Question

With reference to the rise of ‘National Consciousness’ in India, explain the development of modern means of transport and communication.

Answer 1

Hint: The modern means of transport were introduced to India by the British in the 19th c with the development of road connectivity and development of railways, motor buses and telegraph. This gradually helped the nationalist in creating awareness and reaching out to masses more efficiently.

Complete answer: The modern means of communication, especially railways, was seen by British as quintessential for industrial development, successful military successions and efficient administration. Therefore, the primary aim behind the construction was to help British officials. Telegraph too on similar lines helped in taking more prompt decisions.
This technological development had a straightforward impact over Indians, too; wealthy traders were able to profit from it. Railways served another purpose of being the means for organizing the national political movement and interacting with the masses at a very large scale. They allowed the political parties and even individuals to develop a vast information network to strategically form their plan of action. These nationalist leaders were now able to hold conferences and reach out to earlier inaccessible places and people.
Modern transport means also led to the spread of mass media and print culture, making it within reach of more people. Even with the absence of leaders, magazines, books, pamphlets kind of make people aware of what’s happening in the world.
All these collective efforts encouraged the development of a ‘National Consciousness’ where people were able to rise above their differences and fight for their complete freedom from the British.

Note: Trains had people from different castes and communities even untouchables using it together, which wouldn’t be a common scenario otherwise. Thus, locomotive allowed for the intermingling of people from different social backgrounds, making it easy for people to come together for a nationalist cause.