The First Phase of Indian National Movement

Presenter: Tarun Roopani

Overview

• Lecture on Early Nationalists (1885-1907).
• Focus on the first phase of the Indian National Movement.
• Indian National Congress (INC) formation in 1885.
• Divided the national freedom movement into three phases:
  • Early Nationalist Phase (1885-1907)
  • Assertive Nationalist Phase (1907-1916)
  • Gandhian Phase (1915 to India's independence)

Key Points About Early Nationalists

• Early leaders were loyal to the British but also desired Indian self-rule.
• Two main beliefs: The British sense of justice and fairness towards Indians.
• Leaders were educated professionals (lawyers, barristers, teachers).
• Key leaders include:
  • Dadabhai Naoroji
  • Surendranath Banerjee
  • Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  • Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee
  • Raj Bihari Bose

Contributions of Early Nationalists

• Organized meetings and speeches to pass resolutions for Indian self-rule.
• Disapproved of British policies through newspapers and petitions.
• Demands included constitutional, economic, and administrative reforms:
  • Constitutional changes such as the abolishment of the Indian Council.
  • Increase in the number of Indian members in Legislative Councils.
  • Economic reforms like reducing land taxes and military expenditure.
  • Demands for administrative changes such as Indian civil service exams to be conducted in India and England.

Methods Used by Early Nationalists

1. Constitutional Agitation: Peaceful protests within the legal framework.
   • Organized meetings and passed resolutions.
   • Used the press to criticize British policies.
   • Sent memorandums and petitions to British authorities.
2. Three Ps Method: Prayer, petition, and protest.
   • Polite and continuous requests to British authorities.
   • Founded journals and newspapers to voice Indian problems.

Achievements of Early Nationalists

• Pioneered political education and unity among Indians.
• Strived for constitutional reforms through legal and moderate means.
• Major achievements include:
  • Establishment of Public Service Commission in 1886.
  • Indian Civil Services examination to be held in India post-1893.
  • Economic and social awareness among Indians.

Notable Early Nationalist Leaders and Their Contributions

1. Dadabhai Naoroji (Grand Old Man of India)
   • Known for the theory of economic drain of India by British (Drain Theory).
   • First Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons.
   • Advocated for self-rule (Swaraj) within the British Empire.
2. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
   • Founded the Servants of India Society to train new leaders.
   • Promoted primary education and economic reforms.
   • Instrumental in the Morley-Minto Reforms.
3. Surendranath Banerjee (Father of Indian Nationalism)
   • First Indian to pass the Indian Civil Services examination.
   • Founded Indian National Conference, precursor to Indian National Congress.
   • Known for public speeches and writings advocating Indian rights and self-governance.

British Response to INC

• Initial support from British authorities waned when INC began political activities.
• Lord Dufferin criticized INC leaders, calling them a 'microscopic minority.'
• British policy shifted to divide and rule among Indians to counter INC's influence.

Summary

The Early Nationalist phase was characterized by a plethora of educated leaders who believed in constitutional methods and moderate politics to gain more autonomy for Indians, with a significant emphasis on loyalty to British rule. Despite their peaceful means, their efforts laid a foundational unity and national consciousness that would evolve to more assertive forms of struggles for independence in later years.