CHAPTER NO. 03

Programme and Achievement of the Early Nationalists

National movement in India can be classified into three phases on the basis of the

objectives and the methods of struggle The three phases are :-

(a) The Early Nationalists (Moderate) Phase (1885-1905 A.D) aimed at

gaining concessions for Indians. They adopted purely constitutional

methods such as making petitions and praying to the government for

acceptance their moderate demand.

(b) The Aggressive Phase ( 1905-1919 A.D) aimed at socio-economic and

political progress of the people included the extremist measures such

swadeshi, swaraj, national education and boycott.

(c) The Gandhian Phase (1919-1947 A.D) aimed at Poorna Swaraj included

Gandhi’s non-violence, Non-cooperation movements, civil disobedience

and satyagrha

Objectives

1. To awaken and organize organic public opinion.

2. To arouse political consciousness and national spirit of the Indians

3. To educate and unite Indians on common political and economic issues.

4. To create a strong British public opinion in favour of the genuine

grievances of the Indians

5. To establish colonial form of self government.

Beliefs of the early Nationalists (Moderates)

Their methods were moderates in character.

i. The English were just and freedom loving people. They had an

aiding faith in the British sense of justice and fair play and believed

in loyalty to the British crown.

ii. The congress was proud of its British connections and looked to

England for inspiration and guidance.

iii. They recognized the benefits of the English rule, especially the

English language and modern means of transport and

communication. They also tried to purge the society of its evils like

sati, child marriage, untouchability etc.

Programme of the Early Nationalists (Moderates)

1. Political Programme or constitutional reforms :

The early Nationalists (moderate) demanded

(i) to form the Governor General’s Legislative council at the centre

and to ask for the expansion of the provincial legislative councils

as established under the Indian Councils Act of 1861 AD

(ii) to seek the abolition of the “Indian Council” in England.

(iii) To establish the colonial form of self-government in India as in

Canada and Australia.

2. Administrative Reforms:

(i) Wider employment to Indians in higher jobs under the government.

(ii) Indianization of civil services and simultaneous I.C.S. Examinations to be

held in England and India.

(iii) Adequate representation fo Indians in the Executive council of the viceroy

and the provincial governors.

(iv) An increase in the powers of the local bodies and reducing official control

on them.

(v) Separation of executive and judicial functions so as to protect Indians

from arbitrary acts of police and bureaucracy.

3. Socio-Economic Prgramme

(i) Reduction in the rate of land revenue.

(ii) Reduction in the rate of interest from peasants charged by the

Zamidars.

(iii) Availability of cheap credit to the peasants from Agricultural

banks.

(iv) Duty on sugar and salt to be totally abolished.

(v) Tariff protection for industrial growth , government loans for the

development of iron, coal, paper and sugar industries in India.

(vi) Reduction in expenditure on the home Government charges and on

the army. The money thus saved to be spent health, education and

other social services. More funds for technical education be

provided.

4. Programme relating to civil rights and liberties

(i) Right of freedom of speech and expression.

(ii) Right to assemble and to form association and to organize

meetings to educate the people.

(iii) Right to circulate leaflets, pamphlets and the repeal of the laws

imposing censor on the press i.e Vernacular Press Act.

Methods of struggle of the early nationalists

- Known as Constitutional agitation

This include discussions, processions, speeches, peaceful propaganda

through press memoranda, sending delegations to the Government in India

and England.

- Prayers, Petitions and Pleas were the methods used by them.

(i) By Resolution and Petitions : the Indian National congress wanted

to adopt peaceful means or methods for the fulfillment of its

demands. The early nationalists had criticized the improper

polices of the British government in India, but at the same time,

they also proved that they were loyal to the British Government in

India.

(ii) By Newspapers : Newspapers: Used the newspapers for preparing

public opinion and for the propagation of their view and opinions.

(iii) By Deputation : Adopted the method of sending deputations for

the fulfillment of its programme and to divert the attention of the

British Government in India towards the special or particular

subject.

(iv) By raising issues in the Impreial legislative : Many leaders like

Gopal Krishan Gokhale also tried to raise the public issues in the

Imperial Legislative Council.

Failures and Achievements of the early

1. They have been named “Armchair Politician”. Their methods are crticises

ad inadequate and half-hearted.

2. They failed to realize that the British and the indian interests clashed with

each other. Britain was using india’s resources to increase its wealth.

