Modern History Playlist
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1
Advent of Europeans in India
9 topics
2
Decline of the Mughal Empire
7 topics
3
Emergence of Regional States
11 topics
4
Expansion and Consolidation of British Power
19 topics
5
British Government & Economic Policies (1757–1857)
4 topics
6
Social Reform Movements
20 topics
7
People’s Resistance before 1857
3 topics
8
The revolt of 1857
6 topics
9
Growth of Nationalism and Moderate Phase of Congress
6 topics
10
British Administration in India
7 topics
11
Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)
5 topics
12
First Phase of Revolutionary Activities(1907-1917)
8 topics
13
India’s Response to First World War and Home Rule Movement
4 topics
14
Emergence of Gandhi
6 topics
15
Non-Cooperation Movement and Khilafat Movement
7 topics
16
Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities
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17
Struggle For Swaraj: 1928-1935
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18
Period from 1935-42
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Period from 1942-47
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Chapter 11: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)
Chapter Test5 topics•Estimated reading: 15 minutes
Era of Militant Nationalism (1905–1909)
Key Point
Militant nationalism arose as a response to British repression, economic exploitation, Curzon’s partition of Bengal, and disillusionment with moderate methods. It emphasized swaraj, boycott, swadeshi, and direct action.
Militant nationalism arose as a response to British repression, economic exploitation, Curzon’s partition of Bengal, and disillusionment with moderate methods. It emphasized swaraj, boycott, swadeshi, and direct action.
Detailed Notes (16 points)
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Background: Moderates’ faith in petitions and reforms failed to yield results by 1890s.
Curzon’s reactionary measures (Calcutta Corporation Act 1899, Official Secrets Act 1904, Partition of Bengal 1905) provoked resentment.
Swadeshi & Boycott formally launched in Calcutta Town Hall (7 August 1905).
Early phase (1905–07): Peaceful protests, swadeshi industries, schools, boycotts of foreign cloth.
Later phase (1907–09): Extremist influence grew → passive resistance, mass mobilization, strikes, defiance of authority.
Revolutionary terrorism: Secret societies like Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar began targeted assassinations (e.g., Khudiram Bose, Prafulla Chaki in Muzaffarpur, 1908).
Women’s participation: Urban middle-class women like Sarala Devi Chaudhurani inspired swadeshi activities.
Students: Active in picketing, protests, spreading nationalist literature.
Workers: Strikes in railway workshops, cotton mills, plantations linked labour unrest with swadeshi politics.
Peasants: Limited participation, but some swadeshi leaders tried to connect land grievances with nationalism.
Cultural revival: Rabindranath Tagore’s songs, Abanindranath Tagore’s paintings, Subramania Bharati’s poems infused nationalism.
Science & Industry: Prafulla Chandra Ray’s Bengal Chemicals, J.C. Bose’s research symbolised indigenous progress.
Surat Split (1907): Congress divided → Moderates vs Extremists, weakening nationalist unity.
Government response: Harsh repression, sedition trials (Tilak), censorship, deportations.
Morley–Minto Reforms (1909): Separate electorates for Muslims; limited concessions to Moderates.
Significance: Brought masses into politics, laid foundations of Gandhian movements, and injected confidence in Indian self-reliance.
Major Revolutionary Events (1905–09)
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Launch of Swadeshi & Boycott in Calcutta | Formal beginning of mass nationalism |
| 1906 | Formation of All India Muslim League | Communal divide encouraged by British |
| 1907 | Surat Split | Division of Congress weakened movement |
| 1908 | Muzaffarpur Bomb Case (Khudiram Bose, Prafulla Chaki) | Turn towards revolutionary terrorism |
| 1909 | Tilak’s trial and imprisonment in Mandalay | Suppression of Extremist leadership |
| 1909 | Morley–Minto Reforms | Introduced separate electorates, sowed communalism |
Fun Facts
Khudiram Bose was only 18 when he was executed in 1908, becoming one of the youngest martyrs of the freedom struggle.
Students in Bengal often sold swadeshi matchsticks and soaps to support the movement.
Tilak’s newspapers Kesari and Mahratta spread extremist nationalist ideas widely.
Mains Key Points
Militant nationalism broadened the base of Indian nationalism by involving students, women, and workers.
It highlighted economic self-reliance through swadeshi industries and education.
It exposed the communal strategy of the British through the Partition of Bengal and separate electorates.
Though suppressed, it laid the foundation for mass movements under Gandhi in the following decades.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Swadeshi & Boycott → formally launched in 1905 (Calcutta Town Hall).
Anushilan Samiti & Jugantar → secret societies behind revolutionary activities.
