Question

In the second phase of the national movement, there emerged a new younger group of leaders within the Congress who did not agree with the old leadership. In this context, answer the following questions:

1. Differentiate between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists in their objectives and achievements, stating one objective and two achievements of each wing of the Congress.
2. Name the Assertive leader known as the forerunner of Gandhiji. Why is the person known as the forerunner of Gandhiji?
3. Explain how the repressive policies of Lord Curzon and the influence of International events led to the Assertive nationalism.

Answer 1

1. Early Nationalists: Their main goal was to achieve self-government, like the British colonies, without wanting the British to leave India.
   Assertive Nationalists: Their main goal was to attain immediate 'Swaraj' through self-reliant methods and wanted the British to leave India.
   • Achievements of Assertive Nationalists:
     1. Self-confidence: During a time when Indian morale was low, they instilled self-confidence and self-reliance. They believed that independence would come when Indians were strong enough to take it from the British.
     2. Revival of Indian Handicrafts: Through the promotion of Boycott and Swadeshi, they helped revive Indian handicrafts and cottage industries.
   • Achievements of Early Nationalists:
     1. Foundation of a Secular and Democratic National Movement: They built a movement that included people from all religions, castes, and regions, promoting unity beyond religious and regional differences.
     2. Political Education of Indians: They successfully raised political awareness and national consciousness, introducing ideas of democracy and civil liberties to the people.
2. The Assertive leader known as the forerunner of Gandhiji is Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He is called the forerunner of Gandhiji because he advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) and used mass movements, Swadeshi, and boycotts, similar to the methods later used by Gandhiji.
3. Lord Curzon followed a strict policy against Indians and showed no sympathy for their hopes of political and economic progress. His anti-Indian attitude caused people to lose all hope for advancement. He passed the following Acts against the Indians:
   1. Calcutta Corporation Act of 1899: This Act reduced the number of elected members in the corporation by half.
   2. The Universities Act of 1904: This Act reorganised the governing bodies of universities.
   3. Act of 1898: It became a crime to incite people against the British under this Act.
   4. The Official Secrets Act of 1904: This Act made sharing even basic information about the civil administration illegal.
   5. Partition of Bengal: His most unpopular decision was the Partition of Bengal, which he announced in 1903 and implemented in 1905.