Revolutionary Nationalism
The rise and growth of revolutionary nationalism in British India was inspired by a combination of political, social and economic factors. These movements which emerged in late 19th and early 20th century represented a method of petition and negotiations advocated by early nationalist. The movement drew inspiration from a mixed of a indigenous traditions and global revolutionary ideas. The immediate political cause of revolutionary nationalism can be traced backed to the dissatisfaction with the slow paced of reforms. The partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon was a significant turning point that sparked the widespread anger and protest across the country. The division of Bengal was seen as an attempt to divide and rule by splitting the Hindu and Muslim population which led to the questions upon effectiveness of constitutional and peaceful protest and seek a more direct form of action against British rule. The social and cultural forces of the time also contributed towards the rise of revolutionary movement. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witness a resurgence of cultural nationalism coupled with a revival of marital tradition in regions like Punjab, Bengal, Maharashtra. This revival was partly a response to the British cultural imperialism and derogatorily depiction of Indian civilization as passive. Economic grievances also played a crucial role in promoting revolutionary sentiment among Indians. The exploitative economic policies of the British which priorities British industrial interest led to widespread unemployment and poverty. The spread of western education and ideas among the Indian middle class exposed young Indian to the revolutionary and the democratic ideals. The writing of Italian revolutionary Mazzini, the Irish nationalist and the success of the Russian Revolution provided inspiration and a model for political action.
The ideology and Program of Revolutionaries
The ideology of the revolutionary struggle in British India was rooted in a profound sense of nationalist and urgent call for action against colonial rule. A crucial aspect of their ideology was the emphasis on sacrifice and martyrdom for the nation's cause. The revolutionaries sought to awaken a sense of patriotism amongst the Indians through their deeps and sacrifices hoping to inspire others to join struggle for freedom. The revolutionary struggle was a response from the side of nationalist youth challenging colonialism. It emerged as an alternative form of struggle i.e. an alternative for moderates constitutional agitation and extremist passive resistance. The fundamental element of revolutionary ideology was the path of violence to create fear among the British. They wanted to initiate an armed struggle against the British rule in India. Their program were manifested in the form of assassination of unpopular British officials and organizing Swadeshi dacoities to raise funds. The revolutionaries kept heroism and the spirit of self sacrifice at a very higher level of patriotism. In this context they used rhetorical songs and slogans during the struggle e.g. the famous slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" coined by Hasrat Mohani inspired activities of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh. The revolutionaries focused on building up secret societies to carry out their activities. These societies played a significant role in providing the training and planning of revolutionary acitivites. Another important medium of revolutionary activities was newspaper and journals which they used as chief medium for the spread of revolutionary thought and to aroused anti-imperialistic sentiment. While primarily focused on political independence, some revolutionary groups also recognized the importance of social and educational reform as a part of their struggle. In this context they wanted to eradicate the social evils, promote education among the masses and develop a sense of unity and national conciseness beyond an individual belief about his religion and caste.