Surat Split (1907) → divided Moderates and Extremists.
Morley–Minto Reforms (1909) introduced communal electorates for Muslims.
The Partition of Bengal (1905)
Key Point
Announced by Lord Curzon on 20 July 1905 and made effective on 16 October 1905, the Partition of Bengal divided the huge province into Eastern Bengal & Assam and Western Bengal — a move presented as administrative, but widely seen as a deliberate 'divide-and-rule' step that galvanized the Swadeshi movement.
Announced by Lord Curzon on 20 July 1905 and made effective on 16 October 1905, the Partition of Bengal divided the huge province into Eastern Bengal & Assam and Western Bengal — a move presented as administrative, but widely seen as a deliberate 'divide-and-rule' step that galvanized the Swadeshi movement.
Detailed Notes (12 points)
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Background: The idea of reorganising Bengal and eastern districts (Chittagong, Dhaka, Mymensingh) had been under consideration since c.1903; Curzon pursued proposals in 1904 and toured eastern Bengal (Feb 1904) to justify the scheme.
Official announcement: On 20 July 1905 Lord Curzon issued the order dividing Bengal into two units; the partition formally took effect on 16 October 1905.
Administrative scheme: Two provinces were created — Eastern Bengal & Assam (Dacca as capital) with about 31 million population, and Western Bengal (including the Presidency) with Calcutta as capital; the official reason cited ease of administration of a province of c.78 million.
Real (political) motive: The partition aimed to weaken Bengali political unity by splitting the Bengali-speaking population and by creating a Muslim-majority eastern province — seen as an attempt to divide Bengalis on linguistic and communal lines and to blunt the rising nationalist movement in Bengal.
Demographic engineering: In the new scheme Bengal proper (western part) would have become a Hindu-majority area while Eastern Bengal & Assam would be Muslim-majority — reducing Bengali influence in provincial politics.
Opposition inside administration: Some officials (e.g., H.J.S. Cotton, former Chief Commissioner of Assam) opposed the scheme; many Bengali political leaders and newspapers protested strongly.
Mass political reaction: The announcement triggered wide protests — hartals, public meetings, processions, fasting, bathing in the Ganga as a mark of mourning (16 Oct 1905), tying of rakhis across Bengal as a symbol of unity, and large gatherings where songs like Rabindranath Tagore’s 'Amar Sonar Bangla' were sung.
Swadeshi & Boycott link: Partition became the immediate catalyst for the Swadeshi and Boycott movement (1905 onward): public burning of foreign cloth, boycotts of British goods, establishment of swadeshi schools, industries and banks, and use of festivals for political mobilisation.
Political fallout: The partition accelerated the rise of extremist leaders (Tilak, Aurobindo, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lajpat Rai) and intensified demands for more vigorous political action beyond moderate petitions.
Administrative consequences & changes: To placate some interests the British created separate administrative arrangements for Assam and for Bihar & Orissa later (after annulment), and moved the imperial capital to Delhi (1911).
Annulment (1911): At the Delhi Coronation Durbar on 12 December 1911 King George V announced the annulment of the 1905 partition; Bengal was reunited, but Bihar and Orissa were separated from Bengal and Assam became a separate province; Dacca ceased to be a provincial capital of a separate Bengal province.
Aftermath and reactions: Many Muslim leaders condemned the annulment as betrayal; Congress and nationalist opinion celebrated the reunification but the long-term damage included communal political mobilization and British use of communal representation (later reinforced by measures like separate electorates).
