Sample Materials for CSAT Paper -1 (G.S.) Pre 2013: "Indian History (Modern India):Nature And Causes For The Rise Of National Movement"

Subject: Indian History (Modern India)
Topic: Nature And Causes For The Rise Of National Movement

Ques. 1 : Briefly discuss the causes responsible for the rise of Indian freedom sruggle?

Ans. At the beginning of the 19th century India was regarded as one of the few countries with least possibilities for the rise of nationalism or the growth of national movement. The main reason for such assumptions was that the vast population of India was not only politically and backward but also disunited by barriers of language, religion, culture etc. The dearth of unifying sense of nationalism and patriotic feelings was one of the cogent contributing factors to the foundation and consolidation of the British rule in India. Certain colonial scholars did not even regard India as a nation. But India, throughout the course of her history had enjoyed inherent unity in diversity. This unity in diversity greatly helped in the rise and growth of Indian National Movement. The 19th and early 20th centuries were an age of democratic, liberal and nationalist ideas. The American War of Independence, the French Revolution, the Russian Revolution of 1917 etc., greatly inspired the rise and growth of the National Movement in India. No doubt all these external events, internal turmoils and self-realisation together inspired the rise and growth of the Indian National Movement.

India’s National Movement was truly Indian in the respect that it was world’s first struggle for freedom based on truth and non-violence and its foundations was laid by the socio-religious reform movement of the 19th century.
Causes

Among the many causes responsible for the rise of the national movement the following deserve special mention:

