Question

What were the three P’s used by Early Nationalists?
A. Petitions
B. Prayers
C. Protests
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Especially with the entry of Mahatma Gandhi, freedom fighters emphasized on peaceful means of gaining independence. They believed fair play and integrity was paramount. Lokmanya Tilak is claimed to be the first freedom fighter of the country.

Complete Answer:The Moderates (1885-1907) did not necessarily call for freedom but asked for constitutional reforms. Some key leaders include Pheroz Shah Mehta, GK Gokhale and Dadabhai Naroji. Many such leaders existed in the Congress, who viewed these activities as philanthropic. They did, however, succeed in sparking a political sentiment in the common man. They were followed by leaders nicknamed the ‘Assertives’ who brought to light that colonization’s boons of advancements were short-lived.

- These calls saw many unique practices come into play, like mass-sending of letters to legislators and other powerful people to set forth demands. They asked for self-government, better representation in jobs and education, and the right to mobilize. Most were happy with the UK's notion of justice.

- These however were mostly ineffective as they were limited to the upper classes, mostly educated as they had restrictive methods of expressing dissatisfaction with their oppressors.

- Protests later also took passive forms, like in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920 where groups picketed stores, boycotted the colonizers’ institutions and products and organized silent marches.

Hence, all of the above is the answer.So, the correct answer is option D.

Note: This moderate approach was eventually diversified with extremist, radical and revolutionary takes coming in, as some deemed these methods ineffective. To an extent, the British also misused the Indians’ ways of fighting.