts and the peasant movement 1s anda common voice, Causes of peasantunrest ‘These two policies caused impoverishment of peasants. This became the ground for the growth of the peasant discontent and dissatisfaction which resulted in revolts and movements. Trends of peasant unrest during British times © 00802) = 2 28 Be.+ Phase 1 Revolt (1760's-1857): > Thepeasant revolts were characterized by violence. > ‘These revolts aroused on specific local issues and the target of these revolts were also the local entities ie, zamindars, some British officals etc. > Several civil rebellions took place in this phase. They were deposed by Rajas, Chiefs, Zamindars, ‘Sanyas etc. Peasantry apart from their own revolt was the partof these civil rebellions also. Note: il rebellions refer to rebellion in which there was no participation of soldiers. For example: Sanyasirevolt, 1776; Fakirrevolt;Faraizirebellion + Phase 2 Revolt (1858-1880's): > Theelements of violence are still visible. > The peasant revolts in this phase were more or less independent. This simply means the revolts. Involve the peasants as the main participants. So, in this phase there is no participation of peasantsin some other civlrebellions. > ‘The peasantry weighs the legal battle as well. It shows their legal awareness and their awakening tolegalissues. > Educated middle class orinteligentsia gave their support to the cause of the Peasantissues. They organized Sabhas, Conferences, Wrote articlesin the newspapers and journals, collected funds ete. ‘Neel Darpan' was written by the Din Bandhu Mitra during Indigo Revolt. The book is on the condition and the plight of the Indigo peasants in Bengal + Phase 3 Movements (1905-1940's) > Inthis phase, the growth of class consciousness among the peasants, Peasants got awakened to theidea that they represented a lassin themselves having certain commoninterests, Class consciousness ed toclass unity. Classunity ledto class organization. ‘This is the phase when there emerged Kisan Sabhas. Kisan Saba movement, infact, refers to the Peasant movement during phase three. In 1936, All India Peasant Organization emerged which is knownas Allindia Kisan Congress/Sabha, > ‘The peasant revolts started movements based on broad agrarian issues like abolition of forced labour, reduction in rent, reduction of land revenue, abolition ofthe torture by Zamindars ete > ‘These movements were closely related with the Indian National Movement inthis phase. Itwas inspired by some international events ike the First World War, Russian Revolution 1970, nd the Great Depressionin 1929, ‘These movements were characterized by new techniques and methods Eg, Satyagraha of Gandhi, Method of marches etc. > ‘Theelements of violence were absentin this period. v vy \ \ 0+ Early resistances to British rule + Ruralresistances + Background for the Revolt of 1857 + Supparttoatherrevatts Agrarian reforms: ‘+ New forms of organization and leadership + Widening ofthe Social base of National Movement atTRIBAL REVOLTS Introduction ‘© Tribal revolts refer to the revolt by a huge number of tribal groups scattered all over India, Tribal revolts beganinthe 1760s and continued till the 1940s. Causes of Tribal Revolt ) ono * Colonial Encroachment: The British colonial rule gradually penetrated into tribal areas as well. The colonial rule encroached upon the tribal areas, their distinctive cultural pattems, their distinctive social organization and their distinctive economic systems. This caused dissatisfactory reactions ‘+ Entry of outsiders: With the British expansion, several groups of outsiders viz. Christian missionaries, landlords, moneylenders, zamindars, British officals ete., who were not part of the tribal society entered the tribal areas. And the tribal people consider the entry of outsiders as an attack ‘on their distinctive identity and system and theyreacted against this, ‘© Destruction of Traditional Tribal systems: The tribes are distinctive entities characterized by distinctive socio economic, religious patterns. But colonial rule caused destruction to this distinctiveness, This made tribal people to revolt andrebel. ‘© Checks on forest rights: These tribal groups are dependent on the forest. They consider forests as sacred and forest provide a support base for their sustenance. British colonial rule created new forest laws and gave birth to forest officials. All these created a new framework, a new regulation and controlon the use ofthe forest. Eventually. this became afactor for tribal revolt ‘= Impoverishment: Encroachment by British officials, Zamindars, Landlords, Police, Enactment of New Forest laws, all resulted into impoverishment of the tribal people. These had an adverse impact on the sustenance of the tribal people and this impoverishment caused a high level of dissatisfaction and discontent ‘Role of Christian