Modern Indian History

Moderates believed in constitutional and peaceful methods. They aimed at administrative and constitutional reforms and  wanted more Indians in the administration. To bring political awareness among the people they held meetings and discussions on social, economic and cultural matters. The early Nationalists used press for criticizing the worng policies of the government.  

Demands of Early Nationalists were divided in to four parts:

• Constitutional Reforms
• Economic Reforms
• Administrative Demands
• Defence of Civil Rights

• Availability of cheap credits to peasants through agricultural banks.
• Development of banking, irrigation, medical and health facilities for the people.
• Total abolition of Salt tax and the duty on sugar.
• An enquiry into India's growing poverty and famines.

During the first twenty years of its inception the Congress was completely controlled by the liberal leaders known as the Moderates. They believed that British rule should continue in India as it was gradually preparing the Indians to be capable for self rule. Their objective was to reform legislature. They demanded Wider employment of Indians in higher public services, Establishment of representative institutions, more funds for technical education, cuts in military expenditure, etc.

The methods used by the Early Nationalists of passing resolutions and sending petitions were seen as inadequate by critics who argued that they depended on the generosity of the British instead of relying on their own strength and challenging the imperialist might. They failed to realise that British and Indian interests clashed with each other and that Britain was using India's resources to increase its wealth. The Early Nationalists failed to draw the masses into the mainstream of the national movement such that their area of influence remained limited to urban educated Indians. In particular, their leadership comprised only members of professional groups such as lawyers, doctors, journalists and teachers.

The early nationalists used constitutional agitation, petitions, and public discourse to expose the contradictions and injustices of British rule, thereby undermining its moral legitimacy.

Dadabhai Naoroji is widely recognized as the first leader to systematically build and promote the freedom struggle, laying the groundwork for the Indian National Congress.

The Servants of India Society aimed to prepare selfless workers and train national missionaries to serve the country, combining both objectives mentioned in the options.

Dadabhai Naoraji was the first person in India to use the poverty line to identify the poor people.

The introduction of rationing in India dates back to the 1940s Bengal famine. This rationing system was revived in the wake of acute food shortage during the early 1960s, before the Green revolution.

Cricket has its origins in England which have colonized India for almost 200 years. During these years British influenced Indians in many ways and one of them is cricket. Cricket was brought to India by the British rulers. In the beginning, the game was played amongst the British nationals. Later it struck deep roots in the Indian soil as a result of the patronage extended to it by the ruling class and the princely households. Cricket also gave rise to nationalistic feelings as Indians were not allowed to play autonomously and were a part of the team of the Great Britain.

In colonial India, especially in tournaments like the Bombay Pentangular, cricket was organized along the lines of race and religious communities (e.g., Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Europeans).

The origins of Indian cricket, that is, cricket played by Indians are to be found in Bombay and the first Indian community to start playing the game was the small community of Parsis. Brought into close contact with the British because of their interest in trade and the
first Indian community to westernise, the Parsis founded the
first Indian cricket club, the Oriental Cricket Club in Bombay in 1848.

Mahatma Gandhi believed that a sport was essential for a balance between the body and the mind. However, he often emphasised that games like cricket and hockey were imported into India by the British and were replacing traditional games. They showed a colonial mindset and were a less effective education than the simple exercise of those who worked on the land.

Mahatma Gandhi expressed this sentiment regarding the simplicity of life and the rejection of modern, fashionable distractions. It reflects his philosophy of self-reliance and critique of industrial-age consumerism.

• Sardar Vallabhai Patel is called "The Iron  Man of India"
  
  • Due to integration of Princely states to Indian Union after Mountbatten plan announcement on June 3, 1947.
  • Patel started operation princes on July 25, 1947
    
  • All the princely states signed instrument of accession by August 15, 1947 except Hyderabad, Junagarh and Kashmir.