Question

What was the economic demands of early nationalist?

• A. They protested against the exemption of duty for British goods.
• B. They demanded reduction in land revenue and protection of the rights of peasants
• C. Abolition of salt tax.
• D. All above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All above

The economic issues raised by the Early Nationalists were:

1. Reduction in land revenue and protection of peasants against unjust demands of the zamindars (hereditary land owners).
2. Reduction in expenditure on the army, and the money thus saved to be spent on welfare activities such as health and education.
3. An enquiry into India's growing poverty and famines.
4. Availability of cheap credit to peasants through agricultural banks.
5. Development of banking, irrigation, medical and health facilities for the people.
6. Industrial growth through trade protection. That meant that a heavy tax should be imposed on imported goods and the government should give loans for the development of iron, coal, paper and sugar industries in India.
7. Total abolition of the salt tax and the duty on sugar.