UPSC Prelims 2015 Q48: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
Consider the following statements :
1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Firsts among Presidents of the Indian National Congress
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu | Incorrect | Annie Besant was the first woman President (Calcutta, 1917); Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman President (Kanpur, 1925) |
| 2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji | Correct | He presided at Madras in 1887 |
Other firsts:
| First | Person | Session |
|---|---|---|
| First President | W.C. Bonnerjee | Bombay, 1885 |
| First Parsi President | Dadabhai Naoroji | Calcutta, 1886 |
| First English President | George Yule | Allahabad, 1888 |
| President at independence | J.B. Kripalani | 1947 |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The first woman President was Annie Besant, not Sarojini Naidu.
- (b) CORRECT. Badruddin Tyabji was the first Muslim President of the Congress (1887).
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; Annie Besant came before Sarojini Naidu.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true; Badruddin Tyabji presided at Madras.
Key point
Congress firsts: W.C. Bonnerjee (1885), Badruddin Tyabji (first Muslim, 1887), Annie Besant (first woman, 1917), Sarojini Naidu (first Indian woman, 1925).
Remember
Besant 1917, Naidu 1925, Tyabji 1887.
Common mistakes
- Missing the difference between first woman and first Indian woman President.
- Naming Maulana Azad as the first Muslim President.
- Forgetting the years: Besant 1917, Naidu 1925.
Exam tip
First woman: Besant. First Indian woman: Naidu. UPSC tests this difference.
Sources
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Appendix: Congress sessions and Presidents)
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 4 (Foundation of the Indian National Congress)