ICSE Solutions and Questions Answers for First Phase of the Indian National Movement Class 10 History
We are going to learn the ICSE Solutions of third chapter of the History textbook of Class 10. The name of the chapter is First Phase of the Indian National Movement. All types of questions including very short answer type, short answer type, structured questions and questions based on picture perception has been provided. This ICSE solutions for First Phase of the Indian National Movement will help the students in learning the chapter outcome.
| Name of the chapter | First Phase of the Indian National Movement |
| Subject | History and Civics |
| Topics covered |
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| Related Readings |
Very Short Questions
Answer
The sections are called the Moderates and the Assertive.
Answer
The Moderates dominated the Congress from 1885 to 1905.
Name two leaders of the Moderates.
Answer
The three important leaders of the Moderates were:
(i) Dadabhai Naoroji
(ii) Surendra Nath Banerjee Gopal Krishna Gokhale
4. What were the early nationalists called?
Answer
They were called the 'Moderates'.
5. Why the early nationalists were called 'Moderates'?
Answer
The early nationalists had full faith in the sense of justice of the British. For this reason, their moderate demands and methods helped them in winning the title of 'Moderates'.
6. Who were the Moderates?
Answer
They were the early nationalists, who believed that the British always show a sense of justice in all spheres of their Government and that the British rule was for the greater good of England and India both. Thus, they insisted on a colonial form of self government.
7. State any two demands of the Moderates in respect of political reforms.
Answer
(i) Expansion of Legislative Councils.
(ii) Adequate representation of Indians in the Executive council of the Viceroy and those of the governors.
8. Mention two demands of the Moderates in respect of administrative reforms.
Answer
(i) Indianisation of Civil Services.
(ii) Repeal of Arms Act.
9. State any two demands of the Moderates in respect of economic reforms.
Answer
(i) Protection of Indian industries.
(ii) Reduction of land revenue.
10. What did the Moderates advocate in the field of civil rights?
Answer
The Moderates opposed the curbs imposed on freedom of speech, press and association.
11. Name the moderate leader who explained the economic drain theory during the colonial times.
Answer
Dadabhai Naoroji.
Short Answer Questions
1. Which period of the national movement is known as the period of the 'Early Nationalists? Name any three leaders of the Congress who are known as 'Early Nationalists'.
AnswerAnswer
(i) The Early Nationalists believe that loyalty to the British government was identical with loyalty to their own people and country.
(ii) They believed that continuation of the British connection with India was in the interest of both England and India.
3. What were the two methods adopted by the Early Nationalists in the freedom struggle?
Answer
The Early Nationalists carried their agitation through constitutional means by :
(i) sending petitions to the high Government officials
(ii) resolution
4. What was the belief of the Early Nationalists regarding the British rule in India?
Answer
The Early Nationalists were a band of loyalists, who were proud of their British connections. They had faith in the British sense of justice and fair play. The first session of Congress ended with three cheers" for Hume and Hume answered with three cheers" for her majesty, "the Queen Empress". They believed that the Englishmen would grant 'Home Rule' to the Indians when they would come to know of their will. They relied on the solemn pledge given in the British Government from time to time. In fact, their criticism for the Government was also based on dignity and moderation.
5. What according to the Early Nationalists was an obstacle in India's progress? What kind of self government did the Early Nationalists demand?
Answer
According to the Early Nationalists the main obstacle in India's progress was social and economic backwardness of Indians. The Early Nationalists wanted a larger share in the Government of their country India. Their demands for Constitutional reforms were conceded in 1892 in the form of the Indian Councils Act. They believed that eventually India should move towards democratic self-government.
6. State any two issues opposed by the Early Nationalists in the field of civil liberties.
Answer
The Early Nationalists strongly opposed the restrictions imposed by the British government on the freedom of speech, press and association. They demanded the right to assemble and to form associations,
7. Mention any two demands of the Early Nationalists that aimed at improving the lot of the peasants.
Answer
(a) Reduction of land-revenue and provision of credit to peasants.