1. The Macaulavian system of education though conceived in the interests of efficient administration opened to the newly educated Indians the foodgates of liberal European thought The liberal and radical thoughts of European writers inspired the Indian intelligentsia with the ideals of liberty, nationality and self-government. The spread and expansion of the English language gave to the Indians living in different linguistic regions a common language-lingua franca.
2. In the nineteenth century the development of vernacular languages was also phenomenal. The neo-educated class conveyed their ideas of liberty and equality to the masses through the media of these vernaculars. The vernacular literature greatly helped in arousing Indian nationalism.
3. Socially, British Imperialism destroyed the old, order of society in India. After the Rebellion of 1857 and the British administrators realised that the reactionary and feudal elements of society could serve as strong props of Imperialism. This change in policy exposed the hollowness of British professions and drove the English Administrators and the progressive elements in opposite camps.
4. The development of the various socio-religious movements prepared the ground for the growth of national movements and watered the plant of patriotism. The reform movements sought an all-round improvement of the Indian society. They gave the people a sense of pride in Indian culture and heritage and taught them the gospel of patriotism.
5. The economic policy pursued by the British in India had resulted in a lopsided development of Indian economy and impoverishment of the people. The economy of India was geared to the production of raw materials needed for the developing machine industry of England. Such a policy also made India as a growing market for English manufactured goods. The cumulative effect of British economic policies had resulted in chrominisery and found expression in mass unrest. Periodical famines became a regular feature of Indian economy.
6. The natural process of conquest and consolidation brought the whole of India under a sing1e political set-up. A network of roads and railways linked the bigger towns and the country with the world market. The setting up of an efficient posts and telegraphs system and the accompanying developments gave India the appearance of unity and fostered the spirit of one-mindedness.
7. The growth of the modern press and with it the public opinion was an offshoot of the English rule in India. Despite the numerous restrictions imposed on the press from time to time, Indian journalism made rapid strides. The Indian press created a strong public opinion opposed to imperialist policies, and played no insignificant role in fostering patriotism and developing nationalism.
8. The short-sighted acts and policies of Lord Lytton acted like catalytic agents. The maximum age limit for the I.C.S. examination was reduced from 21 years to 19 years, thus making it impossible for Indians to compete for it. Lytton put o the statute book two obnoxious measures the Vernacular Press Act and Indian Arms Act (1878). Lytton’s unpopular acts provoked a great storm of opposition in the country and led to the organisation of various political associations for carrying on anti- Government propaganda in the country.
9. One unfortunate legacy of the Rebellion of 1857 was the feeling of racial bitterness between the rulers and the ruled. The Anglo-Indian bureaucracy developed an attitude of arrogance and contempt towards the Indians. The Indians were dubbed as belonging to an inferior race and no longer worthy of any trust. This narrow approach evoked a reaction in the Indian mind and put the educated Indians on the defensive.
10. ILLBERT BILL (1883 CONTROVERSY)
    In 1880, there was a change of Government in England, and the Liberal Party under Gladstone came into power. He was known for his liberal ideas and was a believer in moral principles. “Good Government” he pronounced, “was no substitute for self-government”, “It is our weakness and calamity”, he said that we have not been able to give India the blessing of free institutions”. He sent Lord Ripen, a close friend and follower, to “reform the structure of the Indian Government. The new Governor-GeneraI repealed the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, commenced industrial legislation by passing the first Factories Act, and took steps to promote local self-government in big cities and towns.
    Ripon also sought to remove the individual distinction existing at that time between the European and Indian members of the judiciary. Indian sessions judges and magistrates were not re-empowered to try European offenders, and this was a cause of great annoyance to the educated community of the country. In 1883, the Law Member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council, Sir Courtenay Illbert, introduced in the Imperial Legislature a Bill, known after his name as Illbert Bill, designed to remove ‘The disability of Indian judges. The Anglo-Indian community opposed the enactment of the Bill vehemently, and asserted that the Indian judges were not fit to administer justice to a White offender. The European Defence Association, with branches in important cities of India, was formed to organize a campaign against the Bill. There were protest meetings and agitation, and it was proposed to kidnap Ripon and hold him to ransom. Even in England, the Government was under fire, Ripon had to bow to the storm and a compromise was made which provided that European and British subjects were to have a right to claim trial by Jury of twelve, atleast seven of whom, must be Europeans or Americans.
    This manifestation of the British sense of racial superiority acted as a spark to the power magazine; it acted as an eye-opener to Indians. They learnt the lesson that they would have to undergo a long period of sacrifice and discipline if they wanted justice and equality in their own country. The educated class of people noted the extra-ordinary force of a minority when organized and directed by a single aim, and they applied the inference to their own situation. Demands began to arise for a national organization by means of which the grievances of the people against the British rule could be ventilated. A few thoughtful men, both Indians and English were not slow to measure the trends in the country and they took steps to organize the mass discontentment into a peaceful channel.
11. Certain external factors like home-rule movement in Ireland, Unification of Germany, Italy; Victory of Japan over an European power Russia in 1905 also produced nationalist and revolutionary feelings among the Indians.
12. Repressive and Reactionary Policies of Lord Curzon virtually made the Indian National Movement Militant. Some of his most denounced utterances and actions were:
    a) Curzon went back on Queen Victoria’s proclamation.
    b) Calcutta Town Hall speech of Curzon “Indians are cheats” greatly injured the Indian conscience.
    c) Bitter speeches at Dacca and to divide Hindus and Muslims.
    d) Partition of Bengal in 1905, became the basis of militant nationalism in India. The nationalist came to the conclusion that the constitutional agitation will not help in undoing the wrongs.
    It is from here that Swadeshi and Boycott became political weapons. It is here that the Bengali youth learnt the cult of Gita and Grenade ‘to live in bondage is negation of life. We want end of British Rule’.
    The beginning of the Indian National Movement is rightly regarded with the foundation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, which united the Indian nationalists of all shades and opinions into a common front of the nationalists and soon the roots of national struggle for freedom spread to all parts of the country.
    National Movement from 1885 to 1947, may broadly be divided into four parts:
    (a) 1885-1905 - The moderate Phase of the Congress.
    (b) 1905-1915 - Extremist and Home Rule Movements.
    (c) 1916-1942 - The Gandhian Era and Militant Phase of the National Movement
    (d) 1942-1947 - India’s march towards the attainment of freedom.

Ans. Factors leading to the birth of Indian National Congress

By late nineteenth century, several trends were observed that made possible emergence of a political culture ad public opinion. Various sections of the society gradually realized that they were suffering on account of the policies of the British Government.

