Theme T14 · Modern India & Freedom Struggle

Early nationalism: Moderates & foreign contributors

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What UPSC asks

Questions assess the Moderates: did they lay the base for the freedom movement, and why did they fail to convince the nation? Foreigners' contribution also appears.

Prepare these

• Moderates: petitions, economic critique of British rule, drain theory, building public opinion
• Limitations: narrow social base, faith in British justice
• Foreigners: Annie Besant, Sister Nivedita, A.O. Hume, C.F. Andrews, Madeleine Slade

Answer writing

• Balance achievements and limitations
• Use names and specific contributions

Directive words in these PYQs: Comment (1), To what extent (1), Why (1), Analyse (1).

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L3 — The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

All 3 PYQs, newest first

1. GS12021GS1-HIS-05-M2021-S01

   To what extent did the role of the moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.

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2. GS12017GS1-HIS-05-M2017-S01

   Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?

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3. GS12013GS1-HIS-05-M2013-S01

   Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom.

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