Soon after the formation of Indian National Congress, the British became suspicious of nationalists. Who among the following called Congress representing only the elite --'a microscopic minority'?
Lord Dufferin
Understanding British Reaction to Indian National Congress Formation
The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885. Initially, some British officials were supportive or neutral towards it, seeing it as a platform for educated Indians to voice their opinions. However, as the INC grew and its demands became more political, the attitude of the British government changed. They became increasingly suspicious of the nationalist movement represented by the Congress.
Who Called Congress a 'Microscopic Minority'?
Soon after the formation of the Indian National Congress, one prominent British official expressed his dismissive view of the organization. This individual was the then Viceroy of India.
The person who famously referred to the Indian National Congress as representing only the elite – calling them a 'microscopic minority' – was Lord Dufferin.
Lord Dufferin was the Viceroy of India from 1884 to 1888. The Indian National Congress was founded during his tenure. While he initially seemed to tolerate or even encourage the formation of the Congress, his attitude soon turned critical. He viewed the Congress as an organization that did not represent the vast majority of the Indian population, which was largely illiterate and rural. He believed that the Congress only represented a small, educated urban elite.
Analyzing the Options
- Lord Napier: Lord Napier served in various capacities but was not the Viceroy during the formation of the INC and is not known for this specific statement.
- Lord Dufferin: As discussed, Lord Dufferin was the Viceroy when the INC was founded and is recorded as having made the "microscopic minority" comment.
- Lord Ripon: Lord Ripon (Viceroy 1880-1884) was known for his liberal policies and is not associated with this dismissive statement about the INC, which was formed immediately after his term.
- Lord Lytton: Lord Lytton (Viceroy 1876-1880) was known for his reactionary policies and preceded Lord Ripon and Lord Dufferin. He is not associated with this statement about the INC.
Therefore, the statement calling the Congress a 'microscopic minority' is attributed to Lord Dufferin.
| Viceroy | Tenure (Approx.) | Relation to INC Formation Era | Relevant Stance/Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lord Lytton | 1876-1880 | Preceded INC formation | Known for unpopular policies like Vernacular Press Act. |
| Lord Ripon | 1880-1884 | Preceded INC formation (just) | Known for liberal policies, repeal of Vernacular Press Act. |
| Lord Dufferin | 1884-1888 | Viceroy during INC formation (1885) | Called INC a 'microscopic minority'. |
| Lord Napier | N/A (Not Viceroy in this period) | Not relevant to INC formation era viceroys | Served in Madras, Commander-in-Chief etc. |
Revision Table: Key Points on Early INC and British Reaction
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| INC Foundation Year | 1885 |
| Founder(s) | A.O. Hume (a retired British ICS officer) played a key role, along with Indian leaders. |
| Initial British View | Initially neutral or somewhat positive (Safety Valve theory suggested by some historians). |
| Change in British View | Became hostile as INC's political demands grew. |
| Viceroy during Foundation | Lord Dufferin |
| 'Microscopic Minority' Statement | Attributed to Lord Dufferin, reflecting a dismissive view of INC's representativeness. |
Additional Information: Early Demands of INC
In its early years, the Indian National Congress had moderate demands. These included:
- Greater representation of Indians in legislative councils.
- Separation of judiciary from the executive.
- Reduction in military expenditure.
- More opportunities for Indians in the Indian Civil Service examinations (held in England).
- Better treatment of Indian labourers in British colonies.
These initial demands were constitutional and aimed at reforming the British administration, not demanding complete independence. Despite this, the British government, and the Viceroy Lord Dufferin, soon began to view the INC with suspicion, leading to the dismissive 'microscopic minority' remark.
Similar Questions
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2) Wellesley's administrative measures were restricted to the affairs of the Company and had nothing to do with the commercial and military affairs of the Indian ruling families.
Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?Which one of the following statements is not true about the Izaredari system?
Who among the following introduced the Permanent Settlement of Bengal in 1793?
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- Who among the following was the last Governor-General of India before the office was permanently abolished?
Important Questions from Viceroy and Governor
Who was the Viceroy of India when India got Independence on 15 august 1947?
Which of the following Viceroys appointed the Hunter Commission in 1882?
The Sati Pratha was abolished under the Governor - Generalship of ________.
In 1872, Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India was assassinated in ___________
Which Governor-General of India made a law to abolish the custom of Sati in 1829?
