- They trusted the British sense of justice and fair play.
- They hoped the British would grant Home Rule.
- They believed British rule brought social reforms.
- They felt India’s backwardness, not British rule, was the main problem.
- They followed peaceful and constitutional methods.
Key Points
Key Points: The Early Nationalists
- Indian National Movement had three phases: Early Nationalists, Assertive Nationalists, and Gandhian Era.
- Early Nationalists were educated middle-class leaders inspired by Western ideas.
- They believed the British were just and loyal to the Crown.
- Leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, W.C. Bonnerjee, and Surendranath Banerjee.
- They demanded constitutional reforms through peaceful and moderate methods.
Key Points: Beliefs of the Early Nationalists
Key Points: Demands of the Early Nationalists
- Wanted greater Indian role in government and Swaraj within the Empire.
- Demanded economic reforms to protect peasants and develop industries.
- Sought Indianisation of services and administrative reforms.
- Asked for civil rights like freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
Key Points: Methods of the Early Nationalists
- Followed constitutional and peaceful methods for gradual progress.
- Aimed to educate Indians and create national political awareness.
- Used meetings, resolutions, press, and petitions to spread ideas.
- Tried to influence British public and government through petitions and protests.
- Sent deputations and set up a British Committee in London to present India’s case.
Key Points: Achievements of the Early Nationalists
- Created national awakening and sense of unity among Indians.
- Popularised ideas of democracy, civil rights, and nationalism.
- Exposed the exploitative nature of British rule.
- Asserted that India should be ruled in Indian interests.
- Their efforts led to important administrative reforms and laid the foundation for later movements.
Key Points: Criticism of the Early Nationalists
- Their methods of petitions and resolutions were considered weak.
- They depended on British goodwill rather than mass strength.
- They failed to understand the clash between British and Indian interests.
- They could not mobilise the masses and remained limited to educated elites.
Key Points: Official Attitude Towards the Congress
- British initially supported the Congress.
- Later, they opposed and ridiculed it.
- Government banned officials from joining it.
- Divide and rule was used against it.
- British hostility strengthened the Congress.
Key Points: Prominent Early Nationalist Leaders
Dadabhai Naoroji
- Grand Old Man of India and early Congress leader.
- Exposed British exploitation through Drain Theory.
- First to demand Swaraj.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- Moderate leader who believed in constitutional reforms.
- Founded Servants of India Society.
- Political mentor of Gandhiji.
Surendranath Banerjee
- Founder of Indian Association.
- Used press and constitutional agitation.
- Opposed British racial and divisive policies.
Important Questions [3]
- Mention Any Two Contributions of Jyotiba Phule in Preparing the Ground for the National Movement.
- Tina is inspired by the methods of the Early Nationalists and wants to follow them. She notices that the road leading to her school is damaged and has many potholes.
- Identify the Early Nationalist leader.
