Question

Nationalism refers to the feeling of oneness that emerges when people consider themselves as one nation. With reference to the growth of nationalism, answer the following:

Explain any two policies of Lord Lytton that showcased his attitude of racial superiority, eventually leading to the growth of nationalism.

Answer 1

• Vernacular Press Act: This act restricted Indian-language media while allowing English newspapers to operate freely. It clearly demonstrated racial discrimination because only Indians were targeted. This unequal treatment angered educated Indians and strengthened nationalist feelings.
• Indian Arms Act: The Arms Act forced Indians to obtain a licence to carry guns, although Europeans did not need one. This uneven law demonstrated that the British regarded Indians as inferior. The humiliation caused by this discrimination encouraged Indians to band together and fight for their rights, which fuelled the rise of nationalism.