Question

The Early Nationalists were practical and wanted to win freedom by a gradual process. In this context, answer the following:

1. How did they expose the true nature of British rule in India?
2. What was the attitude of the Early Nationalists towards the British? Why did they develop such an attitude?
3. What were the reasons for the partial failure of their methods?

Answer 1

1. 1. The Early Nationalists played an important role in revealing the true nature of British rule in India through the following ways:
      1. Dadabhai Naoroji, in his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, explained his famous Drain Theory, showing how India's wealth was being drained to England in various ways.
      2. Under Dadabhai's leadership, the Congress passed resolutions on Self-government, Boycott, Swadeshi, and National Education.The Early Nationalists criticised British rule through newspapers, journals, and magazines, writing against the unjust policies of the British.
      3. Surendranath Banerjee led agitations against the License Act, Arms Act, and Vernacular Press Act, which were meant to suppress nationalist activities. His efforts made people aware of the colonial mindset of the British.
   2. 1. The Early Nationalists believed in the justice, fairness, honesty, and integrity of the British.
      2. They hoped that the British would grant Home Rule to Indians and trusted the promises made by the British government.
      3. They thought British rule had some benefits, such as helping to remove social evils like Sati, untouchability, and child marriage.
      4. They believed that Britain would help Indians govern themselves according to Western standards.
      5. They felt that the main reason for India’s lack of progress was social and economic backwardness, not British colonial rule.
      6. The Early Nationalists used constitutional and peaceful methods to achieve their goals, relying on patience rather than violence or confrontation. They developed this attitude because they thought that keeping ties with Britain was beneficial for both England and India and they trusted in British fairness.
   3. The reasons for the partial failure of the methods used by the Early Nationalists were:
      1. The Early Nationalists relied on passing resolutions and sending petitions to the British, hoping for their generosity instead of using their own strength to challenge British rule.
      2. They did not recognise that British and Indian interests were in conflict, as Britain was using India's resources to increase its own wealth.
      3. The Early Nationalists were unable to involve the masses in the national movement. Their influence was limited to the urban educated class, particularly professionals like lawyers, doctors, journalists, and teachers.