Introduction
The 19th century witnessed a profound transformation in India, marked by a cultural, intellectual, and social renaissance. Uttar Pradesh, a historically significant region, played a crucial role in this revival. The Renaissance in Uttar Pradesh was influenced by British colonial rule, socio-religious movements, the spread of Western education, and the rise of nationalist consciousness. It led to significant changes in education, literature, art, social reforms, and political awakening.
This article explores the nature of the Renaissance in Uttar Pradesh during the 19th century, analyzing its various dimensions, key figures, and long-term impact.
1. Historical Background
Before the 19th century, Uttar Pradesh, known as the United Provinces (UP) under British rule, was a major cultural and political center of India. The Mughal Empire had declined, and British control had strengthened through treaties, annexations, and direct administration.
- The Battle of Buxar (1764) and the Treaty of Allahabad (1765) established British dominance in the region.
- By the early 19th century, British policies led to significant socio-economic and political changes.
- The introduction of Western education and printing technology encouraged new ideas and social reforms.
The 19th-century Renaissance in Uttar Pradesh was influenced by similar developments in Bengal but had its own unique trajectory shaped by the region’s historical and cultural legacy.
2. Social Reforms and Religious Renaissance
The 19th-century Renaissance in Uttar Pradesh was closely linked to social reforms aimed at eradicating social evils, promoting rational thinking, and reviving indigenous traditions.
2.1 Role of Social Reform Movements
Several reform movements emerged to challenge orthodox traditions and promote progressive ideals.
Brahmo Samaj
- Founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1828) in Bengal, the Brahmo Samaj had a strong influence in Uttar Pradesh.
- It propagated monotheism, social equality, and the abolition of caste discrimination.
- Brahmo Samaj branches in cities like Varanasi, Allahabad, and Kanpur promoted progressive thought.
Arya Samaj
- Founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati (1875), Arya Samaj became a powerful reformist force in Uttar Pradesh.
- It emphasized Vedic purity, social equality, and opposition to idol worship and superstitions.
- The movement encouraged education for women and widow remarriage.
Aligarh Movement and Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
- Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817–1898) was a key figure in the Muslim Renaissance in Uttar Pradesh.
- He founded the Aligarh Movement to promote modern education among Muslims.
- Established the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College (1875), which later became Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
- Advocated for rationalism, scientific education, and Hindu-Muslim unity.
3. Educational Renaissance
The 19th century saw the emergence of modern education in Uttar Pradesh, which played a crucial role in intellectual awakening.
3.1 British Educational Reforms
- The Charter Act of 1813 allowed Christian missionaries to establish schools in Uttar Pradesh.
- The Macaulay Minute (1835) promoted English education, influencing schools and colleges in Allahabad, Lucknow, and Banaras.
- Government institutions like Agra College (1823) and Muir Central College (Allahabad, 1872) became centers of higher learning.
3.2 Role of Native Institutions
- Banaras Hindu College (1791) evolved into Banaras Hindu University (BHU) under the efforts of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
- Darul Uloom Deoband (1866) emerged as a major center for Islamic education and reform.
- Indigenous schools called pathshalas and madrasas coexisted with Western-style schools.
Education in Uttar Pradesh led to the rise of modern intellectuals, journalists, and reformers, contributing to nationalist movements in the later years.
4. Literary and Cultural Renaissance
The 19th-century Renaissance in Uttar Pradesh saw a resurgence in literature, journalism, and performing arts, blending tradition with modernity.
4.1 Growth of Hindi and Urdu Literature
- The period saw the rise of Hindi prose, poetry, and journalism.
- Bhartendu Harishchandra (1850–1885), the father of modern Hindi literature, led the Bhartendu Mandal to promote social reform through literature.
- Munshi Premchand (though active in the early 20th century) laid the foundations of realism in Hindi literature.
- Urdu literature flourished in Lucknow and Allahabad, with poets like Mirza Ghalib and Nazir Akbarabadi contributing to its growth.
4.2 Rise of Journalism
- The emergence of printing presses led to the growth of newspapers and periodicals.
- “Banaras Akhbar” (1845) and “Oudh Akhbar” (1858) played a crucial role in spreading reformist ideas.
- “Aligarh Institute Gazette” (established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan) promoted scientific and rational thinking.
4.3 Cultural Revival
- Music and dance traditions in Lucknow and Varanasi saw innovations in classical forms like Kathak.
- The Nautanki and Raslila traditions of folk theater blended entertainment with social messages.
The literary and cultural revival of the 19th century laid the groundwork for modern Indian nationalism and social change.
5. Political Awakening and Nationalist Movements
The socio-cultural awakening of the 19th century in Uttar Pradesh also had political ramifications.
5.1 The Revolt of 1857
- Uttar Pradesh was the epicenter of the First War of Indian Independence (1857).
- Key centers of resistance included Meerut, Kanpur (Nana Sahib), Lucknow (Begum Hazrat Mahal), and Jhansi (Rani Lakshmibai).
- Although the revolt was crushed, it ignited nationalist consciousness among Indians.
5.2 Rise of Nationalist Consciousness
- The Indian National Congress (INC) (founded in 1885) gained support in Uttar Pradesh.
- Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak inspired nationalistic activities in cities like Allahabad and Lucknow.
- Allahabad became an important political hub, with leaders like Motilal Nehru advocating self-rule.
The political awakening in Uttar Pradesh in the 19th century set the stage for the freedom movement in the 20th century.
6. Economic Changes and Impact of Colonial Policies
British economic policies transformed Uttar Pradesh’s agrarian and trade economy.
6.1 Decline of Indigenous Industries
- Handloom and textile industries suffered due to British imports.
- The decline of Banaras silk and Lucknow’s chikankari industry led to economic hardships.
6.2 Changes in Agriculture
- The Permanent Settlement (1793) and Ryotwari System led to increased peasant exploitation.
- Indigo plantations in areas like Kanpur and Allahabad caused peasant unrest.
6.3 Emergence of a New Middle Class
- Western-educated Indians in Uttar Pradesh became lawyers, teachers, and bureaucrats.
- This new intellectual class played a vital role in social reform and nationalism.
7. Conclusion
The Renaissance in Uttar Pradesh in the 19th century was a multi-dimensional movement encompassing social, educational, cultural, and political transformations. It was marked by:
- Social reform movements (Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Aligarh Movement).
- Growth of modern education (Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, Deoband School).
- Resurgence of Hindi and Urdu literature (Bhartendu Harishchandra, Mirza Ghalib).
- Rise of journalism as a tool of social and political awakening.
- Political movements leading to nationalist consciousness.
The 19th-century Renaissance in Uttar Pradesh laid the foundation for the Indian freedom struggle and socio-economic reforms of the 20th century. Its impact continues to shape the cultural and intellectual fabric of the state today.
