Early Nationalism & INC Formation — Set 8
National Movement · प्रारंभिक राष्ट्रवाद और INC · Questions 71–80 of 160
What was the Indian National Congress's demand for simultaneous ICS examination?
Correct Answer: A. A. Exams should be held in India and England simultaneously so Indians can compete equally
The INC consistently demanded that the Indian Civil Service examination be held simultaneously in India and England. This was a practical demand because Indian candidates had to travel to England at great expense to take the examination, which effectively excluded most Indians. Surendranath Banerjee himself was dismissed from the ICS and campaigned for this reform. The demand was a major grievance of educated Indians who wanted opportunities in administration.
Which early nationalist leader was known as 'Dinabandhu' (Friend of the Poor)?
Correct Answer: A. A. C.F. Andrews
C.F. Andrews, a British Christian missionary who became a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, was known as 'Dinabandhu' meaning 'Friend of the Poor.' He worked tirelessly for the rights of Indian laborers, especially indentured laborers in South Africa, Fiji, and other British colonies. He also supported the Indian independence movement. Tagore gave him the nickname Dinabandhu.
What was the first major demand of the Indian National Congress at its first session?
Correct Answer: A. A. Inquiry into Indian administration and expansion of Supreme Council
At the first session of the INC in 1885, the main demands included the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into Indian administration, expansion of the Supreme Legislative Council, reduction of military expenditure, holding of ICS examination simultaneously in India and England, and repeal of the Arms Act. These were moderate demands that reflected the early INC's reformist orientation. Complete independence was not demanded at this stage.
What was the Surat Split of 1907?
Correct Answer: A. A. Division of INC into moderate and extremist factions
The Surat Split of 1907 was the division of the Indian National Congress into moderate and extremist factions at the Surat session. The extremists, led by Tilak, wanted Lal-Bal-Pal to lead the Congress while the moderates wanted Rash Behari Ghosh. The moderates prevailed, and Tilak's faction was effectively expelled. The split weakened the nationalist movement for several years until the Lucknow Pact of 1916.
Which session reunited the two factions of the INC after the Surat Split?
Correct Answer: A. A. Lucknow session 1916
The Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress in 1916 reunited the moderate and extremist factions that had split at Surat in 1907. Bal Gangadhar Tilak led the extremists back into the main Congress fold. The same session saw the Lucknow Pact between the INC and Muslim League. This reunion strengthened the nationalist movement on the eve of key World War I negotiations.
What was the significance of the Calcutta session 1917 of the INC?
Correct Answer: A. A. Annie Besant became the first woman president
The Calcutta session of the INC in 1917 was significant because Annie Besant became the first woman president of the organization. She had been interned by the British earlier that year for her Home Rule activities. Her release and subsequent election as Congress president showed the movement's breadth. The session also discussed the ongoing World War I and India's political future.
Who was known as the 'Prophet of Indian Nationalism'?
Correct Answer: A. A. Aurobindo Ghosh
Aurobindo Ghosh (Sri Aurobindo) was sometimes called the 'Prophet of Indian Nationalism.' He was an extremist leader who edited the newspaper 'Yugantar' and was a key voice for complete independence. He was tried in the Alipore Bomb Case in 1908 but acquitted. After his acquittal, he withdrew from active politics and moved to Pondicherry where he became a spiritual leader.
What was the partition of Bengal's effect on Hindu-Muslim relations?
Correct Answer: A. A. Initial united opposition but later communal tensions increased
Initially, the partition of Bengal (1905) united both Hindus and Muslims in opposition. However, communal tensions increased over time as the partition created a Muslim-majority East Bengal. The founding of the Muslim League in 1906 partly reflected Muslim elite concerns about being outnumbered by Hindus. Over time, the Swadeshi movement's Hindu symbolism alienated some Muslims, contributing to communal polarization.
What was the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917?
Correct Answer: A. A. Gandhi's first satyagraha in India against indigo plantation system
The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was Mahatma Gandhi's first civil disobedience campaign in India, conducted in Bihar against the tinkathia system where indigo farmers were forced to grow indigo on a portion of their land. Gandhi organized the farmers and investigated their conditions. The satyagraha successfully forced the British to abolish the tinkathia system. It marked Gandhi's emergence as a mass leader in India.
Which organization preceded the Indian National Congress in organizing Indian political demands?
Correct Answer: A. A. British Indian Association founded 1851
The British Indian Association, founded in Calcutta in 1851, was one of the earliest political organizations that preceded the INC in organizing Indian political demands. It represented the interests of the zamindars and educated classes. Along with the Bombay Association (1852) and Madras Native Association, these early bodies set the pattern for political petitioning. The INC in 1885 built on these earlier foundations to create a truly national organization.