DifferenceHard4 marks
6
The second half of the 19th century witnessed the growth of a strong feeling of Nationalism. With reference to the statement, answer the following:
Explain briefly any three differences in the methods adopted between the Early Nationalists and Radicals, in the National Movement.
Topic: Early Nationalists and Radicals
Previous-year question practice database
Answer
Exam answer
The differences are shown in the table.
Explanation
Four marks for three differences means each should be developed, and a two-column table is the clearest form. The three axes to contrast are METHODS (petitions against boycott and Swadeshi), ATTITUDE to British rule (faith against defiance), and AIM (reform within the Empire against complete independence). Tilak’s slogan sums up the second group in one line: "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it." Leaders worth naming: Naoroji and Gokhale for the Moderates, Lal-Bal-Pal for the Radicals.
Comparison
| Early Nationalists (Moderates) | Radicals (Assertive Nationalists) |
|---|---|
| They used prayers, petitions, memoranda and deputations to Britain — methods mocked as "political mendicancy". | They used Swadeshi, boycott, national education and passive resistance — methods of self-reliance and direct action. |
| They worked strictly within the law and had faith in the British sense of justice, regarding British rule as a boon. | They had no faith in British justice and were prepared to defy the law and suffer imprisonment for the cause. |
| Their aim was self-government WITHIN the British Empire, achieved gradually by constitutional reform. | Their aim was complete independence — Swaraj — achieved by the efforts of Indians themselves. |
| Their appeal was to the educated middle class alone. | They carried the movement to the masses, using festivals, the press and popular symbols. |
More from Objectives and Methods of Struggle of the Early Nationalists
In the town of Sundar Nagar, the local government decided to cut down a large number of trees to build a shopping mall. The children were upset because the trees provided a place to play. A group of school students decided to take action based on the lesson they had studied about the Early Nationalists. Which of the following actions are they NOT likely to adopt?2026Imagine you are an Early Nationalist leader. Mention any two methods you would follow to fight against the British.2025Tina is inspired by the methods of the Early Nationalists and wants to follow them. She notices that the road leading to her school is damaged and has many potholes. Which of the following methods is she MOST LIKELY to follow, to solve this problem?2024Identify the Early Nationalist leader.2023Which of the following statements about Early Nationalists is false?2021State any two methods adopted by the Early Nationalists in the National Movement.2020