Era of Militant Nationalism

Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)

The phase of militant nationalism (also called extremism) in India’s freedom struggle began around 1905 and lasted until 1909. By the 1890s, a radical approach to political activism had started gaining momentum. By 1905, this movement had become well-organized, leading to the rise of a revolutionary wing within the Indian National Congress (INC).

Unlike the moderates, who used peaceful methods like petitions and negotiations, militant nationalists believed in more aggressive political actions. Their movement created a division within the larger Indian National Movement. Key leaders of this phase included:

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak
• Aurobindo Ghosh
• Bipin Chandra Pal
• Lala Lajpat Rai

This phase played a crucial role in shaping India’s independence movement. Let’s explore the different aspects of militant nationalism in detail.

Growth of Militant Nationalism

The rise of militant nationalism happened gradually, with the first major event being the Bengal anti-partition movement of 1905.

Reasons for its Growth

1. Political Awareness:
   
   • The Indian National Movement had already made people aware of the dangers of foreign rule.
   • It encouraged nationalism and gave political training to educated Indians.
2. Discontent with the British:
   
   • The British government refused to accept the major demands of the moderate leaders.
   • Instead of listening to them, the British mocked and insulted them.
   • As a result, people lost faith in the moderate approach and demanded more forceful action.
3. Need for Stronger Resistance:
   
   • People realized that petitions, public meetings, and speeches were not enough to bring change.
   • Many leaders felt the need for stronger political action.

Swadeshi & Boycott Movement (1905-1908)

The Swadeshi movement was a major self-reliance movement that encouraged Indians to use local products instead of British goods.

Reason Behind Swadeshi Movement Launched

• In December 1903, the British announced their decision to partition Bengal.
• This led to widespread protests across India.
• The Swadeshi Movement was officially launched at Town Hall, Calcutta on August 7, 1905.

Main Features of the Movement

• Indians boycotted British goods and started using Indian-made products.
  
• Moderates started the Anti-Partition Campaign to stop Bengal’s division through:
  
  • Petitions to the government
  • Public meetings and discussions
  • Newspapers like Hitabadi, Sanjibani, and Bengalee
• Bengal became the center of protests, and people took a pledge to boycott foreign goods.

Formation of the All India Muslim League (1906)

• It was founded in 1906.
• The main Motive of the Formation of the league was to represent the political interests of Muslims in British India.
• It played a major role in the creation of Pakistan in 1947.

Formation of Muslim League

• After the Bengal partition of 1905, Hindu-Muslim tensions increased.
• The British supported the formation of the Muslim League to weaken the nationalist movement.
• The idea was proposed by Khwaja Salimullah, the Nawab of Dhaka, at the All India Muslim Education Conference in 1906.

Muslim League’s Role in Indian Politics

• Initially, the League supported British rule and was encouraged by the British.
• In 1913, it changed its stance and demanded self-government for India.
• By 1940, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the League demanded a separate Muslim nation.
• This led to the partition of India in 1947, resulting in the formation of Pakistan.

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Surat Session of INC (1907) – The Congress Split

• The Surat Session of 1907 was a turning point as INC split into two groups:
  • Moderates, led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
  • Extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.

Reasons for the Split

• Growing tensions between moderates and extremists.
• Extremists accused moderates of being too soft on the British.
• Moderates feared that extremist methods would lead to British repression.

What Happened at the Surat Session?

• It was held on the banks of the Tapti River in Surat.
• Extremists opposed the election of Rash Behari Ghosh as INC President.
• Clashes broke out, and the meeting ended in chaos.
• The Congress officially split, weakening the nationalist movement temporarily.

Indian Councils Act of 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)

Named for Viceroy Minto and Secretary of State John Morley, the Indian Councils Act of 1909, or the Morley-Minto Reforms, was enacted to appease Muslims and moderates.

Key Features of the Act

1. Expanded Legislative Councils:
   
   • The Central Legislative Council now had 60 members (earlier, it had only 16).
   • The Provincial Legislative Councils were also expanded.
2. Limited Power to Councils:
   
   • Members could now ask questions and discuss the budget but still had no real power. 
3. Introduction of Separate Electorates:
   
   • Muslims were granted separate electorates, allowing only Muslims to vote for Muslim candidates, to create a divide between Hindus and Muslims.
4. First Indian in Viceroy’s Executive Council:
   
   • Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council as Law Member.

Impact of the Act

• While it gave Indians limited political participation, it also increased communal divisions by introducing separate electorates.
• It was a divide-and-rule tactic by the British.

Conclusion

The Era of Militant Nationalism was a crucial phase in India’s fight for independence. It:

• Introduced new, aggressive methods of protest.
• Encouraged mass participation and self-reliance through the Swadeshi Movement.
• Led to the Congress split, weakening the movement temporarily.
• Saw the formation of the Muslim League, which later played a key role in India’s partition.
• Resulted in the Morley-Minto Reforms, which gave limited political power to Indians but also deepened communal divisions.

This phase marked a shift from moderate methods to more assertive nationalism, setting the stage for future struggles led by Mahatma Gandhi and others.