3. They failed to draw masses into the mainstream of the national

movement. It was limited only to urban educated Indians

Achievements

Inspite of many limitations, the moderates laid the foundation of the

national movement which ultimately gained freedom for India.

1. Foundation of Secular and Democratic National Movement

It incorporated people of all religions, caste, creeds, regions and

colour. They were successful in promoting the spirit of common

brotherhood surpassing religious and regional diversities.

2. Political Education of the Indians: Helpful in arousing political

awakening and national consciousness among the Indians .

3. Exposure of the True Nature of British Rule: They successfully

exposed the true nature of British Imperialism In India. They told the

people how the Britishers were exploiting Indian economy. Early

Nationalists leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji through his book, Poverty

and Un-British Rule in India, highlighted how the British were

draining India’s resources.

4. Social Reforms: They raised voice against social evils such as child

marriage, sati system etc.

5. Indian Councils Act of 1892 AD

Prominent Early Nationalists Leaders

Dadabhai Naoroji

Known as “The Grand Old Man Of India”

Born on 4th September 1825 in a Parsi family of Mumbai

His book “Poverty and un-British Rule in India brought into the limelight

the drain of India’s wealth into Britain.

He was Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons between

1892-1895.

He is credited with the founding of the Indian National congress, along

with A.O.Hume.

India’s unofficial Ambassador in England

-Founded the London India Society with the help of W.C.Bannerjee to

publicize grievances of Indians.

Political ideas

founded the Bombay Association and edited the newspaper : ‘Rost Goftar”

Also started magazine “Dharma Marg Darshak”

The credit for demanding Swaraj from the congress platform for the first

time (1906) goes to him.

His role in congress

- One of the moving spirits and one of the original founders of the congress

- he became congress President thrice i.e 1886, 1893, 1906

- he laid the foundation for early nationalists politics and the principles of

constitutional agitation.

- under her Presidentship, the congress passed a resolution on Swadeshi,

Swaraj,Boycott and National Education.

- He laid stress on the important rights of the Indian people:

(i) increasing employment in public services

(ii) Increasing representation in legislative councils

(iii) Right to just and friendly relations between India and

England.

His Economic Ideas

Presented “Drain Theory” by following :

(i) salaries payable to the members of the Indian Council

(ii) Dispatch of savings to England by British personnels posted in

India.

(iii) Pensions to British Officers

(iv) Payments to the war office for the maintenance of British troops

in India

(v) Profits of the British Trading Agencies

He passed away in 1917.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

- Born in 1866 was a professor of History and Economics.

- In his autobiography, Gandhi calls Gokhale his mentor and guide.

- Known as “ Political Guru of Gandhi”

His role in Congress

Became member of congress in 1889 A.D. He has immense faith in British

liberalism.

- Petitions, Appeals for justice and passive resistance were Gokhale’s

method of constitutional agitation.

- He supported the indianization of Civil services, reduction in salt duty and

the speard of advanced technology, administration and health.

- Played important role in bringing the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909 AD.

His intense desire to spread the work of the upliftment of the poor

peoletook a concrete shape when he formed the Servants of india Society

in 1905 AD,

Servants of India Society

It was formed in Pune,Maharashtra in 1905 by Gopal Krishan Gokhale, who left

the Deccan Education Society to form this association.

-The society organized many campaigns to promote education especially women

education, sanitation, health care and fight the social evils of unthouchability

and discrimination, alcoholism, poverty oppression of women and domestic

abuse.

Economic ideas

- he demanded radical changes in the fiscal political and better jobs for

the educated middle class.

- He impressed upon the government to reduce the land revenue.

Gokhale and Gandhiji

In 1912, gokhale went to South Africa where he helped Gandhiji his fight

against racial discrimination. The credit of persuading Gandhiji to return

to India and join indian public life also goes to Gokhale

Surendranath Banerjee

Founded Indian National Association

His role in Congress:

- Took a leading part of the formation of the Indian National Congress.

- Also called Indian Gladstone for his oratory and the indian Edmund

Burke for his combining oratory with knowledge.

- He advocated the floating of a National Fund to maintain a permanent

delegation in London be able to project India’s pint of view. He also

stressed the need for hindu-muslim.

- opposed the Partition of Bengal by Lord Caurzon.

