The causes of the emergence of the spirit of national consciousness among the people of India were as under:
1. Impact of the Revolt of 1857: The great rising of 1857 had created among the Indians a feeling of national awakening. It gave birth to the movement for the liberation of the country.
2. Exploitation of Indians by the British: The British exploited India economically. Due to their commercial policy, India’s a trade and industry were destroyed. The educated Indians were also discontented with the British policy of denying high government jobs to them. They felt the need to organize themselves to struggle for their rights.
3. Western Culture and Education: Western education created in the minds of Indians the ideas of liberty, equality, and brotherhood. The educated Indians began to think of achieving freedom from the foreign rule.
4. Press and Vernacular Literature: The Indian newspapers and literature also helped in the growth of a new spirit in Indian politics. The well-known newspapers like Amrit Bazar Patrika, The Indian Mirror, The Hindu, The Kesri, The Bengali, etc. propagated the views of national leaders and exposed the evils of the British rule which awakened the national feelings among the Indians.
5. Effects of International Events: During this period, revolutions took place in France, America, and some other countries. The people of these countries changed the governments by sacrificing their lives. The Indians also drew inspiration from these revolutions and started thinking of fighting against British Imperialism.
6. British Policy of Racial Discrimination: The passing of the Vernacular Press Act and denying high posts to the Indians created bitterness against the British in the minds of Indians. It brought a political awakening to the country.
7. Modern means of Transport and Communication: The development of modern means of transport and communication like railways, roads, post and telegraph services also helped in the growth of the national movement. They linked villages and towns. They encouraged social contacts among the people. This promoted national unity and the cause of nationalism.
