Class 12 History - ISC
Growth of Nationalism 1858-1905
The chapter 'Growth of Nationalism 1858-1905' for Class 12 ISC History explores the transition of Indian resistance from the Revolt of 1857 to organized political movements. It covers the rise of socio-religious reform movements, the impact of repressive British policies under Viceroys like Lytton and Curzon, and the birth of the Indian National Congress in 1885. Students will study the methods and achievements of the Early Nationalists (Moderates) and the factors that led to the rise of Assertive Nationalism (Extremists). This chapter is crucial for board exams as it forms the foundation of India's freedom struggle.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Socio-Religious Reform Movements
Movements led by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and Jyotirao Phule that revived Indian pride, eradicated social evils, and laid the intellectual foundation for nationalism.
Impact of British Repressive Policies
Acts such as the Vernacular Press Act, the Arms Act, and the lowering of the age limit for the Civil Services Examination by Lord Lytton, which united Indians against racial discrimination and colonial exploitation.
Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885)
Founded by A.O. Hume with W.C. Bonnerjee as its first president, the INC provided an organized platform for Indians to voice their political grievances and demands.
The Early Nationalists (Moderates)
Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and G.K. Gokhale who believed in constitutional methods, petitions, and prayers to press for gradual political reforms.
Economic Critique of British Rule (Drain Theory)
Dadabhai Naoroji's theory explaining how Britain was systematically draining India's wealth and resources, which exposed the true exploitative nature of colonial rule.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the ISC Class 12 History examination, this chapter typically carries around 8 to 12 marks. Questions usually include structured short-answer questions (Part I) and long essay-type questions (Part II) focusing on the factors leading to nationalism, the role and methods of the Moderates, and the objectives of the early INC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Early Nationalists and Assertive Nationalists?
Early Nationalists (Moderates) believed in loyalty to the Crown and used peaceful, constitutional methods like prayers and petitions. Assertive Nationalists (Extremists) demanded immediate Swaraj, lacked faith in British justice, and adopted aggressive methods like Boycott, Swadeshi, and National Education.
Why is Dadabhai Naoroji's 'Drain Theory' important?
It was important because it scientifically proved that British economic policies were the root cause of India's poverty, thereby destroying the myth of the 'benevolent British rule' and uniting Indians economically.
What was the immediate cause for the Partition of Bengal in 1905?
Officially, the British claimed administrative efficiency for a large province, but the real political motive was to 'Divide and Rule' by splitting the Hindu and Muslim populations of Bengal to curb the rising tide of nationalism.
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