Liberal leadership or Moderate Congress
The struggle for the independence of India started with the establishment of the British state. With the rise of the press in the 18th century, Indians started getting a platform to demand their rights. This is the reason that the history of Congress from AD 1885 to AD 1947 is the history of the national movement of India. The history of Congress can be mainly divided into two phases-
(1) Step 1: From the inception till the Rowlatt Act i.e. from 1885 to 1919. In this phase, the Congress was led by the liberals from AD 1885 to 1905 and from AD 1905 to 1919 its leadership was in the hands of the leaders of the extremist ideology.
(2) Phase II: From the non-cooperation movement till the independence of India i.e. from 1920 to 1947. During this period, the leadership of the Congress remained in the hands of right-wing leaders like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and his socialist-left ally Jawaharlal Nehru etc.
liberal era
From 1885 to 1905, the reins of the Congress were completely in the hands of liberals or soft nationalists who were soft on the British and British rule and were against revolutionary ideas like boycott and non-cooperation. Most of these leaders had feelings of gratitude towards the British Raj. He considered the British Empire in India a boon. He suggested changes in many social institutions and customs for the establishment of social equality and individual freedom. He used to demand the establishment of representative institutions and civil liberties in India. The liberals supported the constitutional movement for the attainment of political rights. The political movement started by him supported the unity of India, ethnic and communal co-ordination, modernization, opposition to social stereotypes and prohibition of discrimination, new economic progress and industrialization. The liberals focused on Indianization of services, expansion of western education, increase in the number of elected members of the legislative assemblies, rule of law, widespread use of the rights of freedom etc.
Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, Ferozshah Mehta, Lalmohan Ghosh, Rash Behari, Gopalkrishna Gokhale, Srinivas Shastri, Mahadev Govind Ranade etc. were the main pillars of the liberal era. Some liberal English like- A. O. Hume, William Wedderburn, George Yule, McQueen, Smith etc. were also members of Congress. These liberal leaders led the Congress from AD 1885 to 1905. Liberal leaders, keeping the British rulers happy in India, tried to move towards self-government by pleading for their kindness and justice. It was not within the control of these leaders to suffer the pain of going to jail. They dreamed of establishing Swarajya in India while maintaining their social status, position, occupation etc.
Liberal leaders believed that the British rule led India on the path of modern civilization, created a sense of independence, gave birth to national consciousness and worked to unite the people of the country. Justice Ranade believed that the British rule in India had proved useful in terms of providing political education to Indians in civil and public activities. He said- 'Progress slowed down due to lack of scientific activities, new education and professional approach among Hindus and Muslims. The arrival of the British changed this situation. India saw a new light. The road to modernization was paved. Coming in contact with the British, we realized the importance of independence. Western influence ended centuries of slavery and inertia. Indian Renaissance started.'
Dadabhai Naoroji believed that the rule of the British would act as a divine boon for the all-round development of India. He said that- 'It is necessary for the British to remain in India till that time they do not fulfill their objective of trusteeship of making Indians self-supporting.' The liberals never felt any inconvenience in making a deep connection between the loyalty of Indians to England and their patriotism. Surendranath Banerjee had said- 'May God deepen our loyalty in the future, further encourage our patriotism and further strengthen our relations with the British Empire.'
The liberal leaders were opposed to the revolutionary changes in the governance system of the country. He believed that reform work in India is not possible simultaneously, so there should be gradual reforms. He wanted to bring gradual reforms in the political and administrative field. He wanted proper participation of the people in the government. R. Yes. Pradhan has written- 'The resolutions of the early days of the Congress show that their demands were very simple. Congress leaders were not idealists. They did not build air forts. He was a practical reformer and wanted to achieve independence step by step.'
Leaders like Feroz Shah were looking for a way of political education of India under the patronage of the British and believed that someday the British themselves would accept the national demands of India. Surendranath Banerjee also dreamed of India's progress under the guidance of Britain. His aim was to present the demand for political reforms in India and to get the new reforms implemented through petitions and petitions to the British government. Gopalkrishna Gokhale wanted to resort to gradual development for the national reconstruction and revival of India.
Liberal leaders were the nurturers of western civilization and ideas. He believed that for Indians, India's connection with Britain was a boon. Due to the relations with Britain, Western literature, modern education system, means of transport, justice system, local self-government etc. have proved to be an invaluable boon for India. Western thought and philosophy inculcates respect for freedom and democracy among the people. Therefore, it would be appropriate in the interest of India that it should maintain an unbroken relationship with Britain. Mrs Anniebesant believed- 'The leaders of this period took pride in considering themselves as British subjects.' Gopalkrishna Gokhale said- 'Our destiny is connected with the British. Be it for good or for bad.' Similarly, Dadabhai Naoroji said- 'Congress is not an organization to rebel against the British government, but it wants to strengthen the foundation of the British government.
Liberals believed that the British were the most honest, powerful and democratic people in the world. They will also develop democratic institutions in India. If the British Parliament and the public are made aware of the Indian problems, they will definitely take reform measures. Surendranath Banerjee said- 'We have a firm belief in the justice, wisdom and compassionate spirit of the British. We have infinite reverence in our hearts for this greatest representative assembly in the world, the British Common Assembly, the mother of parliaments; The British will leave India voluntarily.'
The moderate leaders of the Congress wanted self-government under the British Empire. In the second session of the Congress, Surendranath Banerjee said- Self-government is a natural gift, a desire for divine power. Every nation should have the right to decide its own destiny, that is the law of nature.' He could not even dream of breaking the ties with the British Empire. Therefore, the talk of complete freedom was not in his mind. They wanted to get self-government under the British Empire.
The liberal leaders had unwavering faith in the justice of the British. He never talked about fighting with the government. His full faith was in the legal struggle. They did not want to dissatisfy the government with their actions. He urged the government to accept its just demands through prayers, petitions, petitions, reminders and delegations. Many scholars believe that the policy of the Congress at this time was to pray, not to fight for its demands. Some people called this custom and policy political begging Said.
Demands of Liberals
In the first twenty years of its establishment, the Congress attracted the attention of the British government to the problems of the Indian people by passing various resolutions in its annual sessions and demanded various reforms in the civil administration. His various demands were as follows-
1. There should be maximum participation of Indians in the administrative system.
2. Reform the legislative councils.
3. Expand the central and provincial councils and increase the number of elected and non-official Indian members by reducing the number of official members nominated by the government.
4. There should be a separation of the executive and the judiciary and the practice of jury should be recognized in the trial of cases.
5. Reduce the burden of taxes by restructuring the financial system.
6. The British Government should also participate in the expenditure of the security and expansion of the British Empire.
7. Military expenditure of the government should be reduced.
8. To improve the condition of the farmers, the rate of land revenue should be reduced and it should be made permanent for 20 to 30 years.
9. Appropriate steps should be taken to improve the condition of the Indian people. Elementary education should be expanded, facilities for industrial and technical education should be given, more grant should be given to improve cleanliness etc.