Question

With reference to Nationalism, explain each of the following:
(a) Rediscovery of Iindia's past.
(b) Contribution of Bipin Chandra Pal.
(c) How did the British react when the Indian National Congress was founded? Why did their attitude change later?

Answer 1

a) Rediscovery of India’s past can be explained as:

During freedom struggle many eminent British scientists, poets; archaeologists came to live in India. They studied cultural heritage of India and carried out many archaeological studies and brought a large number of historical facts to light.

Some Indian reformers pointed out the richness of Indian cultural and heritage and the political achievements of rulers like Ashoka, Chandragupta, Akbar. The nationalist leaders and reformers were helped by the work of European scholars like Sir Charles Wilkins, Sir William Jones, James Princep, Alexander Cunningham etc.

Sir Charles Wilkins was the first European to translate the Bhagvad Gita into English in 1785.

Sir William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal to encourage Oriental studies.

James Princep was the first European scholar to decipher the edicts of the ancient emperor, Ashoka.

Alexander Cunningham through his archaeological excavations brought out majestic history of the Mauryas, Guptas, Chalukyas and Pallavas.

Thus, the rediscovery of India's national heritage in literature, philosophy, science, arts and politics by both European and Indian scholars created a new picture of India's past glory.

b) Bipin Chandra Pal: He was a journalist. He edited 'New India' through which he spread the fire of patriotism. It roused the nationalist sentiments among the people. He joined the Congress in 1887. At its Madras session in 1887, he pleaded that the Arms Act should be cancelled. During the anti-partition movement he toured the country with the message of Swadeshi and Boycott. In December 1907, after the Surat session he joined Tilak and Lajpat Rai and formed a radical group. Bipin Chandra Pal advocated national education to make the youth fight against the British rule.

c) Indian National Congress: Initially the British welcomed the birth of the Congress as it was also formed by Allen Octavian Hume, a retired British member of the Indian Civil Service. The Viceroy, Lord Dufferin favoured the formation of the Congress because he wanted it to act as a 'safety valve' for popular discontent, thereby, safeguarding the British interest in India. As the Congress started becoming more assertive in their demands and specifications the British grew wary. Dufferin referred to it as a 'seditious body' and tried to keep the Congress at arm's length.