Monday, September 26, 2011

Hindu Revivalism - In Bombay and Madras

Though the spirit of nationalism was first evolved in Bengal but it soon spread in different parts of India, but the positive evidence afforded by contemporary records is not as adequate or as  easily available as in Bengal.In Bombay the writings and activities of Visnu Krishna Chiplunkar, who died in 1882, Mahadev Gobinda Ranade, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and Balgangadhar Tilak, as well as the ideas preached by  Gopalrao Hari Deshmukh, etc definitely indicate the growth of a strong national feeling.This is only what could be normally expected.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the great nationalist leader of Bombay, gave expression to these ideas through his paper the Kesari. As far back as 1885 he wrote;
" We are, at present, gradually being inspired by the spirit of patriotism. The birth of patriotism among us is due to English rule and English  education........"
Tilak made it the great object of his life to diffuse the spirit of patriotism and nationalism among the masses.Among the expedients adopted by him were the inauguration of Shivaji festival and the transformation of the traditional worship of Ganapati into the national service Two of the great forces  are calculated to deeply stir the national mind,namely religion and history.    
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Mahadev Gobinda Ranade was another eminent leader of Bombay, specially inthe field of social and economic rather than political. 
Another important political association of the time was the Mahajan Sabha of Madras founded on May 16, 1884. A fair idea of its views and activities may be formed from the proceedings of the Conference which was summoned by it and met for four days, 29-30 Dec, 1884 and 1-2 Jan 1885. A paper was read recommending the expansion of the Legislative Council to the furthest limit allowed by the Act of 1861, the non-official members being appointed on a representative basis . It was decide to send a memorial on this line to the Government.