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History · Spectrum Books A Brief History of Modern India

Chapter 12 : Era of Militant Nationalism (1905–09)

Table of contents34 sections
  1. 1.Era of Militant Nationalism (1905–09)
  2. 2.Introduction
  3. 3.Key Terms
  4. 4.📌 Exam Tidbits
  5. 5.Why Militant Nationalism Grew
  6. 6.Key Terms
  7. 7.📌 Exam Tidbits
  8. 8.The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
  9. 9.Partition of Bengal to Divide People
  10. 10.Anti-Partition Campaign under Moderates (1903-05)
  11. 11.The Congress Position
  12. 12.The Movement under the Leadership of Extremist Nationalists
  13. 13.Key Terms
  14. 14.📌 Exam Tidbits
  15. 15.Moderate Methods Give Way to Extremist Modes
  16. 16.Key Terms
  17. 17.📌 Exam Tidbits
  18. 18.The Surat Split
  19. 19.Run-up to Surat
  20. 20.Split Takes Place
  21. 21.Key Terms
  22. 22.📌 Exam Tidbits
  23. 23.Government Repression
  24. 24.Key Terms
  25. 25.📌 Exam Tidbits
  26. 26.The Government Strategy
  27. 27.Key Terms
  28. 28.📌 Exam Tidbits
  29. 29.Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909
  30. 30.The Reforms (Indian Councils Act of 1909)
  31. 31.Evaluation
  32. 32.Key Terms
  33. 33.📌 Exam Tidbits
  34. 34.Quick-Recall Box

Chapter preview

Era of Militant Nationalism (1905–09)

Introduction

  • The nationalist movement witnessed a fundamental difference in approach between the moderates and the militants, as pointed out by Lala Lajpat Rai.
  • Moderate approach: Based on the presumption that alien rulers are reasonable and can be persuaded to grant freedom.
  • Militant approach: Based on the belief that colonial rulers are not amenable to reason and would never willingly give up colonial advantages; forceful action is required to end domination.
  • Militant nationalism introduced new methods of political agitation and popular symbols to mobilise the masses.
  • The radical trend emerged in the 1890s and took concrete shape by 1905. A revolutionary wing also emerged as an adjunct to this trend.

Key Terms

ConceptDefinition
ExtremismAn ideology regarded as extreme relative to the norm (e.g., the Moderate position in the Congress). It does not advocate violence but is assertive. Nationalists like Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal were called 'extremists'.
TerrorismA predominantly violent method of political action, distinct from extremism.

📌 Exam Tidbits

  • Lala Lajpat Rai declared that Indians would never achieve self-governance by following moderate methods.
  • B.G. Tilak quote: "The Extremists of today will be the Moderates of tomorrow, just as the Moderates of today were the Extremists of yesterday."
  • Swami Vivekananda quote: "If there is a sin in the world, it is weakness; avoid all weakness, weakness is sin, weakness is death."

Why Militant Nationalism Grew

The rise of militant nationalism was driven by multiple factors:

1. Recognition of the True Nature of British Rule

  • Disillusionment grew as the government conceded no important demands.
  • Economic miseries of the 1890s exposed colonial exploitation:
  • Severe famines killed 90 lakh persons between 1896 and 1900.
  • Bubonic plague affected large areas of the Deccan, accompanied by large-scale riots.
  • The government actively suppressed education, especially mass and technical education.

Table: Chronology of Repressive Colonial Measures (1892–1904)

2. Growth of Confidence and Self-Respect

  • Leaders like Tilak, Aurobindo, and Bipin Chandra Pal urged reliance on the character and capacities of the Indian people.
  • Belief grew that the masses must be…
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Chapter 13 : First Phase of Revolutionary Activities (1907–17)