FIRST PHASE OF INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT
The history of Indian National Movement is divided into 3 phases:
1. The Early Nationalist Phase – (1885 – 1907)
2. The Assertive Nationalist Phase – (1907 – 1916)
3. The Gandhian era – (1915- 1947)
THE EARLY NATIONALISTS
In its starting years the Congress was led by a group of leaders known as
the Early Nationalists who were educated middle class consisting of
professionals like lawyers, barristers, teachers and officials.
Leaders: The Early Nationalists included leaders
from all parts of the country as:
1. W.C. Bonnerjee, Rashbehari Ghosh,
Surendranath Banerjee and R.C. Dutt from
Bengal;
2. Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta and
Justice Ranade from Maharashtra and Gujarat;
The Early Nationalist leaders were believers in open-
minded and 'moderate' politics. They believed in loyalty to
the British Crown.
BELIEFS OF THE EARLY NATIONALISTS
1. The Early Nationalists had faith in the sense of justice, fair play,
honesty and integrity of the British.
2. It was their hope that the British would grant 'Home Rule' to Indians.
They relied on the solemn pledges made by the British government.
3. They believed that the British rule had many benefits.
4. They were of the opinion that Britain would help Indians govern
themselves according to western standards.
, 5. They relied on constitutional and peaceful methods to achieve their
aims.
DEMANDS OF THE EARLY NATIONALISTS
The demands of the Early Nationalists may be studied under the following
heads:
1. Constitutional Reforms: The Early Nationalists wanted a larger share in
the government of their country. They made the following demands:
(i) Abolition of India Council.
(ii) Expansion of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assemblies-both
at the Centre and in the Provinces.
(iii) Increase in the membership of Indians by including some members
elected by local. They demanded Indian control over the public purse and
raised the slogan 'No taxation without representation'.
(iv) They made a demand for Swarajya or self- government within the
British empire.
(v) Adequate representation of Indians in the Executive Council of the
Viceroy and those of the Governors.
2. Economic Reforms: The economic issues raised by the Early
Nationalists included:
(i) Reduction in land revenue and protection of peasants against unjust
demands of the zamindars.
(ii) Reduction in expenditure on the army and the money.
(iii) An enquiry into India's growing poverty and famines.
(iv) Availability of cheap loans to peasants through agricultural banks.
(v) Development of banking, irrigation, medical and health facilities for the
people.
(vi) Industrial growth through trade protection.
(vii) Total abolition of Salt Tax and the duty on sugar.
3. Administrative Demands: The Early Nationalists made the following
demands in the administrative sphere:
The history of Indian National Movement is divided into 3 phases:
1. The Early Nationalist Phase – (1885 – 1907)
2. The Assertive Nationalist Phase – (1907 – 1916)
3. The Gandhian era – (1915- 1947)
THE EARLY NATIONALISTS
In its starting years the Congress was led by a group of leaders known as
the Early Nationalists who were educated middle class consisting of
professionals like lawyers, barristers, teachers and officials.
Leaders: The Early Nationalists included leaders
from all parts of the country as:
1. W.C. Bonnerjee, Rashbehari Ghosh,
Surendranath Banerjee and R.C. Dutt from
Bengal;
2. Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta and
Justice Ranade from Maharashtra and Gujarat;
The Early Nationalist leaders were believers in open-
minded and 'moderate' politics. They believed in loyalty to
the British Crown.
BELIEFS OF THE EARLY NATIONALISTS
1. The Early Nationalists had faith in the sense of justice, fair play,
honesty and integrity of the British.
2. It was their hope that the British would grant 'Home Rule' to Indians.
They relied on the solemn pledges made by the British government.
3. They believed that the British rule had many benefits.
4. They were of the opinion that Britain would help Indians govern
themselves according to western standards.
, 5. They relied on constitutional and peaceful methods to achieve their
aims.
DEMANDS OF THE EARLY NATIONALISTS
The demands of the Early Nationalists may be studied under the following
heads:
1. Constitutional Reforms: The Early Nationalists wanted a larger share in
the government of their country. They made the following demands:
(i) Abolition of India Council.
(ii) Expansion of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assemblies-both
at the Centre and in the Provinces.
(iii) Increase in the membership of Indians by including some members
elected by local. They demanded Indian control over the public purse and
raised the slogan 'No taxation without representation'.
(iv) They made a demand for Swarajya or self- government within the
British empire.
(v) Adequate representation of Indians in the Executive Council of the
Viceroy and those of the Governors.
2. Economic Reforms: The economic issues raised by the Early
Nationalists included:
(i) Reduction in land revenue and protection of peasants against unjust
demands of the zamindars.
(ii) Reduction in expenditure on the army and the money.
(iii) An enquiry into India's growing poverty and famines.
(iv) Availability of cheap loans to peasants through agricultural banks.
(v) Development of banking, irrigation, medical and health facilities for the
people.
(vi) Industrial growth through trade protection.
(vii) Total abolition of Salt Tax and the duty on sugar.
3. Administrative Demands: The Early Nationalists made the following
demands in the administrative sphere:
