CAPF AC 2020 Q105: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
The British Committee of the Indian National Congress was founded in
- (a) 1889
- (b) 1892
- (c) 1898
- (d) 1901
Answer: (a) 1889
Explanation
British Committee of the Indian National Congress
How to think: the early Congress leaders, the Moderates, believed in winning over British public opinion.
So they set up a body in London very early, within four years of the founding of the Congress in 1885.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1889, in London |
| Chairman | Sir William Wedderburn |
| Other members | Dadabhai Naoroji, W. S. Caine, William Digby |
| Journal | India, started in 1890 |
| Aim | To put India's case before the British Parliament and public |
Dates around it:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1885 | Indian National Congress founded |
| 1889 | British Committee of the Congress |
| 1892 | Indian Councils Act; Dadabhai Naoroji elected to the House of Commons |
| 1901 | Naoroji's book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India |
Answer: (a) 1889.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The British Committee of the Congress was set up in London in 1889.
- (b) Incorrect. 1892 is the year of the Indian Councils Act.
- (c) Incorrect. 1898 has no link with the Committee.
- (d) Incorrect. 1901 is the year of Naoroji's Poverty and Un-British Rule in India.
Key point
British Committee of the Indian National Congress: London, 1889; William Wedderburn (chairman), Dadabhai Naoroji, William Digby; journal India (1890).
Remember
British Committee of the Congress: 1889, Wedderburn, journal India.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up 1889 with 1892, the year of the Indian Councils Act.
- Thinking the Committee was run by British officials; it worked for the Congress.
- Forgetting its journal, named India.
Exam tip
Educated guess: Moderates took their case to Britain from the very start. Pick the earliest date on offer.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence (Foundation of the Congress and the Moderates)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Era of Moderates)