The rise of national consciousness in the 19th century was essentially the result of the British rule.

The economic, political and social changes brought about by the British rule resulted in the oppression of all classes of Indian people giving rise to a wide spread dissatisfaction among the masses.

The uniform system of administration, development of postal and telegraph, railways, printing press and educational institutions created by the British primarily as measures for running an effective administration also become instrumental in providing favourable conditions for the rise and growth of national movement.

A new consciousness was developing in the educated sections and middle classes. It was this middle class consciousness, which became the chief medium for the channelization of popular discontent, and was instrumental in the development of national consciousness in India.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The importance of western import on the regenerative process in the society in the 14th century is undesirable. However, if we regard this entire process of reform as a manifestation of colonial benevolence and limit ourselves to viewing only its positive dimensions, we shall fail to do justice to the complex character of the phenomenon. The impact of modern western culture and consciousness of defeat by a foreign power give birth to a new awakening.

Thoughtful Indians began to look for the strengths and weaknesses of their society and for ways and means of removing the weaknesses. They were impressed in particular by modern science and the doctrines of reason and humanism. They also came to hold that elements of modern western thought which had to be imbibed for the regeneration of their society.

The modern educational systems familiarised the educated classes with the ideas of equality, liberty and nationalism. They were exposed to the works of liberal writers and thinkers. The Indians who were studying in England found on their return to India that they were denied all the rights which were taken for granted in the European countries. These above factors gave a vision of a prosperous modern India.