(b) Improvement in the conditions of work of plantation workers.
8. Mention any two constitutional demands made by the Early Nationalists. Constitutional demands made by the Early Nationalists:
Answer
(i) Development of self-government by representatives both at central and the provincial levels.
(ii) Expansion of the Legislative Councils created by the Act of 1861.
9. Name any two economic issues raised by the Early Nationalists.
Answer(ii) Reduction in expenditure on the army and the money thus saved to be spent on welfare activities such as health and educations.
Answer
(i) The Early Nationalists infused national consciousness among various sections of public life.
(ii) They popularised the ideas of democracy, civil liberty and representative institutions.
12. Mention any two shortcomings of the Early Nationalists.
Answer
They used their beggarly methods of prayer and petitions. Secondly, Early Nationalists failed to realise any clash of interests between the Indians and the English.
13. Who is known as India's unofficial ambassador and why?
Answer
Dadabhai Naoroji came to be know as Indian's unofficial Ambassador in England. Dadabhai Naoroji, was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress, presided over the sessions of the Congress in 1886, 1893 and 1906. His Presidentship in 1906 was an effort to revive back the lost prestige of Congress, owing to the partition of Bengal in 1905. Extremists, who otherwise would have liked Tilak to hold the Office of President, gave way to Dadabhai Naoroji, for he had established a name for himself.
14. Who is the author of Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'? Name the first Indian who passed the Indian Civil Service Examination.
AnswerAnswer
Answer
(ii) He played an important role in passage of Minto Morley Reforms.
Answer
Answer
Answer
Answer
Poverty and Un-British Rule in India: Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British. His famous Drain Theory explained how Indian's wealth was being drained to England through various ways.
22. Mention two contributions of Dadabhai Naoroji to the National Movement.
Answer(ii) Dadabhai Naoroji has been ranked as the founder of the Indian National Congress. He was elected President of the Indian National Congress thrice in 1886, 1893 and in 1906. He was known as the 'Grand Old Man of India'.
23. What was the Drain Theory referred to by Dadabhai Naoroji?
Answer(a) Salaries and pensions payable to the British officers.
(b) Despatch of savings to England by British personal posted in India
(c) Payments to the war office for the maintenance of British troops in India.
(d) Profits of the British Trading Agencies.
Structured Question
1. The period from 1885 to 1905 was dominated by the Early Nationalists. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) To which segment of society they belonged? What were their demands?
(b) What methods did they adopt?
(c) How did the Early Nationalists help in the growth of nationalism in India?
Answer
They demanded:
(i) Constitutional Reforms
- Abolition of the Indian Councils.
- Expansion of the Legislative Councils created by the Act of 1861.
- Early in the 20th century, the nationalists started demanding Self-Government on the model of self-governing colonies of Canada and USA.
(ii) Administrative Reforms
- Indianisation of the higher grades of Indian Services,
- Holding of simultaneous examination both in England and
- India for recruitment to the Indian Civil Services.
- Separation of executive and judicial functions.
- Adequate representation of Indians in the Executive Council of the Viceroy and the Governors.
- Increase in the power of local bodies.
(iii) Socio-Economic Reforms
- Reduction of land revenue and provision of cheap credit to peasants.
- Total abolition of salt-tax and duty on sugar.
- Industrial growth through tariff protection and government aid.
- Reduction in expenditure on army and utilise the same on social services like-health and education.
(iv) Safeguarding the civil liberties
- Opposed the restrictions imposed by the British Government on the freedom of speech and press.
- Right to assemble and form associations.
(b) The Early Nationalist believed that constitutional agitation alone could achieve political and economic reforms. Hence, they carried their agitation through:
(i) Petitions to high Government Officials.
(ii) Resolutions
(iii) Meetings in towns, cities and the countryside.
(iv) Distribution of leaflets and pamphlets.
(v) Preparing memorandum for the Government Committees
(vi) Delegations of leading politicians to England, normally addressed to the Government. (vii) Adopted measures to influence British public opinion in England. Lastly, they criticised the policies of the Government through the press.
(c) The Early Nationalists laid strong foundation for the National Movement to achieve freedom. They bound Indian into one single body who were ready for any sacrifice. They roused political awakening in Indians. These Early Nationalists saved Indians from being slaughtered by the English; they had not adopted peaceful means of agitation within constitutional limits. Dadabhai Naoroji sacrificed his life, wealth and job for the country. His selfless service filled the hearts of Indians. According to Gokhale." If there is the divine in man, It is in Dadabhai Naoroji." He demanded Swaraj in 1906 from the platform of Congress in Calcutta. He was the first Indian to become member of British Parliament. Gopal Krishan Gokhale established a society called Servants of Indian Society. It brought national unity and trained masses to work for the motherland. He criticised the policy of taxing the poor in Indians. SN Bannerjee a great patriotic, speaker, a journalist and an educationalist was very much influenced by the British and his rule. His Society Indian Association in 1876 aroused political consciousness and unity among the people. He raised his voice for protection of poor farmers against exploitation by Zamindars.
(a) How did they expose the true nature of British rule in India?
(b) What was the attitude of the Early Nationalists towards the British? Why did they develop such an attitude?
(c) What were the reasons for the partial failure of their methods.
Answer
(a) The Early Nationalists did pioneering work by exposing the true nature of the British rule in India. They made the people realise the economic content and character of British imperialism. By doing so, they weakened the foundations of the British rule in India.
(b) (i) The Early Nationalists had faith in the sense of justice, fair play, honesty and integrity of the British.
(ii) It was their hope that the British would grant. 'Home Rule to Indians. They relied on the solemn pledges made by the British government.
(iii) They believed that the British rule had many benefits for example it aided in cleansing social ills like Sati, untouchability and child marriage.
(iv) They were of the opinion that Britain would help Indians govern themselves according to western standards.
(v) They said that the main obstacle in India's progress was social and economic backwardness of Indians and not the British colonial rule.
(vi) They relied on constitutional and peaceful methods of achieve their aims. They believed in patience and reconstitution rather than in violence and confrontation. They developed such an attitude towards British because they thought that continuation of the British connection with India was in the interest of both England and India. They had faith in the British sense of Justice and fair play,
(c) Reasons for the partial failure of their methods:
(i) No contact with the masses: The Early Nationalists were usually businessman who had no contacts with the masses.
(ii) Praise for British Rule: During their long reign poverty and unemployment considerably increased due to which the masses were in considerable distress. The people gradually became dissatisfied with the British rule and they determined and decided to end British rule in India. But on the other hand these leaders praised British rule and pleaded that the British should remain in India. Thus, the masses lost faith in their leadership
(iii) Behaviour of British Government: The Early Nationalists petitioned to the Government in the hope that these will be accepted and rights granted to the people but the government did not reciprocate the government acted in an arbitrary manner without caring for the sentiments of the masses and also their leaders. Thus it became increasingly difficult to take the masses with them.
(iv) No exploitation of religion: India is a country where religion dominates and if that is properly exploited in a national struggle in India, that is bound to succeed. But these leaders failed to exploit religion.
(v) Absence of political philosophy: All Early Nationalists leaders were able, wise and courageous but they had no political philosophy of their own. All leaders gave their philosophy according to the needs of the time. Due to the absence of this philosophy they failed to keep the masses with them.
(vi) Session after long intervals: Under the leadership of these leaders, sessions were held after long intervals. The Congress passes resolutions which were sent to the Government as petitions but as soon as the session was over, no one cared to know about them and position was reviewed only at the next session. Due to this, people were not very happy and satisfied with these leaders.
3. Gopal Krishna Gokhale, the political mentor of Gandhiji, was one of the most popular Early Nationalists leaders. In this context, answer the following:
(a) State three policies of the imperial regime which were opposed by Gokhale.(b) What role did he play as a member of Imperial Legislative Council?
