Background in which there was the growth of Indian nationalism in the 19th century

a. Introduction:

Nationalist sentiments grew rather late amongst the Indians. It must be remembered that the British rule itself indirectly paved the way for the growth of nationalism.

For, the realization of the true nature of the British rule helped the people of India to unite against it, and this unity was a pre-condition to the growth of nationalism.

b. Political and Administrative Unity:

The British government of India in its own interest introduced a uniform system of administration.

This unity forged by the British made the people realize that the same British rule was responsible for their suffering.

This realization was in itself an important factor that helped the growth of a common national outlook.

c. Breakdown of Traditional Economy:

The economic centralization effected by the British brought an end to the dividing line between village and a city. The agricultural produce was transported to the cities from villages.

The villagers now had to depend on cities for the supply of necessary articles of daily use.

This mutual dependence between villagers and the city-dwellers paved the way for the emergence of nationalist sentiment.

d. Sense of Unity among the Labourers:

The British capitalist class set up industries investing their own capital for making financial gains.

In these industries labourers from different areas were absorbed.

Working together as labourers they were deeply imbued with a spirit of unity this unity fostered the growth of national outlook among the labourers.

e. Improved Communication System:

Modern transport system facilitated constant intermingling among the people of different religions.

This in course of time destroyed the former social isolation and thereby paved the way for the growth of national outlook.

f. Economic Discontent:

The economic distress under the British rule made all sections of the population discontented.

The economic historian of the contemporary India Romeschandra Dutt as also Dadabhai Naoraji had showed how India was being impoverished by the British exploitators.

Thus it may be said that the above factors created the background in which the seeds of nationalism germinated.