4. Rise of Radical Nationalism

Causes

1. Failures of the Moderates:

the early congress man from 1885-1905 were unable to achieve anything substantial. The new radical groups believe that the leaders lacked the essential need of a national movement as they were not in touch with the people. The moderates had also failed to secure any substantial political reforms from the government. The radical felt that moderate’s faith in the goodness of the British rule was misplaced, and the need of the hour was vigorous.

2. Worsening economic condition:

The evil economic consequences of foreign rule was exposed towards the ends of the 19th century when their was famines, which ravaged India from 1896 -1900 and took a toll of over 90 lakhs of lives. The government did nothing to help the people, on the other hand it spend a huge amount of money on the Silver Jubilee celebration of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne. These events revealed to the Indian their plight of utter helplessness they attributed all this to anti-national policy followed by the British Government. The worsening economic condition of people and unjust and repressive policy of the British provided a congenial atmosphere for growth of Radical Nationalism.

3. Ill Treatment of Indians in Africa:

Indians had helped the British to develop their colonies in Africa but every where in South Africa Indian were subjected to racial discrimination. They were denied the right to vote and could not enter the buses or railway coaches reserved for the whites. The discriminatory treatment meted out to the Indian in British colonies also led to the rise of Radical Nationalism.

4. Influence of international events:

Events in other parts of the world also popularized radical actions. Russia’s defeat by Japan, a tiny island country of Asia (1905) and the defeat of Italy in the hands of Ethiopians (1896) showed that the Europeans were not invincible. In Ireland the people were waging a Home Rule agitation against the British. Revolutionary movement in Turkey, Iran, Egypt and China convinced the Indians that if they were united and were willing to make sacrifices, they could defeat a country as powerful as England.

5. Repressive policies of Lord Curzon:

Viceroy Lord Curzon continued the policy of repression followed by Lord Lytton. He did not want to grant any kind of freedom to the Indians. His one point agenda was to crush the growing demand for self rule by the Indian. Some of his repressive acts were: 1. The Calcutta cooperation act (1899) which reduced the elected Indian members to half, thereby giving the British a majority. 2. Indian University act (1904) imposed strict control over the Indian university and reduced their autonomy. 3. The seditious meeting act (1907) to prevent political meeting against govt. 4. Official Secrets Act; this also curtailed the liberties of people. 5. Explosive substance act (1908) - to imprison without trial those involved in making or using explosive for attack. 6. Partition of Bengal – it was the last straw. Lord Curzon’s decision to partition Bengal was the most hated and condemned measures that he adopted. A fierce anti- partition movement was launched which was suppressed by English with heavy hand. This event finally made the radicals to undertake bold measure that were needed to gain concession from the British

Objectives of Extremist:

The main objective of the radicals was the attainment of Swaraj or self- government. This means complete independence, unlike the moderate demand of self governing institutions but within the framework of the British rule to emphasize the radical objectives. Tilak said, ‘’swaraj is my birth right and I shall have it’’. Lala Lajpat Rai also maintained that the Indians would not accept any politics accept the politics of freedom.

Methods and programmes:

The Radical introduced direct action and resistance, to unjust acts as necessary methods to ensure, that the government took them seriously. New concepts like “passive resistance”, “Non-cooperation” and “Self-Reliance” were adopted as a means for their struggle. The aggressive nationalist used Swadeshi & Boycott mainly to achieve their goals. They also tried to instill confidence in themselves by reminding people of our culture and our past. They tried to build our future by popularizing national education which provided all-round development including vocational, political and secular. Tilak revived Ganpati and Shivaji festival to inspire the masses and encourage them with self confidence

Beliefs of Extremist:

They did not have full faith in the British sense of justice they highlighted the dishonesty and betrayal by means of which the British has conquered India

Contribution of Bal Gangadhar Tilak – (1856-1920)

He was a true leader of an aggressive nationalist and believed in action not just in talk. He openly declared “swaraj is my birth right and I shall have it’’. He used the paper Maratha and the Kesari to spread his ideas. He was in favour of Swadeshi and Boycott to pressurize the British. British sentenced him to 6 yrs imprisonment. To instill a sense of patriotism in the masses he revived the Shivaji and Ganpati festival. He also organized akharas and lathi clubs to train the youth in India to be brave enough to defy the British power. Along with Ann Besant he set up the Home Rule league. He also helped to spread Swadeshi and Boycott movement outside Bengal. His famous books are Gita Rahasya and Artic Home in the Vedas.

Contribution of Bipin Chandra pal – (1858-1932)

He was an eminent leader of the aggressive nationalist; being a great orator he spread the message of Swadeshi and Boycott. He wanted Indians to work actively towards gaining Swaraj .He was willing to go to prison for the shake of the country. Like other radical nationalist leaders he emphasized the importance of self reliance and national pride. He felt that spread of national education could be used to arouse the Indian youth. He also urged the nationalist to work together for the removable of poverty. He made a forceful speech against the discriminatory Arms Act.

Contribution of Lala Lajpat Rai- (1865-1928)

Being an eminent educationist, he was associated with the D.A.V. College Lahore. He started the ‘magazine young India’ to spread the message of swaraj. He favored the Swadeshi and specially the boycott movement to weaken the very prestige of British. Congress adopted the non-cooperation movement resolution under him. When the movement was suspended he was disappointed. He was part of congress group who formed the swaraj party. To mobilize the public opinion he even went to America and supported the Gadhar party an organization founded by the Indian in the USA and Canada. On 30th October 1928 while leading a procession against the Simon commission he was gravely injured and later on because of this fatal injures he died. ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ is what he was and is remembered as.

Official attitude towards the congress-

In the initial stages the government looked upon the congress movement with approval. Government official attended and took part in the initial sessions of the congress. Lord Dufferin the viceroy hosted a garden party at the Calcutta session of the congress (1886) for all the representatives. But the attitude of the government turned hostile as the demand of congress increased.