UPSC Prelims 2008 Q75: Modern History – British Administration & Economic Policies
Who among the following used the phrase ‘Un - British’ to criticize the English colonial control
of India?
- (a) Anandmohan Bose
- (b) Badruddin Tyabji
- (c) Dadabhai Naoroji
- (d) Pherozeshah Mehta
Answer: (c) Dadabhai Naoroji
Explanation
Who used the phrase "Un-British" to criticize colonial rule
This prominent early nationalist leader coined a specific phrase to highlight the contradiction between British values and colonial practice in India.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Anandmohan Bose | Incorrect | Not associated with coining this specific phrase |
| (b) Badruddin Tyabji | Incorrect | Also not associated with this phrase |
| (c) Dadabhai Naoroji | Correct | Dadabhai Naoroji used the term 'Un-British' to describe and criticize how British colonial rule in India contradicted Britain's own professed values |
| (d) Pherozeshah Mehta | Incorrect | Not the specific figure associated with this phrase |
'Un-British' phrase facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coined by | Dadabhai Naoroji |
| Purpose | Criticizing colonial rule's contradiction of British values |
Answer: (c) Dadabhai Naoroji.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Anandmohan Bose is not associated with coining this phrase.
- (b) Incorrect. Badruddin Tyabji is also not associated with it.
- (c) CORRECT. Dadabhai Naoroji used the phrase 'Un-British' to criticize colonial rule.
- (d) Incorrect. Pherozeshah Mehta is also not the specific figure associated with this phrase.
Key point
Dadabhai Naoroji used the phrase 'Un-British' to criticize how English colonial control of India contradicted Britain's own professed values.
Remember
Dadabhai Naoroji used the phrase 'Un-British' to criticize English colonial control of India.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Dadabhai Naoroji's specific 'Un-British' critique with other moderate-era leaders' distinct contributions.
- Not knowing this specific phrase and its coiner.
- Mixing up various early nationalist leaders' individual rhetorical strategies.
Exam tip
'Un-British' = Dadabhai Naoroji's phrase critiquing colonial rule's contradiction of British values. A specific, named rhetorical critique.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- Dadabhai Naoroji — Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (Swan Sonnenschein, 1901)