• Through deindustrialisation, drain of wealth and commercialization of agriculture we saw how the Indian economy was made compliant to the needs and demands of the British economy. India was made into a supplier of raw materials and a market for cheaply mass produced English goods. The protective tariffs hampered the growth of Indian trade. The Government followed various discriminatory policies against Indian business community.
• In the revolt of 1857, we looked at the wide spectrum of discontent that was prevalent clue to the various policies followed by the British. The post-1857 period was marked by conservative stand being taken by the British. Conscious attempts made by the. British to garner support of the landed aristocracy.
• Increase in the number of educated people with no corresponding increase in employment prospects
• Presence of the British is felt by all people- common and privileged. The racial discrimination was unavoidable at every turn.
• Better communication means easy access to information from different parts of the world Dissemination and exchange of ideas made possible which is further aided by print media Though Press often faced repressive measures it continued to develop By 1870s, there were about 62 Indian owned newspapers in Bombay Presidency and 38 in Bengal People across the country could share news and connect with each other. This gave them coherence and fostered a sense of unity.
• The reach of the social reform movements was widespread and affected a whole range of people, from Northern India, to Bengal to Southern India. They helped to increase the political and social consciousness amongst the people. It also fostered growth of identity based on community, language, religion and so on. They made people aware of their rights and possibilities. There was a slow awakening of Indians.
• Changes in the land revenue system affected majority of the people under the British territories.
• You have a lot of Indians who become familiar with the working of the colonial rule through their engagement as doctors, lawyers, intellectuals, social reformers and so forth. They are slowly exposed not only the racial basis but also to the true nature of the British policies implemented in India.
• With the growth of awareness amongst the Indians, like we explored under education and rise of economic nationalism, there is a growing political consciousness. There is a desire to take greater part in governing their own country.
• Racial arrogance of the British towards the Indians was manifested in their attitudes in various aspects of life. Indians were discriminated against in jobs, education, promotion, train compartments, places of public entertainment and so on. An Indian irrespective of his high stature was mistreated. This attitude of the British was a throne in the side of many Indians.
• It gradually becomes clear that the British were interested in maintaining their stronghold and interest at the cost of not only common man but also those Indians who were loyal supporters of the British.

With the growth of political consciousness, what you have in the late 19 century is the development of associational politics which were quite different from the association of the early and mid nineteenth century. The later associations were precursor to an All-India level organization as manifested in the formation of Indian National Congress in 1885.

Ques. 3 : Briefly discuss the politics of Association in Bengal, Bombay and Madras?

Ans. Associations were not novel to India in the late nineteenth century. But there were some distinct characteristics that differentiated them from the earlier ones. Religious zeal or caste solidarity, etc were the prime motivators of associations prior to the late 19th century. But those of the late nineteenth century brought India across the threshold of modern politics. While many continued to be limited by language and interests there was an increasing tendency towards a more secular approach, drawing support from various sections of the society or at least trying to.

These associations formed by the new Western educated groups who used modern means for mobilization and disseminating their ideas- Journal, newspapers, and public meetings. Most of them tried to reach beyond their respective regions and penetrated the muffasils. These organizations attempted to represent public opinion.

Social reform societies and caste societies did not completely disappear; the new associations tried to build along political issues and attempted to represent their region at a higher platform. Increasingly they sought to voice extension of representation, Indianisation of Civil Services. These organizations received an impetus in 1851 when the charter of the company was due to expire. It was a perfect moment for these organizations to influence the Westminster through petitions. Most of these organizations came to be focused in the three presidencies and their trajectory was shaped by their respective economic, social, historical and political circumstance. The history of associational politics oldest in Bengal centered around Calcutta, then Bombay and last in Madras. Common to all associations in these presidencies was the role of the Western educated people influenced by ideas of political parties, parliamentary representation system, and public opinion, etc.

Bengal

In Bengal, though the perpetuation of colonial rule was more recent when compared to other presidencies, the modernizing changes were most vocal and visible. The new class of bhadralok formed the nucleus of intelligentsia, especially the upper class of bharalok. Between 1858 and 1881, 19.2% of Calcutta graduates and 23.5% from Bengal proper were employed. The upper caste dominated land and. education. The early associations of Bengal were primarily concentrated in Calcutta where educated individuals from other parts had migrated and in course of time tried to bring their respective domicile in associational circuit. The earliest societies included Young Bengal, Derozians, and Society for Acquisition of General Knowledge. All these societies were dominated by the students and leaders like R G Goshe, P C Mitra, Debendranath Tagore. With changes under the colonial state, the new elites tried to form their own associations.

One such earliest association was British Indian Association founded in 1851 and dominated by the zamindars with the primary aim of defending the landed interests (though they claimed a national forum). With the growth in education and the rise of the bhadralok, B.I.A. was losing its appeal and its new rival was The Indian League which in turn was overshadowed by the Indian Association, especially under the leadership of Surendranath Banerjee. It claimed to be a political society representing the middle class and the ryots and aimed for education and political activism. They were active during the Ilbert Bill controversy, the Saligram idol case and Surendranath Banerjee contempt case. The constitution of Indian Association was more democratic than others. It also made efforts to step outside Calcutta and had dreams of establishing networks throughout India. Its main demand comprised of changes in the regulations with regard to the entry in the Civil Services, local self-government and peasant rights. The latter cause led to disassociation with the British Indian Association.

