Explain the factors that led to the rise of nationalism in India in the 19th century.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in one line. Nationalism, the feeling of belonging to one nation, grew in 19th century India through several forces working together.
2 · Shared oppression. All classes suffered under colonial rule, and this common experience tied them together.
3 · Political and administrative unity. One set of British laws across regions built the idea of one nation and common citizenship.
4 · Economic exploitation. Loss of land and livelihood made peasants, artisans and others unite against British control of their lives.
5 · Reformers and thinkers. Vivekananda, Dayanand Saraswati and others revived pride in India's past; Bankim Chandra's Vande Mataram became a rallying cry.
6 · Press and modern ideas. Newspapers spread ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity, and regional associations raised common grievances.
7 · Close in one line. These forces came together in the founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
Scoring tip: Name each factor in two or three words, then explain it in one sentence with an example.
