Question

The period from 1885 to 1905 was dominated by the Early Nationalists. In this context, answer the following question:

To which section of society did they belong? What were their demands?

Answer 1

Members of this group came from the educated middle class, including lawyers, barristers, teachers, and bureaucrats. Many of them were educated in England and believed that the British intended to be fair to Indians, but they were uninformed of the true situation in India. They demanded:

1. Constitutional Reforms: Abolition of the Indian Councils. Expansion of the Legislative Councils created by the Act of 1861. Early in the 20th century, nationalists began demanding self-government similar to the self-governing colonies of Canada and the USA.
2. Administrative Reforms: Indianisation of the higher ranks of Indian Services. Holding recruitment exams for the Indian Civil Services simultaneously in both England and India. Separation of executive and judicial powers. Adequate representation of Indians in the Viceroy’s Executive Council and those of the Governors. Increase in the power of local governing bodies.
3. Socio-Economic Reforms: Reduction of land revenue and providing affordable loans to peasants. Complete abolition of the salt-tax and duty on sugar. Industrial growth through tariff protection and government support. Reduction in military spending and using the savings for social services like health and education.
4. Safeguarding Civil Liberties: Opposed the restrictions placed by the British Government on freedom of speech and the press. Demanded the right to assemble and form associations.