UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Indian Parliamentary Committee 1893

Analysis

The Indian Parliamentary Committee was formed to create support for Indian political reforms within the British Parliament. It aimed to raise Indian issues directly in the House of Commons.

1. To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons — Correct

Sir William Wedderburn and W.S. Caine formed the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893.

Its purpose was to influence British MPs and raise Indian grievances in the House of Commons for political and administrative reforms.

2. To campaign for Indian representation in the Imperial Judiciary — Incorrect

Indian leaders did demand greater Indian participation in administration and judiciary.

However, this committee was specifically focused on political reforms through the British Parliament, not judicial representation.

3. To discuss India’s independence — Incorrect

In 1893, the Congress demand was mainly for constitutional and administrative reforms within the British Empire.

Complete independence or Purna Swaraj became the official Congress goal only in 1929.

4. To facilitate entry of Indians into the British Parliament — Incorrect

Dadabhai Naoroji became the first Indian elected to the British House of Commons in 1892.

But the Indian Parliamentary Committee was not formed mainly to get Indians elected; it was formed to use British parliamentary support for Indian reforms.