ICSE Grade X History Chapter 3- First Phase of Indian National Movement (Objectives & Methods of Struggle of Early Nationalists)

1. First Phase
of
Indian National Movement
(Objectives & Methods of Struggle of
Early Nationalists)

2. Introduction
(not for exam- do not write in the notebook)
• The history of the Indian National Movement can
be divided into three phases:
a) The Early Nationalists Phase (1885-1905)
b) The Assertive Phase (1905-1918)
c) The Gandhian Era (1919- 1947)
• From 1885-1905, Congress was led by few leaders
called as Early Nationalists.
• Most of them were educated, lawyers, teachers,
doctors, journalists and professionals. And many
of them had studied at England.
• These leaders included: W.C.Banerjee, Rashbehari Ghosh,
Dadbhai Naoroji, Ranada, Gokhale, P.R.Naidu, Madan
Mohan Malviya, Hume etc.

3. • They were open minded.
• Were loyal to the crown.
• They wanted that Indians should have proper
share in the government.
• They believed that if British continue to stay
in India it would be beneficial for both-
England and India.
• They demanded for reforms. However, their
demands were moderate.

4. • They were practical.
• Did not keep high demands and wanted least
resistance.
• Aimed at self governance and independence
but through a gradual process.
• Sowed seeds of democracy in the minds of
Indians.
• Avoided serious opposition.

5. The Basic Beliefs
• They had faith in British’s Justice, Fair play,
Honesty and Integrity.
• They hoped that British would grant ‘Home Rule’ to
Indians.
• They believed that British rule had many benefits.
Example: cleaned Sati, Child marriage, untouchability
from the society.
• They thought that British would help Indians to govern
themselves as per Western standards.
• They believed that the main obstacle in India’s progress
is not the British rule and it was due to Social and
Economic backwardness of Indians.
• They believed in Patience. And used peaceful methods
to achieve their aims.

6. Objectives / Demands of Early
Nationalists
1. Constitutional Reforms
2. Economic Reforms
3. Administrative Demands
4. Defence of Civil Rights

7. a) Constitutional Reforms
• They wanted a larger share in the Indian
government.
• They believed and aimed at winning freedom
through a gradual process.
• They demanded for Abolition of India Council.
• Expansion of Legislative Council and
Legislative assemblies.
• Increase Indians’ numbers and their powers
in various councils.
• Demanded for ‘No taxation without
representation’.

8. b) Economic Reforms
• Reduction in land revenue and protection of
peasants from unjust Zamindars.
• Instead of spending money on army, demanded to
spend money on welfare activities like Health
and Education.
• Concerned about India’s growing poverty and
famines.
• Cheap credit for peasants through Agricultural
banks.
• Development of Banks, Irrigation, Medical
facilities.
• Developing Industries like Iron, Sugar, Coal,
Paper etc. (Loans,heavy tax on imported goods)

9. c) Administrative Demands
• Demanded for Indian Civil Service Exams-
to be held at the same time in England and India.
• Making Executive and Judiciary
independent from each other.
• Cancel Arms Act and Licence Act.
• Employment of Indians at higher
administrative posts.
• Spread of primary education among masses.
• Improving Police system.

10. Defence of Civil Rights
• Removal of restrictions on freedom of speech
and freedom of press.
• Abolition of Preventive Detention Act and
restoration of individual rights.
• Restoration of right to assemble and to form
association.

11. Methods of struggle
• First Set of Methods:
a) Held meetings, gave speeches, passed
resolutions for their demands.
b) Used press to criticize Govt. policies.
c) Sent memos and petitions to Govt.
• Second Set of Methods:
a) 3 Ps: Petitions, Prayers, Protests.
b) Published weekly Journal ‘India’ to
present India’s case before the British public.
c) Indian leaders travelled to Britain to
make British politicians and people to make
them aware about problems Indians faced.

12. Achievements of the EN
(not in exam- do not write in the notebook)
• United Indians. Made them realize that they have
common political, economic and cultural interests.
• Trained people in politics. Gave ideas like Democracy,
Secularism, Nationalism.
• Exposed the true nature of British rule in India.
• Made the fact clear that India must be ruled in the
interest of the Indians.
• Due to Early Nationalists:
a) Public Service Commission was set.
b) ICS exam simultaneous at London and India.
c) Appointed Welby Commission on Indian expenditure
d) Indian Councils Act 1892.

13. Dadabhai Naoroji-
The Grand Old Man of India

14. Dadabhai Naoroji (Mumbai)
1. India’s unofficial Ambassador:
• Stayed in England and was India unofficial ambassador.
• Founded London India Society (1865) with W.C.Banerjee
• Presented important matters related to India in British parliament.
• ICS Exam London and India, same time.
• Founded East India Association in London.
2. Role in the Congress:
• Active participation in formation of INC. Thrice served as President i.e.
in 1886,1893 & 1906.
• Self Govt., Swadeshi, Boycott & National Education resolutions were
passed under his Presidentship.
• Used the word SWARAJ for the first time in 1906.
3. Exposed the Economic ills of India:
• Published books and spread awareness that the British rule was an
obstacle in India’s progress.

15. Gopal Krishna Gokhale-
The Political Guru/Mentor of Gandhi

16. Gopal Krishna Gokhale (Kolhapur)
1.Persuaded the British for Reforms:
• Criticized British Govt. for huge expenditure on army, racial
discrimination policy in appointments of high posts, production tax on
cotton.
• Passed Minto- Morley reforms
• Worked as member of IPSC and demanded to increase numbers of
Indians in higher services.
• Tried to stop Partition of Bengal, during his visit to England.
2. Servants of India Society (1905):
• Set up SIS. Its main aim was train national leaders to serve the nation.
3. Role as a Member of Imperial Legislative
Council (1902):
• Reduce Salt Duty, no excise duty on cotton goods, toll tax, bill for
primary education, better jobs for educated Indians, reduce land
revenue.

17. Surendranath Banerjee-
The Father of Indian Nationalism/
Indian Burke
Young | Old

18. Surendranath Banerjee (Bengal)
1. Established the Indian Association (1876):
• Fought against wrong policies of the British, increased unity
and awareness among public
2. Created an All-India Political Organisation:
• Indian National Conference (1883) Kolkata. Merged in INC
in 1886.
3. Political Ideas:
• Edited newspaper Bengalee (powerful tool)
• Book- Nation in the Making (self government)
• Opposed Arms Act, Vernacular Press Act, lowering
IPS exam age from 21 to 19.
• Opposed Morley- Minto reforms and Partition of
Bengal.

19. • Dadabhai Naoroji- Grand Old Man of India
Wrote: Poverty & Un-British Rule in India,
Drain Theory,
Dharma Marg Darshak (magazine),
Rast Goftar (editor of this newspaper)
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale- Political Guru/Mentor of
Gandhi
Gokhale helped Gandhi in South Africa to fight against
racial discriminiation. Gokhale convinced Gandhi to return
back to India.
• Surendranath Banerjee- Father of Indian
Nationalism/ Indian Burke
Wrote: Nation in Making,
Bengalee (editor of this newspaper)