Q. The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Nauroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he
(a) Brought the problems of Indians to the notice of the British
(b) Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British
(c) Interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self- confidence of Indians
(d) Stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else
Ans: (b) Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British
Explanation: The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of the Indian National Movement was (b) Exposing the economic exploitation of India by the British.
Dadabhai Naoroji, often referred to as the “Grand Old Man of India,” was a prominent Indian nationalist leader and a prominent member of the Indian National Congress. He made significant contributions to the Indian independence movement, particularly in addressing the economic aspect of British colonialism.
Naoroji’s major contribution was in highlighting and exposing the economic exploitation of India by the British colonial administration. He argued for the drain of wealth theory, emphasizing how British colonial policies, including unequal trade practices, taxation, and revenue collection, resulted in the economic impoverishment of India.
Naoroji’s book, “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India,” published in 1901, laid out his comprehensive analysis of British economic exploitation. He quantified the economic drain by estimating the amount of India’s wealth that was being drained out of the country to support British rule.
By bringing attention to the economic exploitation, Naoroji effectively educated both Indians and the British public about the detrimental impact of British rule on India’s economic development. His work contributed to raising awareness and generating support for the cause of Indian nationalism, as well as inspiring future leaders to focus on economic self-sufficiency and economic freedom.
While Naoroji made other contributions to the Indian National Movement, such as serving as the President of the Indian National Congress and being the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament, his exposure of the economic exploitation of India by the British remains his most impactful contribution.
