Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale were very important figures in the Indian independence movement. They were known for their intellectual contributions and moderate political strategies. Their advocacy for social reform and economic justice laid the groundwork for future leaders.
Dadabhai Naoroji – Early Life
- Born on September 4, 1825, in Navsari, Gujarat.
- Educated in Elphinstone College, Mumbai.
- Emigrated to England in 1855 for better opportunities.
Political Career
- Elected to the British Parliament in 1892, first Indian to do so.
- Played role in the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC).
- Served as INC president three times, advocating for self-rule.
Economic Contributions
- Developed the Drain Theory, denoting wealth transfer from India to Britain.
- Estimated £200 million to £300 million was drained annually.
- Authored Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, critiquing British economic policies.
Social Reforms
– Advocated for women’s education and equal rights. – Founded the Rahnumai Mazdayasan Sabha in 1851 to promote Zoroastrian values. – Launched the Gujarati fortnightly, Rast Goftar, in 1854 for social reform discourse.
Literary Contributions
- Wrote extensively on socio-economic issues.
- Notable works include The Wants and Means of India and The European and Asiatic Races.
- His writings inspired future generations to pursue economic nationalism.
Legacy of Naoroji
- Influenced leaders like Mahatma Gandhi towards self-governance.
- His vision of a just India remains relevant to contemporary democratic ideals.
- Recognised as a foundational figure in Indian economic nationalism.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale – Early Life
- Born on May 9, 1866, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
- Educated at Fergusson College, Pune.
- Influenced by Western political thinkers like John Stuart Mill.
Political Career
- Joined the Indian National Congress in 1889.
- Founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to promote social justice.
- Served in the Bombay Legislative Council and the Imperial Legislative Council.
Advocacy for Education
– Championed free and compulsory primary education. – Opposed oppressive land revenue policies. – Promoted local self-governance through legislative reforms.
Relationship with Naoroji
- Collaborated with Naoroji in the INC.
- Shared a commitment to constitutional methods for achieving self-rule.
- Respected Naoroji’s contributions and leadership style.
Gokhale’s Influence on Gandhi
- Served as a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Gandhi regarded Gokhale as a guiding figure in his early activism.
- Gokhale’s moderate approach influenced Gandhi’s early political strategies.
The Ideological Divide
- Gokhale’s moderate stance contrasted with Tilak’s radical approach.
- The Age of Consent Bill brought into light their differing views on reform.
- The Surat split in 1907 marked ideological divide in the INC.
Gokhale’s Contributions to Indentured Labour
- Advocated against the exploitation of Indian labourers abroad.
- Campaigned for reforms in indentured labour practices.
- His efforts led to a resolution against indentured migration to Natal in 1910.
Founding of the Servants of India Society
- Established to improve education and social conditions in India.
- Aimed to raise awareness of civil and patriotic duties among Indians.
- The Society continues to exist, promoting educational initiatives.
Surendranath Banerjee – Introduction
- Born on November 10, 1848, in Calcutta, Bengal.
- Influential in early nationalist movements.
- Co-founded the Indian National Association in 1876.
Political Career
- Became the second Indian to pass the Indian Civil Services examination.
- Dismissed from ICS due to legal technicalities.
- Advocated for Indian rights and racial equality.
Association with the Indian National Congress
- Played a key role in the formation of INC in 1885.
- Merged his Indian National Association with INC in 1886.
- Served as Congress President twice, in 1895 and 1902.
Opposition to the Partition of Bengal
- Led protests against the 1905 partition of Bengal.
- Organised public support and petitions to annul the partition.
- Advocated for the Swadeshi movement, promoting local products.
Later Years and Legacy
- Accepted a ministerial post in the Bengal government, distancing from nationalists.
- His moderate stance later overshadowed by more radical leaders.
- Left a complex legacy as a foundational figure in Indian nationalism.
