Paper short abstract:

This paper co-relates the rise in anti- imperial sentiments and mobilization of Indians against foreign domination during four nineteenth century famines in politically crucial North Western Provinces and Awadh, now Uttar Pradesh.

Paper long abstract:

This paper investgates the spread of national consciousness and mobilization against colonialism in North Western Provinces and Awadh, still the determining centre of Indian polity.

During four devastating famines (1837-8, 1860-1, 1868-9,1896-7), that ravaged this province, affected people combined, confronted government for the enforcement of their entitlements, reminding the rulers of Rajdharma, obligations. They petitioned officials, merchants money lenders for concessions; issued threats even murdered perceived oppressors; vandalized imperial symbols, committed dacoities, loot. Particularly indicted was the expoliation of hunger for proselytim by some missions. Lawlessness was so unprecedented that army stoodby in several districts. Economic and cultural grievances coalsced and cre reason for the watershed 1857 war. Rebel farmans underlined increasing poverty, indebtedness, recurring famines to mobilize people.

From 1860's critics of economic imperialism, nationalists, reformers, organizations like Arya Samaj, Bramho Samaj, Ram Krishna Mission, the Indian National Congress commonly indicted increasing poverty, indebtedness, recurring famines, attributing these to exploitative economic imperial policies. They criticized the narrow, callous state relief, organized their own relief which became opportunities to spread political, national messages, mobilizing the afflicted. It demonstrated that Indians were capable of managing their national affairs, debunking the 'white man's burden,' and 'civilizing mission' theses.

The discourse of these actors, the mechanisms deployed for nationalist mobilization, and government response to such activities will be examined.