Missionaries: Christian missionaries’ activites were allowed by the Charter Act 1813. So, 1813 onwards, Christian missionaries entered into the tribal territories as well. The missionaries approach was guided by proselytizing a spirit of Christian ideas. Such roles hurt the religious sentiments ofthetribal groups. + Distinct Identity: Tribal society is based on ethnic ties. The socio-economic eifferences are less in comparison with the other classes and communities. Besides, tribes had a special concentration Certain areas and had distinctive religious-cultural facets. All hese constitute a distinctive identity of the tribal groups. This distinctive identity made them more sensitive to colonial changes and exploitation and thisimparted militancy totheirreactions Nature or Character of the Tribal Revolts: ‘© Restorative-Backward Looking: Restorative refers to a move to restore that was there and that was destroyed. The tribal wanted to restore the old traditions that were destroyed by colonial rules. Backwardlooking refers to looking back to the pastol traditions. + Conservative: Conservation of the tribal identity, the tribal society, the tribal economic system, the tribal religious pattem, the tribal cultural patter. These tribal revolts represented a move towards conservation inthe phase of British’s onslaughts. 8+ Reactionary: Reactionary refers to making moves representing reactions against certain changes. ‘These changes were the colonial changes in the interest of colonial rule and the tribals reacted against, the change. For example, Introduction of new land revenue system-Zamindari settlement in Bengal. represented an encroachment upon the tribal land system, ‘+ Revolutionary: The revolutionary character represents the revitalization movement. In certain tribal movements, tribal leaders work for reforming tribal society In certain cases, they were inspired from ‘the Christianideas and Vaishnavites ideas of Hindu tradition. ‘+ Violentin general: In mostof the tribal revolts, there are elements of violence. * Deep sense of solidarity: Tribal society is characterized by ethnic ties and strong ethnic ties become the basis for a deep sense of solidarity, This deep sense of solidarity was visible in many tribal revolts, even including women, + Role of women: Women also played a role in revolting action. They played a role in combat activities with men. This is visible in many tribal revolts lke the Munda Uprising (1899-1900 AD), The Santhal Rebellion (1855-56 AD) ete + Millenarian Trend: Milenarianism refers to a vision of a new age in the future, a vision of an age of peace, a visit of an age of prosperity. The leaders of the tribal revolts presented such ideas to the tribal people. Andit served as an idealism that became motivation for the tribes and this motivation created ‘the basis forthe revolts + Revolutionary Messianism: The leaders of many of these revolts were prophets and they proclaimed ‘miraculous and supernatural powers. They proclaimed that they had a special connection with God and had directions and instructions from God, So, this trend of rise of a charismatic leader proclaiming miraculous powers imparts a specific character in the revolt. For examples, the Santhal rebellion leaders Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu; Munda Rebellion leader Birsa Munda emerged as prophets. eee © 002230 Midnapur, West Bengal Khandesh, NW Maharashtra Assam Jharkhand, Orissa Jharkhand (Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu)Jharkhand (Birsa Munda) Jharkhand (Jatra Oraon) Significance of the Tribal Revolts + Early resistances to British Rule: Tibal revolts symbolized early resistances to British rule and they provided background forthe future resistances. ‘+ Ruralresistances: Tribal too constituted a major constituent of the ruralresistances. ‘+ Background for the Revolt of 1857: Tribal revolts and peasants revolts represented the tradition of resistance against British rule. And such tradition paved the way for finally a great revolt in 1857. ‘+ History of the Commoners: History of commoners means history created by the ideas and actions of the commonersie. Tribal, Peasants and Labour. ‘Tribal Revolts as Peasant Revolts Do you think that the tribal revolts were peasant revolts? z = ‘ouch _ corn ten tharoesenethe g athe a ea é 2.AR Desai ‘revolts were essentially peasant revofts. otc 2 ge “a rit mrt set é seer eee = View escent Tanele ant z {LK SurehSngh “hespacloeeentonncanatas : — = ferycapedon onion “Tribes revolted more often and far more violently than any other community including peasants” + Thisis the view of K. Suresh Singh, He presented the view that in the history of revolts during the British period, the tribes revolted more often and far more violently than any other community including peasants, This is supported on the basis ofthe