Consider the following statements:

1. The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British.
2. Interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians.
3. Stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Dadabhai was India’s first economic thinker. He is best known for his theory of the “Drain of Wealth,” which exposed the economic exploitation of India under British rule. This became a cornerstone of the Indian National Movement and highlighted how wealth was systematically drained from India to Britain.
• At its Calcutta Session of 1896, the Indian National Congress officially adopted the drain theory, which thereafter became a main plank in the organised nationalist agitation.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Dadabhai Naoroji primarily focused on economic and political issues.

Statement 3 is incorrect

• Stressing the eradication of social evils before political goals was more aligned with social reformers like Mahatma Gandhi. Naoroji’s work primarily revolved around economic and political aspects rather than social reform.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Easy