Programme and Achievements of the Early Nationalists (Moderates)

Who among the following drafted petitions and memorandums and submitted them to the Government?

1. The Gandhian Nationalists
2. The Early Nationalists
3. The Revolutionaries
4. The Assertive Nationalists

Answer

The Early Nationalists

Reason — The Early Nationalists believed in constitutional methods. They drafted petitions and memorandums and submitted them to the Government to place Indian demands before the British authorities.

Who among the following delivered his historic address on 'Swaraj' as the President of the Indian National Congress at Calcutta in 1906?

1. Dadabhai Naoroji
2. A.O. Hume
3. Lala Lajpat Rai
4. George Yule

Answer

Dadabhai Naoroji

Reason — Dadabhai Naoroji presided over the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress in 1906. 'Swaraj' was the keynote of his presidential address, and he was the first to demand Swaraj from the Congress platform.

Who among the following was best known as the Political Guru of Mahatma Gandhi?

1. Jawaharlal Nehru
2. Motilal Nehru
3. Dadabhai Naoroji
4. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Answer

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Reason — Gopal Krishna Gokhale was the mentor of Mahatma Gandhi, who described him as "pure as crystal, gentle as a lamb, brave as a lion". Hence, he is best known as the 'Political Guru of Gandhi'.

Who came to be known as the 'Grand Old Man of India'?

1. Lala Lajpat Rai
2. Rabindranath Tagore
3. Bipin Chandra Pal
4. Dadabhai Naoroji

Answer

Dadabhai Naoroji

Reason — Dadabhai Naoroji was one of the foremost leaders of the National Movement. Owing to his immense contribution, he came to be known as the 'Grand Old Man of India'.

Select an incorrect statement regarding Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

1. He is regarded as 'Political Guru' of Mahatma Gandhi
2. He set up 'Servants of India Society'.
3. He was born in United Provinces
4. He was a protege of Justice M.G. Ranade.

Answer

He was born in United Provinces

Reason — This statement is incorrect because Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on 9 May 1866 in Kotluk village, district Ratnagiri in Maharashtra (then Bombay Presidency), and not in the United Provinces.

The famous 'Drain of Wealth' theory was associated with

1. Sukhdev
2. Dadabhai Naoroji
3. Tantia Tope
4. Mangal Pandey

Answer

Dadabhai Naoroji

Reason — In his book 'Poverty and un-British Rule in India', Dadabhai Naoroji asserted that the British Rule and its costly administration was a heavy drain on the poor resources of India. He showed how the wealth of India was being drained to England.

Identify the political strategy of the Moderates or Early Nationalists.

P : They believed in confrontation and not in conciliation.

Q : They believed in orderly progress and adopted constitutional means to realise their aims.

R : They organised annual sessions to educate the public and to create a powerful public opinion in favour of their demands.

S : They organised swadeshi-boycott movement to cripple the colonial rulers.

1. P and Q
2. Q and R
3. R and S
4. P and S

Answer

Q and R

Reason — The Moderates believed in orderly progress and adopted constitutional methods to achieve their aims. They organised annual sessions to educate the people, arouse political consciousness and create public opinion. They believed in conciliation rather than confrontation, and did not adopt the boycott movement.

Read the two statement given below and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (R).

Assertion (A) : The Early Nationalists primarily sought constitutional reforms within the framework of the British law.

Reason (R) : They believed that India could achieve self-governance through gradual and peaceful reforms.

1. (R) contradicts (A)
2. (R) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (R) is false
4. (A) and (R) are independent of each other

Answer

(R) is the reason for (A)

Explanation — The Early Nationalists believed in constitutional and peaceful methods and opposed violence. Since they believed that self-government would come gradually through peaceful reforms, they sought constitutional reforms within the framework of British law.

Identify the Early Nationalists Leaders

P : Dadabhai Naoroji

Q : Bipin Chandra Pal

R : Surendranath Banerjea

S : Aurobindo Ghosh

1. P & Q
2. R & S
3. P & R
4. Q & S

Answer

P & R

Reason — The Early Nationalists are Dadabhai Naoroji and Surendranath Banerjee, while Bipin Chandra Pal and Aurobindo Ghosh are Assertive nationalists.