- Supported the Swadeshi Movement

As a journalist and writer

Edited newspaper, called Bengalee, which served as a powerful medium for

mobilizing public opinion.

o his book “ A nation in Making” gives an account of his political

concern and his view about self-government

o Died on 6th August 1925

CHAPTER NO. 04

THE RISE OF ASSERTIVE NATIONALISM

The meaning and scope of (Radical) Assertive Nationalism

The Indian National Congress (INC) originated in 1885 AD.

A group of leders came into existence, in the Indian National congress,

who did not believe in the sympathy and justice of the British

Government in India. They were called radical nationalists or the

Assertive Nationalist.

Lala Lajpat Rai,Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipan Chander Pal ( BCP) were

the main leaders.

Basic Beliefs and Principles

1. They had no faith in the british sense of justice and fair play.

2. They had no faith in English Institution.

3. They have deep faith in Hindusim. They considered religion as part of

nationalism.

4. They did not support the moderates theory of cultural economic and

social reforms.

5. Did not believe in adopting constitutional methods of moderates.

6. They believed in self-reliance and self-determination.

Objectives

(a) Achievement of complete independence

Bal Gangadhar had openly said “Swarajya is my birthright and I shall have

it”.

(b) Lala Lajpat Rai also favoured Swaraj and while demanding swaraj, he said,

swaraj was the first requisite for a nation and reforms or good

government could be no substitute for it.

(c) Disestablishment of the relations between India and England;

BCP said We do not want to establish relations with British. We want our

own Government in India”.

Causes of the Rise of Assertive (Radical) Nationalism

1. Disillusionment with the early nationalists:-

The efforts of moderate leaders did not bear fruits and british hostility

towards moderates led to the rise of the assertives Nationalism.

2. Economic Exploitation of India

- Peasants suffered due to prolonged spell of drought and famines

- India’s gold reserves were being transferred to London.

- Money was not available for loans against government securities and bank rate

was very high.

-There was no relief in the salt duty, excise duty or other taxes.

-Moderates failed to make any dent on British exploitation of Indian economy to

safeguard their interests.

-When famine and plague were ravaging India, the British spent a lot of money

to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria accession.

3. Famines and Plague

- Draught of 1896-1897 AD brought widespread famine, causing nearly 45 lakh

deaths.

- A terrible famine again broke out in 1809-1900 AD

- British govt did not take measures to solve the problem of famine.

4. Tilak’s sentence of 18 Months of imprisonment

- During famine and plague, two sensitive angry young men, Damodar Hari and

Bal Krishan chapekar killed the Plague commissioner of Poona, Mr Rand and his

assistance. Gangadhar Tilak who had no connection with the murder, arrested

and sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment.

5. Lord Curzon’s Repressive Policies :

-1898 passed Official Secrets Act with the intention to deny information to the

people on the pretext of official secrets.

- 1899 passed the “Calcutta Corporation Act” and reduced the number of elected

members of the Muncipal Corporation of Calcutta

- Abolish the internal independence of the universities through the Indian

Universities Act of 1904.

- 1904 he imposed several restrictions on the press and passed sedition

act.( No right to speak)

- Partition of Bengal in 1905

6. The Partition of Bengal

- Partition of Bengal into two Provinces i.e Western Bengal ( a hindu dominated

area) and Eastern Bengal and Assam ( a Muslim dominated area) in 1905 AD.

- justified partition as administrative conveniences of the govt, but real motive

was to contain and crush the rising tide of nationalism in Bengal.

- divide people on the basis of caste and religion

7. Impact of International Event

- Italy’s defeat at the hands of Ethopia in 1896 AD and Russia’s defeat at the

hands of Japan in 1905- shattered the myth of the invincibility of European

powers.

- Boers War (1899-1902 AD) amazed Indians at the courage of Boers.

- The revolutionary movement in Ireland, Russia, Chaina,Egypt, Turkey,Iran and

Persia give inspiration to Indians.

- Bad treatment to Indian in South Afric and Gandhi’s Satyagraha in South Africa

was an inspiring example .

8. Revival of indian culture and impact of social and religious movement

- religious and social reforms movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj and

Ramakrishna Mission

- Bankim Chandra Chatterjee book, Anand Math became a bible for the radicials.

- created self confidence among the people of india.

Surat-Split in the congress (1907 AD) ( Ideological difference between moderate

and assertives)

The assertive nationalists proposed name of Lala Lajpat Rai while early

nationalists proposed the name of Ras Bihari Ghosh for the Congress

President ship , resulted in split between radical and moderate section at

surat session in 1907 AD.

