Causes of the Rise of Indian National Movement

The causes of the rise of the Indian National Movement within the country occurred mostly in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Prior to then, there had been fights and conflicts opposing British colonialism, but they had all been restricted to small regions and, in just about any event, did not span the entire country of India. In addition, several intellectuals at that period did not believe India to have been a nation. Political unity had happened throughout history under great rulers such as Akbar and Ashoka, and to some extent during the Marathas, but it was not durable. Despite being controlled by several kings, cultural cohesiveness was always visible, and external powers generally regarded the subcontinent as Hind or India as a single entity.

The national movement, having the goal of social and political liberation of the people, may be considered to have begun in India towards the year1885, along with the establishment of the National Congress.

Causes that led to the rise of the Indian National Movement

Various factors build up until the end climax moment for every movement to gain traction. Likewise, the formation of the National Movement is the consequence of numerous factors that finally resulted in the formation of the Indian National Congress. A few of these causes of the rise of the Indian National Movement are described shortly below.

• Western Education – 

• The British established several schools and institutions in India in order for the people to grasp their local language and for the British to ease their reign in India.
• However, after learning their languages, Indians had a deeper knowledge of their approach as well as the globe.
• Education instilled in Indians the concepts of freedom and equality, providing them with a shared aim of being self-sufficient.
• Previously, India had a plethora of languages, which created a barrier between people. However, the universal language English brought the Indians together, allowing them to interact effectively with one another.
• Education also pushed them to spread the importance of freedom and diverse revolutionary ideologies throughout India.

• Infrastructure – 

• The British attempt to develop roads, railroads and telegraphic networks in India was intended to increase communication between sites and the convenience of transit of their troops in order to quash any insurrection.
• However, the infrastructure eventually allowed Indians to contact individuals from other cultures and groups, which heightened their fury. 
• As a result, the concept of nationalism spurred Indians to embrace the Indian National Movement.

• Socio-Religious Movements across India – 

• Numerous revolutionaries in India including the rise of Gandhi in the Indian National Movement led to engagement in rationalism, patriotism and women empowerment.
• These were the reformers who made the effort to eradicate prejudices and put notions of logic, scientific thought, and patriotism in the consciousness of the Indians.
• The battle for women’s rights and freedom was a key component of India’s National Movement. As a result, many women emerged to become independence fighters in India.

• British Administration – 

• In place of the previous structure, the British Government now governed all parts of Indian territory.
• This instilled a sense of political integration among the people who had previously been divided into many kingdoms.

• Economic Policies – 

• The British economic plans were responsible for the growth of destitution and famine in India.
• People died as a result of economic policies that failed to address poverty and indebtedness.
• Because it was the Indians only who bore the consequences of the then government’s economic plans, it ultimately aroused resentment amongst some of the Indians, leading to the establishment of the National Movement.

• Press Growth – 

• The late nineteenth century saw the expansion and growth of the national press in British English and several vernacular languages.
• People from many locations began connecting with one another using this medium. It aided the Indians in disseminating knowledge.

Conclusion

As a result of these reasons, nationalism flourished. The mind, body and heart of the Indians were imbued with a message of hope. They finally awoke from their lethargy and joined the fight for liberty. British rule was about to fall. In 1885, the formation of the Indian National Congress accelerated the process. The cause of the rise of the Indian National Movement was the consequence of shared consciousness between all classes and revolutionaries in India, instead of just the handmaids of a single class. Beginning in 1885, the Indian National Congress contributed to the expansion and consolidation of nationalism. It eventually resulted in Indian independence. The rise of Gandhi in the Indian National Movement which led to many revolts including the Salt Satyagraha also aided the process.