Another important society of Bengal was that of Brahmo Samaj which mainly attracted the new intelligentsia and then later spread to other districts. The members comprised of Brahmans, Kayasthas, and Baidyas. Gradually it branched out in Gaya, Balasore, Cuttuck, Dacca, Faridpur, Chota Nagpur, etc.The other important society was the Theosophical Society founded in 1875 by Madame Blavatsky. Its aim was to form in India, the nucleus of a universal brotherhood of Humanity, study Aryan Culture and to explore mysteries of nature and latent powers of man. There have been claims of some indirect connection between the Theosophical society and INC.

Bombay

In Bombay, the associations were shaped by its specific economic and social conditions. There was trade, commerce foreign and domestic, rapid expansion of industrial activity, accumulation of capital and a closer connection between the government and the traders and merchants. Its populace was more cosmopolitan- Parsis, Gujaratis, Muslims, Ahirs, etc. About 70% of the population was educated. However, inspite of this cosmopolitan character it was strangely conservative and less sectarian. The societies were concerned with improving social conditions and religious practices. Also, the dominance of commercial interests set the tone of its politics. The associational front gradually came to be formed by eminent leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Sorabjee Bengalee, and Ranade, etc. The earliest associations included Religious Reform Association founded by Naoroji, and Bengalee to revive the Zoroastrian religion and the Parsi community. The educated Maharastrian Brahmins took the lead of a vigorous reform movement. The Prarthana Samaj founded in 1867 by Ranade, regarded itself as being firmly rooted in Hinduism. There were fewer societies amongst the Muslims.

This does not imply that Bombay lacked political activism but the political alliances tended to cut across communities and were along the lines of wealth, education, and interests. A new society the Bombay Presidency Association was reflective of the change where the new intelligentsia was making headway. The leaders comprised of P. Mehta, B Tyabji, K. Telang, Naoroji, and Ranade. The main target was municipality, it included professional classes and men of property. Mehta after1881 tried to build inter-communal alliances amongst the intelligentsia and to win control over the city of Bombay. Thus, it was difficult to maintain the distinction between purely secular or communal issues. Its programmes had to consist of issues that united all of them. This also meant that the Association had to be moderate and restricted to professional interests. They rejected the idea of extending their politics of the municipality to the Presidency as a whole. However, the parochialism of the Bombay leader ensured that the political initiative of the western India rested with the Madras presidency.

In the Bombay Presidency, the nucleus of the associational politics was Poona and led by Ranade. The Chitpavani Brahmins who had gained prominence under the Peshwas dominated the associational politics. As a result of this the Poona politics is often termed as Peshwai politics (Anil Seal). While it was more backward, it had the highest literacy rate. The dominance and adaptability of the Brahmins furthered the growth of education and gradually the remnants of Maratha tradition were reshaping in the form of constitutional politics and press. In 1870, The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was formed and it aimed at representing Indians. It demanded Indian representation in Parliament, protested against the Vernacular Press Act and the Bombay Forest Regulations, the License Tax, Ilbert Bill; demanded reforms for legislative council, recruitment in the Civil Services and local self-government It was also involved in agrarian measures. To counter the domination of the Brahmins, a reform movement was started by Phule While it was not successful at undermining the Brahmin dominance, the younger Brahmins who were not satisfied with the old leaders were gradually challenging it. With the coming of Tilak’, however, the Sabha faced threat.

Madras

The politics in Madras after the demise of Madras Native Association founded in 1862 were at low ebb. It was only in 1884 with the foundation of Madras Mahajan Sabha that the interest in-politics was rekindled.

Illbert Bill Controversy of 1883, Saligram Idol Case, Imprisonment of Surendranath Banerjee for Contempt of Court With the increasing changes at all levels- increase in the number of educated, growing political consciousness, gradual dissatisfaction with lack of governments response to the voices of the societies for increasing representation level political platform was being felt.

Three events however set the process of forming an all-round association. The Saligram idol case and the subsequent imprisonment of Surendranath Banerjee for contempt of court raised an outcry, especially amongst the educated masses of Bengal. The Illbert Bill Controversy of 1883, which brought out the permanence of the racial bias of the colonial state, has often being credited with giving a direct impetus to the formation of an All-India society. It was during the course of this controversy that Indians too learnt the use of public platform in all its glory.
Saligram Idol Case

The main gist of the case- The case was regarding the inheritance of the family idol of Saligram between two brothers. One of them took the idol home and when the other brother protested in court, the English judge ordered the production of the idol in the court. Surendranath Banerjee questioned the right of an English judge to bring an Indian idol to court and interfere in Indian religious and cultural spheres. This led to imprisonment of Surendranath Banerjee for contempt of court.

