Discuss the development of nationalism among the Muslims.
Communalism played a significant role in the creation of nationalism among the Muslims. The communal feelings made them think that there was no such thing as a Hindu nation. On the other hand, they believed in Hindu Nation and Muslim Nation. It was well known that before 1870, the Muslims had no communal feelings. Their communalism is the contribution of the colonial rule in India. In 1857, the Hindus and the Muslims had fought unitedly against the British rule. But the British had charged more severe punishments to only Muslims due to which the Muslims later on turned out to be aggressive. The British played a great role in it. When the National Movement started in the country, the British felt concerned for their empire in India.They did not want unity between the Hindus and Muslims which was the basis of a national upsurge. So they adopted the policy of Divide and Rule. They followed this policy not only politically but also with people belonging to different religions. They also decided to attract Muslim landlords, land owners and newly-educated youth. They taught all the Muslims that their interests varied from that of the Hindus. They advised all the Muslims that they should form their own organization if they want to make any progress. Sayyed Ahmed Khan helped a lot in instilling a feeling of separatism among the Muslims. During the last days of his life, he had become a conservative. He declared that the interests of the Hindus and the Muslims were different. So he laid the foundation of aggressive nationalism in the Muslims. He opposed the formation of Congress in 1885 with all his might.