distinctive identity of the tribals which areas follows: 85> Ethnic ties were pre dominant which made the tribes highly cohesive social groups. So, they were marked bya deep sense of unity and solidarity. > Lesser degree of socio economic differences compared with other groups. > Distinctivereligious-cultural tradition, including linguistic tradition. > Aspecial concentration in certain areas. > Relative isolation from the mainstream society. ‘These factors made the tribal groups more sensitive to the changes introduced by colonial rule and ‘made them more violent and more militant.THE REVOLT OF 1857 ‘The Revolt of 1857 marks a watershed moment in the history of Indian struggle against colonialism. It was not a sudden revolt, but a culmination of various revolts and rebellions. The revolt of 1857 is thus considered as the climax of these revolts and rebellions. It was a result of the resentment caused by the British policies towards the Indian natives, Causes of the Revolt of 1857: ‘+ Political: Lord Dalhousie and his policies of doctrine of lapse and annexations of kingdoms. For eg- ‘Awadh, ‘= Economic: commercialization of agriculture, new land revenue settlements, high rents + Socio-religious: introduction of western education, role of missionaries, forced conversions, nconsented socio-religiousreformsetc. ‘= Military: discriminations against Indian soldiers based on race, forced to servein lower ranks, forced to cross the seas per the General Services Enlistment Act of 1856. + Immediate: Resentment of Indian soldiers against Enfield Rifle cartridges greased with the fat of pig and Culmination of Civil Rebelions: oosas + The period from 1760s to 1850s created conducive ground forthe revoltof 1867. This period primarily involved various sections of civilians from tribals to peasants resisting and revolting against the oppressive polices ofthe British. ‘Theissue of nevitability- Whether the revolt of 1857 was ‘+The revolt became inevitable in the sense that since India had become a colony and it was being exploited, When stages of oppressions reached the zenith, the revolt of 1857 emerged. The widespread discontent and resentment found vent through the revolt. Hence, itwas @natural outcome of the adverse policies of the Britishin the recent past. Rise and spread of therevolt: G v02616 = March 1857 > Barrackpore Episode - Mangal Pande = May 1857 > MeerutMutiny > Captureof Delhi > Outbreaks in UP + June 1857 > Outbreaks in UP, MP, Rajasthan, Centrallndia, Bengal & Bihar + October 1857 > Further spread tonew areasin North & West + Early 1859 > Process of Suppression almost complete ar©. @ easy JOctober 1859 @hine 1857 1857 May 1857 March 1857 Theleaders: © oszi7 = Bakht khan - Delhi + Nana Saheb & Tantia Tope-Kanpur ‘+ Begum HazaratMahal-Lucknow + Khan Bahadur-Barelly + Kunwar Singh -Jagdispur + Laxmi Bai-Jhansi ‘+ Maulvi Ahmed Shah- Faizabad jure of the Revolt: © 03419Changesin British Pol ‘The revolt emerged as a great challenge for the British, even though they suppressed it. In this context, the British changed their policies with respect to controlling and administering the Indian subcontinent, in order to prevent such a revoltin the future. These changes were marked by elements of caution and conservatism, ‘Some of the prominent changes made are as follows- = The Actforthe Better Governmentinindia, 1958, ‘= Queen's proclamation, 1858 = Military reorganisation ‘= Declarationof paramountcy + Policy toreward & punish + Anti-Muslim approach * Indifference to social reforms and supportto orthodox opinion ‘= White racism & whiteman's burden + Cooperation with reactionary groups. Legacy and Significance ofthe revolt: © ousas) + Agreatchallengeto Brtshrule + First greatstruggle against British + Hindu-Muslim unity + Inspiration for future struggle + Theleaders becamehouseholdnames Historiography ofthe revolt: © woueas) 1858 » John Seeley, John Lawrence, GM. Trevelyan, GB, Malleson, TR. Holmes. JW. Kaye etc~ they believed that the revolt was not more than asepoy mutiny » Syed Ahmed Khan 1860 - Essay on Causes of Indian Revolt - he saw the revolt just as a sepoy mutiny and it wasa result of adverse policies ofthe British and not the muslim population > V.D.Savarkar 1909 - The Indian War of Independence -he sawitas the first war of independence = 1957 onwards > Indian Historians such as R.C Majumdar, SN.Sen,S.8. Chaudhuri ete Recent > Indian, British, American and Pakistani Historians Nature or Character of the Revolt: G ox0008 + Beganas Sepoy Mutiny ‘= Acquired the character of civilrebellion in certain areas = Anti-British + Violent‘+ Widespread notlocalised = Delhiastherallying point = Hindu-Muslim unity = Warofindependence (V.D,Savarkar and SNSen) ‘Nationalist (V.0 SavarkarandS.8 Chaudhuri) Debate on the natureoftherevolt: + Basis ofthe claim thatit was War of Independence Aim to overthrow