8. The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947 Flashcards
Which political associations emerged in the 1870s and 1880s?
Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Indian Association, Madras Mahajan Sabha, Bombay Presidency Association, and Indian National Congress
What was the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 intended to do?
Silence those who were critical of the government by allowing confiscation of newspaper assets.
What was the Arms Act of 1878?
A law disallowing Indians from possessing arms.
Why did the Ilbert Bill of 1883 cause a furore?
It sought equality between British and Indian judges and allowed Indian judges to try British persons.
What did the withdrawal of the Ilbert Bill highlight?
The racial attitudes of the British towards Indians.
When was the Indian National Congress (INC) established?
1885
Who were some of the early leaders of the Indian National Congress?
b) Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Badruddin Tyabji, W.C. Bonnerji, Surendranath Banerji, Romesh Chandra Dutt, S. Subramania Iyer
Where was the first meeting of the Indian National Congress held?
Bombay
Which leader of the Indian National Congress was settled in London and served as a member of the British Parliament?
Dadabhai Naoroji
What were the main objectives of the Congress in its first twenty years?
Moderate reforms such as a greater voice for Indians in government and administration
What did the Congress demand regarding the Legislative Councils?
More representation, power, and the introduction of councils in provinces where they did not exist
How did the Congress attempt to raise public awareness about British rule?
By publishing newspapers, writing articles, and mobilising public opinion through speeches
What did the Congress demand regarding civil service examinations?
That they be held both in India and London
What was the Congress’s view on military expenditure under British rule?
It should be reduced to ease the economic burden on India
Which tax was a major concern for the Congress due to its impact on the common people?
Salt tax
What methods did the Moderate leaders of Congress primarily use to bring about reform?
Peaceful dialogue, petitions, and public mobilization
Who raised the slogan “Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it”?
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
What did the Congress believe was the cause of food shortages in India?
British rule and exports of grains to Europe
In which year did Viceroy Curzon partition Bengal?
1905
What was the primary criticism of the Moderates by leaders like Tilak, Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai?
They followed a “politics of prayers” and were not assertive enough
What reason did the British give for the partition of Bengal?
Administrative convenience
What was the actual motivation behind the partition of Bengal according to Indian leaders?
b) To limit the influence of Bengali politicians and split the Bengali people
What movement arose as a response to the partition of Bengal?
Swadeshi Movement
What was the name of the Swadeshi Movement in Andhra?
Vandemataram Movement
What were the key objectives of the Swadeshi movement?
To encourage self-help, swadeshi enterprise, national education, and the use of Indian languages
What was the significance of the All India Muslim League, formed in 1906?
It supported the partition of Bengal and demanded separate electorates for Muslims
Why did the Congress split in 1907?
The Moderates opposed the use of boycott, fearing it involved force
What happened to the Congress after the split in 1907?
The Moderates controlled the Congress, while Tilak’s followers operated from outside
When did the Congress and the Muslim League sign the Lucknow Pact?
1916
What was the primary goal of the Lucknow Pact between the Congress and the Muslim League?
To work together for a representative government in India