The area in which Anand stays has had no water supply for three days in spite of repeated complaints. The residents have a meeting and discuss a few methods to resolve this problem. Being a follower of the beliefs and methods of the Early Nationalists, which of the following methods is Anand NOT LIKELY to approve?

1. Peaceful procession by the residents
2. Follow the method of boycott
3. Write a petition to the government
4. Write an article in the newspaper highlighting the problem

Answer

Follow the method of boycott

Reason — The Early Nationalists believed in moderate politics. They believed in the British government and relied on constitutional and peaceful methods to achieve their aims. They believed in patience and reconciliation rather than in violence and confrontation. So, Anand is unlikely to follow the assertive method of boycott.

Which period of the National Movement is known as the period of the Early Nationalists?

Answer

The phase from 1885 to 1905 is known as the period of the Early Nationalists.

Name any three leaders of the Congress who are known as the Early Nationalists.

Answer

Three leaders of the Congress who are known as the Early Nationalists are:

1. Dadabhai Naoroji
2. Pherozeshah Mehta
3. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

What was the attitude of the Early Nationalists towards the British?

Answer

The Early Nationalists were friendly towards the British. They adopted constitutional and peaceful means to achieve their aims. They were opposed to the use of force and violent methods, and were patient, moderate and conciliatory in their demands. They had full faith in the British sense of justice, fair play, honesty and integrity. They believed that British rule was a boon for India.

Imagine you are an Early Nationalist leader. Mention any two methods you would follow to fight against the British.

Answer

As an Early Nationalist leader, the two methods I would follow to fight against the British are:

1. I would draft petitions and memorandums and submit them to the Government to gradually bring the authorities around to our point of view.
2. I would organise annual sessions, processions and public meetings to educate the people, arouse political consciousness and create a powerful public opinion in favour of our demands.

Who was the Early Nationalist leader who came to be known as the 'Grand Old Man of India'?

Answer

Dadabhai Naoroji is known as the 'Grand Old Man of India'.

Name the Congress leader who founded the Servants of India Society.

Answer

Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society.

What were the beliefs of the Early Nationalists?

Answer

The Early Nationalists believed in demanding reforms and adopting constitutional and peaceful means to achieve their aims. They were opposed to the use of force and violent methods and were ready to wait for a long time to get their demands fulfilled. They had full faith in the British sense of justice, fair play, honesty and integrity. They believed that British rule was a boon for India.

State two factors responsible for the growth of Nationalism in India.

Answer

Two factors responsible for the growth of Nationalism in India are:

1. Spread of western education — It introduced Indians to the ideas of liberty, equality and nationalism and created politically conscious leaders.
2. Economic exploitation of India by the British — The Drain of Wealth and decline of Indian industries created economic discontent and strengthened national feelings.

Mention two reasons for early nationalist faith in British sense of justice.

Answer

Two reasons for the Early Nationalists' faith in the British sense of justice were-

1. They were of the opinion that the British would help Indians govern themselves according to western standards.
2. They believed that continuation of the British connection with India was in the interest of both England and India.

Mention any two methods of the Early Nationalists.

Answer

Two methods of the Early Nationalists were:

1. They drafted petitions and memorandums and submitted them to the Government.
2. They organised annual sessions, processions and meetings to educate the people, to arouse political consciousness and to create a powerful public opinion in favour of their demands.

The period from 1885 to 1905 is called the period of the Early Nationalists. In this context, explain the following :

(a) Why is this period called the period of the Early Nationalists?

(b) Demands of the Early Nationalists

(c) Methods of the Early Nationalists

(d) Mention four basic beliefs of the early Nationalists.

Answer

(a) The phase from 1885 to 1905 is known as the period of the Early Nationalists because during this period the affairs of the Congress and the National Movement remained in the hands of the Early Nationalist leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjea, Pherozeshah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, etc. They concerned themselves with the demand for reforms and adopted constitutional and peaceful means to achieve their objectives.

