The Nationalist Movement of India – An Introduction
* Rise of nationalism in India was linked with opposition of colonialism.
* The First World War created a new political and economic situation in India.
* The Indian freedom movement geared up momentum once again with the coming of Mahatma Gandhi in 1915.
Emergence of Nationalism
* In the late 19th century, organisations like the Indian National Congress, the Indian Association, the Bombay Presidency Association and the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha were formed.
* In its initial years, the Congress adopted a moderate outlook.
* In the 1890s, leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lagpat Rai questioned the moderate outlook of the congress.
* The partition of Bengal in 1905 enraged Indians and resulted in the Swadeshi movement.
* The partition of Bengal was supported by the All India Muslim League.
* In 1916, the Congress and the All India Muslim League signed the historic Lucknow Pact.
People’s Initiatives in Nationalism
* Mahatma Gandhi followed non-violence in all his actions and practices.
*The ideals of Mahatma Gandhi were adopted by many during the freedom struggle.
*The people of India believed that Mahatma Gandhi was a messiah, who would sort out all their problems.