the British Popular character, Civiian involvement. Widespread Hindu-Mustim Unity Nationalist outlook over regional parochialidentities Proclamation of Bahadur Shah llas the Emperor = Questions raised on the basis thatit was War of Independence > Essentially mutiny > Varied trends of popular support > Civilians took advantage of the breakdown of law and order + Questions raised on the basis of the claim that itwas of Nationalist character > Nationalism in embryonic form > Substantial majority of people notinvolved Several groups were apathetic &neutral Several groups were collaborators &loyalists Confined tonorth Absence of a futuristic vision of nation vvvvyy . y. . vy “Thus, the nature and character of the 1857 revolt still remains debatable. Stil, the revolt of 1857 marked a historical egacyin the freedom struggle to follow. @ Previous Year's Questions Explain how the upraising of 1857 constitutes an important. watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India, (UPSC 2016) 0@ Previous Year's Questions ‘The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had ‘occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. (UPSC 2019), aRISE OF INDIAN NATIONALISM Indian nationalism was net an overnight phenomenon, but aresultoflong drawn consciousness raising and Uplifting ofthe Indian minds from the poverty of colonialism, The roots of Indian nationalism le in the clash between contradicting Indian interests and the British interests. This clash gave rise to anti-imperialist and anti-colonial consciousness. ise of Indian nationalism- The facilitating events and instruments: + Socio-religious reform movements + Poltical-economic-social integration + Spread of western education and thought + Rise ofnationalistpress and literature + Rediscovery of incia's past Indian Nationalism: © 01319 ‘+ Materalistic background - conflict and contradiction between Indian and British interests. which further gave rise to anti-colonial consciousness. + Ideological background - western ideas and thoughts, combined with rich heritage and cultural tradition of India's past. ‘Was Indian Nationalism child of the British Raj? ‘British views in the 2nd half of the 19th century - negated India as a nation, termed India a mere ‘geographical expression withno sense of national spirit. ‘British views n 1st half ofthe 20th century - Indian nationalism was a child of British Rule. It mustbe understood that the change in British views was not due to their benign nature towards Indians, but because of their urge to maintain their colonial power, thereby masquerading as a liberal and progressive colonial power. Another reason was the rising consciousness among Indians about the need for self-determination which was now an open secret, In this context, the British remained an oppressive colonial power even when they claimed to make developmental efforts like the railways, communication lines, western education etc. which ultimately served their colonial interests by making Indians subordinate and docile. Economic Nationalism: ‘+ The period 1880 to 1905 is considered as the age of economic nationalism, which is termed as nationalism characterised by economicissues. ‘= Itwas marked by economic critique of British policies by early nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji, MG Ranadle, Gk Gokhale, RC Dutt, GVJoshi, among others. + They objectively presented their thesis of the ‘Drain of Wealth’ by the British through their colonial hands. India was being stripped off her wealth and assets, which in turn were filing up the British ‘treasury, cy+ Theirviews were presented in various forms like newspapers, journals, speeches and books. ‘= Some of the prominent books include Dadabbhai Naoroji's 'Poverty and Unbritish Rule in India’, MG Ranade's Essays on Indian Economy’ and RC Dutt's Economic History of Indi ‘= Theiranalysis mainly surrounded > Analysisof British economic policies, > Adverseimpactof these policies > Suggestions forimprovement + These economic critiques became a prime basis of Indian nationalism inthe future, ‘Theidea of Un-British Rule: = This term was specifically used by Dadabhai Naorojiin his book Poverty and UnBrritish rule in India. By this term he meant the deviation from the British political tradition of liberty, equality, freedom et. It was believed that this deviation had led to imperfection, which could eventually be corrected, ‘+ Thus, the early nationalists still believed that the British rule could be corrected and if bonafide steps \were taken by the British government, Indians could benefitfrom it. © Previous Year's Questi Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of nationalidentity. (uPsc 2018) ns. @ Previous Year’s Questions Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India From mid- eighteenth century tillindependence. (uPsc