A Brief History of Modern India: Congress Aims

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following aims of the Indian National Congress focused primarily on education and awareness within the populace?

Politicise and politically educate people (correct)

Promote friendly relations among nationalist political workers

Develop and propagate an anti-colonial nationalist ideology

Establish the headquarters for a movement

What was a key characteristic of the 'Moderate' leaders during the period of 1885-1905?

Integration of extreme political tactics

Advocacy for complete independence at any cost

Belief in constitutional agitation within the confines of law (correct)

Formation of secret alliances with radical groups

How did the Moderates differentiate themselves from the Extremists in the early twentieth century?

By engaging in mass mobilization tactics

Through a commitment to liberal and moderate politics (correct)

By embracing radical methods for reform

Through the establishment of secret societies

Which of the following objectives was not part of the initial aims of the Indian National Congress?

Incorporate military strategies for independence Signup and view all the answers

Which group of leaders is recognized for their staunch belief in 'liberalism' during the early years of the Indian National Congress?

Moderate leaders from 1885-1905 Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary focus in the development of Indian nationhood as aimed by the Congress?

Nurturing a sense of unity irrespective of religion, caste, or province Signup and view all the answers

Who among the following is not typically associated with the early Moderate leadership of the Indian National Congress?

B.R. Ambedkar Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose behind the formation of the Indian National Congress according to modern Indian historians?

To express the political and economic demands of politically conscious Indians. Signup and view all the answers

Which prominent leader is NOT mentioned as one of the key figures in the Indian National Congress?

Lala Lajpat Rai Signup and view all the answers

Kadambini Ganguly's address to the Congress session in 1890 was significant for which reason?

It symbolized the commitment of the freedom struggle to women's status in society. Signup and view all the answers

How did the extremist leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai view the Indian National Congress?

As a safety valve to mitigate discontent among Indians. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects the 'safety valve' theory regarding the Indian National Congress?

It aimed to create a facade of political representation for Indians under British rule. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary criticism directed at British bureaucrats by the Indian leaders regarding their salaries?

Their salaries were funded by Indian revenue and remitted back to England. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following leaders was involved in widening the scope of constitutional demands in India?

Dadabhai Naoroji Signup and view all the answers

What significant transformation did the nationalists achieve with the British councils?

They turned councils into platforms for expressing public grievances. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the nationalists' movement struggle to include the masses?

They neglected women's participation and voting rights. Signup and view all the answers

Which argument was NOT used by Moderates in their campaign for the Indianisation of government service?

Higher qualifications of British bureaucrats. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the nationalists' efforts to criticize government policies?

They enhanced national political stature but excluded the masses. Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect did the Indian nationalists focus on during their political campaigns?

Highlighting issues in public finance and economic policy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best summarizes the intentions of the British regarding the councils?

To allow leaders to express and release political frustrations. Signup and view all the answers

What were the moral grounds for the Indianisation of government service posited by the Moderates?

Indians were unfairly excluded from positions of responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main provisions of the Indian Councils Act 1892 regarding the composition of the Imperial Legislative Council?

It raised the number of additional non-official members. Signup and view all the answers

What significant limitation was imposed on the budget discussions within the councils established by the Indian Councils Act 1892?

The budget could not be voted upon or amended. Signup and view all the answers

Which group had the power to nominate non-official members to the Indian legislative councils as per the Indian Councils Act 1892?

The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and provincial legislative councils. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the slogans used by early nationalists demanding constitutional reforms?

No taxation without representation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the key demand of the early nationalists regarding the composition of the Legislative Councils?

Majority of elected Indians. Signup and view all the answers

How often did the reformed Imperial Legislative Council meet annually as per the Indian Councils Act 1892?

Thirteen days. Signup and view all the answers

What was the identified criticism of the reforms made by the Indian Councils Act during Congress sessions?

They were deemed ineffective and insufficient. Signup and view all the answers

Who had the authority to recommend members for the Indian legislative councils?

