The Delhi Manifesto was a significant document in the history of India’s struggle for independence, marking a crucial moment in the relationship between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the British government.
- Background:
- The Delhi Manifesto was issued in December 1912 by the Indian National Congress in response to the passage of the controversial Indian Councils Act of 1909, also known as the Morley-Minto Reforms.
- The Morley-Minto Reforms introduced limited constitutional reforms in India, including the expansion of legislative councils and the introduction of separate electorates for Muslims. However, these reforms fell short of Indian nationalist aspirations for self-governance and representation.
- Personalities Involved:
- Dadabhai Naoroji: A prominent figure in the Indian National Congress and often referred to as the “Grand Old Man of India,” Dadabhai Naoroji played a key role in shaping the INC’s response to British colonial rule. He was instrumental in advocating for Indian political representation and economic self-sufficiency.
- Surendranath Banerjee: Another leading figure within the Indian National Congress, Surendranath Banerjee was a vocal critic of British colonial policies and a staunch advocate for Indian rights. He played a significant role in drafting the Delhi Manifesto and articulating Congress’s demands.
- Annie Besant: A British socialist, women’s rights activist, and theosophist, Annie Besant was deeply involved in the Indian nationalist movement. She supported the demands outlined in the Delhi Manifesto and worked closely with Indian leaders to advance the cause of Indian self-governance.
- Content of the Delhi Manifesto:
- The Delhi Manifesto was a comprehensive statement of Indian nationalist demands, highlighting the grievances of the Indian people and calling for substantive reforms.
- It rejected the Morley-Minto Reforms as inadequate and demanded the immediate introduction of representative government in India based on universal adult suffrage.
- The manifesto emphasized the need for responsible government in India, where elected representatives would have real power and authority to govern.
- It also called for the repeal of repressive laws, such as the Rowlatt Act, which had been passed by the British government to suppress political dissent in India.
- Additionally, the manifesto highlighted the economic exploitation of India by the British colonial administration and called for measures to promote Indian industries and protect Indian workers.
- Outcome:
- The Delhi Manifesto represented a significant assertion of Indian nationalist aspirations and served as a rallying point for the Indian National Congress in its struggle against British colonial rule.
- While the British government initially dismissed the demands outlined in the manifesto, it increased pressure on the colonial administration to address Indian grievances and introduce further reforms.
- The manifesto also contributed to the growing unity and solidarity among Indian nationalists, transcending regional, religious, and linguistic differences.
- Although the immediate outcomes of the Delhi Manifesto were limited, it laid the groundwork for future negotiations and agitation for Indian self-governance. It reflected the evolving nature of the Indian nationalist movement and its increasing assertiveness in demanding political representation and autonomy.
In summary, the Delhi Manifesto was a seminal document in India’s struggle for independence, articulating the grievances and demands of the Indian people in the face of British colonial rule. It played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of the Indian nationalist movement and advancing the cause of Indian self-governance.