zor)INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT (PART -1) Birth of Indian National Congress: © 00033 '* The birth of Indian National Congress (INC) was a momentous event in the history of Indian national movement. It resulted into an organised expression of the national movement at a pan- India level. It also provided a formal platform for Indians to engage, deliberate and negotiate with the British government regarding the right to self-determination and freedom from colonial rule. Safety Valve Theory: G vo0201 «© This theory was used to explain the formation of INC. '* It is believed that Allan Octavian Hume, a British civil servant, received unofficial information about the simmering discontent among the Indian masses and the conspiracy to overthrow. British rule. Thus, he along with the then Viceroy Lord Dufferin created a forum for educated Indians so.as to act as channel between the British government and the Indians. '* This could act as an outlet for sorting out grievances and put a check on growing discontent. This would eventually provide safeguard for British rule in India. © Thus, the INC was to act as a 'safety valve’ to provide an official vent to address Indian grievances, thereby ultimately serving the British by safeguarding colonial rule. * Leaders like LalaLajpatRai supported the 'safety valve’ theory in order to criticise the moderates. '* Marxist historians also approved the theory while advocating that the INC was formed to arrest Need of a forum rues ereeiis Cone Pao d Perec rir Cee ure) Preis rnd ia Fig ~ Safety Valve theory The critique: The private papers of Viceroy Dufferin shows that he did not welcome or appreciate AO Hume's idea aboutestablishing the INC. * He also wrote a letter to the Governor of Bombay warning him about the adverse consequences ifthe INC was to be established. ‘© Thus the private papers of Dufferin refuted the collaboration between him and AO Hume to 9%establish the INC. Role of AO Hume: '* Modern Indian historians contest the idea of a ‘safety valve’ theory. They believed that rather than Hume propagating the INC as a ‘safety valve’, the Congress leaders used him as a ‘lightning conductor’ i.e a catalyst to converge the national forces operating at different platforms, ‘* Some other historians also advocate the view that even without AO Hume, formation of the INC would have taken place. ‘¢ Thus itcan be said that the INC was nota whole and sole matter of AO Hume. If not the founder, he facilitated the formation of the INC, which was ultimately a consequence of the rising nationalist consciousness among Indians. Growth of Political Consciousness, Agitation, Leadership and Organization: © 1820s 001508 © Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Derozians - the tradition of presentation of political demands * 1830s-50s © Rise of early modern political organisations - Bangabhasha Prakasika Sabha 1836, the Zamindari Association, The Bengal British India Society 1843, etc. » 1860s ‘© Rise of progressive political organizations - The East India Association 1866, more progressive demands than earlier organisations. © 1870s-80s © Rise of Pan-India national political environment - The Indian League 1875 by Sisir Kumar Ghosh, The Indian National Association 1876 by SurendranathBanerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose. «1885 © Foundation of INC ‘+ Thus, it can be seen that the foundation of the INC was not an overnight event, but a result of gradual awakening of consciousness among Indians through a number of organisations and a work of collective nationalisticleadership, beforeits formationin 1885. Was the foundation of INC inevitable? 002953, « Itcan be observed that the political consciousness was at its peak during the formation years of the INC. It was also the result of collective efforts of various politcal organizations working ‘according to their capacities in various parts of the country. Thus, it can be said that formation of INC had become a necessity in order to present concrete, official and collective demand before the British on a pan-Indialevel.Predecessors of Indian National Congress: © 003303, Banga Bhasha Prakasika Sabha - 1836 Landholders' Society 1838 East India Association - 1866 - Dada BhaiNauroji Poona SarvajanikSabha - 1870 -M.G, Ranade&others Indian Association - 1876 - S.N. Banerjee &Anand Mohan Bose Madras MahajanSabha - 1884 - G. Subramania lyer, AnandCharlu & M. Viraraghavachariar Bombay Presidency Association - 1885 Pherozshah Mehta, KT. Telang&BadruddinTyabji Main objectives of the Indian National Congress: 6 wos720° '* To promote the process of making of Indian nation * Tocreate anationalist political forum and programme To organise public opinion To create anational-political leadership Topromote political democracy To develop anti-colonial ideology British Attitude towards