Question

The early political leaders of Indian National Congress who dominated the Congress from 1885-1905 were called ______.
A)Ultra Nationalist
B)The Radicals
C)The Economists
D)The Moderates

Answer 1

Hint: The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by AO Hume. It played a significant role in the struggle for independence of India.
Their emergence marked the beginning of the organised national movement in India.

Complete answer:
The early political leaders of Indian National Congress who dominated the Congress from 1885-1905 were called the Moderates.

The period from 1885 to 1905 the congress was led by a group of people known as early nationalists or moderates. Hence their time period was known as the ‘Moderate Phase’. Their emergence marked the starting of the organised national movement in India. They consisted of people who believed in british law and order and were loyal to them. During this time period, the Indian national congress passed many resolutions in its sessions.

Through these resolutions demands raised by congress consisted of civil rights, administrative, constitutional and economic policies. The main objectives of moderates are: providing education, organising public opinion, making people aware, reform of legislative assemblies, separation of execution from the judiciary, abolishment of salt tax, reducing duty on sugar, freedom of speech and expressions.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Note: The prominent moderate leaders were Dada Bhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, W.C Banerjee, G Subramania Iyer and many more. The other aims of the moderates are: reducing land revenue tax, freedom to form associations, termination of economic drain of India by britishers, development of modern capitalist industries in India and allowing more Indians to take part in the administration through ICS exams.