Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
1. What is nationalism? What were the factors that led to the rise of Indian nationalism in the mid-nineteenth century? Discuss the different views regarding nationalism for various Indian nationalists. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The wave of historical revisionism that India is experiencing today finds expression in different kinds of misrepresentation of the past in textbooks as well as in public discourse.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about nationalism, factors for its rise and different views regarding it.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining nationalism.
Body:
First, write about the various factors that led to rise of nationalism in India – the Despotic nature of the rule, the racial discrimination, indiscriminate taxation, ruining of Industries, 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.
Next, write about the different views regarding nationalism for various leaders such as – Gandhi, Nehru, Savarkar, Bose, Tilak etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