Ques. 4 : Critically evaluate the policies of Lord Lytton?

Ans. Lord Lytton during his viceroyalty enacted certain acts that were biased against the Indians and gave stimulus to public opinion which in turn fostered the growth, of national consciousness.

• War in Afghanistan during Lytton’s time which was imperialist in nature was funded out of Indian revenues and was severely criticized by Indians as it added to their burden.
• The 5% duty imposed on manufactured cotton goods imported to India from England was abolished in 1879 under pressure from British textile manufacturers. For Indians this was a proof of the policy of British to ruin the growing cotton industry in India.
• Arms Act of 1878 which sought impose restrictions on possession of arms by Indians was yet another proof of British attempt to emasculate Indians.
• Vernacular Press Act of 1878 by imposing restrictions on regional language newspapers in order to hinder the growing criticism of the policies of the Government sought to muzzle the growth of public opinion.
• In 1878, a regulation reduced the age for appearing in the Indian Civil Services to 19 from 21 which made the entrance tougher for Indian candidates due to their late familiarity with English and gaps in education when compared to the English.
• The timing of the Delhi Durbar of 1877 to proclaim the assumption of the imperial title by the Queen corresponded with a famine and instead of providing much needed relief; money was spent on the extravagant Durbar.

Ques. 5 : Write short notes on :

1) Illbert Bill controversy
2) The safety-valve thesis

Ans.Ilbert Bill Controversy

Sir Courtnenay Ilbert, Law Member in the Viceroys’ Council in 1883 introduced a bill in Governor-General’s (Ripon) Legislative Council which sought to remove the previous practice of disallowing Indian judges and Magistrates to try Europeans in India courts. While it was a positive step, it led to a huge protest amongst the white community, which questioned the ability of the Indians to try whites and these protests were based on the issues of supposed inferior race, baser morality and questionable intent of Indians. Under the pressure of the white mutiny, the final Bill as introduced by Ripon, was an amended one which required that in cases where the European British subjects were accused of criminal offences, they had the right to claim trial by jury of which no less than half the number had to be European or American. This amended bill brought to the fore the farce of equality as expressed in Queen ‘Victoria’s Proclamation and created rupture in White-Indian relationship.

The Foundation of the Indian National Congress (the safety-valve thesis)

In 1883, the government held an international exhibition in Calcutta and invited people from across the country. Taking advantage of this the Indian Association decided to hold its first Indian Conference in Calcutta at the same time. But it was-just a dress rehearsal. Throughout the next two years there were various efforts at forming a single platform that would represent India as a whole. In March 1885 the Indian Mirror called for a national assembly for India. In April, National Telegraph Union was formed to keep the English press informed about India. By now some European sympathizers were also working along with the Indians to form a common platform. The vision turned to reality in December of 1885 in the form of Indian National Congress. Interestingly in its first session, Calcutta was largely kept out. But the Bengal policies could not be ignored for long. This lack was resolved by holding the second session of INC in Calcutta. INC was soon to overshadow other political organisations.

It is important to keep in mind that there were some European sympathisers who were working with the Indians to form a common platform. This was directly manifested in the person and role of A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant. He played a very intrinsic role in the formation of INC by communicating and talking to the, political leaders of the three presidencies. THIS INVOLVMENT GATE RISE TO THE THEORY OF SAFETY-VALVE according to which the Congress was formed in order to provide an outlet for the increasing discontent amongst the Indians and in the absence of such an outlet, the discontent would have led to eruption of the anger which inturn would have posed a serious challenge to the British supremacy in India.

Indian National Congress was finally formed in December of 1885 under the presidency of W. C. Banerjee, as a common platform and to bridge the regional differences in terms of participation, leadership and demands. The history of INC is divided into two broad phases- Moderate Phase (1885-1905) and the Extremist Phase 1905-1914.

While India did gain freedom under the broad aegis of INC, it was not a balanced and unbiased organisation and ‘its history is riddled with various conflicts which cover a broad spectrum of issues- class, interest religious, social, personnel, regional and economic.
By the twentieth Century two strands were noticeable the Moderates and the Extremist. The differences finally led to a split between them, an event which is popularly known as the Surat Split of 1907.

Ques. 6 : Briefly discuss the moderates phase (1885-1905) of Indian National Congress?