(b) The Early Nationalists wanted certain political and economic reforms, such as:

1. Constitutional Reforms : Constitutional demands put forward by the Early Nationalists are:

   1. Expansion and reform of the Legislative Council, increase in its membership and powers, and the members of the councils to be directly elected by the people.
   2. Swaraj or self-government within the British Empire

2. Economic Reforms : Economic demands put forward by the Early Nationalists are:

   1. Reduction in land revenue.
   2. Rapid development of the modern industries.
   3. Use of Swadeshi goods to promote Indian industries.
   4. Change in the existing pattern of taxation and expenditure
   5. Abolition of salt tax
   6. Reduction in expenditure on the army and the welfare of the Indians.

3. Administrative and Other Reforms : Administrative demands put forward by the Early Nationalists to change the corrupt, inefficient and oppressive administrative system are:

   1. Indianisation of administrative services
   2. Appointment of the educated Indians to higher posts
   3. Expenditure on the Civil Service was criticised
   4. Repeal of the Arms Act and Licence Act, and separation of judiciary from the executive
   5. Simultaneous examinations in India and England for the Indian Civil Service.
   6. Facilities for primary, higher and technical education
   7. Development of banking, irrigation, medical and health facilities
   8. Reforms in the police system to set up a welfare state

4. Defence of Civil Rights : Following demands were made by the Early Nationalists for the defence of the Civil rights:

   1. Abolition of the Preventive Detention Act and restoration of individual liberties.
   2. Right to assemble and form association.
   3. Freedom of press and abolition of press censorship.

(c) The methods of the Early Nationalists were as moderate as their demands, aims and objectives.

1. They believed in patience and conciliation and not in confrontation.
2. They believed in orderly progress and adopted constitutional means to realise their aims.
3. To educate the people, to arouse political consciousness and to create a powerful public opinion in favour of their demands, they organised annual sessions.
4. Processions were taken out, meetings were held, speeches were delivered and discussions were held on various economic, social and political questions.
5. The Early Nationalists drafted petitions and memorandums and submitted them to the Government.
6. They used the press for criticising the wrong policies of the Government and organising public opinion on various political, economic and social problems of the day.

(d) Four basic beliefs of the Early Nationalists are:

1. To achieve their objectives, they believed in constitutional and peaceful means. They were opposed to the use of force and violent methods and were ready to wait for a long time to get their demands fulfilled.
2. They had full faith in the British sense of justice, fair play, honesty and integrity.
3. They believed that the Englishmen would grant 'Home Rule' to the Indians when they would come to know of their will. They relied on the solemn pledges given by the British Government from time to time.
4. They believed in loyalty to the British Crown and considered their association with England as a boon and not a curse, because it had done much good to India by removing various defects from the Indian society and culture.

Briefly explain the contributions made by each of the following to the National Movement:

(a) Dadabhai Naoroji

(b) Surendranath Banerjea

(c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Answer

(a) The contributions made by Dadabhai Naoroji are given below:

1. He was among one of the founder members of the Indian National Congress.
2. He gave the famous 'Drain' theory and his views on Indian economy.
3. He started a magazine Dharma Marg Darshak and the Rast Goftar (Truth Teller), an Anglo-Gujarati newspaper in 1854.
4. He founded the East India Association in London in 1866.
5. He was in favour of appointing the educated Indians to high posts.
6. He started movements against the Vernacular Press Act and the atrocious treatment of the Zamindars with the poor peasants.
7. Swaraj was the key-note of his presidential address at Calcutta Session in 1906. He demanded Swaraj, for the first time.
8. Four resolutions on self-government, boycott, swadeshi and national education were passed by the Congress under his presidentship.

