Early Nationalism & INC Formation — Set 4

Correct Answer: A. A. Administrative reforms and more Indian participation in government

The early nationalists or moderates of the INC primarily demanded administrative reforms, more Indian participation in civil services, and representative government within the British Empire framework. They believed in constitutional methods like petitions, resolutions, and memorials. They trusted in British sense of justice and fair play. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Pherozeshah Mehta represented this approach.

Correct Answer: A. A. The maximum age for ICS examination was reduced from 21 to 19

The reduction of the maximum age limit for the Indian Civil Service examination from 21 to 19 years in 1876 was a major controversy. This effectively discriminated against Indians who had to travel to England to take the exam. Surendranath Banerjee and the Indian Association campaigned vigorously against this reduction. The issue helped galvanize Indian political consciousness and contributed to early nationalist agitation.

Correct Answer: A. A. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in Pune in 1905. The society was dedicated to training Indians in public service and working for the welfare of India. Members took a vow of poverty and devoted their lives to public service. Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Gokhale and considered him his political guru.

Correct Answer: A. A. Calcutta 1906

The Calcutta session of the INC in 1906, presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji, adopted four important resolutions: Swaraj (self-rule), Swadeshi (use of Indian goods), Boycott (of British goods), and National Education. These resolutions reflected the growing influence of the extremist faction led by Tilak. The session marked a turning point in the INC's evolution from petitioning to more active political demands.

Correct Answer: A. A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was known as 'Lok Manya' meaning 'respected by the people' or 'accepted by the people as their leader.' He was one of the most popular leaders of the extremist faction of the INC. His famous statement 'Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it' became a rallying cry for Indian nationalism. He used the Ganesh festival and Shivaji festival to spread nationalist consciousness.

Correct Answer: A. A. Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal into two provinces

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was ordered by Viceroy Lord Curzon, who divided Bengal into two provinces: East Bengal and Assam (with a Muslim majority) and the remaining Bengal (Hindu majority). The official reason was administrative convenience. Nationalists saw it as a deliberate attempt to divide Hindus and Muslims and weaken the nationalist movement centered in Bengal. It triggered the Swadeshi movement and massive protests.

Correct Answer: A. A. He was the moderate leader and Gandhi's political guru

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was the foremost moderate leader of the INC and Mahatma Gandhi's political guru. He founded the Servants of India Society in 1905. He was known for his mastery of budget matters and was called the 'greatest parliamentarian of his time' by the British. He believed in gradual reforms through constitutional means and education.

Correct Answer: A. A. Demanding complete independence through mass agitation

The extremist faction of the INC, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, demanded complete independence (Swaraj) and advocated mass agitation, boycott of British goods, and swadeshi as methods. They rejected the moderate approach of petitioning and memorials. They believed that independence must be wrested from the British, not obtained through prayers. The extremists triggered the Swadeshi movement after the 1905 Partition of Bengal.

Correct Answer: A. A. It expanded the legislative councils but was insufficient

The Indian Councils Act 1892 expanded the legislative councils by adding non-official members and allowing some discussion of the budget. However, it was criticized by nationalists as inadequate since members were not directly elected. The INC demanded further reforms leading to the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909. The 1892 Act was a minor concession that satisfied few Indian political demands.

Correct Answer: A. A. Dadabhai Naoroji

Dadabhai Naoroji used the phrase 'India for the Indians' to assert that India's resources and administration should benefit Indians, not be drained by Britain. He documented the economic exploitation of India by the British in his famous work 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India.' Naoroji was the first to systematically calculate the 'drain of wealth' from India to Britain. His work inspired generations of Indian nationalists.