Programme of the Assertive Nationalists

Aims: Nothing short of swarj

The methods of struggle are as under:-

(i) Stress on Revival of India’s glory: Ganapati Festival,Shivaji Festivabl and

Akharas and Lathi club

(ii) Swadeshi:

- to use swadeshi as weapon against the britishers. -

-to use swadeshi goods only

(iii) Boycott of Videsh goods

- boycott government services, honours, titles and social boycott of a person

trading in foreign goods.

(iv) National Education

- national education was popularized it included :-

- ( a) secular education

- (b) Moral education, political education and vocational and technical

education

Achievements of the Assertive Nationalists

-give birth to revolutionary movements

- made self-reliance and self-assertion on the basis of national movement

-encouragement to indian industries

-adversely affected British commercial interest

swadesh and boycott by the people weakened the british administration

-Cogress adopted the resolution of Swaraj, Swedeshi, Boycott and National

Education in 1906 Ad.

-revived Shakti cult rhrough Akharad, Lathi Clubs, celebration of Ganapati

and Shivaji festivals.

-spoke, wrote and edited newspapers in vernacular languages

Bala Gangadhar Talik

- Father of the Indian unrest

- his famous quote Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”

- Born on Jully 23,1856 in Madhali Alee in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

Tilak and Congress

- Joined INC in 1890

- Opposed the moderate views of Gopal Krishna Gokhale

- Orgainsed Swadeshi and Boycott agitation after the partition of Bengal

- Forced congress to adopt “Swaraj” as the main goal

- After split, Tilak assumed the leadership of the aggressive nationalists

Political beliefs

- swaraj is my birth right

- can be achieved only through self-sacrifice and self dependence

- political power cannot achieved through begging

Talik contribution towards the rise of nationalism/ means he employed to

expose the british administration

- Spread the national movement in rural areas

- Transformed anti-partition movement into a movement of swaraj

- Started home rule movement

- Made bitter attacks on government through his weeklies, Maratha and

the Kesari.

The Forerunner of Gandhiji

- moulded the ideas of Gandhi

Bipain Chandra Pal

- Born on Novemebr 7, 1858 in Poli village in the Habiganj

- A teacher, journalist, orator, writer and librarian was famous as one of

the triumvirate of the three aggressive/radical patriots of the congress

His contribution

- known as “Father of revolutionary thought in india”

- pleaded that Arms Act should be repealed.

- During anti-partition- carried with him message of swaraj, boycott

and swadeshi.

- Of the view that great hardship or suffering was the price that had to

be paid for freedom

- Wrote book “ The spirit of Indian nationalism” highlighted the

importance of Nationalism.

His Ideas on National Education

- education to be organized on nationalistic lines

- education an effective instrument for social progress

His Economic ideas

In his book “The New Economic Menace to india” he suggested methods to

remove poverty and unemployment in India

- Industry should be developed.

- Rich should be taxed heavily.

- 48 hours of work in a week and an increase in wages

- practice Sadeshi and boycott should become the means of national

freedom so that the Indian Industries could progress

As a journalist and a writer

- edited several newpapers important – New India, Bande Mataram

Bipin Chandra and Gandhiji

- first to criticize Gandhiji

The Muslim League

Communalism in India

- communalism implied the Starting of political movements in the name of

promoting the interest on one’s own community and protesting against the real

or imaginary advantages enjoyed by other communities.

- It is based on the view that the political economic, social and cultural interests

of the people belonging to different religious communities were different from

one another.

- Muslim participate din Wahabi Movement which aimed at restoring the Islamic

rule in India.

- British held the muslim responsible for revolt of 1857.

Change in the attitude of british towards muslim

-Muslim weak after revolt

-heavy cost if another revolt

-national movement also gaining strength,so the British tried to keep them away

from the congress.

Factors Promoting Communalism

1.British policy of divide and rule- branded congress movement as hindu

movement.

- Partition of Bengal, Curzon toured East Bengal and addressed muslims on the

advantages that would accrue as a majority community

2. Educational and Economic Backwardness of the Muslims:

Upper class muslims comprising Zamindars, aristocrats were conservative and

hostile towards modern education. As a result number of educated muslims

remains small.

- Muslims has little interest in growth of trade and industry.

- Remained backward in the social and cultural spheres.

- Due to lack of technical education, the rate of unemployment in the

Muslim community was very high.

