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First Phase of Indian National Movement (Objectives & Methods of Struggle of Early Nationalists)

The early phase of the Indian national movement (1885-1905) was characterized by educated leaders known as early nationalists, who aimed for constitutional and economic reforms through moderate and peaceful methods. They sought to enhance Indian representation in government, improve civil rights, and address economic issues while maintaining loyalty to the British crown. Key figures included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee, who played significant roles in raising political consciousness and advocating for gradual self-governance in India.

Education◦
First Phase of Indian National Movement (Objectives & Methods of Struggle of Early Nationalists)
Introduction (not for exam- do not write in the notebook) • The history of the Indian National Movement can be divided into three phases: a) The Early Nationalists Phase (1885-1905) b) The Assertive Phase (1905-1918) c) The Gandhian Era (1919- 1947) • From 1885-1905, Congress was led by few leaders called as Early Nationalists. • Most of them were educated, lawyers, teachers, doctors, journalists and professionals. And many of them had studied at England. • These leaders included: W.C.Banerjee, Rashbehari Ghosh, Dadbhai Naoroji, Ranada, Gokhale, P.R.Naidu, Madan Mohan Malviya, Hume etc.
• They were open minded. • Were loyal to the crown. • They wanted that Indians should have proper share in the government. • They believed that if British continue to stay in India it would be beneficial for both- England and India. • They demanded for reforms. However, their demands were moderate.
• They were practical. • Did not keep high demands and wanted least resistance. • Aimed at self governance and independence but through a gradual process. • Sowed seeds of democracy in the minds of Indians. • Avoided serious opposition.
The Basic Beliefs • They had faith in British’s Justice, Fair play, Honesty and Integrity. • They hoped that British would grant ‘Home Rule’ to Indians. • They believed that British rule had many benefits. Example: cleaned Sati, Child marriage, untouchability from the society. • They thought that British would help Indians to govern themselves as per Western standards. • They believed that the main obstacle in India’s progress is not the British rule and it was due to Social and Economic backwardness of Indians. • They believed in Patience. And used peaceful methods to achieve their aims.
Objectives / Demands of Early Nationalists 1. Constitutional Reforms 2. Economic Reforms 3. Administrative Demands 4. Defence of Civil Rights
a) Constitutional Reforms • They wanted a larger share in the Indian government. • They believed and aimed at winning freedom through a gradual process. • They demanded for Abolition of India Council. • Expansion of Legislative Council and Legislative assemblies. • Increase Indians’ numbers and their powers in various councils. • Demanded for ‘No taxation without representation’.
b) Economic Reforms • Reduction in land revenue and protection of peasants from unjust Zamindars. • Instead of spending money on army, demanded to spend money on welfare activities like Health and Education. • Concerned about India’s growing poverty and famines. • Cheap credit for peasants through Agricultural banks. • Development of Banks, Irrigation, Medical facilities. • Developing Industries like Iron, Sugar, Coal, Paper etc. (Loans,heavy tax on imported goods)
c) Administrative Demands • Demanded for Indian Civil Service Exams- to be held at the same time in England and India. • Making Executive and Judiciary independent from each other. • Cancel Arms Act and Licence Act. • Employment of Indians at higher administrative posts. • Spread of primary education among masses. • Improving Police system.
Defence of Civil Rights • Removal of restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of press. • Abolition of Preventive Detention Act and restoration of individual rights. • Restoration of right to assemble and to form association.
Methods of struggle • First Set of Methods: a) Held meetings, gave speeches, passed resolutions for their demands. b) Used press to criticize Govt. policies. c) Sent memos and petitions to Govt. • Second Set of Methods: a) 3 Ps: Petitions, Prayers, Protests. b) Published weekly Journal ‘India’ to present India’s case before the British public. c) Indian leaders travelled to Britain to make British politicians and people to make them aware about problems Indians faced.
Achievements of the EN (not in exam- do not write in the notebook) • United Indians. Made them realize that they have common political, economic and cultural interests. • Trained people in politics. Gave ideas like Democracy, Secularism, Nationalism. • Exposed the true nature of British rule in India. • Made the fact clear that India must be ruled in the interest of the Indians. • Due to Early Nationalists: a) Public Service Commission was set. b) ICS exam simultaneous at London and India. c) Appointed Welby Commission on Indian expenditure d) Indian Councils Act 1892.
Dadabhai Naoroji- The Grand Old Man of India
Dadabhai Naoroji (Mumbai) 1. India’s unofficial Ambassador: • Stayed in England and was India unofficial ambassador. • Founded London India Society (1865) with W.C.Banerjee • Presented important matters related to India in British parliament. • ICS Exam London and India, same time. • Founded East India Association in London. 2. Role in the Congress: • Active participation in formation of INC. Thrice served as President i.e. in 1886,1893 & 1906. • Self Govt., Swadeshi, Boycott & National Education resolutions were passed under his Presidentship. • Used the word SWARAJ for the first time in 1906. 3. Exposed the Economic ills of India: • Published books and spread awareness that the British rule was an obstacle in India’s progress.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale- The Political Guru/Mentor of Gandhi
Gopal Krishna Gokhale (Kolhapur) 1.Persuaded the British for Reforms: • Criticized British Govt. for huge expenditure on army, racial discrimination policy in appointments of high posts, production tax on cotton. • Passed Minto- Morley reforms • Worked as member of IPSC and demanded to increase numbers of Indians in higher services. • Tried to stop Partition of Bengal, during his visit to England. 2. Servants of India Society (1905): • Set up SIS. Its main aim was train national leaders to serve the nation. 3. Role as a Member of Imperial Legislative Council (1902): • Reduce Salt Duty, no excise duty on cotton goods, toll tax, bill for primary education, better jobs for educated Indians, reduce land revenue.
Surendranath Banerjee- The Father of Indian Nationalism/ Indian Burke Young | Old
Surendranath Banerjee (Bengal) 1. Established the Indian Association (1876): • Fought against wrong policies of the British, increased unity and awareness among public 2. Created an All-India Political Organisation: • Indian National Conference (1883) Kolkata. Merged in INC in 1886. 3. Political Ideas: • Edited newspaper Bengalee (powerful tool) • Book- Nation in the Making (self government) • Opposed Arms Act, Vernacular Press Act, lowering IPS exam age from 21 to 19. • Opposed Morley- Minto reforms and Partition of Bengal.
• Dadabhai Naoroji- Grand Old Man of India Wrote: Poverty & Un-British Rule in India, Drain Theory, Dharma Marg Darshak (magazine), Rast Goftar (editor of this newspaper) • Gopal Krishna Gokhale- Political Guru/Mentor of Gandhi Gokhale helped Gandhi in South Africa to fight against racial discriminiation. Gokhale convinced Gandhi to return back to India. • Surendranath Banerjee- Father of Indian Nationalism/ Indian Burke Wrote: Nation in Making, Bengalee (editor of this newspaper)