Who was the first Indian to become the member of the British Parliament?
VerifiedAnswer: Dadabhai Naoroji
Explanation:
Dadabhai Naoroji holds the remarkable distinction of being the first Indian to become a member of the British Parliament. Born in 1825 in Mumbai, he achieved this historic milestone when he was elected to the House of Commons in 1892, representing the Finsbury Central constituency in London as a Liberal Party candidate.
Naoroji's journey to this achievement was extraordinary for his time. He moved to London in 1855 and established himself as a successful businessman and intellectual. His election victory was particularly significant because it came during an era when racial prejudice was widespread in British society. His opponent even used racist campaign tactics, but the voters of Finsbury Central chose merit over prejudice.
Known as the "Grand Old Man of India," Naoroji was much more than just a parliamentarian. He was a pioneering economist who developed the famous Drain Theory, which demonstrated how Britain was systematically draining India's wealth. This theory became a crucial argument in the Indian independence movement, showing how colonial policies were impoverishing India.
His contributions to Indian nationalism were immense. He was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress and served as its president three times - in 1886, 1893, and 1906. During his time in Parliament, he consistently raised issues concerning India and worked tirelessly to highlight the injustices of colonial rule.
Naoroji's parliamentary term lasted from 1892 to 1895. Though his tenure was relatively brief, it was highly impactful. He used this platform to advocate for Indian interests and to educate British politicians about the real conditions in India. His presence in Parliament challenged the prevailing notion that Indians were incapable of participating in democratic governance.
His legacy extends far beyond his parliamentary achievement. As an educator, he founded schools and promoted Indian education. As an intellectual, he wrote extensively about economic and political issues. His book "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India" remains a classic critique of colonial economic policies.
Dadabhai Naoroji's election to the British Parliament was not just a personal triumph but a symbolic victory for all Indians. It proved that Indians could compete and succeed in the highest echelons of British political life, paving the way for future generations of Indian leaders and strengthening the moral foundation of the independence movement.