3. Role of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

- commonly known as Sir syed

- 1857 rebellion remains loyal to british

- began promoting western style scientific education by founding

modern schools and journals. Founded Scientific Association of

Aligarh

- pioneered modern education for the muslim community in India by

founding the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College, which later

developed into Aligarh Mulsim University

- founded Mohammedan Anglo Oriental College in 1875- aim-

promoting social and economic development of the Indian Muslims-

promote loyalty towards rulers

- called upon the Muslims to loyally serve the British Raj.Started United

Indian Patriotic Associaiton in 1888- Mohammedan civil Service

Associaiton

- He convened Mulsim conference

4. Partition in Bengal

- Responsible for growth of communalism in India.

- When religious colour added to the movement, muslims avoided

- 16th October 1905, Mohammedan Provincial Union was founded.

5. Writings and speeches of Aggressive Nationalist

- some of action of nationalist gave nationalism a religious tinge and makred a

step backward in respect of national unity

- Shivaji and Ganapti festival

- Nationalist journal, Bande Mataram also provided communal colour

- adoption of Bande Mataram

- Bipin Chandra regarded Shri Krishna as india’s soul.

Events leading to formation of Muslim League:

In 1883 Mulism Zamindars and others asked for separate representation of the

muslims community in local bodies and district councils.

(i) The Aligarh Politics: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan launched the Aligarh

Movement:

- to create atmosphere of mutual understand between muslims and

british.

- To persuade muslims to adopt English education

- To provide an intellectual class from amongst the muslim community.

Sir syed died in 1898, but the followers of his Aligarh movement

under the leadership of Shibli, Hali Mulk and other carried forward the

legacy of the battle of the supremacy of Urdu to counter the movement

for Hindi.

- Chief commissioner of Oudh abolished the Persian script from the

language of courts and replaced it with Devanagri by adopting the

Nagari resolution.

(ii) The Hindi-urdu controversy : - during last days of muslim rules urdu

emerged as most common language of north-western provinces of

India

- 1867 some prominent hindus started a movement in Benaras in which

they demanded the replacement of urdu with Hindi.

- Urdu Hindi controversy has a great effect on the life of Sir syed

(iii) The Anti-Partition Movement: given rise to religious flavor

(iv) Mulsim Deputation meets Minto on Ist October 1906- deputation

include Principal of M.A.O college Mr Archbold and H.H.Aga Khan

prepared address and also acted as liaison between the govt and the

muslim. The address to Lord minto contained four main points:-

(a) The proclamation of the Muslim loyalty to the british

(b) Appreciation of the british on policy of reforms

(c) Muslims anxiety that the general system of elections if introduced woud

harm their interest.

(d) Reservation of seats on the basis of religious beliefs.

Main demands of the Muslim Deputation

1. Separate electorate : Provincial Councils, Imperial Legislative councils

2. Weightage in Representation : in services

3. Adequate representation elsewhere also: in local bodies, university

bodies, in civil, military and judicial services under the govt. They

demanded that every high court mush have a muslim judge.

4. The establishment of a Muslim university: Minto Assurance- (communal

and separate electorate was introduced later through Minto-Morley

Reforms act 1909 AD)

Actually Muslim deputation had in reality been invited rather then being

received- sort of communal performance- counterpoise of natives against

the natives- british may be described as the god-father of the muslim

league

Actual formation of the Muslim League

Formally founded on 30th Dec 1906

League constitution was framed in 1907 at Karachi

Aga khan elected as a permanent President of Muslim league.

Hq at Aligarh but its central office was shifted to Lucknow in 1910

Objectives of the Muslim league:

1. to promote amongst the indian Muslims the feelings of loyalty towards

the british government.

2. To promote and advance the political rights and other interests of the

muslims of india and to place their needs of the muslims of India and to

place their needs and aspirations before the Govt in Mind and moderate

language.

3. To promote friendly relations between the Muslims and other

communities of India and to prevent the rise of any hostility between

them without adversely affecting the above mentioned objectives.

4. To promote social and economic interest of the muslims.

5. To secure a rightful place for the Muslims in the Indian society and

economy.

Two direct results/outcomes of the formation of Muslims league

1. It became communal organization since its inception, which look after

interest of muslims only.

2. The british supported the league to provide an opposition to the congress.

Separate electorates were incorporated in themorley Minto Reform (1909) to

please the muslims , created rift between Muslim league and the congress.

The league stood apart from the National movement. Its political activities

were directed against the congress.