The following reasons are responsible for the emergence of national sentiments during the last phase of 19th century i. e., after 1850. 

1. Influence of the reform movement: 

In the emergence of the national sentiments, the social and religious reform movements were very helpful. There were many evil practices and superstitions prevalent in Indian society and religion. As a result of reform movements, the creation of modern India was encouraged and a background was prepared for the resurgence of nationalism in India. 

2. Influence of English education: 

In 1835, Lord Macaulay implemented English language as a medium of education in India. Its purpose was to destroy the national sentiment, but it had an opposite effect. The English educated Indians studied several western literature. The feeling of nationalism emerged in the minds of the Indians also, as they read about the thoughts of Mill, Spencer, etc. and about the freedom struggles conducted in America, Italy glorious revolution of France and Ireland. 

3. The influence of newspapers and magazines: 

A free press and foreign rule are hostile to each other. Sambad Kaumudi,, Bombay News, Amrit Bazar Patrika, Tribune, The Hindu and Kesari were main newspapers of those days. These papers criticized the unjust policies of the British government. This criticism made Indian national movement more dynamic. 

4. Economic exploitation of India: 

The policy of economic exploitation destroyed Indian industries. The Britishers established their control on Indian trade. So, the discontentment among-st Indians went on increasing. 

5. The Racial Discrimination Policy: 

After the revolution of 1857, the Britishers began to look upon Indians scornfully. They were treated disgracefully and were discriminated against at public places. 

6. Discrimination in the government services: 

In 1858, Queen Victoria had declared that recruitment on the government posts would be made on the basis of ability and qualification, and there would be no discrimination between the Indians and the Europeans. But it was not done so in practice. This created resentment among-st Indians. 

7. Development of transportation and communications: 

The British government had spread a network of transport and communication. But this resulted into narrowing the distance among-st Indians. Exchange of views among-st Indians became easier and awakening among the masses gathered momentum. 

8. Unjust policy of Lord Lytton: 

Lord Lytton (1876 – 80) established a reactionary administration. For example, the reduction in age for the Indian civil services examination from 21 to 18 years. Delhi court was organised when a severe famine had Struck the South, Afghanistan was invaded on the basis of imperialistic policy of the British and excessive taxes were collected from Indians for all this, Due to this, Indians went further against the British government. 

9. Establishment of the Indian National Congress:

 In 1885, at the time of its foundation, Indian National Congress was a national institution which represented all the groups of Indian society. In the beginning, it behaved that the presence of British Government in India was in the interest of India, but gradually, it changed its goal and the leadership of the national movement came in its hands. 

10. Lord Curzon’s suppressive policy: 

Lord Curzon (1898 -1905) was an able administrator, but he hated Indians. During his reign, many adverse ordinances were issued and many anti – Indian bills were passed. In 1905, the Bengal province was partitioned. He did so to check the wave of nationalism in Bengal, but it had an adverse effect. Bengal became the center of revolution and gradually it spread throughout India. In this way, the above mentioned reasons instilled the spirit of nationalism among-st Indians in later half of the 19th century.