Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The Safety Valve Theory suggests that the British supported the formation of the Indian National Congress to prevent violent revolts.
Statement II: Early nationalist leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Surendranath Banerjee considered the Indian National Congress a loyal body working under British guidance.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is not correct.
(d) Statement-I is not correct but Statement-II is correct.

Question

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The Safety Valve Theory suggests that the British supported the formation of the Indian National Congress to prevent violent revolts.
Statement II: Early nationalist leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Surendranath Banerjee considered the Indian National Congress a loyal body working under British guidance.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is not correct.
(d) Statement-I is not correct but Statement-II is correct.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct: The Safety Valve Theory suggests that the British, particularly A.O. Hume supported the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 to provide a controlled outlet for nationalist demands. This was intended to prevent Indians from resorting to violent uprisings, similar to the Revolt of 1857, against British rule.

Statement II is not correct: Early nationalist leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Surendranath Banerjee saw the INC as a legitimate platform to voice Indian aspirations, not merely as a British tool. While they initially adopted a moderate approach, they demanded reforms and self-governance, making it clear that the INC was working for Indian interests rather than under British control.

Indian National Congress

Safety Valve Theory and Early Nationalist Leaders' Views

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements: Statement I: The Safety Valve Theory suggests that the British supported the formation of the Indian National Congress to prevent violent revolts. Statement II: Early nationalist leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Surendranath Banerjee considered the Indian National Congress a loyal body working under British guidance. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is not correct. (d) Statement-I is not correct but Statement-II is correct.