HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 285: Model Answer

Question: Discuss the Role of Aurobindo Ghosh in Indian National Movement? (4 marks/ 60 words)

Answer.

Aurobindo Ghosh was born on 15th August 1872 in West Bengal. He completed graduation from Cambridge University. During this time, he was very much influenced by the French revolution. Clearing the civil service Examination and spending 14 years in England, he came to India in 1892.

His Role in Indian nationalism:

• Returning to India, he learned the Bengali language and began reading Anandamath, Dharmatatva, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. These writings sowed a sense of spiritual hunger and patriotism in him.
• In 1900, at Baroda college, Aurobindo was appointed as a professor. During this time, a Maratha newspaper,  Induprakash, wrote a sensitive series of articles entitled “New Lamps for Old.”
• Through these articles, Aurobindo suggested people not to depend upon the charity of the British. He also said that our nation’s actual enemy was our weakness and cowardness, not the external forces.
• In Bengal, he got in touch with revolutionaries and inspired young revolutionaries such as Bagha Jatin, Jatin Banerjee and Surendranath Tagore. He was also instrumental in the formation of several youth clubs including the Anushilan Samiti.
• In 1905, Aurobindo considered the partition of Bengal as a blessing as it would raise the people’s national sentiment.
• In 1906, through a Bengali newspaper, Yugantar, he called for open revolt and complete independence. This article became widely popular and sparked a national sentiment. As a result, mass protests spread across the country.
• In 1906, at the request of Bipin Chandra Pal, he wrote some articles in the Vandemataram newspaper. This article angered the British government because, through this article, he highlighted British dominance in Indian politics and talked about the whole process of westernization.
• In 1907, the congress split due to a showdown between moderates and extremists. Aurobindo sided with extremists and supported Bal Gangadhar Tilak. After this, he travelled extensively across Pune, Baroda and Bombay to educate people and get support for national movement.
• In 1908 Aurobindo was arrested for his involvement in the Alipore conspiracy case.

Conclusion: He significantly contributed to establishing the theory of Passive Resistance and Boycott. He described India as a “Mother Goddess.” Hence, he wanted total freedom, not political freedom.