Universities, municipalities, zamindars, and chambers of commerce. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the early nationalists' dissatisfaction with the Indian Councils Act 1892?

A push for greater democracy and representation. Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily criticized the reforms made by the Indian Councils Act during sessions of the Congress?

Early nationalists. Signup and view all the answers

What was the two-pronged methodology of the Moderates aimed at achieving?

Creating public opinion and persuading the British Government for reforms Signup and view all the answers

Which method did the Moderates primarily employ to present their demands to the government?

Prayer and petition followed by constitutional agitation Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the British committee of the Indian National Congress established in London in 1899?

To maintain a presence of Indian interests in British politics Signup and view all the answers

Who among the early nationalists is known for advocating the 'drain theory' regarding British exploitation?

Dadabhai Naoroji Signup and view all the answers

What belief did Moderate leaders hold regarding India's political connections with Britain?

Maintaining political connections was in India's interest at that time Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for postponing the Indian National Congress session planned in London in 1892?

British elections in 1891 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the approach of the Moderates toward British rule?

Seeking to transform colonial rule into more national-like governance Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Moderate nationalists like R.C. Dutt and Dinshaw Wacha?

To analyze and critique the political economy of British rule Signup and view all the answers

What did the Moderate leaders believe was necessary for their demands to be conceded by the authorities?

Public opinion and organized political action Signup and view all the answers

Which significant aspect of British rule did the 'drain theory' highlight?

The transfer of wealth from India to Britain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aims and Objectives of the Indian National Congress

Established to create a democratic nationalist movement in India.
Aimed to politically educate and engage citizens across the country.
Sought to unify people through shared economic and political demands.
Fostered relationships among nationalist leaders from various regions.
Promoted an anti-colonial ideology and nurtured a sense of Indian nationhood.

Era of Moderates (1885-1905)

Important Leaders

Key figures: Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozshah Mehta, D.E.Wacha, W.C.Bonnerjea, S.N.Banerjea.
Influenced by liberalism and moderate politics; distinct from extremist nationalists.

Moderate Approach

Emphasized lawful constitutional agitation and orderly political progress.
Critically engaged with government policies, aiming for self-governance similar to Canada and Australia.
Transformed legislative councils into platforms for discussing grievances and advocating public finance issues.
Despite gains, failed to include broader masses, including women, in the movement.

Campaign for General Administrative Reforms

Advocated for the Indianisation of government service:
- Argued it was economically sensible, citing high salaries of British officials.
- Political argument focused on the economic drain due to remitted salaries and pensions to Britain.
- Morally argued that discrimination against Indians in public service roles was unjust.
Moderates believed that public pressure would lead to gradual reforms from the British government.
Employed strategies like petitions and meetings for advocacy; established a British Congress committee in 1899.

Contributions of Moderate Nationalists

Economic Critique of British Imperialism

Introduced the "drain theory" explaining British exploitation of Indian resources.
Proposed criticisms aimed at illuminating the economic impacts of colonial rule.

Indian Councils Act 1892

Main Provisions:
- Increase in non-official members in legislative councils.
- Budgetary discussions permitted, but voting and amending the budget were restricted.
Limitations:
- Officials maintained majority, rendering non-official voices ineffective.
- Severe criticisms from Congress members highlighting dissatisfaction with the constraints on true representation.

Indian National Congress: Foundation and the Moderate Phase

Formed in 1885 under A.O. Hume, aimed at creating an all-India political organization.
First session held in Bombay with 72 delegates, presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.
Established as an annual event to represent various regions of India, fostering a unified nationalist effort.

The "Safety Valve" Theory

Some believed the Congress served as a means to release public discontent without direct rebellion.
Early leaders debated the organization's role, with Marxist historians positing it as a planned diversion from uprisings.
Modern historians assert that the Congress represented a genuine political awakening among Indians, seeking to address their demands.

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Description

This quiz explores the foundational aims and objectives of the Indian National Congress in its early stages. Understand the movement's goals to educate the populace, foster unity among nationalists, and resist colonial rule. Test your knowledge on this crucial part of India's modern history.