Day 3 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: Examine the role of newspapers and journals in India’s freedom struggle between 1857 and 1909. How did they contribute to the awakening of national consciousness? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Between 1857 and 1909, newspapers and journals were crucial in India’s freedom struggle, serving as tools for spreading nationalist ideas and awakening national consciousness. These publications unified diverse regions and languages, fostering a sense of purpose among Indians.

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Catalysts of Change: Role of Newspapers and Journals

1. Political Literacy: Newspapers like The Hindu and Kesari educated the masses on political issues and colonial policies, exposing British injustices and empowering Indians with knowledge that spurred political action.
2. Social Reform Advocacy: Journals such as Amrita Bazar Patrika and Sudharak advocated for social reforms, addressing caste discrimination, women’s rights, and education. They promoted progressive ideas and supported movements to eradicate social evils.
3. Nationalism and Unity: Publications like Bengalee and New India fostered nationalism and unity, celebrating India’s cultural heritage and emphasizing collective identity. They bridged regional divides, instilling pride and encouraging unity against colonial oppression.
4. Revolutionary Inspiration: The press inspired revolutionary activities by reporting on global independence struggles. Notable revolutionary publications included:
   • Vande Mataram (Aurobindo Ghose)
   • Yugantar (Barindra Kumar Ghosh, Bhupendranath Datta)
   • Sandhya (Brahmabandhab Upadhyay)
   • Bande Mataram (Lala Lajpat Rai)

Awakening National Consciousness

• The combined efforts of newspapers and journals in promoting political literacy, advocating social reforms, fostering nationalism, and inspiring revolutionary activities significantly awakened national consciousness in India.
• Formation of National Movement: The dissemination of nationalist ideas facilitated the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, reflecting the demand for self-governance.
• Revolutionary Activities: Inspired by global revolutions, Indian youths formed revolutionary groups, challenging British authority and laying the groundwork for organised resistance.
• Famine and Inquiry Commissions: Persistent reporting on dire conditions caused by British policies led to public outcry, resulting in commissions like:

• The Famine Commission of 1880
• The Hunter Commission (1882-83)
• The Welby Commission (1895-1900)
• Critical analysis of colonial economic policies led to demands for budgetary reforms, influencing government policies towards a more equitable system.

Conclusion

Newspapers and journals galvanized the Indian population, educating the masses, spreading nationalist sentiments, and organizing grassroots movements. These publications became a medium between the vision of early national leaders and the masses which prepared Indians to fight for independence.

Question 2: Discuss the significance of the Partition of Bengal in 1905 in the context of the Indian freedom struggle. How did it influence the nationalist movement? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

The Partition of Bengal in 1905, initiated by Lord Curzon, aimed to divide the large Bengal province for administrative efficiency but was seen as a divide-and-rule tactic by the British to weaken the nationalist movement in the most important region of British India.

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Significance of Partition of Bengal

1. Administrative Division: The partition created East Bengal and Assam, separating Bengali-speaking Hindus and Muslims [e.g. East Bengal].
2. Communal Tensions: It fostered communal divisions, leading to significant Hindu-Muslim discontent [e.g. Hindu-Muslim unrest].
3. Swadeshi Movement: Triggered the Swadeshi Movement, promoting indigenous goods and boycotting British products [e.g. Khadi, Swadeshi textiles].
4. Nationalist Mobilization: Unified leaders and masses against colonial policies, leading to widespread protests [e.g. Rabindranath Tagore, Surendranath Banerjee].
5. Formation of Revolutionary Groups: Inspired the formation of militant groups aiming for immediate independence [e.g. Anushilan Samiti, Jugantar].

Influence on Nationalist Movement

1. Political Awakening: Created a political awakening and consciousness among Indians [e.g. Start of many journals].
2. Cultural Revival: Emphasized cultural and educational revival as part of the resistance [e.g. National schools, Bengal National College].
3. Unity Among Leaders: Brought unity among moderate and extremist factions within Congress [e.g. Congress session, 1906].
4. International Attention: Attracted global attention to India’s struggle for independence [e.g. British Parliament debates, international press].
5. Reversal of Partition: The persistent protests led to the annulment of the partition in 1911, demonstrating the power of mass movements.

Conclusion

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 played a pivotal role in galvanizing the Indian freedom struggle by uniting diverse sections of society against colonial rule. It underscored the power of collective action, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of the nationalist movement.

Question 3: Evaluate the role of early nationalist leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale in shaping the Indian freedom struggle. How did their approaches differ from later leaders? (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

Early nationalist leaders, known as moderates, like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, laid the foundation for India’s freedom struggle. While they advocated for economic and political reforms, their approaches contrasted sharply with the later, more radical extremists.

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Role of Early Nationalist Leaders (Moderates)

• Dadabhai Naoroji highlighted economic exploitation through the Drain Theory e.g. Poverty and Un-British Rule.
• Surendranath Banerjee founded the Indian National Association to fight colonial policies e.g. Ilbert Bill protest.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale promoted education and gradual reform through the Servants of India Society e.g. social service.
• Naoroji advocated for self-governance in the British Parliament e.g. Indian MP.
• Banerjee organized public meetings and petitions for political rights e.g. Congress sessions.

The early nationalist leaders, with their moderate policies, aimed for gradual reforms and constitutional methods to address colonial grievances. However, as the struggle progressed, the need for more direct and assertive action became evident, leading to the rise of the extremists.

 Differences from Later Leaders (Extremists):

• Later leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak adopted radical methods, emphasizing Swaraj e.g. Swadeshi Movement.
• Mahatma Gandhi introduced non-violent resistance, leading mass movements e.g. Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Subhas Chandra Bose advocated armed struggle against British rule e.g. Indian National Army.
• Early leaders focused on constitutional reforms, while later leaders sought complete independence e.g. legislative councils.
• Later movements involved broader participation from all sections of society e.g. Civil Disobedience Movement.

However,both groups aimed to alleviate Indians suffering under British rule and leveraged public mobilization and awareness to achieve political goals e.g. petitions, mass movements.

Conclusion

Thus, early nationalist leaders laid the foundation for political consciousness and reforms, while later leaders intensified the struggle, aiming for complete independence. Their efforts collectively contributed to the eventual liberation of India. This evolution reflects the changing strategies and broader participation over time.