Statement I:
In 1866 Dadabhai Navroji organized the East India Association in London to discuss Indian questions to influence British Public opinion. Branches of the Association were organized in major Indian cities.
Statement II :
He showed that the poverty and economic backwardsness of India were not inherent in local conditions but were caused by colonial rule which was draining India of its wealth and capital.
In the light of the above statement, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
Statement I asserts that Dadabhai Naoroji established the East India Association in London in 1866. The Association's goal was to discuss Indian matters and influence British public opinion. It also aimed to establish branches in major Indian cities.
Historical records confirm that Dadabhai Naoroji did indeed found the East India Association in London in 1866. Its primary objective was to voice Indian concerns to the British public and policymakers. The Association also extended its reach by creating branches within India.
Therefore, Statement I is True.
Statement II posits that India's poverty and economic underdevelopment were not internal issues but consequences of colonial rule, specifically attributing them to the continuous drain of India's wealth and capital by the British.
This concept is central to Dadabhai Naoroji's renowned "Drain Theory." Through his extensive research and writings, Naoroji argued that British policies systematically transferred wealth from India to Britain, thereby hindering India's economic progress and perpetuating poverty.
Therefore, Statement II is True.
Since both Statement I and Statement II are factually accurate based on historical evidence regarding Dadabhai Naoroji's work and theories:
The most appropriate answer is that both statements are true.