(b) The contributions made by Surendranath Banerjea are given below:

1. To fight against the wrong policies of the British and injustice, he founded the Indian Association in 1876. It merged with the Congress in 1886.
2. He was one of the founding members of Indian National Congress.
3. S.N. Banerjea started agitations against the Licence Act, the Arms Act, the Vernacular Press Act and against lowering the maximum age for the ICS Examination from 23 years to 19 years.
4. He organised popular demonstrations for protecting the poor peasants against the exploitation and oppression of the Zamindars.
5. He vehemently opposed the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909 which introduced separate electorates for the Hindus and the Muslims.
6. He also opposed the division of Bengal by Lord Curzon in 1905.
7. The sale of foreign goods proved harmful for the Indian trade and industries and ruined them. So he preached the use of swadeshi and boycott of foreign goods.

(c) The contributions made by Gopal Krishna Gokhale are given below:

1. He established "Servants of India Society."
2. He opposed the policies of the British Government whenever necessary. He attacked the toll tax because it was a burden on the poor.
3. He criticised the Government for incurring huge expenditure on the English army, for adopting the policy of racial discrimination in appointments to high posts, imposing production tax on cotton, ignoring elementary education, etc.
4. He opposed Lord Curzon for the division of Bengal (1905) and establishing strict government control over universities.
5. He played an important role in the passage of the Minto-Morley Reforms.
6. He impressed upon the Government to reduce the land revenue.
7. He laid great stress on encouraging industry and on appointing Indians to high posts so that the money saved could be used for the welfare of the people.
8. It was the result of his effort that the toll tax was reduced, more Indians were appointed to high posts and much attention was paid to promoting elementary education.

".... the Indians who actively worked for the creation of an all-India political organisation represented new social forces that were increasingly opposed to the exploitation of India for British interests. They needed an organisation that would fight for India's political and economic advancement." —From "Freedom Struggle".

(a) In the context of the above, identify the two individuals in Pictures 1 and 2, who were the early leaders of the organisation to be formed.

(b) How did the person in Picture 1, explain the economic exploitation of India for British interest?

(c) State any two methods adopted by the Early Nationalists in the National Movement.

Answer

(a) The organisation to be formed is the Indian National Congress. The two individuals shown are:

Picture 1 — Dadabhai Naoroji

Picture 2 — Gopal Krishna Gokhale

(b) The person in Picture 1, Dadabhai Naoroji, explained the economic exploitation of India through his famous 'Drain of Wealth' theory. In his book 'Poverty and un-British Rule in India,' he asserted that the British Rule and its costly administration was a heavy drain on the poor resources of India. He revealed the basic cause of India's poverty and exposed the exploitation of the Indian people through his writings. He vividly showed as to how the wealth of India was being drained to England and how the Indian economy was being ruined.

(c) Two methods of the Early Nationalists were:

1. They drafted petitions and memorandums and submitted them to the Government.
2. They organised annual sessions, processions and meetings to educate the people, to arouse political consciousness and to create a powerful public opinion in favour of their demands.

With reference to the picture given here answer the following questions:

(a) Identify the personality given in the image. To which section of the Congress did he belong?

(b) Highlight any three of his contributions to the Indian freedom struggle.

(c) Explain briefly any three differences in the methods adopted between the Early Nationalists and Radicals, in the National Movement.

Answer

(a) The personality given in the image is Surendranath Banerjea. He belonged to the Early Nationalists (Moderates) section of the Congress.

(b) Three of his contributions to the Indian freedom struggle were:

1. Founded the Indian Association in 1876 to promote political consciousness and national unity.
2. Agitated against the Licence Act, Arms Act, Vernacular Press Act and reduction of the age limit for the ICS Examination.
3. Opposed the Partition of Bengal (1905) and promoted Swadeshi and boycott of foreign goods.

(c) Three differences in the methods adopted by the Early Nationalists and the Radicals were:

1. Early Nationalists believed in patience and conciliation; Radicals favoured confrontation and assertive action.
2. Early Nationalists used petitions, prayers and constitutional methods; Radicals used Swadeshi, Boycott and Passive Resistance.
3. Early Nationalists had faith in British justice and gradual reforms; Radicals had little faith in the British and demanded Swaraj through stronger methods.