RISING TIDE OF NATIONALISM

        The failure of the outbreak of 1857 opened a new phase in India’s struggle for freedom. The idea of open armed resistance against the British was now at a discount though it was not altogether discarded as is evident from the Santhal outbreak (1855) in Bihar and The Indigo Disturbances (1859-2862) In Bengal.

The Wahabis too carried on a relentless struggle against the British, which could only be suppressed after the State Trials of Ambala (1864), Patna (1865), Malda (September 1870) and Rajmahal (October 1870).

Important leaders of the movement – Yahya Ali, Ahmadullah, Amiruddin, Ibrahim Mandal and Rafique Mandal were tried, convicted and transported for life. Similarly, the Kukas in the Punjab, under their Guru. RAM SING put up a stout resistance against the British (1872), resulting in many casualties and the deportation of their Guru to Rangoon where he died in 1855.

The political ideas and organizations which had taken root before 1857 now flowered into a new national or political consciousness.

This was brought about by the sudden revelation of the past glory of India through the works of scholars like William Jones, James Prinsep, Max Muller, James Fergusson, H.H. Wilson, R.G. Bhandarkar and Rajendrala Mitra, and through Excavations and Explorations carried on under the supervision of Alexander Cunningham.

The preaching’s of the various religious associations as the Arya Samaj, Theosophical Society and Ramakrishna Mission also helped to foster pride in the country and its glorious past.

        To these factors was added the discontent of the intelligentsia against British rule. The economic ruin of the country, caused by the selfish policy of a mercantile England, was emphasized by the chronic poverty of the people and recurrence of famines.

Even when millions were dying of famine in the South, a magnificent Durbar (January 1, 1877) was held at Delhi and its expenses had to be borne by the famished people of India. Another disconcerting feature was the racial arrogance of the English.

Rude behavior towards Indian, sometimes accompanied by Brutal Assault, striking of servants and ordinary men on the slightest provocation and turning even respectable Indians out of railway compartment was quite common.

While Englishmen were let off with very light punishment even for heinous crimes, Indians were severely punished for the slightest offences or discourtesy to Englishmen.