Understanding the Author of "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India"

The question asks to identify the author of the significant book titled "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India". This book is a very important work in the history of Indian nationalism and economic thought during the British rule.

"Poverty and Un-British Rule in India" is renowned for presenting a critical analysis of the economic impact of British colonial policies on India. The author meticulously documented how British rule led to the impoverishment of India by draining its wealth and resources back to Britain.

Let's look at the options provided:

• Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru: A key leader in the Indian independence movement and the first Prime Minister of India. He authored books like "The Discovery of India" and "Glimpses of World History," but not "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India".
• Mahatma Gandhi: Known as the 'Father of the Nation', Gandhi led India's independence movement through non-violent civil disobedience. His writings primarily focused on political philosophy, non-violence, and social reform, such as "My Experiments with Truth". He did not write "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India".
• Dadabhai Naoroji: Often called the "Grand Old Man of India," Dadabhai Naoroji was an intellectual, educator, cotton merchant, and an early political leader. He was a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom. He is most famously associated with the economic critique of British rule and the formulation of the "Drain Theory".
• Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel: A prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India. He played a crucial role in the integration of princely states. His focus was primarily on political and administrative matters. He did not write "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India".

Based on historical records and the known works of these prominent figures, the author of "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India" is Dadabhai Naoroji. In this book, he detailed his theory of the 'drain of wealth', explaining how India's resources were systematically extracted by the British, leading to poverty.

Revision Table: Key Authors and Works

Reviewing important books and their authors from the period is helpful for exam preparation.

Additional Information on Poverty and Un-British Rule

Dadabhai Naoroji's book, "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India," published in 1901, was a landmark publication. It provided statistical data and reasoned arguments to support the "Drain Theory." This theory argued that the wealth extracted from India by the British through various means, such as salaries and pensions of British officials in India, military expenditure, interest on loans, and profits of British businesses, was the primary cause of India's poverty. Naoroji calculated the annual drain and presented it to the British public and Parliament, aiming to expose the exploitative nature of colonial rule. The book significantly influenced the Indian nationalist movement by providing an economic justification for demanding self-rule.