Timeline — Key Dates
| Date / Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| c.1903 | Initial proposals to reorganise Bengal discussed | Early administrative discussions began |
| January 1904 | Partition proposals officially published | Scheme circulated for comments |
| February 1904 | Curzon tours eastern Bengal | Attempt to justify scheme to public and officials |
| 20 July 1905 | Lord Curzon announces Partition | Official proclamation issued |
| 16 October 1905 | Partition comes into effect | Eastern Bengal & Assam operational with Dhaka as capital |
| 1905–1908 | Swadeshi & Boycott agitation peaks | Mass mobilisation, protests and economic action |
| 1906 | All-India Muslim League formed (Dec 1906) | Muslim political organisation partly encouraged by communal politics |
| 12 December 1911 | Partition annulled at Delhi Durbar | Bengal reunited; capital moved to Delhi; Bihar & Orissa separated |
Reasons & Motives
| Stated (Official) Reason | Real/Political Motive |
|---|---|
| Too large a province (c.78 million) — administrative difficulty | Divide Bengali political influence and weaken nationalist leadership |
| To develop and administer Assam more directly | Create a Muslim-majority province to cultivate Muslim loyalty and divide Hindus & Muslims |
| Improve provincial efficiency and governance | Gerrymander demographics — reduce Bengali-speaking majority in West Bengal |
Reactions — Who supported / opposed
| Group/Person | Position | Reason/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate Congress leaders (initially varied) | Opposed partition (many supported Swadeshi later) | Organized petitions, meetings and moderate protest in Bengal |
| Extremists & younger nationalists (Tilak, Aurobindo, Bipin Chandra Pal) | Strongly opposed, supported direct action | Pushed mass agitation, boycott and political mobilisation outside Bengal |
| Urban middle-class & students in Bengal | Opposed | Led picketing, processions and economic boycotts |
| Some Muslims (esp. certain landlords & elite in Dacca) | Supported or were neutral | Perceived administrative advantage and greater representation in the new province |
| British officials (Curzon and associates) | Supported and implemented | Cited administrative efficiency; aimed to split nationalist leadership |
Fun Facts
On 16 October 1905 (the day partition came into force) people in Bengal observed it as a day of mourning — fasting, bathing in the Ganga and barefoot processions singing 'Bande Mataram'.
People tied rakhis across communities in Bengal as a symbolic gesture of unity between the two halves.
Rabindranath Tagore composed and popularised songs (including 'Amar Sonar Bangla') that became anthems of protest during the anti-partition movement.
Mains Key Points
Though presented as an administrative reform, the 1905 Partition of Bengal was a politically motivated move to break Bengali unity and to cultivate communal divisions — it exemplifies the British 'divide-and-rule' strategy.
The announcement triggered mass politics in India — the Swadeshi and Boycott movement linked political protest with economic self-reliance, education reform and cultural revival.
The partition and its annulment had complex consequences: it briefly achieved some administrative aims but permanently altered political alignments — encouraging communal political organisation (e.g., growth of Muslim League) and strengthening extremist nationalism.
The Partition episode demonstrates how colonial administrative decisions could produce large-scale political mobilisation and change the trajectory of the freedom movement by widening its social base (students, women, workers).
Prelims Strategy Tips
Partition announced: 20 July 1905; came into effect: 16 October 1905.
Eastern Bengal & Assam capital — Dacca (Dhaka); Western Bengal retained Calcutta (Kolkata).
Partition annulled: 12 December 1911 (Delhi Durbar of King George V).
Immediate political consequence — launch and spread of the Swadeshi & Boycott movement (1905 onwards).
The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement (1905–1911)
Key Point
The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement emerged as a response to the Partition of Bengal (1905). It spread from Bengal to other regions, promoting economic self-reliance, national education, and mass political mobilisation. Moderates and Extremists differed in methods, but together they shaped the foundation of future nationalist struggles.
The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement emerged as a response to the Partition of Bengal (1905). It spread from Bengal to other regions, promoting economic self-reliance, national education, and mass political mobilisation. Moderates and Extremists differed in methods, but together they shaped the foundation of future nationalist struggles.
Detailed Notes (11 points)
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Launch: Formally proclaimed in Calcutta Town Hall after passage of Boycott Resolution (7 August 1905).
Campaign under Moderates: Led by Surendranath Banerjea, K.K. Mitra, Prithwishchandra Ray; methods included petitions, public meetings, propaganda through newspapers like Hitabadi, Sanjibani and Bengalee.
Moderates’ strategy: Pressure British government by building public opinion in India and England; relied on constitutional agitation within Bengal.
Campaign under Extremists: Leaders included Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh; advocated passive resistance, boycott of government schools, jobs, courts, legislative councils, and titles.
Extremists’ strategy: Transform Swadeshi into mass struggle through boycott of foreign goods, public burning of cloth, strikes, processions, and use of religious festivals for mobilisation.
Extent of the Movement: Spread beyond Bengal to Bombay (Tilak), Punjab (Lajpat Rai, Ajit Singh), Madras Presidency (V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Subramania Siva), and Andhra (Hari Sarvottam Rao).
Labour unrest: Strikes by railway workers (1906), Burn Company clerks, and cotton mill labourers; first trade union-like movements emerged.
Women’s participation: Urban middle-class women joined processions and picketing.
Students’ role: Organised picketing, boycotted foreign goods; faced expulsions and loss of scholarships.
Why the Movement fizzled out (by 1908): Severe government repression, arrest of leaders, lack of organisational structure, Surat Split (1907), narrow social base (peasants largely uninvolved), and difficulty of sustaining prolonged mass mobilisation.
Significance: First mass movement with participation of students, women, workers; strengthened nationalism in economic, cultural, and political spheres; inspired later Gandhian movements.
