Question

1. The Early Nationalists dominated the Congress from 1885 to 1907. In this context:
(a) State the reason for their being called the "Early Nationalists" (b) Mention the methods adopted by them
(c) Describe the attitude of the British towards them
(d) State their methods of working.

Answer 1

Answer:

a) They are known as "Early Nationalists" because they believed in demanding reforms while adopting constitutional and peaceful means to achieve their aims. The Early Nationalists had full faith in the British sense of justice, fair play, honesty, and integrity while they believed that British rule was a boon for India.

b) The methods of the moderates were: (i) Sending petitions to the Government officials. (ii) Sending memorandums to the officers. (iii) Passing resolutions.

c) In the beginning the British were not opposed to the Congress (Moderates). They were provided all facilities to organise sessions of Congress. But, when the Congress leaders criticised some of the policies of the Government and condemned its despotic system, British hostility towards the Congress surfaced.

d) The Early nationalists made speeches during their public meetings. In these meetings, resolutions for popular demands were passed. The Press was used to criticise the policies of the British colonial government. Memorandums and petitions were sent to the colonial administration and the British Parliament.