Question

In the second phase of the national movement, there emerged a new younger group of leaders within the Congress who did not agree with the old leadership. In this context, answer the following questions:

1. Explain how the repressive policies of Lord Curzon and influence of International events led to the Assertive nationalism.
2. Name the Assertive Nationalist leader who was wounded when he was leading a protest against the Simon Commission. How were his words, when he was wounded, prophetic?
3. Differentiate between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists in their objectives and achievements, stating one objective and two achievements of each wing of the Congress.

Answer 1

a. Lord Curzon followed a harsh and repressive policy towards Indians. He showed no understanding or sympathy for the aspirations of the Indian people. His anti-Indian attitude led Indians to lose all hope of political and economic progress. During his tenure, he introduced several measures against Indians, which included:

• Calcutta Corporation Act of 1899: This Act reduced the number of elected members of the Calcutta Corporation to half.
• The Universities Act of 1904: Under this Act, the governing bodies of universities were reorganised.
• Act of 1898: This Act declared it a punishable offence to incite people against the British government.
• The Official Secrets Act: According to this Act, even the disclosure of routine information related to civil administration was treated as a criminal offence.
• Partition of Bengal: The most unpopular decision taken by Lord Curzon was the Partition of Bengal. It was announced in 1903 and implemented in 1905.

b. The Assertive Nationalist leader who was injured while leading a protest against the Simon Commission was Lala Lajpat Rai.
On the day he was wounded, he stated, “The lathi blows inflicted on me will one day act as nails in the coffin of the British Empire.” These words later proved to be prophetic. His statement was significant as it reflected the rising determination and patriotic spirit of Indians to free themselves from British rule. His words became a symbol of resistance and motivated many to participate in the freedom struggle. His sacrifice strengthened the national movement and intensified the demand for self-rule.

c. Early Nationalists: Their primary aim was to achieve self-government on the lines of British colonies. They did not seek the complete withdrawal of the British from India.

Assertive Nationalists: Their main objective was the immediate achievement of ‘Swaraj’ through self-reliant and assertive methods. They demanded that the British leave India.

Achievements of Aggressive Nationalists:

• Self-confidence: At that time, the morale of the Indians was very low. Aggressive Nationalists promoted self-confidence and self-reliance among the people. They believed that independence could be attained only when Indians were strong enough to seize it from British control.
• Revival of Indian Handicrafts: Through the promotion of the Boycott and Swadeshi movements, they contributed significantly to the revival of Indian handicrafts and cottage industries.

Achievements of Early Nationalists:

• Foundation of Secular and Democratic National Movement: Early nationalist leaders laid the foundation of a nationalist movement that united people across all religions, castes, regions, and communities. They successfully encouraged a sense of unity and brotherhood beyond religious and regional differences.
• Political Education of the Indians: They played an important role in spreading political awareness and national consciousness among Indians. They popularised the principles of democracy and civil liberties among the masses.