Indian National Congress Foundation and the Moderate Phase

Q1.With reference to the various historical interpretations of the formation of the Indian National Congress, consider the following statements: 1. The 'safety valve' theory was primarily articulated by modern Indian historians to explain the role of A.O. Hume. 2. The Marxist interpretation viewed the formation of the Congress as a conspiracy involving bourgeois leaders to prevent a popular uprising. 3. The 'lightning conductor' theory, as observed by Bipan Chandra, suggests that Indian leaders used Hume to deflect official opposition. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q2.Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The early leaders of the Indian National Congress used A.O. Hume as a 'lightning conductor'. Statement-II: These leaders anticipated that an all-India organization founded solely by Indians would likely face immediate and insurmountable opposition from British officials. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q3.Consider the following statements regarding the establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC): 1. The Indian National Conference, with A.O. Hume as a main architect, held two sessions as a prelude to the INC. 2. The first session of the INC was held in Bombay and was presided over by Dadabhai Naoroji. 3. One of the stated objectives of the early INC was to formulate and present popular demands before the government to unify people over a common programme. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q4.Consider the following statements regarding the methods and beliefs of the Moderates (1885-1905): 1. Their primary political belief was that the British administration was fundamentally unjust and needed to be challenged directly through mass agitation. 2. A key part of their two-pronged methodology was to persuade British public opinion, for which a committee was established in London. 3. They successfully held a session of the Indian National Congress in London in 1892 to present India's case directly to the British public. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q5.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: The early leaders of the Indian National Congress (1885-1905) primarily relied on the method of 'prayer and petition' and constitutional agitation. Statement-II: These leaders held the conviction that political connections with Britain were beneficial for India at that historical stage and that a direct challenge to colonial rule was premature. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q6.Consider the following statements regarding the activities of the Indian National Congress abroad during the Moderate era: 1. A British committee of the Indian National Congress was established in London in 1889. 2. The journal published by this London-based committee was named *India*. 3. A planned Congress session in London was postponed and never held because of the British elections of 1891. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q7.Consider the following statements regarding the campaigns of Moderate Nationalists: 1. They argued for the Indianisation of government services on the moral ground that it would be more economical for the administration. 2. They criticized the British government's aggressive foreign policy, citing the suppression of tribals in the North-West as a drain on the Indian treasury. 3. They demanded better treatment for Indian labour working in other British colonies who faced racial discrimination. 4. They advocated for the separation of judicial functions from the legislative branch to ensure a fair justice system. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q8.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: The early Moderate nationalists, such as M.G. Ranade and Gokhale, frequently submitted memorials and petitions to the British Government outlining their demands. Statement-II: The underlying purpose of these memorials was not merely to gain immediate concessions, but to politically educate the Indian people, make them aware of their rights, and build a foundation for future political work. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Q9.Consider the following personalities: 1. Dadabhai Naoroji 2. R.C. Dutt 3. Dinshaw Wacha 4. M.G. Ranade How many of the above are explicitly mentioned as early nationalists who put forward the “drain theory” and analysed the political economy of British rule?

Q10.Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Councils Act of 1892: 1. The Act introduced a principle of representation by allowing bodies like universities and chambers of commerce to recommend members. 2. It granted members of the legislative council the power to vote upon and make amendments to the budget. 3. The Act permitted members to ask supplementary questions in the council. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q11.Examine the following two statements: Statement-I: In the years following the Indian Councils Act of 1892, prominent nationalist leaders began to demand self-government modeled on the self-governing colonies like Canada and Australia. Statement-II: The Act of 1892 was severely criticized at Congress sessions because it failed to grant control over the budget or ensure a majority of elected Indians, which led to a widening of constitutional demands.

Q12.Consider the following pairs regarding the evaluation of the Early Nationalists: 1. Lala Lajpat Rai : Characterised the movement as opportunist, enabling some to trade in the name of patriotism. 2. Bipan Chandra : Compared the early nationalists to the foundational bricks and mortar upon which the superstructure of the freedom movement was built. 3. Lord Curzon : Expressed an ambition to assist the Indian National Congress towards its peaceful demise. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Q13.With reference to the evaluation of the Early Nationalists, consider the following statements: 1. They successfully exposed the exploitative character of colonial rule, thereby undermining its moral foundations. 2. Their political work was based on hard realities rather than on shallow sentiments or religion. 3. They succeeded in widening their democratic base and drawing the masses into the national movement from the outset. How many of the above statements are correct?

Q14.Consider the following two statements: Statement-I: The British Indian Government's attitude towards the Indian National Congress stiffened after 1887, leading it to openly condemn the nationalists and pursue a 'divide and rule' policy. Statement-II: The Early Nationalists lacked political faith in the masses, feeling that the numerous divisions in Indian society meant the masses were not yet ready for political participation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above two statements?