Spectrum Test: The Foundation & the Moderate Phase of the INC - UPSC MCQ

• W.C. Bonnerjea was indeed the president of the first session of the INC held in 1885.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a prominent leader who later advocated for immediate self-rule, distinguishing himself from the early moderates.
• Bipan Chandra is a modern historian who has critiqued the 'safety valve' theory, suggesting that the INC was genuinely a nationalist movement rather than a British construct.

The correct answer is:

     3. A is true, but R is false.

Here's an analysis of both the assertion and the reason:

Assertion (A): The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was criticized by nationalist leaders.

This is true. The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was criticized by nationalist leaders because it fell short of their expectations for greater representation and powers in the legislative councils. The reforms were seen as too limited and did not grant sufficient autonomy or influence to Indian representatives.

Reason (R): It significantly increased the representation and powers of Indians in the legislative councils.

This is false. While the Indian Councils Act of 1892 did increase the number of Indian members in the legislative councils and allowed for some indirect elections, the increase was not significant enough to satisfy nationalist leaders. The powers of the councils remained largely advisory, and the reforms did not provide for substantial legislative power or direct elections.

Therefore, the assertion is true, but the reason provided is false, making option 3 the correct answer.

• The INC was indeed founded with the goal of creating a democratic and nationalist movement, aiming to politically educate people and unify them over a common economic and political program.
• The 'safety valve' theory suggests that A.O. Hume played a significant role in the foundation of the INC to prevent potential uprisings, by providing a peaceful avenue for the expression of grievances.

Prior to the establishment of the INC, meetings such as the Indian National Conferences played a significant role in fostering the idea of a unified national platform for political and social reform. These conferences demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of such a national organization, directly influencing the formation of the INC.

• Kadambini Ganguly indeed made history by being the first woman to address an INC meeting, underscoring the role of women in the freedom movement.
• However, the Moderate leaders did not focus on expanding the democratic base to include universal suffrage for women. Their efforts were more aligned with constitutional reforms and addressing economic grievances.

• The "drain theory" was indeed a concept introduced by early nationalists like Dadabhai Naoroji to describe the economic exploitation of India by Britain.
• The Indian Councils Act of 1892 aimed to address nationalist demands but did not significantly increase the powers of legislative councils, particularly in financial matters, leading to criticism from nationalist leaders.

• Dadabhai Naoroji is indeed credited with introducing the Drain Theory, which explained how wealth was being siphoned off from India to Britain.
• A.O. Hume did not advocate for 'Direct Action' for independence; he is known for playing a crucial role in the formation of the Indian National Congress, which initially adopted a moderate stance towards demanding reforms.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi, providing guidance and support during Gandhi's early years in Indian politics.

• The British Indian Government was not supportive of the INC, viewing it with suspicion and hostility from the outset.
• The British indeed employed a 'divide and rule' strategy, encouraging divisions among nationalists to weaken the movement, including attempts to create religious divisions.

• The Indian Councils Act of 1892 aimed at expanding the councils to include more Indian representatives, albeit without significant power.
• The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was a major political move by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, which had significant implications for the nationalist movement.
• The Indian National Congress was indeed formed in 1885, marking a significant step towards organizing a national movement against British rule.

• Moderates focused on constitutional reforms and gradual progress within the framework of British rule, not immediate independence through direct action.
• While the early nationalists did awaken national sentiment, they were criticized for not being able to draw the masses more actively into the movement.

• The INC was indeed established as a platform for Indians to unite and express their political and economic grievances.
• While economic exploitation by the British was a major concern, the foundation of the INC was not solely a response to British economic policies but encompassed broader aims including political education, promotion of national unity, and establishment of a democratic nationalist movement.

• Lala Lajpat Rai was among the nationalist leaders who supported the 'safety valve' theory regarding the founding of the INC.
• Dadabhai Naoroji introduced the Drain Theory to highlight the economic exploitation of India by Britain.
• R.C. Dutt provided a detailed economic critique of British rule, particularly focusing on its impact on India's economy and agriculture.

The British government's strategy to maintain control over India included fostering divisions among Indians, especially along religious and social lines, to prevent the emergence of a unified front against colonial rule. This approach was indeed a key part of their policy to weaken the INC and the broader nationalist movement.

• - Both statements address the role of A.O. Hume in the formation of the Indian National Congress and the safety valve theory.
  - Statement I is true: A.O. Hume indeed played a crucial role in establishing the INC.
  - Statement II is true: The safety valve theory posits that the INC was intended to channel Indian discontent into non-violent avenues.
  - Statement II accurately explains the rationale behind Statement I.
  - Therefore, the correct answer is: A. Both statements are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I.

Statement I: The early nationalists within the Indian National Congress focused on immediate constitutional reforms to bring about self-government.

• This statement is correct. The early nationalists, also known as moderates, primarily sought gradual constitutional reforms and greater participation of Indians in governance. They aimed for self-government within the framework of the British Empire.

Statement II: The demand for self-government was inspired by the models of dominion status granted to colonies like Canada and Australia.

• This statement is correct. The early nationalists were indeed inspired by the dominion status granted to colonies like Canada and Australia. They saw these models as achievable and sought similar status for India.

Given the analysis:

• Both statements are correct.
• Statement II explains the inspiration behind the demand for self-government mentioned in Statement I.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

The early nationalists indeed played a crucial role in building public opinion against British rule by articulating the economic exploitation of India, particularly through the drain theory and critiques of British economic policies. These efforts were central to their success in awakening national consciousness.

• The call for the Indianisation of the civil service was indeed a key demand of the Moderates, aiming to ensure that Indians had a greater say in the governance of their own country.
• This demand stemmed from the belief that Indian officials would be more sympathetic and just towards Indian interests, thereby leading to policies that were more beneficial for India as a whole.

• The British government's 'divide and rule' policy was indeed aimed at weakening the nationalist movement by creating divisions based on religion, region, and other social factors.
• Encouraging reactionary figures and groups like the United Indian Patriotic Association to counter the influence of the Congress was part of this strategy, intended to create divisions and reduce the Congress's ability to unify the Indian populace against British rule.

• Dadabhai Naoroji was elected to the British Parliament in 1892, making history as the first Asian to be a British MP.
• Kadambini Ganguly spoke at the INC session in 1890, marking the first time a woman addressed the Congress.
• The British Committee of the INC was indeed established in 1889, aiming to promote India's cause in the United Kingdom.

• The early nationalists, also known as Moderates, indeed had limited success in mobilizing the masses, largely due to their focus on petitions, meetings, and gradual reforms within the legal framework of British rule.
• Their strategy was based on the belief in British justice and goodwill, which did not resonate with the wider Indian populace suffering from immediate economic and social grievances.