Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues;
1. The rise of Indian Nationalism was a reaction against the discriminatory and devious policies and nature of the British rule. Critically Analyze. (250 words)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Reference: A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum Publishers.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of the General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyze the nature of Rise of nationalism in India. Was it a reaction against the policies of British? Or was it born on its own?
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment?
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start the answer by describing the genesis of Indian nationalism in the late nineteenth century.
Body:
In the first part of the body, analyze how Indian nationalism was a reaction against policies of the British. Mention about the Despotic nature of the rule, the racial discrimination, the lack of proper administration, lack of Indians in administration, alien rule, the loot and the plunder, indiscriminate taxation, ruining of Industries etc.
In the next part, analyze how Indian nationalism was a product of its own maturity. Introduction of modern education, the influx of ideas of liberalism and constitutionalism, the rise of an educated middle class, the impact of the press, the impact of socio-religious reform movements etc.
Conclusion:
Pass a balanced judgement as to how Indian Nationalism took birth.