Answer
(a) Gokhale opposed the policies of the British Government whenever necessary. He criticised the Government on issues such as:
(i) incurring huge expenditure on the English army.
(ii) Adopting the policy of racial discrimination in appointments to high posts.
(iii) Imposing production tax on cotton.
(b) Role played by Gokhale as a Member of Imperial Legislative Council:
(i) In 1902 Gokhale became the member of the imperial Legislative Council. He pleaded in the Council for reduction in Salt Duty and the abolition of excise duty on cotton goods.
(ii) His relentless efforts led to reduction in toll tax.
(iii) He tried to introduce a bill with a view to make primary education compulsory but he could not achieve much success in it.
(iv) Being an economist, he demanded radical changes in the fiscal policy and better jobs for the educated middle class.
(v) He impressed upon the government to reduce the land revenue.
(c) The Servants of India Society founded in 1905, was to train men to devote their lives to the cause of the country. Secondly its members were to create among the people deep and passionate love for the motherland. Lastly, the Society was to work for education of women and elevation of the depressed classes.
4. Surendranath Banerjee is popularly known as the 'Father of the Indian Nationalism'. In this context, answer the following:
(a) Why did he establish the Indian Association?(b) What was India's political goal according to Surendranath Banerjee?
What were the method he advocated to attain it?
(c) What was his contribution to India's freedom struggle?
Answer
(a) To fight against the wrong policies of the British he founded the Indian Association in 1876. Its aims were:
(i) to educate people;
(ii) to create strong public opinion in the country;
(iii) to arous political consciousness and unity.
(b) Surendranath Banerjee, like other Early Nationalists called, for the reforming of the British administration, which would go a long way in winning gratitude of the Indian people. His goal as the right to self-government was based on firm assumption that Indians should be right to mould their destiny. He was the true worshipper of freedom and advocated complete independence from the foreign rule. Surendranath Banerjee had full faith in the honesty integrity and justice of the English. Thus, he advocated constitutional means for the attainment of his political goal. He urged Indians to boycott foreign goods and actively supported the Swadeshi Movement.
(c) Surendranath Banerjee founded the Indian association in 1876 to agitate for political reforms in India. He made an extensive tour of India arousing national awakening against the reduction of the maximum age-limit for ICS. Besides, he fearlessly criticised Arms Act and the Vernacular Press Act. Thus, he made an earnest effort to bring people together from various parts of the country to ventilate their grievances against an alien regime.
5. The methods of the Early Nationalists were criticised as inadequate and half-hearted. In this context briefly describe the following:
(a) Nature of their methods.
(b) The final outcome of their efforts.
Answer
(a) Nature of their methods: The Early Nationalists relied on constitutional and peaceful methods and avoided violence and confrontation. They made use of three P's i.e. Petitions, Prayers and Protests to achieve their objectives.
(b) Whatever may be the drawback in Early Nationalists it did achieved following objectives:
National Consciousness: It was Congress under the Early Nationalists that promoted the spirit of common brotherhood, surpassing religious and regional diversities. They aroused a feeling of belonging to one nation.
Political Education in India: They made great efforts to popularise ideas of democracy, representative institutions and civil liberty. In the very first session of Congress W.C. Bonnerjee declared that Indians want to be governed on the ideals of Government prevalent in Europe.
Exposed True Nature of British Rule: The Early Nationalists in the 19th century were the first ones to explain how Indians were being exploited at the hands of the British. Dadabhai Naoroji, exposed the true nature of British imperialism in India in his theory of 'Economic Drain Acts of1892 Government of India Act of 1892 expanded the Legislative Councils, so far demanded by the Early Nationalists. Although, the Act failed to satisfy the Early Nationalists.
Social Reforms: Early Nationalists like-Ranade and Gokhale were passionate supporters of social reform in India. They raised their voice against child- marriage and imposed widowhood. Besides, they also supported the Age of Consent Bill of 1891. Hence, we can safely conclude that this period was "the seed time of Indian Nationalism" and the role of Early Nationalists cannot be ignored.