Moderates vs Extremists in Swadeshi Movement
| Aspect | Moderates’ Approach | Extremists’ Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Surendranath Banerjea, Prithwishchandra Ray | Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal |
| Methods | Petitions, meetings, propaganda in newspapers | Boycott, passive resistance, strikes, processions |
| Focus | Bengal-centric agitation | Nationwide mobilisation |
| Objective | Pressurise British with public opinion | Make administration impossible; demand swaraj |
| Social base | Upper middle classes, zamindars | Educated lower middle class, students, workers |
Extent of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
| Region | Leaders | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | Lala Lajpat Rai, Ajit Singh | Peasant agitation, protests against canal colonies |
| Bombay | Bal Gangadhar Tilak | Ganapati & Shivaji festivals used for mobilisation |
| Madras Presidency | V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Subramania Siva | Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, Tamil newspapers |
| Andhra | Hari Sarvottam Rao | Student participation, vernacular speeches |
| Delhi | Sayyed Haider Raza | Meetings and mobilisation in north India |
Fun Facts
On 16 October 1905, people tied rakhis to each other’s hands to symbolize Bengal’s unity.
Rabindranath Tagore composed 'Amar Sonar Bangla' as a protest song, later adopted as Bangladesh’s national anthem.
Priests refused to solemnise marriages where foreign goods were exchanged.
Mains Key Points
The movement showcased India’s capacity for economic self-reliance and resistance against colonial exploitation.
It was the first large-scale movement involving students, women, and workers, laying groundwork for later mass movements.
It revealed ideological divisions within INC (Moderates vs Extremists), leading to Surat Split (1907).
Though it fizzled out by 1908, it left a deep impact on Indian nationalism by linking cultural, economic, and political struggles.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Swadeshi & Boycott → formally launched in Calcutta Town Hall (7 Aug 1905).
Tilak used Ganapati & Shivaji festivals for mobilisation.
V.O. Chidambaram Pillai founded Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in Tuticorin.
Movement fizzled out by 1908 due to repression and Surat Split (1907).
Moderates vs Extremists & Surat Split (1905–1907)
Key Point
The Swadeshi and Boycott movement exposed sharp differences between Moderates and Extremists in the Congress. Moderates sought constitutional reforms and gradualism, while Extremists demanded swaraj, boycott, and passive resistance. Their clash culminated in the Surat Split of 1907, which weakened the nationalist movement temporarily.
The Swadeshi and Boycott movement exposed sharp differences between Moderates and Extremists in the Congress. Moderates sought constitutional reforms and gradualism, while Extremists demanded swaraj, boycott, and passive resistance. Their clash culminated in the Surat Split of 1907, which weakened the nationalist movement temporarily.
Detailed Notes (6 points)
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Moderates’ Approach: Believed in petitions, constitutional reforms, loyalty to the Crown, and gradual participation of Indians in administration. Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjea.
Extremists’ Approach: Advocated swaraj as the ultimate goal, boycott of foreign goods, passive resistance, and mass mobilisation. Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh.
Moderates’ social base: zamindars, upper middle classes, professionals; Extremists’ social base: lower middle class, students, workers, small traders.
Moderates saw British rule as ultimately beneficial if reformed; Extremists rejected this, viewing British rule as exploitative.
Moderates relied on English liberal thought; Extremists drew inspiration from Indian culture, history, and traditional symbols.
The Surat Split (1907) was the climax of these ideological and tactical differences, leading to a division in the Congress.
Difference between Moderates and Extremists
| Aspect | Moderates | Extremists |
|---|---|---|
| Social Base | Zamindars, upper middle class, professionals | Lower middle class, students, workers, traders |
| Ideological Inspiration | Western liberalism, European history | Indian culture, history, traditional symbols |
| View on British Rule | Providential mission; reforms possible | Exploitative; must be resisted |
| Methods | Petitions, memoranda, meetings | Boycott, passive resistance, strikes |
| Goal | Constitutional reforms, more Indians in governance | Swaraj (self-rule) as ultimate aim |
| Attitude towards Masses | Masses not ready for political work | Faith in masses’ ability to sacrifice |
| Approach to British Crown | Professed loyalty to the Crown | Rejected loyalty; demanded independence |
Timeline of Surat Split
| Year & Session | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Banaras Session, 1905 | Moderates (Gokhale presiding) vs Extremists on boycott extension | Mild resolution passed; Extremists dissatisfied |
| Calcutta Session, 1906 | Dadabhai Naoroji presided; compromise resolutions on swadeshi, boycott, self-government | Word 'Swaraj' used for first time in INC |
| Surat Session, 1907 | Extremists wanted Tilak/Lajpat Rai as president; Moderates wanted Rashbehari Ghosh | Clash between factions → violent split in Congress |
Fun Facts
At Surat (1907), both factions physically clashed; chairs and shoes were thrown in the session hall.
