Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
1. In India, the growth of modern nationalism is intimately connected to the anti-colonial movement. People began discovering their unity in the process of their struggle with colonialism. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about reasons for the emergence of nationalism in India. Was it a reaction against the policies of British? Or was it born on its own?
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
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.