6. Dadabhai Naoroji is referred to as the 'Grand old Man of India.' Briefly describe:
(a) His views about the nature of British imperialism.
(b) His achievement in strengthening Indian nationalism.
(c) His views on the cause of poverty in India.
Answer
(a) Dadabhai Naoroji, though appreciative of Western education and construction of railways openly criticised British rule for its bad effects on Indian economy. Indian handicrafts and textiles had been ruined. Dadabhai Naoroji edited Rast Dharma Marg Darshak which were spoken on the effects of British Imperialism.
(b) Dadabhai Naoroji, was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress, presided over the sessions of the Congress in 1886, 1893 and 1906. His Presidentship in 1906 was an effort to revive back the lost prestige of Congress, owing to the partition of Bengal in 1905.
Extremists, who otherwise would have liked Tilak to hold the office of President, gave way to Dadabhai Naoroji, for he had established a name for himself.
(c) Dadabhai Naoroji's classic work "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India', reveals his famous concept 'Drain Theory'. The theory explained how India's wealth was being taken away to England in the form of:
(i) Salaries payable to the members of the Indian Councils
(ii) Pensions to British officers
(iii) Payments to the war office for the maintenance of British Troops in India.
(iv) Profits of the British Trading Agencies.
7. Early Nationalists were practical and wanted to win freedom by a gradual process. Critically examine the contribution of Early Nationalists using the following points:
(a) Exposing the true nature of British rule.(b) Arousing political consciousness among the people.
(c) Laying the foundation of the national movement.
Answer
(a) Exposing the true nature of British rule. The Early Nationalists followed the constitutional means to eradicate the grievances and tried to prove uselessness of making fodder of the brave youth of India to British guns. They emphasized the Indian case both in India and England through their speeches and writings. On one side, they prepared the public opinion and on the other side they tried to get concessions from the Government. Now the people fully realised benefits and evils of the British rule.
(b) Arousing political consciousness among the people. The Early Nationalists created in Indians the feeling that they belonged to one common nation to the Indian nation. The educated the Indians and aroused political consciousness among them. They gave them training in politics, political agitation and struggle.
(c) The Early Nationalists laid strong foundation for the National Movement to achieve freedom. They bound Indian into one single body who were ready for any sacrifice. They roused political awakening in Indians. These Early Nationalists saved Indians from being slaughtered by the English, had they not adopted peaceful means of agitation within constitutional limits. Dadabhai Naoroji sacrificed his life, wealth and job for the country. His selfless service filled the hearts of Indians. According to Gokhale." If there is the divine in man, It is in Dadabhai Naoroji." He demanded Swaraj in 1906 from the platform of Congress in Calcutta. He was the first Indian to become member of British Parliament. Gopal Krishan Gokhale established a society called Servants of Indian Society. It brought national unity and trained masses to work for the motherland. He criticised the policy of taxing the poor in Indians. S N Bannerjee a great patriotic, speaker, a journalist and an educationalist was very much influenced by the British and his rule. His Society Indian Association in 1876 aroused political consciousness and unity among the people. He raised his voice for protection of poor farmers against exploitation by Zamindars.
Picture Based Questions
1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
"... the Indians who actively worked for the creation of an all-India political organization represented new social forces that were increasingly opposed to the exploitation of India for British interests. They needed an organization that would fight for India's political and economic advancement."
Answer the following on the basis of the above passage and pictures:
(i) In the context of the above, identify the two individuals in Pictures 1 and 2, who were the early leaders of the organization to be formed.
(ii) How did the person in Picture 1 explain the economic exploitation of India for British interest? Answer
(i) The leaders given in picture 1 and picture 2 are Dada Bhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale respectively.
(ii) Through his famous 'Drain Theory' Dada Bhai Naoroji explained as to how India's wealth is exploited for British interest in various forms such as:
(a) Salaries payable to the members of the India Council.
(b) Dispatch of savings to England by British personnel posted in India.
(c) Pensions to British Officers.
(d) Payments to the war office for the maintenance of British troops in India.