Understanding the Indian Parliamentary Committee of 1893

The question asks about the primary goal behind the establishment of the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893 by Sir William Wedderburn and W. S. Caine. This committee played a role in bringing Indian issues before the British Parliament.

Who were Sir William Wedderburn and W. S. Caine?

Sir William Wedderburn was a former Indian Civil Service officer who was sympathetic to Indian aspirations. He served as the President of the Indian National Congress in 1889 and again in 1910. W. S. Caine was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the British House of Commons who also advocated for Indian interests. They, along with other British MPs and public figures sympathetic to India, felt the need for a dedicated group within the British Parliament to voice concerns regarding India.

Purpose of the Indian Parliamentary Committee

The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, believed that many of India's problems stemmed from British policies and could only be effectively addressed by influencing decision-makers in Britain. To achieve this, they needed allies within the British Parliament. Sir William Wedderburn and W. S. Caine were key figures in creating a platform for this purpose.

The main objective of the Indian Parliamentary Committee, set up in 1893, was specifically to pressure the British government and Parliament to address issues facing India and to push for necessary changes. This involved raising questions in the House of Commons, participating in debates, and influencing public opinion in Britain regarding Indian matters.

Let's examine the options provided:

• Option 1: To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons. This aligns directly with the historical purpose of the committee. They aimed to bring issues like administrative reforms, increased Indian representation in legislative councils, reduction of military expenditure, and other political grievances to the attention of the British Parliament and advocate for changes.
• Option 2: To campaign for the entry of Indians into the Imperial Judiciary. While demanding opportunities for Indians in civil services and judiciary was part of the broader reform agenda supported by Indian nationalists and their British sympathizers, this specific committee's primary focus was broader political reforms discussed in Parliament, not solely judicial appointments.
• Option 3: To facilitate a discussion on India's Independence in the British Parliament. In 1893, the demand by mainstream Indian nationalist leaders was for reforms within the British Empire, not immediate independence. Discussions on independence became prominent much later. Therefore, this was not the purpose of the committee at this time.
• Option 4: To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British Parliament. The committee itself consisted of British MPs sympathetic to India. While Indian leaders visited Britain and interacted with these MPs, the committee's goal was not to secure seats for Indians in the British Parliament. Their aim was to represent Indian interests *within* the British Parliament through their own membership.

Based on the historical context, the most accurate purpose of the Indian Parliamentary Committee established in 1893 was to advocate for political reforms in India by raising these issues within the House of Commons.

Conclusion on the Purpose

The evidence strongly supports that the Indian Parliamentary Committee was created to lobby the British Parliament, specifically the House of Commons, for changes and improvements in the governance of India based on the demands of Indian nationalist leaders. They acted as a voice for India within the British political system.

Revision Table: Key Facts on Indian Parliamentary Committee

Additional Information: Early Indian Nationalism and British Support

During the early phase of Indian nationalism (often referred to as the 'Moderate' phase), leaders focused on constitutional methods and petitioning the British government for reforms. They believed that the British public and Parliament were essentially just and would grant reforms if they were made aware of the true conditions and grievances in India.

Organisations like the Indian National Congress therefore worked on two fronts: in India, mobilising public opinion and submitting petitions, and in Britain, trying to influence British politicians and the public. To achieve the latter, they set up bodies like the Indian Parliamentary Committee and also the British Committee of the Indian National Congress in London.

British individuals like A.O. Hume (founder of INC), William Wedderburn, Dadabhai Naoroji (who became an MP in Britain), and W. S. Caine played a crucial role in bridging the gap and advocating for Indian rights within Britain itself. The Indian Parliamentary Committee was a direct outcome of this strategy, aiming to keep Indian issues alive in the heart of the British political system.