Early Nationalism & INC Formation — Set 12

Correct Answer: A. A. It showed Asians could defeat Europeans and inspired Indian nationalists

The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05, in which Japan defeated a European power (Russia) for the first time in modern history, had a significant psychological impact on Indian nationalists. It shattered the myth of European invincibility and showed that an Asian nation could defeat a major European power. Bal Gangadhar Tilak and other nationalist leaders were emboldened by this demonstration. It contributed to the radicalization of Indian nationalism around 1905-07.

Correct Answer: A. A. Satyendranath Tagore

Satyendranath Tagore (brother of Rabindranath Tagore) was the first Indian to successfully pass the Indian Civil Service examination and join the ICS in 1864. This was a landmark achievement that demonstrated Indian ability to compete intellectually with British counterparts. However, discrimination in the ICS against Indian officers was rampant. The INC's demand for simultaneous examination in India and England was partly inspired by the difficulties Indian ICS aspirants faced.

Correct Answer: A. A. It prohibited Indians from owning firearms while Europeans could

The Arms Act of 1878, passed under Viceroy Lord Lytton, prohibited Indians from owning firearms without a license while exempting Europeans. Indians saw this as discriminatory and as a measure to prevent armed resistance to British rule. The repeal of the Arms Act was one of the early demands of the INC at its first session in 1885. The act symbolized the racial discrimination inherent in British colonial administration.

Correct Answer: A. A. They participated in social reform movements and some women joined the Home Rule League

Women participated in early Indian nationalism primarily through social reform movements, education initiatives, and later through organizations like the Home Rule League. Annie Besant, a prominent woman, became the first female president of the INC in 1917. Women like Saralabala Debi Choudhurani organized nationalist activities. However, women's mass participation in Indian nationalism began more broadly with Gandhi's campaigns from 1919 onwards.

Correct Answer: A. A. Reunion of moderate and extremist factions and the Lucknow Pact

The Lucknow session of the INC in 1916 was famous for two main events: the reunion of the moderate and extremist factions that had split at Surat in 1907, and the Lucknow Pact between the INC and the All India Muslim League. The INC agreed to accept the principle of separate Muslim electorates in exchange for Muslim League support for the demand for Indian self-governance. Both Tilak and Jinnah played key roles in negotiating the pact.

Correct Answer: A. A. Movement to use Indian goods starting from 1905 after Bengal partition

The Swadeshi Movement began in 1905 following the partition of Bengal by Viceroy Curzon. It called on Indians to use only Indian-made goods and boycott British products. Leaders like Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh led the movement. It was the first mass nationalist movement in India, drawing ordinary people into active politics. The movement contributed to the development of Indian industries and the radicalization of the nationalist movement.

Correct Answer: A. A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, representing the extremist view, criticized the INC's annual sessions as a 'three days' tamasha' (three-day entertainment) that accomplished little through petitions and resolutions. He wanted the INC to engage in active agitation and direct action rather than just passing resolutions. This criticism reflected the frustration of extremists with the moderate approach. Tilak's critique drove his push for more militant nationalist methods.

Correct Answer: A. A. Surendranath Banerjee organized protests and a petition campaign across India

Surendranath Banerjee and the Indian Association organized a major protest campaign against the reduction of the ICS age limit from 21 to 19 years in 1876. Banerjee himself had been dismissed from the ICS on dubious grounds. The Association held public meetings across India and organized a petition campaign. This was one of the first examples of organized nationwide political agitation in India. The campaign helped build the Indian Association into a significant nationalist organization.

Correct Answer: A. A. It was a predecessor to the INC that brought nationalists together

Surendranath Banerjee organized the All India National Conference in Calcutta in December 1883, which is considered one of the direct predecessors of the Indian National Congress. It brought together nationalists from different parts of India. A.O. Hume may have been inspired by this conference when organizing the INC in 1885. The conference discussed political reforms and expressed the demand for greater Indian participation in administration.

Correct Answer: A. A. British mishandling led to Tilak's protest and the Chapekar assassination

The Bubonic Plague outbreak in Pune in 1896-97 was mishandled by the British authorities who used harsh methods to control the epidemic, including forcible house searches and removal of patients. Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote critically in 'Kesari' about the British response. Two British officers were assassinated by the Chapekar brothers, who were inspired partly by Tilak's writings. Tilak was tried for sedition in 1897 based on these writings.