Early Nationalism & INC Formation — Set 5
National Movement · प्रारंभिक राष्ट्रवाद और INC · Questions 41–50 of 160
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume with approximately 72 delegates in the first session. Who was the first President?
Correct Answer: B. B. Womesh Chandra Bannerjee
The correct answer is B. Womesh Chandra Bannerjee. Womesh Chandra Bannerjee was the first President of Indian National Congress. The first session was held in Calcutta in 1885, marking the beginning of organized nationalist movement. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Based on historical events, The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume with approximately 72 delegates in the first session. Who was the first President?
Correct Answer: B. B. Womesh Chandra Bannerjee
The correct answer is B. Womesh Chandra Bannerjee. Womesh Chandra Bannerjee was the first President of Indian National Congress. The first session was held in Calcutta in 1885, marking the beginning of organized nationalist movement. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Which of the following statements about Womesh Chandra Bannerjee is correct? The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume with approximately 72 delegates in the first session. Who was the first President?
Correct Answer: D. D. Womesh Chandra Bannerjee
The correct answer is D. Womesh Chandra Bannerjee. Womesh Chandra Bannerjee was the first President of Indian National Congress. The first session was held in Calcutta in 1885, marking the beginning of organized nationalist movement. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
What was the Bombay Association founded in 1852?
Correct Answer: A. A. An early political organization preceding the INC
The Bombay Association, founded in 1852, was one of the earliest political organizations in India. It worked to petition the British Parliament for reforms and Indian representation. Along with the British Indian Association in Bengal (1851) and the Madras Native Association, these early associations laid the groundwork for the later formation of the INC. They represented the interests of educated, upper-class Indians.
Who was the first Indian member of the Viceroy's Executive Council?
Correct Answer: A. A. Satyendra Prasad Sinha
Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian member of the Viceroy's Executive Council in 1909 as part of the Morley-Minto reforms. He served as Law Member of the Council. This was a significant but token concession to Indian demands for greater participation in governance. Sinha was a distinguished lawyer and later became the first Indian to be appointed Governor of a province.
What was the role of newspapers and journalism in the early nationalist movement?
Correct Answer: A. A. They spread nationalist ideas and educated Indians about their rights
Newspapers and journalism played a vital role in spreading nationalist ideas in early India. Newspapers like Bal Gangadhar Tilak's 'Kesari' and 'Mahratta,' Surendranath Banerjee's 'The Bengalee,' and Dadabhai Naoroji's 'Voice of India' educated Indians about their political rights. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which tried to suppress Indian language newspapers, actually galvanized opposition. The press was central to creating a national political consciousness.
When was the Indian National Congress first presided over by a woman?
Correct Answer: A. A. 1917 when Annie Besant presided
Annie Besant became the first woman to preside over the Indian National Congress at the Calcutta session in 1917. She was an Irish-born British activist, Theosophist, and women's rights campaigner who had settled in India. She founded the Home Rule League in India in 1916 to demand Indian self-governance. Her presidency marked an important milestone in the INC's evolution.
Which leader of the early INC was known for his moderate 'mendicant politics'?
Correct Answer: A. A. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Gopal Krishna Gokhale represented the moderate or 'mendicant politics' approach of early INC, which relied on petitions, memorials, and constitutional methods. The term 'mendicant politics' was used by Tilak to criticize the moderate approach of begging the British for reforms. Gokhale believed in gradual reform and the ability of the British to grant justice. His approach was later critiqued as insufficient by the extremists.
What was the relationship between the Theosophical Society and Indian nationalism?
Correct Answer: A. A. Annie Besant and Theosophical Society actively supported Indian nationalism
The Theosophical Society, founded by Madame Blavatsky and later led by Annie Besant in India, actively supported Indian nationalism. Annie Besant, who led the Society's Indian branch from Adyar, Chennai, became a prominent nationalist and founded the Home Rule League in 1916. Theosophists valued Indian spirituality and culture, which aligned with nationalist sentiment. Besant's presidency of the INC in 1917 cemented this connection.
What was the 'Vernacular Press Act' of 1878 and why was it significant?
Correct Answer: A. A. It censored Indian language newspapers and aroused nationalist protest
The Vernacular Press Act of 1878, passed under Viceroy Lord Lytton, allowed magistrates to confiscate printing presses of newspapers that published material deemed seditious. It was specifically aimed at Indian language (vernacular) newspapers. The Act was called the 'Gagging Act' by its opponents. It was repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882 after widespread protests but had already galvanized Indian political consciousness.