Programme and Achievements of the Early Nationalists (Moderates)

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The first phase of the Indian National Movement lasted from 1885 to 1905. It is called the period of the Early Nationalists because leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjea, Pherozeshah Me…

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The Early Nationalists were called Moderates for three main reasons: their demands were moderate and not extreme, their methods of struggle were moderate, and they had faith in the British Government.

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The Early Nationalists had faith in the British Government. They believed in British justice, fair play, honesty, and integrity. They thought the British would gradually grant reforms if Indians expre…

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The Early Nationalists wanted a larger share in the government of India through constitutional reforms. They demanded the expansion and reform of the Legislative Councils, more powers for these counci…

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Swaraj meant self-government within the British Empire. Gokhale raised this demand from the Congress platform in 1905, and Dadabhai Naoroji made it a key part of his presidential address in 1906. It w…

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The Early Nationalists blamed British rule for India’s economic backwardness. They demanded reduction in land revenue, rapid development of modern industries, use of Swadeshi goods, abolition of salt …

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They opposed the salt tax because it affected the poor and the lower middle class most severely. Their demand for its abolition was part of their economic reform programme, which aimed to reduce the b…

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Indianisation of administrative services meant appointing educated Indians to higher government posts. The Early Nationalists demanded this because Europeans occupied most high posts and were paid hig…