Dadabhai Naoroji (1906 Calcutta) was chosen as a compromise candidate between Moderates and Extremists.
The Surat Split weakened Congress temporarily, allowing British to suppress Extremists.
Mains Key Points
The Surat Split was the outcome of growing ideological and tactical differences between Moderates and Extremists.
It demonstrated that nationalism had broadened beyond petitions into mass struggle but lacked unity of leadership.
While the split weakened the nationalist front temporarily, it also sharpened the ideological clarity of the Extremist camp.
The lessons from this division influenced later unity attempts under Gandhi’s leadership, where balancing moderates and radicals became crucial.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Word 'Swaraj' first mentioned officially in INC at Calcutta Session (1906).
Surat Split happened in 1907 due to clash over president choice and boycott resolutions.
Moderates led by Gokhale, Naoroji; Extremists led by Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal.
After Surat Split & Morley-Minto Reforms (1907–1909)
Key Point
After the Surat Split of 1907, the nationalist movement weakened due to factionalism and repression. The British exploited this by suppressing Extremists and conciliating Moderates. To placate demands, the Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909) expanded legislative councils but introduced communal electorates, institutionalising communal politics.
After the Surat Split of 1907, the nationalist movement weakened due to factionalism and repression. The British exploited this by suppressing Extremists and conciliating Moderates. To placate demands, the Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909) expanded legislative councils but introduced communal electorates, institutionalising communal politics.
Detailed Notes (10 points)
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Impact of Surat Split (1907): Congress weakened as Moderates and Extremists split; British used 'carrot and stick' policy.
Attack on Extremists: New laws passed — Seditious Meetings Act (1907), Indian Newspapers Act (1908), Criminal Law Amendment Act (1908), Indian Press Act (1910).
Tilak: Arrested for sedition in 1908 for his Kesari writings; sentenced to 6 years in Mandalay Jail (Burma).
Extremist leaders: Aurobindo Ghosh retired from politics; Bipin Chandra Pal withdrew; Lajpat Rai went abroad. Extremists failed to form alternative party.
British strategy: Three stages — repression of Extremists, conciliation of Moderates (promises of reforms), then full suppression.
Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act, 1909): Enacted under Viceroy Lord Minto and Secretary of State John Morley.
Key features: Increased number of legislative council members; indirect elections introduced; non-official majority allowed in provincial councils (not central); separate electorates granted to Muslims; Indians nominated to executive councils (S.P. Sinha first Indian law member).
Impact: Introduced communal representation in politics (Muslims could vote separately for Muslim candidates); divided nationalist ranks; disappointed Moderates since councils had limited powers.
Nickname: Lord Minto became known as the 'Father of Communal Electorate'.
Evaluation: While reforms introduced Indians into governance structures, they were designed more to divide rather than empower; did not grant responsible government.
Key Repressive Laws (Post-Surat Split)
| Year | Law | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1907 | Seditious Meetings Act | Restricted political gatherings |
| 1908 | Indian Newspapers Act | Censored nationalist press |
| 1908 | Criminal Law Amendment Act | Curbed revolutionary activity |
| 1910 | Indian Press Act | Further tightened press control |
Key Features of Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expansion of Councils | More members in central & provincial councils |
| Indirect Elections | Introduced for the first time |
| Provincial Councils | Non-official majority allowed |
| Central Legislative Council | Still retained official majority |
| Communal Representation | Separate electorates for Muslims introduced |
| Indian in Executive Council | S.P. Sinha appointed as first Indian law member |
Fun Facts
Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council in 1909 as Law Member.
The 1909 reforms disappointed Moderates, as real powers still remained with officials.
The reforms laid the seeds of communal politics, shaping later divisions in Indian society.
Mains Key Points
After Surat Split, British successfully used repression and conciliation to weaken the nationalist movement.
The failure of Extremists to sustain momentum left Moderates dominant for a short while.
The Morley-Minto Reforms expanded councils but denied real power; their major legacy was communal representation through separate electorates.
The reforms deepened communal divisions, which became a long-term challenge for Indian nationalism.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Surat Split → 1907, weakened Congress; allowed British to suppress Extremists.
Tilak imprisoned in Mandalay (1908–1914).
Indian Councils Act of 1909 = Morley-Minto Reforms.
Separate Electorates for Muslims introduced in 1909 → Father of Communal Electorate = Lord Minto.
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