Which of the following critiques the argument that the Indian Rebellion of 1857 caused the birth of
Indian nationalism?(1 point)
People from a diverse set of backgrounds joined the rebellion and
sought to place the Mughal emperor back on the throne.
India saw a wide variety of responses to the rebellion including some
groups allying with the British.
India is a pluralistic society and rarely was unified as a geographic
region during its history.
The rebellion was violent, but later resistance to the British was
focused on nonviolent resistance.
The correct answer is: India saw a wide variety of responses to the rebellion including some groups allying with the British.
The critique that argues against the Indian Rebellion of 1857 causing the birth of Indian nationalism focuses on various aspects. One point of critique is that people from a diverse set of backgrounds joined the rebellion and sought to place the Mughal emperor back on the throne. This suggests that the main goal of the rebellion was not necessarily the establishment of a unified Indian nationalist movement.
Another critique is that India saw a wide variety of responses to the rebellion, including some groups allying with the British. This indicates that there was not a consistent sentiment of Indian nationalism during this period.
Additionally, the critique highlights that India is a pluralistic society and rarely unified as a geographic region throughout its history. This implies that the concept of Indian nationalism may not have been as prevalent or developed as the argument suggests.
Lastly, it is pointed out that while the rebellion was violent, later resistance to the British was focused on nonviolent means. This implies a shift in strategies and goals, indicating that the Indian Rebellion of 1857 may not have directly led to the birth of Indian nationalism as it is understood today.
To determine which of the given statements critiques the argument that the Indian Rebellion of 1857 caused the birth of Indian nationalism, we can analyze each option and assess its relevance to the argument.
1. "People from a diverse set of backgrounds joined the rebellion and sought to place the Mughal emperor back on the throne."
This statement supports the idea that the Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a unifying event that brought people from various backgrounds together. It implies that the rebellion had a nationalist sentiment. Therefore, this statement does not critique the argument.
2. "India saw a wide variety of responses to the rebellion including some groups allying with the British."
This statement acknowledges that not all groups in India supported the rebellion and some even aligned themselves with the British. It suggests that there was division and varying perspectives on the rebellion, undermining the notion of a unified nationalism emerging from it. Thus, this statement critiques the argument.
3. "India is a pluralistic society and rarely was unified as a geographic region during its history."
This statement proposes that India has historically lacked geographic unity and is characterized by a diverse and pluralistic society. It suggests that Indian nationalism may not have been an inherent consequence of the rebellion, as it draws attention to the challenges in unifying such a diverse nation. Therefore, this statement critiques the argument.
4. "The rebellion was violent, but later resistance to the British was focused on nonviolent resistance."
This statement highlights a shift in resistance strategies from violent rebellion to nonviolent resistance against the British. It implies that the later resistance movements, which were more influential in shaping Indian nationalism, had different approaches. This statement critiques the argument as it indicates that the rebellion was not the sole cause of Indian nationalism.
Considering the analysis, statements 2, 3, and 4 critique the argument that the Indian Rebellion of 1857 caused the birth of Indian nationalism.