INC: Omen) ‘© The British government was unwelcoming and hostile to the INC. It failed to confine the INC to social issues and hence turned more hostile towards the INC. * The government resorted to open criticism and condemnation of the INC. Lord Dufferin called the INC a ‘Factory of Sedition’. ‘It adopted various policies to break the INC by provoking the orthodox, reactionary and conservative elements of the Indian society againstthe INC. “The Congress is tottering to its fall, and one of my great ambi to. peaceful demise”, said Lord Curzon in 1900, ‘* Italso deployed the divide and rule policy to hollow the INC from within by creating rift between the moderates and extremists. ‘* However with wiser, collaborative and nationalist leadership INC sailed through all the obstacles and emerged as a viable organisation to propagate the ideals of freedom. s whi In istoas: tit @ Previous Year's Questions Q. Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century's ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity? (UPSc 2019) 722 NATIONAL MOVEMENT (PART-2) 1885 to 1905 - Phase of the moderates ‘© This phase was represented by moderate politics, led by leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Badruddin ‘Tyabji, Pherozeshah Mehta, RC Dutt, GK Gokhale, MG Ranade, WC Bonnerjea, DE Wacha, ‘Surendranath Banerjea, among others. © Ideology and programme: © Influenced by the utili 1s focused on the idea of utility/usefulness. ‘©. Believedin constitutional means and parameters. ‘© Colonial British rule as an ‘imperfection’ with respect to constitutional parameters, which could be corrected. ‘©. Theirfocus was economic and polticalreforms and not Swaraj. ‘© Methods characterized by political maderation- appeals, prayers, petitions, protests. ‘© Movement involving educated, middle-class Indians- neglecting the mass involvement. ianid 2 Achievement: Pan-India political forum Began a process of nationalist political education Economic critique of the British policies Indian Councils Act 1892 > Expansion of seatsin legislatures > Expansion of powers of legislatures - budget could be discussed, questions could be asked. > Introduction of indirect electionsin India Criticism of Moderates: © Tea-party politics ‘© Political mendicancy ‘© Congress session-athreedaytamasha ‘© Congress session- aholiday recreation ‘© In conclusion, it can be observed that although with limited achievements, the moderates were able to provide a platform and a strong foundation for the edifice af freedom struggle to thriveon in the future, As rightly said by Bipan Chandra, “ The period from 1885 to 1905 was the seed time of Indian nationalism; and the early nationalists sowed the seeds well and deep.” Phase of the extremists (1905-1907) - (Phase of militant nationalism) (© 003205) '* This phase was led by extremist politics and radical ideology. Extremist leaders include Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipan Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh, among others cyise of xtremi © moa407 © Cambridge School Historians call the rise of extremists as a result of factonam in the national movement © ‘Aresultot ideological confit within theINC- dissatisfaction withthe achievements of moderates. © Growthotsel-confidenceandself respect. © Influence ofiteralionalpoltcs-bustngrythsof European inci * Ideology and programme: ‘© Negated theidea of reforms and stoed for Swaraj or completeindependence ‘© Focusondirectaction methods ‘© Involvement of masses ‘© Swadeshi and boycott for Indian self-dependence ‘© Extra-constitutional agitation (© Religious overtones ‘= Constitutional Agitation © Extra-constitutional © Reforms = Swara ‘Prayers, Petitions, Protests + Mass mobilisation, Swadesh, Boycott, Passive Resistance © Elte based + Involvement of masses, ‘© Political-economic dimension + Socio-cultural dimension © Achievements: ‘© Anew more radical demand for complete independence (© Tumedthe movementintoamassmovement, Beli in self-dependence New filip tolndian culture and tradition Limitations: ‘© Communal overtones ledtoriftbetween Hindus and Muslims. ‘© Inactual practice, the success of Swadeshi Movement was limited ‘The Swadeshi Movement - 1905-1907 © Factors: ‘© Areaction to divisive policies of Viceroy Curzon: 100> The divisive policies of Viceroy Curzon played a crucial role in igniting the nationalist spark among the leaders and the masses. twas the culmination of these policies that led to the launching of the ‘Swadeshimovementin 1905, ee Ors University Sena e. Aevioos, 19 Stoetaa, © om Durbar, Pesan sah” ‘Nature of the Swadeshi movement: © 10856) Swaraj ‘Swadeshi Socio-economic-cutural dimension Boycott Massmovernent Geographical spread - Bengal, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madras, Leadership - extremists, Re eo 0000000 Cultural 1. National 5 Bataan 