During the 1886 session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta, a major demand was raised for simultaneous Indian Civil Service examinations in England and India. Who presided over this session?
- AOption (a)
Badruddin Tyabji
- BOption (b)
Dadabhai Naoroji
- COption (c)
WC Banerjee
- DOption (d)
Surendranath Banerjee
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Correct answer
Dadabhai Naoroji
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Dadabhai Naoroji.
Key Points
- During the 1886 session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta, Dadabhai Naoroji presided as the President.
- Dadabhai Naoroji was known as the Grand Old Man of India and was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress.
- The major demand raised during this session was for simultaneous Indian Civil Service examinations in England and India to ensure equitable opportunities for Indians.
- This session marked a significant step in the early nationalist movement, focusing on administrative reforms and political empowerment.
- Dadabhai Naoroji was instrumental in highlighting the economic exploitation of India under British rule, famously articulating the Drain of Wealth theory.
Additional Information
- Indian National Congress (INC):
- The INC was founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, with the aim of obtaining greater participation for Indians in governance.
- It played a pivotal role in India's independence movement against British colonial rule.
- The first session of the INC was held in Bombay in December 1885 and was presided over by W.C. Bonnerjee.
- Dadabhai Naoroji:
- He was the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament in 1892, representing the Liberal Party.
- He authored the book "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India", which analyzed the economic exploitation of India by the British.
- Naoroji was a staunch advocate of Indian self-rule and worked tirelessly to gain support for India's cause in Britain.
- Indian Civil Service Examinations:
- The ICS was the elite civil service under British rule, but exams were initially held only in London, limiting Indian participation.
- Demands for simultaneous examinations in India were aimed at increasing accessibility for Indian candidates.
- Drain of Wealth Theory:
- This theory, proposed by Dadabhai Naoroji, highlighted how British policies led to the systematic transfer of India's wealth to Britain.
- It laid the foundation for economic arguments against colonial rule and inspired nationalist leaders in their fight for independence.