Question

The Second half of the 19th century witnessed the growth of a strong feeling of Nationalism. With reference to the statement, answer the following:
Explain briefly any three differences in the methods adopted between the Early Nationalists and Radicals, in the National Movement.

Answer 1

Moderates (Early Nationalists)
(i) The Early Nationalists believed in petitions, constitutionalism, prayers, passive resistance, resolutions and meetings. All these were peaceful methods.
(ii) The Early Nationalists had full faith in the British Government and wanted to follow the policy of cooperation. Though in the later years, (during the agitation against the Partition of Bengal), they supported the ‘Swadeshi and Boycott’ movements. But they wanted to confine this movement only for special circumstances.
(iii) The Early Nationalists agitated only for certain administrative and economic reforms. They wanted that the Indians should have some say in the government and administration of the country. It was only in 1906 that under pressure from the Aggressives they talked about “Swaraj’ as their goal. The ‘Swaraj’ as defined by them meant, a system of government as found in the self-governing British colonies.
Radical (Assertive Nationalists)

1. The Assertive Nationalists, on the other hand, supported and followed revolutionary methods by launching vigorous political agitations, making people self-reliant and bringing national awakening.
2. The Assertive Nationalists believed in non-cooperation and adopted the programme of boycott against foreign goods, propagation of Swadeshi, a system of national education, etc. The Aggressives believed that it was necessary to extend the scope of boycott.
3. The Assertive Nationalists, on the other hand, demanded “Puma Swaraj ‘-self¬government as it existed in the United Kingdom.