Question

Surendranath Banerjee's was popularly known as the father of Indian Nationalism. In this context, answer the following questions:

1. Trace his contribution towards the formation of the Indian National Congress.
2. What was India's political goal, according to him? What were the methods he advocated to attain it?
3. What was his contribution to India's freedom struggle?

Answer 1

1. 1. Surendranath Banerjee supported the use of constitutional methods to achieve India's goals, and his role in forming the Indian National Congress is important.
      1. He founded the Indian Association in 1876 to oppose the unjust policies of the British.
      2. In 1883, he organised the Indian National Conference in Kolkata to create a political organisation on a national level.
      3. His Indian National Conference merged with the Indian National Congress in 1886, as both had similar goals. He also presided over two sessions of the Congress in 1895 and 1902.
   2. Political Goal: Surendranath Banerjee, like other Early Nationalists, called for reforming the British administration, believing it would earn the gratitude of the Indian people. He aimed for self-government, believing Indians had the right to shape their own destiny. A strong advocate for freedom, he supported the idea of complete independence from foreign rule.
      Method: Surendranath Banerjee had faith in the honesty and justice of the British, so he believed in using constitutional means to achieve his political goals. He encouraged Indians to boycott foreign goods and actively supported the Swadeshi Movement.
   3. Surendranath Banerjee made significant contributions to India's freedom struggle in the following ways:
      1. He founded the Indian Association in 1876 to fight against the unjust policies of the British.
      2. To create an all-India political organisation, he convened the Indian National Conference in 1883 in Kolkata. His conference merged with the Indian National Congress in 1886, as both had similar goals.
      3. Banerjee edited the newspaper Bengalee, which was a powerful tool for mobilising public opinion. His book Nation in the Making reflects his political concerns and views on self-government.
      4. He led protests against the Licence Act, Arms Act, Vernacular Press Act, and the lowering of the age limit for the I.C.S. exam from 21 to 19 years.
      5. Banerjee opposed the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, which introduced separate electorates for Hindus and Muslims.
      6. He also strongly opposed the partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon in 1905.