The social and religious reforms movement, popularly termed the Indian renaissance, which preceded the political struggles, is considered a necessary precursor to the origin of Indian nationality.
How the renaissance facilitated the emergence of national identity
- Rediscovery of India’s glorious past: The nineteenth-century Indian Renaissance also created several avenues in the field of oriental studies. Western scholars like Max Muller, Sir William Jones, Alexander Cunningham, etc. translated several ancient Sanskrit texts of this land and established before the people the glorious cultural heritage of India. Inspired by them, Indian scholars like R.D. Banerjee, R.G. Bhandarkar, Madan Mukhopadhyaya, Hari Prasad Astir, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, etc. rediscovered India’s past glory from the history of this land. This encouraged the people of India who felt that they were the ancestors of the grand monarchs of this country and ruled by foreigners. This flared up the fire of nationalism.
- Revivalist Movements: Under these movements, Indian culture and civilization were proclaimed superior. Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Vivekanand, etc. were the leaders of these movements.
- Reformists Movements of that time, such as Brahmo Samaj (led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy), etc. condemned existing untouchability and tried to abolish the caste system. Their ideas of equality and brotherhood attracted the lower castes towards nationalism. These reforms also focussed on the emancipation of women. They opposed the practice of sati, supported the re-marriage of widows, and also promoted the spread of education among women. All of these helped women to join national movements. Conclusion: Apart from the progressive character of social religious reforms, the role of the press, English education, the result and reaction of colonial policies, etc. have also played a significant role in developing national identity in India.
Conclusion:
Apart from the progressive character of social-religious reforms, the role of the press, English education, the result and reaction of colonial policies, etc. have also played a significant role in developing national identity in India.
Summary
The Indian Renaissance, a social and religious reform movement preceding the political struggles, is considered a crucial precursor to the emergence of Indian nationality. The movement facilitated the rediscovery of India’s glorious past, inspiring Indian scholars to explore the grand monarchs of their country’s history and establish a sense of nationalism. The revivalist and reformist movements that followed emphasized Indian culture and civilization’s superiority, and promoted equality, brotherhood, and the emancipation of women, which attracted lower castes towards nationalism. The role of the press, English education, and colonial policies also played a significant role in developing the national identity of India.
MCQ
Which movement is considered a necessary precursor to the origin of Indian nationality?
a) Political struggles
b) Indian Renaissance
c) Reformist Movements
d) Revivalist Movements
Answer: b) Indian Renaissance
Who rediscovered India’s past glory from the history of this land?
a) Max Muller
b) R.D. Banerjee
c) Alexander Cunningham
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Who were the leaders of the revivalist movements that proclaimed Indian culture and civilization as superior?
a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
b) Swami Vivekanand
c) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Which reformist movements of that time tried to abolish the caste system, opposed the practice of Sati, and supported the re-marriage of widows?
a) Brahmo Samaj
b) Revivalist Movements
c) Political struggles
d) None of the above
Answer: a) Brahmo Samaj
What were some of the factors that played a significant role in developing national identity in India, apart from social and religious reforms?
a) The role of the press
b) English Education
c) Colonial policies
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above