Vardaan Learning Institute
Chapter 3: Objectives and Methods of Early Nationalists
PART D: First Phase — The Moderates (1885–1907)
Concept
Moderates (Early Nationalists): The first generation of Indian National Congress leaders (1885–1905) who believed in constitutional, peaceful methods — petitions, memorials, and resolutions — to demand reforms from the British. They had faith in British justice and believed their goals could be achieved through negotiation. Also called "Soft Nationalists" or "Prayer, Petition, and Protest" school.
Objectives of the Moderates
- More Indians in legislative councils and government services (Indianization of services)
- Separation of judicial and executive functions
- Reduction of military expenditure
- Holding the ICS examination simultaneously in India and England
- Protection of Indian industries through tariffs
- Freedom of speech and press
Methods of the Moderates
- Petitions, memorials, and resolutions submitted to the British government and Parliament
- Public meetings and speeches to educate Indians
- Sending delegations to England to lobby Parliament members
- Writing articles and books exposing British exploitation
Key Moderate Leaders and Their Contributions
Leader
Dadabhai Naoroji (1825–1917) — "Grand Old Man of India":
- Drain of Wealth Theory: In his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, he proved mathematically that India's wealth was being systematically drained to Britain — this became the most powerful economic argument against British rule.
- First Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons (1892, as Liberal MP for Central Finsbury) — took Indian grievances directly to the British Parliament.
- Presided over the INC in 1886, 1893, and 1906 (when he first used the word Swaraj — self-rule — as the Congress goal).
Leader
Surendranath Banerjee (1848–1925) — "Rashtrabandhab" (Nation's Friend):
- Founded the Indian Association (1876) in Calcutta — the first significant national political organization in India, predating the INC. It aimed to create a strong body of public opinion and unite Indians.
- Started the newspaper The Bengalee — one of the most powerful nationalist English newspapers; it spread nationalist ideas and exposed British discrimination.
- Organized the first National Conference in Calcutta (1883) to discuss constitutional reforms.
Leader
Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866–1915) — "Political Guru of Gandhi":
- Founded the Servants of India Society (1905) — an organization of dedicated workers who devoted their lives to the service of India, especially education, social reform, and the upliftment of the poor.
- Proposed the Free and Compulsory Primary Education Bill (1911) in the Imperial Legislative Council — advocating that all children should receive free, compulsory education regardless of caste or class. (The bill was rejected by the British.)
- Was an outstanding orator and debater in the Imperial Legislative Council; exposed the economic exploitation of India with precise statistics.
- Mahatma Gandhi described him as his political guru (teacher).
