Growth of Nationalism in Burma 1900-1942 By Surendra Prasad Singh

This book offers a detailed study of the growth of nationalism in Burma during the period, 1900-1942. The author traces the origin and growth of Burmese nationalism in a systematic and chronological way.

The author first begins with the historical background and origin of the traditional nationalism in Burma before the First World War. He then provides a detailed account of the growth of modern nationa lism and examines how the period from the end of the First World War to the year 1930 was a period of demands for political and constitutional reforms in Burma. Later he discusses the consolidation of the national movement and separation of Burma from India during 1931 tο 1937. He subsequently analyses the nationalist developments from separation to Japanese occupation during the years 1937 to 1942. Throughout he emphasizes that the growth of nationalism in Burma had both an element of challenge and response. It was a challenge to the British domination and at the same time a response to Western Liberal ideas brought by the British in the country. It was the result of both the indigenous and alien factors.

Having worked with a vast number of original sources including debates and official reports and private papers, the author has attempted to provide an objective and authentic account of the growth of Nationalism in Burma. The book thus makes a valuable contribution to the knowledge of Burma's nationalist movement in the first four decades of the 20th century.