2. Folk Songs Education, 2. Science 3. Samitis : 3. Paintings 101«It led to reassertion of national dignity, honour and confidence as well as socio-economic-cultural regeneration «© Failure of the movement: © Narrowssocial base ‘© Muslimalienation © Religioustinge © Limited spread outside Bengal ‘© Internal dissension within Congress ‘©. Repressive government measures ‘© Declinein the spiritof extremism ‘The Surat Split - 1907: «© Itwasaresultofthe ideological conflictbetween the moderates and the extremists. '* It was evident in expanding the nature of the Swadeshi and Boycott movements. The Moderates ‘wanted to restrict the movement to Bengal, whereas the extremists wanted to extend the movement outside of Bengal toother parts of the country, thereby involving the masses. '* The moderates wanted to restrict the movement to a boycott of liquor and foreign cloth, whereas the extremists wanted to boycott all forms of association with the governmentincluding schools, councils, law courts ete. ‘© The constitutional methods of the moderates came in conflict with the radical and extra-constitutional ‘methods ofthe extremists ‘© Ultimately atthe Surat session in 1907, there occurred a splitin the Congress and the extremists felloutof Congress, thereby weakening the nationalist programme. 2 Previous Year's Ques! hy did the Moderates’ Failto carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? (UPSC 2017) ns. 10223 INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT (PART -3) Revolutionary Movement. © w00117) “Neither rich, nor able, a poor son like myself can offer nothing but his blood on the altar of mother’s deliverance" - Madanlal Dhingra '* The revolutionaries were nationalists who stood for the cult of violence and sacrifices for the country, ‘They emerged.as a byproduct of militantnationalismas propagated by the extremists. ‘» However, there lies a difference between the revolutionaries and the militant nationalists or the ‘extremists, While the former believed in the cult of violence, the latter stood for passive resistance. While the former never formed a part of the Indian National Congress, the latter were an active partof the INC. ‘© Thus, the revolutionaries represented the nationalist trend beyond the Indian National Congress. Home Rule Movement - Outside INC Indian National Congress -Mainstream Revolutionary Movement - Outside INC Background: ' Failure of moderate politics and limited success of extremist politics, ‘© International influence- revolutionary movements in Irish nationalists, Italy (Young Italy), Russian rihilsts etc. ‘© Ideological impulse from revolutionary writings ofthe early 20th century -idea of heroism and sacrifice for thenation, Ideology and Programme: © 001726 + evolved around the cultof violence - assassinate unpopular officals «# Secret societies as revolutionary forums ©. AnushilanSamiti-1900s -Caleutta-PromothoMitter AnushilanSamiti-1900s - Dhaka -PulinDas Jugantar- 1900s- Calcutta ‘Abhinav Bharat 1900s - Nasik- VD Savarkar Hindustan Socialist Republican Association - 1928 - BhagatSIngh, Chandrashekhar Azad, ete. 103«Individual heroicactions ‘© Revolutionary journals and newspapers ‘The Trends of Revolutionary Movement: © 002540, + Phase! © 19003-1915 > Bengal, Punjab and Maharashtraas strongholds > Assassinating unpopular British officials, > Also spreadoutsideincia London Shyamjkrishnaverma Berlin-VirendranathChattopadhyaya Paris - Madame BhikajiCama ‘San Francisco Sohan Singh Bhakna and Hardayal (Shad) Vancouver -TarakNath Das Phaselt © 19203-19305 > Socialism became the main goal Stood forrevoluion by masses, peasants, workers ee > Hindustan Socialist Republican Association - 1928 - North Inca > TheSuryaSen Group - Bengal + Phaselll © 1940s > Indian National Army under SC Bose ‘Women In Revolutionary Movement: Madame Bhikaji Cama Pritlata Weddedar Kalpana Dutta ‘Shanti Ghosh ‘SunitiChoudhur BinaDas Laxmi Swaminathan ‘Suhasini Ganguly Decline of Revolutionary Movement: Lackof broad social base ‘* Non-sustenance of violent activities forlong «* Lackofa central organisation to channelise efforts at pan-Indialevel © Lackof unfiedleadership Contributions of the Revolutionary Movement: ‘© Presented anew model of freedom struggle 108«Increased participation of youth in the national movernent ‘* Names of prominent revolutionaries became household names In this context, although the moment collapsed eventually it must be considered a remarkable chapterin thehistory of Indian freedom struggle, @ Previous Year’s Questions Q Defying the barriers of age. gender and rel during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. ‘the Indian women became the torch-bearer (uPSc 2013) Q Since the decade of the 1920s. the national movement. acquired various ideological strands and ‘thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (UPSc 2020) 105