Ans. W.C. Bannerjee’s presidential speech at the first Congress session put forward its aims as (a) promotion of friendship and personal intimacy amongst the countrymen, (b) eradication of all possible prejudices relating to race, creed or province, (c) Consolidation of the sentiments of national unity, and (d) recording the opinion of educated classes on pressing problems of the day. These mild and constitutional demands reflect the nature and the composition of the Moderates. The moderates were the early intellectual of India who had benefited from western styled education and were feeling the strain of Government red-tape. To be radical was not in their nature. The Indian National Congress in its earlier years, maybe till the very end, expressed the aspirations of educated middle classes.
Main leaders - W.C. Bannerjee, Ananda Mohan Bose, Lal Mohan Ghose, A.C. Mazumdar, Ras Bihari Ghose, S N Banerjee, R C Dutt from Bengal; Dadabhai Naoroji, M.G. Ranade, Gokhale, Ferozshah Mehta, Telang, Tyabji from Bombay, R R Naidu, Subramaniya lyer, Anand Charu from Madras and Flume, Wedderburn and Henery Cotton from England.

Ideology and Methods

• Believed in the justness of the British rule hence professed complete loyalty to the British. They believed that India was yet not ready to stand on her own legs and needed the British for empowering them.
• Believed in-the efficacy of peaceful and bloodless means and constitutional methods.
• Press was used as the platform to discuss various British policies and disseminating them thereby creating awareness.
• Sessions were also used as platforms to pass resolutions or to discuss/protest against the discriminatory laws.
  
  Demands
• Aimed at educating the masses and create an organized public opinion which would make people aware of their rights, the true conditions of India.
• To create a reservoir of national political leadership and people trained in the art of representative governance
• Wanted self-rule under the British along the lines of a Dominion Status like Canada or Australia.
• Full control over finances and legislation. After 1892, INC raised the cry of ‘No taxation without representation.
• Appointment of a Royal Commission for enquiring into the Indian affairs with adequate Indian representation.
• Indian representation in Indian Council in London and in the Executive Council at the Center.
• Reduction in the expenditure on army
• Development of modern capitalist industries in India parallel to those in Britain through tariff protection and direct government aid.
• Opposed to large scale import of capital in railways plantations and industries and to allow it only in areas where Indian capital was unavailable
• End of Indian economic drain developed the economic criticism of the British rule- three areas covered- trade, finance and industry.
• Abolition of the salt tax.
• Indianisation of the Indian Civil Services and simultaneously conducting the examinations in India and London.
• Separation of judiciary and executive
• Extension of trial by jury
• Repeal of the Arms Act of 1878.
• Higher ranking jobs for Indians in the army.
• Increase in the money spent on education.
• Opposed to any restriction imposed on the freedom of press and speech.
• Cut in the Home charges.

Limitations

• From the time of its inception, INC had some limitations. The foremost limitation, which also led to the split and uneven curve of its popularity, was the exclusion of the non-elites from its membership. Professional groups- journalists, educationists, reformers doctors, lawyers, religious men, merchants and bankers, were included in its membership. INC was not yet anti-British government or rule. In its initial phase, INC sought to widen the governing base by increasing the number of Indians in it. It was geared towards rectifying the un-Britishness of the British rule in India. The moderates expected the British to guide India, help her conquer the cultural and social backwardness and then transform into progressive country which would lead to establishment of representative government. For them the interests of the British and Indians were similar rather than opposites.
• An important limitation was that majority of the moderates were Hindus. Between the period of 1892-1909, Hindus comprised 90% of the delegates attending the Congress. In spite of its claim as representing all communities, ironically, it has been accused of being a Hindu party by some from its very inception. This was primarily because of the fluidity of the members. e.g. many members of the Congress were also involved in cow protection Movement or Nagri movement. Some held simultaneous membership of the Hindu Mahasabha and Congress.
• Lacked confidence in the ability of the uneducated masses to participate in the political affairs.lt had limited social appeal.
• Was dominated by the English educated so drew most of their ideas from Western political tradition hence alienated from the masses.
• Did not envisage an end of the British rule.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Which Governor General once said that Indians are cheats. Lord Curzon Lyutton Dalhousie Minto

2.Consider the following statements. British Indian Association Founded in 1851. The Indian League was founded by Surendranath Banerjee. which of the above statements is/are correct ? 1 only Both 1 & 2 Neither 1 nor 2 2 only




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Answer of Question 1: A

Answer of Question 2: B

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