The main factors that played a major role in the rise of nationalism in India are as follows :

1. Political Reasons: Before the British came to India, the nation was divided into small and big princely states. The British defeated many kings and set up their rule all over the country. Though they implemented a uniform administrative system, the British rule was not conducive and Indians started protesting against the it. Gradually these protests became more prominent and widespread.

2. Economic Reasons: The economic policies of the British ruined India financially. The British would take raw mateirals at cheap rates from India to their country. The finished good manufactured in their country were sold in India. Import duty on such products was negligible but Indian products were taxed heavily. Thus Indian goods became very expensive making them in affordable. In this cutthroat competition, Indian cottage industries could not survive. Artisans became unemployed. This made Indians realise that British policies would never allow them to prosper. The British only wanted England to prosper at the cost Indian economy. This made the Indians protest against the British and feelings of nationalism were fostered in the people of India.

3. Transport and Telecommunication: The British developed rail, water and land routes as well as the post and telegraph system for their own military, economic and political reasons. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Indians as people came closer due to these facilities. Mobility of intellectuals, artists and business class people increased. Thoughts and opinions were easily exchanged. This lessened discrimination between caste, community and region. National leaders could communicate with a large number of people through newspapers. Thus leadership was built at a national level and this contributed significantly to the achievement of Swaraj.

4. Literature and Education: Western ideas and nationalism spread with English education. Learning English made Indians familiar with latest trends of the world. Thus they were inspired by the ideas of Democracy – from the American War of Independence and of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’- from the French revolution. People began dreaming about a bright future of independent India. Various novels, acts, stories, poems, songs, etc. written in regional languages spread the message of national unity and devotion.

5. Newspapers: Newspapers made an important contribution in spreading awareness about nationalism. Dailies published from Bengal, Mumbai and Chennai awakened the feelings of nationalism in people’s hearts.

6. Magnificent and Rich Heritage of India :

• Ancient archaeologist Alexander Cunningham and his assistants excavated many ancient sites and discovered remains depicting the rich heritage of India.
• Indian archaeologists like Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni, Madho Swarup Vats and Rakhal Das Bannerjee continued the excavations and unearthed remains of majestic civilizations.
• Ancient Indian books on medical science, astrophysics, spirituality, etc. were translated into English so that Indians and the world came to know them. All these things fostered the feelings of pride and nationalism.