Give a brief account of the contributions of early nationalists to the 'Indian freedom struggle'.

Late 19th century witnessed the emergence of political activity led by Indian intelligentsia and nationalists against the imperial British rule that laid the foundation of Freedom struggle.

Contributions of Early Nationalists

(a) Indian Association by S.N Banerjee

➜ Administrative reform ➜ Resource reduction in age limit for ICS exam

➜ Separate revenue administration & judicial power

➜ Direct taxation on Surplus welfare expenditure

➜ Financial reform

➜ Linear welfare expenditure with Tax burden

➜ Protection to Indian industries

(a) Indian Council Act, 1892 allowed questions in the assembly.

(a) Opposition to Vernacular Press Act

(a) Dadabhai Naoroji's Drain Theory

(a) Servant of India Society.

➜ belief in Providence/nursing of British limitations

➜ disbelief in capacity of masses

➜ Late Adoption of Demand & literacy

➜ Protection of elite interest (a) Opposition to Factory act,1891

Navigations, Early nationalists build the base for future struggle. MN Roy called the early nationalist phase as "Golden Period of Reform Struggle"