National movement in India was anti-imperialist and increasingly radical in its socio-economic and political programmes. Discuss. (UPSC CSE Mains 2019 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 1).
- The emergence of the movement in India coincides with the radical trends in anti-imperialist movements in various other colonial, semi-colonial and dependent countries, particularly in Asia.
- Although spread over generations, Indian nationalist movement marks unique continuity in its agenda and methods. It evolved from a moderate constitutional struggle against British rule to an ultimate call for ‘do or die’ in 1942.
- The revolt of 1857 can be considered as a new phase of nationalism in India. However, the process was formalized in the form of Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. In it’s early years, the INC was dominated by ‘moderates’. This was a class of educated Indians, who believed in peaceful constitutional methods. And though, apparently, their methods did not produce quick results, it created political awareness amongst people. The exploitation of British rule was critically presented to people, and it sowed the seeds of nationalism.
- From the split of Bengal in 1905, we see new generation of leaders, known as ‘extremists’ leading the anti-British struggle. There was clear goal of ‘Swaraj’ and methods were anti-British i.e. Swadeshi and boycott. This phase culminated in Home Rule Movement of 1917.
- Increasing Leftist tendency can be seen in light of formation of Communist party, Trade unions, peasants groups, etc. which were based on demands of poor and their deprivation by the Raj. Nehru attended International Congress against Imperialism and statements like Militarism and Colonialism are twin daughters of Capitalism, show anti-colonial agenda. Karachi resolution declared National Economic Program and the anti-colonial agenda is visible on the election manifestos of INC. Demands of reduction of taxes, rents, salt taxation, working conditions of labour, rights of workers, etc.are abundant in our struggle. For World War 2, anti-Nazism stand was common. Post 1947, we followed Socialist model mostly because of Russian inspiration and we identified The Great Depression of 1928 with capitalism.
- With increasing realization of British stubbornness, the national movement received new energy with arrival of Gandhi. Although non-violent, Gandhi’s methods were highly provocative. Gandhi led successful mass movements in 1919 and 1929 and in 1942 gave an ultimate call for ‘do or die’. Gandhi was a clever politician who adjusted his strategy according to prevailing circumstances.
- As a result of this prolonged struggle against British rule, with evolving strategy, India got independence in 1947.
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