Question

Why was the feeling of 'Nationalism' lacking among the Indians before the arrival of the British?

Answer 1

Though India had a long history going back to many centuries, it was never one nation and comprised many kingdoms. There were times when vast portions of the Indian subcontinent came under the rule of one empire. But the loyalty of the people was towards a particular king or kingdom. The modern feeling of nationalism was lacking among them. It emerged during the British rule mainly as a reaction to the British rule and the clash of interests of the Indian people with those of the British. Many educated Indians and social reformers came forward and inculcated the feeling of oneness among people.