Early Nationalism & INC Formation — Set 6

Correct Answer: A. A. It was presided by C. Sankaran Nair and discussed plague response

The Amraoti session of the INC in 1897 was presided over by C. Sankaran Nair. It was significant because of the plague epidemic in Pune that year and the controversy around Bal Gangadhar Tilak's writings. The session discussed British handling of the plague. In 1897, Tilak was tried for sedition based on his writings in 'Kesari' after the assassination of British officials by Chapekar brothers.

Correct Answer: A. A. Lord Curzon

Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, was highly critical of the Indian National Congress and described it in harsh terms. Under his tenure, the controversial Partition of Bengal was carried out in 1905, which triggered the Swadeshi movement. Curzon's anti-INC policies actually strengthened the nationalist movement. His statement reflected British official hostility toward the growing nationalist organization.

Correct Answer: A. A. ICS examinations should be held simultaneously in India and England

The early nationalists demanded that ICS examinations should be held simultaneously in India and England so that Indian candidates would not have to travel to England. This was a major demand since the high cost of traveling to England effectively excluded most Indians from the prestigious civil service. The demand was partially fulfilled much later. This was one of the practical reform demands of the moderate nationalists.

Correct Answer: A. A. Social and intellectual reform movement that produced nationalist leaders

The Bengal Renaissance was a social and intellectual reform movement in 19th century Bengal led by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and others. It emphasized rationalism, education, women's rights, and reform of Hindu society. This intellectual ferment produced many leaders of early nationalism like Surendranath Banerjee and R.C. Dutt. The Bengal Renaissance is considered the foundation of the modern Indian nationalist movement.

Correct Answer: A. A. Badruddin Tyabji

Badruddin Tyabji became the first Muslim president of the Indian National Congress at the Madras session in 1887. He was a prominent Bombay lawyer and a strong believer in Hindu-Muslim unity. His presidency symbolized the early INC's inclusive character. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, by contrast, opposed the INC and urged Muslims not to join it.

Correct Answer: A. A. A movement launched by Tilak and Annie Besant in 1916 demanding self-rule

The Home Rule League was launched in 1916, with Bal Gangadhar Tilak founding one in Pune in April and Annie Besant founding another in Madras in September. Both demanded self-governance or 'Home Rule' for India within the British Empire, similar to the Irish Home Rule movement. The movement attracted widespread support and energized Indian nationalism during World War I. It complemented the INC's political activities.

Correct Answer: A. A. Shyamji Krishna Varma

Shyamji Krishna Varma founded the Indian Home Rule Society in London in 1905. He also founded India House in London which became a center for Indian revolutionary activities. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and other nationalists worked from India House. The society published the journal 'The Indian Sociologist.' These London-based organizations represented a more radical strand of early Indian nationalism.

Correct Answer: A. A. Expanded legislative councils and introduced communal electorates

The Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909 (Indian Councils Act 1909), named after Viceroy Lord Minto and Secretary of State Lord Morley, expanded the legislative councils at provincial and central levels. Most significantly, they introduced the principle of communal electorates by which Muslims would have separate seats elected only by Muslim voters. The INC was divided — moderates accepted the reforms while extremists criticized them. The introduction of communal electorates had long-term divisive consequences.

Correct Answer: A. A. Congress and Muslim League agreed on constitutional demands jointly

The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was a landmark agreement between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. Both organizations agreed on a joint scheme for Indian constitutional reforms to present to the British government. The pact also involved Congress accepting the principle of separate electorates for Muslims. It represented a high point of Hindu-Muslim political cooperation. Both Tilak and Jinnah played key roles in negotiating the pact.

Correct Answer: A. A. A.O. Hume

A.O. Hume was called the 'Father of the Indian National Congress' as he organized and convened its first session in 1885. He retired from the Indian Civil Service and dedicated himself to working for Indian political aspirations. He served as general secretary of the INC for many years after its founding. His initiative brought together Indian politicians from across the country to form a unified national platform.