Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
At the turn of the 20th century, the Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, was still a relatively moderate political organization primarily composed of educated elites. While it had successfully articulated Indian grievances and demands to the British government, it lacked widespread mass support and was often divided internally. Lord Curzon, appointed Viceroy in 1899, viewed the Congress with deep suspicion, perceiving it as a threat to British authority and a symbol of growing Indian nationalism. He famously predicted its imminent demise, believing his policies would effectively dismantle the organization. This answer will examine the validity of Curzon’s assessment, analyzing his actions and the subsequent trajectory of the Indian National Congress.
The State of the Indian National Congress in 1900
By 1900, the Congress had experienced periods of both growth and stagnation. The early Congress leaders were largely moderates advocating for constitutional reforms within the British framework. Key demands included Indian representation in the civil services, abolition of the Indian Council Act of 1861, and greater Indian participation in governance. However, the Congress suffered from several weaknesses:
- Limited Social Base: It primarily represented the educated upper and middle classes, with limited reach among the peasantry and the working class.
- Internal Divisions: Factionalism and ideological differences existed between moderate and extremist factions.
- Lack of a Clear Program: The Congress lacked a cohesive and well-defined political program beyond general demands for reform.
Curzon’s Hostility and Policies Towards the Congress
Lord Curzon’s hostility towards the Congress stemmed from his belief in the superiority of British rule and his determination to maintain firm control over India. He viewed the Congress as a breeding ground for sedition and a challenge to the established order. His policies were designed to weaken the Congress and suppress nationalist sentiment:
- Divide and Rule: Curzon actively pursued a policy of divide and rule, exacerbating communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims. The separate electorates introduced in the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 (though implemented after his departure, the groundwork was laid during his tenure) were a direct consequence of this policy.
- University Reforms: The Universities Act of 1902 brought Indian universities under stricter government control, curtailing academic freedom and suppressing nationalist activities within educational institutions.
- Official Boards: Curzon increased the number of official members in legislative councils, reducing the influence of elected Indian representatives.
- Curtailment of Public Criticism: He implemented measures to suppress critical reporting in the press and restricted public meetings and demonstrations.
- Ignoring Congress Representations: Curzon consistently ignored Congress’s petitions and demands, refusing to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Factors Contributing to the Congress’s Resurgence
Despite Curzon’s efforts, the Indian National Congress did not collapse. Several factors contributed to its resurgence and eventual transformation into a mass movement:
- The Partition of Bengal (1905): Curzon’s decision to partition Bengal on communal lines sparked widespread protests and ignited a new wave of nationalist sentiment. This event galvanized the Congress and led to the emergence of extremist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
- Rise of Extremist Nationalism: The extremist leaders advocated for more assertive methods of agitation, including boycotts, strikes, and swadeshi (self-reliance). This radicalized the Congress and attracted a wider base of support.
- Economic Hardship: Famines and economic distress during Curzon’s tenure fueled popular discontent and provided fertile ground for nationalist mobilization.
- Japanese Victory over Russia (1905): The Japanese victory over Russia demonstrated that an Asian power could defeat a European power, inspiring confidence among Indians and challenging the myth of British invincibility.
- Growth of Vernacular Press: The vernacular press played a crucial role in disseminating nationalist ideas and mobilizing public opinion.
A Comparative Look at Viceroy’s Approaches
| Lord Curzon (1899-1905) | Lord Minto (1905-1910) |
|---|---|
| Hostile to Congress, believed in firm control | Adopted a policy of ‘repressive-conciliatory’ |
| Implemented policies to suppress nationalist activities | Introduced Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) with separate electorates |
| Ignored Congress demands | Engaged with both moderate and extremist factions (initially) |
Conclusion
Lord Curzon’s assessment of the Indian National Congress as “tottering to its fall” proved to be profoundly inaccurate. While the Congress faced challenges in 1900, Curzon’s policies, particularly the Partition of Bengal, inadvertently revitalized the organization and fueled the growth of Indian nationalism. The emergence of extremist leaders, coupled with economic hardship and the inspiring example of Japan’s victory, transformed the Congress into a powerful force for political change. Curzon’s rigid and uncompromising approach ultimately backfired, contributing to the very outcome he sought to prevent – a strengthened and increasingly assertive Indian National Congress.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.