Early Nationalist | Ravi P. N.

Mishra

The First Phase of the Indian National Movement

Moderate Movement and the Rise of Indian Nationalism (1885 -1905)

Introduction
The Indian National Movement stands as one of the most significant
struggles for freedom and self-determination in world history. Its
initial phase, commonly known as the "Moderate Phase" or the "First
Phase" (1885–1905), laid the ideological and organizational
groundwork for the mass movements that would follow in the 20th
century. This phase was marked by the establishment and early work
of the Indian National Congress and is characterized by constitutional
methods, moderate leadership, and a focus on political awareness and
reforms.

Background and Causes

The roots of Indian nationalism began to take hold in the late 19th
century due to various social, economic, and political factors:

• Western Education: The spread of Western education through

English-medium schools and colleges, promoted by the British,
introduced Indians to concepts such as democracy, liberty, and
nationalism.
• Socio-Religious Reform Movements: Reformers like Raja
Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and others sparked an
awakening among Indians, encouraging them to question social
evils and colonial rule.

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• Unification through Communication: The development of

railways, telegraph, and the postal system physically and
ideologically connected different regions, fostering a sense of
unity.
• Economic Exploitation: Colonial policies led to famines,
poverty, and the destruction of traditional industries, which
engendered widespread resentment against British rule.
• Racial Discrimination: Indians faced widespread
discrimination in administrative services, trade, and legal
matters, stoking feelings of injustice and nationalism.

Formation of the Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885, marking a
defining moment in the Indian struggle for freedom. Allan Octavian
Hume, along with other Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji,
Dinshaw Wacha, and Surendranath Banerjee, played a crucial role in
its formation.

Objectives:

• To promote friendly relations among nationalist political

workers from different parts of the country
• To develop and consolidate the feeling of national unity
irrespective of caste, creed, or province
• To present popular demands before the British government
• To train and organize public opinion in the country

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First Session: Held at Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885,

presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee, attended by 72 delegates from across
India.

Main Features of the First Phase (Moderate Phase: 1885–

1905)
This initial phase is broadly termed the "Moderate Phase" because of
the approach adopted by its leaders. The key features include:

Leadership: Prominent leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal

Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, Surendranath Banerjee, and
M.G. Ranade led the movement during this period.

Methods: The Moderates believed in gradual reforms and used

constitutional, peaceful means such as petitions, resolutions,
meetings, pamphlets, and delegations to London.

Demands:

• Expansion of legislative councils and greater representation for

Indians
• Reduction of military expenditure
• Separation of judiciary from executive
• Freedom of speech and the press
• Reduction of land revenue assessments and protection of Indian
industries

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Faith in British Justice: The Moderates believed that the British

government would listen to reason and justice and would grant
reforms if approached with loyalty and logic.

Achievements of the Moderate Phase

Despite facing criticism for their methods, the Moderates made
significant contributions to the Indian National Movement:

• Political Awakening: The movement created political

awareness among Indians and introduced them to modern
political concepts and practices.
• Exposing Economic Exploitation: Dadabhai Naoroji’s theory
of the "Drain of Wealth" revealed how British policies
impoverished India. This created a strong economic critique of
colonialism.
• Constitutional Reforms: The demands raised by the
Moderates led to the Indian Councils Act of 1892, which
increased Indian representation in legislative councils, though
only marginally.
• Nationalism and Unity: The INC became a platform for
Indians of different backgrounds to unite for a common cause,
overcoming regional, linguistic, and religious barriers.
• Training in Political Work: The phase trained leaders and the
public in organizing movements, drafting petitions, and using
political channels effectively.

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Limitations and Criticisms

While the achievements were notable, the first phase of the Indian
National Movement had its limitations:

• Lack of Mass Participation: The movement was largely

confined to the educated middle class and failed to involve
peasants, workers, and the broader population.
• Faith in British Fairness: The Moderates' reliance on British
justice was later criticized as naive, as many of their demands
were ignored or only partially implemented.
• Slow Pace of Reform: Many young nationalists grew
dissatisfied with the slow progress and started advocating more
assertive and radical approaches.
• Limited Scope of Demands: The early demands were mostly
related to administrative reforms rather than complete
independence or self-rule.

Notable Leaders of the First Phase

Dadabhai Naoroji

Known as the "Grand Old Man of India," Naoroji was the first Asian
to become a British MP. His economic critique of British rule,
especially the "Drain Theory," became a cornerstone of nationalist
arguments.

Dadabhai Naoroji, was a pioneering figure in the early Indian

nationalist movement. He was one of the founding members of the
Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in articulating the
economic critique of British rule. Naoroji is especially remembered for

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formulating the "Drain Theory," which argued that Britain was

draining India’s wealth through unfair economic policies and
exploitation.

Naoroji’s relentless advocacy brought Indian issues to the attention of

British policymakers; notably, he became the first Indian to be elected
to the British Parliament in 1892, representing Finsbury Central.
There, he spoke passionately for Indian rights, increased self-
governance, and reforms in administration and education. His works,
including "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India," influenced not just
his contemporaries, but generations of leaders who followed.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gokhale was a key moderate leader, a skilled orator, and a champion

of education and social reform. He advocated for the use of
constitutional methods and dialogue.

