Social Science · Class 8 · The Making of the National Movement · Term 1

Early Nationalism and the INC

Examine the factors leading to the rise of Indian nationalism and the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.

• CBSE Learning Outcomes
• CBSE: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s-1947 - Class 8

About This Topic

This topic marks the beginning of organized political consciousness in India, leading to the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. It explores the factors that contributed to the rise of nationalism, such as the impact of Western education, the growth of the press, and the common grievances against British economic and racial policies. Students learn about the 'Moderates' who led the early phase of the INC.

For Class 8 students, this is a foundational topic for understanding the freedom struggle. It explains how a diverse group of Indians began to see themselves as one nation with a shared destiny. The focus is on the early demands for administrative reform and a greater voice for Indians in government. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the first session of the INC, taking on the roles of delegates from different parts of India and drafting their initial 'Petitions and Prayers'.

Key Questions

1. Analyze the socio-political conditions that fostered the birth of Indian nationalism.
2. Explain the objectives and demands of the early Moderates within the Indian National Congress.
3. Evaluate the British reaction to the nascent national consciousness in India.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the socio-economic and political factors that contributed to the rise of Indian nationalism in the late 19th century.
• Explain the initial objectives and methods of the Moderate leaders within the early Indian National Congress.
• Identify key grievances of Indians against British rule that fueled the nationalist movement.
• Evaluate the British response to the emergence of organized Indian political thought.
• Classify the different types of early nationalist demands concerning administrative and economic reforms.

Before You Start

The Revolt of 1857

Why: Provides context on the nature of early resistance to British rule and the subsequent changes in British administration.

British Economic Policies in India

Why: Students need to understand the impact of British economic policies on Indian society to grasp the grievances that fueled nationalism.

Social and Religious Reform Movements

Why: Introduces students to the awakening of social consciousness and reform efforts, which laid groundwork for political awakening.

Key Vocabulary

Nationalism	A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country, leading to a desire for self-governance and national unity.
Indian National Congress (INC)	An organization founded in 1885 that became the primary political party advocating for Indian independence from British rule.
Moderates	The early leaders of the INC who believed in constitutional methods and gradual political reforms within the British system.
Grievances	Complaints or resentments against perceived unfair treatment or injustice, in this context, against British policies.
Socio-political conditions	The combination of social structures, cultural norms, and political systems that shape a society at a particular time.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The early Congress wanted immediate independence from the British.

What to Teach Instead

The early 'Moderates' actually wanted reform within the British system and greater Indian representation. A 'Demand Analysis' activity helps students distinguish between 'reform' and 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence).

Common Misconception

Nationalism was only an elite movement of lawyers and doctors.

What to Teach Instead

While the leadership was professional, they spoke about issues like land revenue and salt tax that affected everyone. Peer-led research on the 'Drain of Wealth' theory shows how they connected with the economic reality of the masses.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The First INC Session

Students act as delegates like Dadabhai Naoroji and Pherozeshah Mehta. They must draft three main demands to present to the Viceroy, focusing on civil rights and economic reforms.

45 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Role of the Press

Groups analyze headlines from early nationalist newspapers like 'The Kesari' or 'The Bengalee'. They identify how these papers helped spread national consciousness and criticize British policies.

40 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Why was 1885 a turning point?

Students discuss in pairs why the formation of a national-level organization was more effective than the local associations that existed before. They share their thoughts on 'unity' with the class.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• The formation of the INC in 1885 is a historical parallel to how citizens today form advocacy groups or political parties to voice concerns and demand policy changes from their governments.
• Understanding the early nationalist demands for representation in legislative councils helps explain the evolution of parliamentary systems in India and other former British colonies.
• The British policy of 'divide and rule' discussed in this period has echoes in modern political strategies used to fragment opposition movements.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Present students with a list of factors (e.g., Western education, economic exploitation, racial discrimination, growth of press). Ask them to sort these into 'Socio-cultural' and 'Political-economic' categories and briefly explain their reasoning for one factor.

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'Imagine you are an educated Indian in 1885. What would be your top three grievances against British rule, and what specific, polite request would you make to the Viceroy?' Encourage students to justify their choices.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write down two key differences between the goals of the early Moderates and what they imagine the goals of later, more assertive nationalists might be. They should also name one specific demand made by the Moderates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the 'Moderates' and what were their methods?

The Moderates were the early leaders of the Congress (1885-1905) like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. They believed in 'constitutional' methods, petitions, speeches, and meetings, to persuade the British to introduce reforms. They had faith in British sense of justice but wanted to highlight Indian grievances.

What were the main demands of the early Indian National Congress?

Their main demands included more Indians in higher government jobs, the separation of the judiciary from the executive, the repeal of the Arms Act, and a reduction in military spending and land revenue to help the poor.

How can active learning help students understand the birth of nationalism?

Active learning strategies like 'Mock Press Conferences' allow students to articulate the early nationalist grievances. By defending their demands against 'British' questioning, they understand the logic of the Moderate phase. This helps them appreciate that nationalism was a gradual process of building a collective identity and a political platform.

Why is Dadabhai Naoroji called the 'Grand Old Man of India'?

Naoroji was a key founder of the INC and the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons. He is most famous for his book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India', where he scientifically explained the 'Drain of Wealth' from India to Britain.