Nationalism in India Class 10 Nationalism in India is a movement that emerged in the late 19th century and gained momentum in the early 20th century. It was a response to British colonial rule and aimed to restore Indian independence and sovereignty. The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, played a crucial role in the nationalist movement. The nationalist movement was driven by various factors, including economic exploitation, cultural suppression, and political discrimination. British colonial policies and practices were seen as exploitative and discriminatory towards Indians, and this created a strong sense of resentment among the Indian people.