Unilateral Funds & Early Nationalists: Critical Evaluation

(a) "The need for a unilateral transfer of funds to Britain was a constant factor and, in fact, progressively increased over time."

This statement, rooted in the ‘Drain of Wealth’ theory popularized by Dadabhai Naoroji, holds significant validity. The British East India Company, and later the British Crown, consistently remitted wealth from India to Britain through various mechanisms. These included:

• Home Charges: Payments for administrative costs, military expenditure, and pensions of British officials stationed in India.
• Investment Income: Profits from investments made by British companies and individuals in India.
• Debt Repayments: Servicing debts incurred by the Company and the Indian government.

The amount of this drain progressively increased, particularly after 1857, as the British consolidated their control and expanded infrastructure projects primarily benefiting British interests. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge counter-arguments. Some historians argue that British investment in India (railways, irrigation) also contributed to economic development, offsetting some of the drain. Furthermore, the concept of ‘drain’ is debated – some argue it was a natural consequence of free trade. Nevertheless, the overwhelming evidence suggests a substantial and increasing unilateral transfer of wealth, hindering India’s economic growth.

(b) "Young Bengal left little distinctive or permanent impression on the plane of religion and philosophy."

This statement is largely accurate. ‘Young Bengal,’ a group of radical, English-educated intellectuals led by Henry Derozio at Hindu College in Calcutta, advocated for rationalism, secularism, and social reform in the 1830s. They challenged traditional religious beliefs and social norms. However, their impact was limited by several factors:

• Small Numbers: The group comprised a relatively small number of individuals, primarily students.
• Lack of Social Base: They lacked a broad social base and failed to connect with the masses.
• Extreme Views: Their radical views alienated many conservative sections of society.

While they sparked intellectual debate and inspired later reformers, their direct influence on religious and philosophical thought was minimal. The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, had a far more lasting impact on religious reform. Young Bengal’s contribution lies more in its pioneering spirit of rational inquiry than in concrete religious or philosophical changes. They were a precursor to later movements but did not themselves create a lasting legacy.

(c) "The emergence of left-wing group in the Congress radicalized its social and economic agenda."

This statement is demonstrably true, particularly in the period between the 1920s and 1947. The rise of socialist and communist ideas globally influenced a section within the Indian National Congress. Key figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and M.N. Roy advocated for a more radical social and economic agenda.

This led to:

• The Karachi Resolution (1930): Outlined a commitment to social and economic reforms, including workers’ rights, nationalization of key industries, and land redistribution.
• Formation of the Congress Socialist Party (CSP): A left-wing group within the Congress advocating for socialist policies.
• Increased focus on peasant and worker movements: The Congress actively supported movements for land reform and workers’ rights.

However, this radicalization was not without its tensions. It led to ideological clashes within the Congress between socialists and conservatives like Gandhi and Patel. Despite these tensions, the emergence of the left-wing significantly broadened the Congress’s appeal and pushed it towards a more progressive social and economic platform, influencing post-independence India’s policies.