A new book examines why some Indians turned to ‘terrorism’ early in the struggle for independence
· Scroll
Visit freshyourfeel.org for more information.
Though India’s struggle for independence was largely non-violent, it was constantly shadowed and vitalised by a relatively small but vocal and, at times, highly effective terrorist movement. The movement began in the 1870s as a reaction against the way in which the colonial government set about responding to the political trauma of 1857.
As we saw elsewhere, most Indians thought that the government in London was sympathetic to their aspirations, but that its good intentions were systematically frustrated by its narrow-minded representatives in India. Queen Victoria’s proclamation seemed to them to indict previous Indian governments and to promise better times. The Raj’s subsequent failure to satisfy the legitimate expectations it had itself aroused led to bitter disappointment. Furthermore, the new style of government in India intensified the growing trend towards bureaucratic rule.
The Indian administrative system was a closed corporation, proud of its professionalism, supremely convinced that it knew how to rule and civilise the country, and held together by a fierce sense of mutual loyalty. It was remote, arrogant, unbending, and in no doubt that it was devoted to the pursuit of the interests of its subjects. It fancied itself as their protector and guardian, and in close touch with their...