Gokhale was one of the most respected Moderate leaders of the Indian
National Congress during its early years. A scholar, social reformer,
and skilled parliamentarian, he strongly believed in achieving
progress for India through constitutional means and dialogue with the
British authorities. Deeply influenced by Western political thought
and Indian traditions, Gokhale advocated for gradual reforms,
increased Indian participation in governance, and the expansion of
education to foster enlightened citizenship.

He founded the Servants of India Society in 1905, aiming to train

dedicated individuals for the service of the nation and upliftment of
society. Gokhale’s measured and persuasive arguments made him a
trusted interlocutor for British officials, and he often acted as a bridge

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between the government and Indian aspirations. His commitment to

non-violence, moderation, and reasoned debate laid the ethical and
intellectual foundation for subsequent leaders, including Mahatma
Gandhi, who regarded Gokhale as a political mentor and guide.

Surendranath Banerjee

Banerjee played a pioneering role in the Indian National Association

and later in the Congress. He was instrumental in expanding
nationalist activities in Bengal.

Banerjee was a pioneering nationalist leader, orator, and educator

whose energy and conviction inspired early generations of Indians in
the struggle for self-government. A former civil servant—one of the
first Indians to qualify for the Indian Civil Service, though later
dismissed on questionable grounds—Banerjee’s personal experiences
of injustice propelled him into public life.

He was instrumental in popularizing the nationalist movement

beyond the intellectual elite to the broader middle class. Banerjee
founded the Indian Association in 1876, predating even the Indian
National Congress, with the objective of uniting Indians across
regional and religious lines for political reforms. His campaigns
against the lowering of the age for Indian Civil Service examinations
and the discriminatory policies of the British administration
galvanized public opinion and set the stage for mass mobilization.

As a journalist and editor of the newspaper “The Bengalee,” Banerjee

used the press as a powerful tool to critique colonial policies and foster
political awareness. His eloquence in public meetings earned him the
title “Rashtraguru” (Teacher of the Nation). Banerjee advocated for

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constitutional agitation, legal protest, and the spread of education as

the means to attain self-rule. His moderate methods placed him among
the foremost leaders of the early nationalist era, yet his influence
helped to awaken a sense of unity and purpose among Indians that
would fuel later phases of the freedom movement.

Pherozeshah Mehta

Mehta, a lawyer and municipal leader in Bombay, was known for his
advocacy of local self-government and administrative reforms.

Known as the “Lion of Bombay,” Pherozeshah Mehta was a formidable

figure in the early Indian nationalist movement. Trained as a barrister
in England, he returned to India and quickly distinguished himself not
only in law but also in civic affairs and politics. Mehta was a founding
member of the Indian National Congress, and his contributions were
integral to shaping its objectives and methods in its formative years.

A tireless advocate for municipal self-government, Mehta played a

pivotal role in modernizing the Bombay Municipal Corporation,
becoming its president and introducing reforms in public health,
sanitation, and urban planning. His deep commitment to
constitutional methods and legislative advocacy was evident in his
long service on both the Bombay Legislative Council and the Imperial
Legislative Council, where he persuasively articulated the aspirations
and grievances of Indians.

Mehta’s sharp intellect, fearlessness in debate, and unwavering

integrity earned him widespread respect, not only among his
compatriots but also from British administrators. He firmly believed
that progress was best achieved through reasoned dialogue, gradual

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reform, and the building of robust civic institutions. As editor of the

influential newspaper “The Bombay Chronicle,” Mehta used the press
as a vehicle to champion political rights, promote public welfare, and
encourage critical engagement with colonial policy.

He inspired a new generation of leaders and citizens to participate

actively in public life, laying the foundations for an informed and
united civil society. Mehta’s commitment to principle, public service,
and constitutionalism ensured that he remains a towering icon in the
annals of India’s freedom movement.

Important Events During the First Phase

• Vernacular Press Act (1878): Enacted to curtail the freedom of
the Indian-language press, this act was widely opposed by
nationalists and was eventually repealed.
• Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883): The bill sought to allow Indian
judges to try British offenders. The fierce opposition by
Europeans exposed racial discrimination and galvanized Indian
opinion.
• Indian Councils Act (1892): Provided for limited Indian
representation in legislative bodies, though the reforms were
deemed insufficient.

Impact of the First Phase

• Foundation for Future Movements: The groundwork laid by the
Moderates was crucial for the emergence of the "Extremist" or
"Assertive" phase led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra
Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.

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• Spread of Nationalism: The message of unity and the dream of

Swaraj (self-rule) began to take root across India.
• Development of Political Institutions: The phase saw the rise of
political associations, newspapers, and forums that educated the
masses and influenced public opinion.

Conclusion
The first phase of the Indian National Movement, spanning from 1885
to 1905, was a period of formative growth, ideological clarity, and
organizational strengthening. Though moderate in its demands and
methods, it played a vital role in awakening the Indian spirit of
nationalism and sowed the seeds for more radical movements that
would eventually lead the nation to independence. The contributions
of the leaders and their stress on constitutional and peaceful methods
continue to be studied and appreciated as a significant chapter in
India's freedom struggle.

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