Resistance and Economic Nationalism

Introduction #

The British colonial period in India was marked by significant economic exploitation, which led to widespread resistance and the rise of economic nationalism. This chapter explores the various forms of resistance against British economic policies and the development of economic nationalism as a driving force in the Indian independence movement.

Early Economic Grievances and Resistance #

Peasant Revolts and Agrarian Unrest #

The economic exploitation of Indian peasants through oppressive revenue systems and forced cultivation of cash crops led to numerous revolts and uprisings.

• The Indigo Rebellion (1859-60): Peasants in Bengal revolted against the coercive practices of British indigo planters, who forced them to grow indigo under oppressive contracts. The rebellion was marked by widespread violence and resistance.
• The Deccan Riots (1875): Peasants in the Deccan region of Maharashtra protested against high land revenue demands, rising debts, and the exploitation by moneylenders. The riots highlighted the agrarian distress and economic exploitation faced by the rural population.
• The Pabna Rebellion (1873-76): Peasants in Pabna district, Bengal, organized against the oppressive zamindari system and the excessive rent demands of landlords. The rebellion was characterized by non-violent resistance and the formation of peasant associations.

Tribal Movements #

Tribal communities, affected by British land policies and economic exploitation, also organized resistance movements.

• Santhal Rebellion (1855-56): The Santhal tribe in present-day Jharkhand revolted against the exploitation by British officials, landlords, and moneylenders. The rebellion was brutally suppressed, but it highlighted the grievances of tribal communities.
• Munda Rebellion (1899-1900): Led by Birsa Munda, the Mundas of Chotanagpur revolted against the British-imposed land tenure system and the exploitation by landlords. The rebellion emphasized the demand for the restoration of traditional land rights.

Artisanal and Industrial Resistance #

The deindustrialization of traditional industries and the exploitation of industrial workers also led to resistance.

• Weavers’ Protests: Handloom weavers, particularly in Bengal, protested against the influx of cheap British textiles that destroyed their livelihoods. These protests often took the form of strikes and petitions to British authorities.
• Labor Strikes: Industrial workers in cities like Bombay and Calcutta organized strikes to demand better wages, working conditions, and labor rights. The Bombay Mill Strike of 1919 and the jute mill strikes in Bengal were significant examples of labor resistance.

Rise of Economic Nationalism #

The Swadeshi Movement (1905-08) #

The Swadeshi movement, initiated in response to the partition of Bengal in 1905, marked a significant phase in the development of economic nationalism.

• Boycott of British Goods: The movement called for the boycott of British goods and the promotion of Indian-made products (swadeshi). This economic strategy aimed to reduce dependence on British imports and revive indigenous industries.
• Promotion of Indigenous Industries: Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh advocated for the development of indigenous industries, including textiles, handlooms, and crafts. The establishment of swadeshi enterprises, such as the Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works and the Tata Iron and Steel Company, was encouraged.
• Mass Mobilization: The Swadeshi movement involved mass mobilization, with public meetings, processions, and the burning of foreign goods. It also emphasized self-reliance and the economic empowerment of Indians.

Gandhian Economic Nationalism #

Mahatma Gandhi’s approach to economic nationalism emphasized self-reliance, village industries, and non-violent resistance.

• Charkha and Khadi: Gandhi promoted the spinning wheel (charkha) and the use of hand-spun cloth (khadi) as symbols of economic self-reliance and resistance to British economic exploitation. The charkha became a central symbol of the Indian independence movement.
• Village Industries: Gandhi advocated for the revival of village industries and traditional crafts as a means to achieve economic self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on British goods. He believed that the development of rural industries would address poverty and unemployment.
• Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience: Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement (1920-22) and civil disobedience movement (1930-34) included economic strategies such as the boycott of British goods, refusal to pay taxes, and the promotion of swadeshi products.

Role of Indian National Congress #

The Indian National Congress (INC) played a crucial role in articulating economic grievances and promoting economic nationalism.

• Early Economic Demands: In its early sessions, the INC raised economic issues such as the drain of wealth, high land revenue demands, and the need for industrial development. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Romesh Chunder Dutt highlighted the economic exploitation under British rule.
• Resolutions and Campaigns: The INC passed resolutions calling for the promotion of indigenous industries, the reduction of land revenue, and the protection of Indian labor. The organization also launched campaigns to mobilize public support for economic nationalism.
• Economic Programs: The INC’s economic programs included support for cooperative movements, the establishment of national banks, and the encouragement of technical education and industrial research.

Impact of Economic Nationalism #

Revival of Indigenous Industries #

Economic nationalism led to the revival and growth of indigenous industries.

• Textile Industry: The promotion of swadeshi textiles led to the establishment of textile mills in Bombay, Ahmedabad, and other cities. The growth of the Indian textile industry reduced dependence on British imports and provided employment to thousands.
• Small-Scale Industries: The emphasis on village industries and traditional crafts led to the revival of small-scale industries, benefiting rural artisans and craftsmen.
• Industrial Enterprises: Indian entrepreneurs established industrial enterprises in sectors such as steel, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The Tata Iron and Steel Company, founded in 1907, became a symbol of Indian industrial capability.

Social and Political Mobilization #

Economic nationalism contributed to the broader nationalist movement by mobilizing various sections of society.

• Peasants and Workers: Economic grievances and the promotion of swadeshi products resonated with peasants and workers, who joined the nationalist movement in large numbers.
• Middle Class and Intelligentsia: The educated middle class and intelligentsia played a key role in articulating economic demands and promoting economic nationalism. Their involvement added intellectual and organizational strength to the movement.
• Women and Youth: The economic boycott and promotion of indigenous products provided opportunities for women and youth to participate in the nationalist movement. Women organized picketing of foreign goods shops and promoted khadi, while youth participated in public demonstrations and campaigns.

Long-Term Economic Impact #

The long-term impact of economic nationalism was significant for India’s post-independence economic development.

• Foundation for Industrialization: The revival of indigenous industries and the establishment of industrial enterprises during the nationalist movement laid the foundation for post-independence industrialization.
• Economic Policies: The principles of self-reliance and protection of indigenous industries influenced India’s economic policies after independence. The government adopted policies to promote industrialization, protect domestic industries, and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
• Legacy of Economic Empowerment: The emphasis on economic self-reliance and empowerment during the nationalist movement continues to influence contemporary economic policies and initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous industries and inclusive economic growth.

Conclusion #

Resistance to British economic exploitation and the rise of economic nationalism were key aspects of the Indian independence movement. Various forms of resistance, from peasant revolts and labor strikes to the Swadeshi movement and Gandhian economic strategies, highlighted the economic grievances of the Indian population and mobilized support for the nationalist cause. The impact of economic nationalism was significant, leading to the revival of indigenous industries, social and political mobilization, and the foundation for post-independence economic development. Understanding the dynamics of resistance and economic nationalism is crucial for comprehending the broader context of India’s struggle for independence and its ongoing efforts towards economic self-reliance and empowerment.

References #

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