UPSC Prelims 2008 Q74: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
Who among the following gave a systematic critique of the moderate politics of the Indian
National Congress in a series of articles entitled New Lamps for Old?
- (a) Aurobindo Ghosh
- (b) R. C. Dutt
- (c) Syed Ahmad Khan
- (d) Viraraghavachari
Answer: (a) Aurobindo Ghosh
Explanation
Who critiqued moderate Congress politics in "New Lamps for Old"
This series of articles offered a systematic challenge to the moderate approach of the early Indian National Congress.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Aurobindo Ghosh | Correct | Aurobindo Ghosh wrote the influential series 'New Lamps for Old', critiquing the Congress's moderate politics |
| (b) R.C. Dutt | Incorrect | Not the author of this specific critique |
| (c) Syed Ahmad Khan | Incorrect | Not associated with this specific series |
| (d) Viraraghavachari | Incorrect | Not associated with this specific series |
'New Lamps for Old' facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Author | Aurobindo Ghosh |
| Content | Critique of Congress's moderate politics |
Answer: (a) Aurobindo Ghosh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Aurobindo Ghosh wrote 'New Lamps for Old', critiquing moderate Congress politics.
- (b) Incorrect. R.C. Dutt is not the author of this specific series.
- (c) Incorrect. Syed Ahmad Khan is also not associated with this series.
- (d) Incorrect. Viraraghavachari is also not associated with this series.
Key point
Aurobindo Ghosh wrote the series of articles titled 'New Lamps for Old', systematically critiquing the moderate politics of the early Indian National Congress.
Remember
Aurobindo Ghosh gave a systematic critique of moderate Congress politics in 'New Lamps for Old'.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Aurobindo Ghosh's early nationalist writings with other contemporaries' distinct contributions.
- Not knowing the specific title 'New Lamps for Old' associated with this critique.
- Mixing up various early Congress critics and their specific written works.
Exam tip
'New Lamps for Old' = Aurobindo Ghosh's critique of moderate Congress politics. A specific, named early-nationalist writing.
Sources
- Aurobindo Ghose — New Lamps for Old (series of articles in Indu Prakash, 1893–94)
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)