Introduction: About Dadabhai Naoroji

- Born on 4th September 1825, Dadabhai Naoroji was a notable Indian political leader, scholar and social reformer during the British Rule. He was fondly referred to as the "Grand Old Man of India".

- His contributions spanning various dimensions have been instrumental in shaping India's socio-political landscape.

 

Recent Highlight: 199th Birth Anniversary 

- His 199th birth anniversary was marked on 4th September 2024, reigniting discussions and reflections on his significant contributions and achievements.

 

Dadabhai Naoroji's Contribution

1. First Indian British MP: 

   - In 1892, Naoroji made history by becoming the first Indian member of the British parliament, representing the Central Finsbury seat as a Liberal Party candidate.

 

2. Pioneer in Establishing Organisations in England: 

   - Naoroji co-founded the London Indian Society in 1865 and further went on to establish the East India Association in 1866. These organisations aimed to promulgate India's perspectives and address its concerns in the United Kingdom.

 

3. Leading Role in the Indian National Congress: 

   - He served as the president of the Indian National Congress (INC) three times – in 1886 (Calcutta), 1893 (Lahore), and 1906 (Calcutta). His leadership proved instrumental in INC's early years.

 

4. Prominent Writer & Economist: 

   - Naoroji is particularly acknowledged for his "Drain Theory (1867)", which exposed how Britain was economically exploiting India.

   - In 1901, he published the book titled "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India", further expanding on the economic issues faced by India under British rule.

 

5. Other Political Contributions: 

   - He advocated for the creation of a standing committee in the British House of Commons to address Indian legislative bodies' grievances.

   - In 1893, he formed an Indian parliamentary committee in the British Parliament for lobbying for reforms in India.

   - Further, in 1895, he was appointed to the Royal Commission on Indian Expenditure.

Historical Importance and General Knowledge Insights

- Dadabhai Naoroji remains a significant figure in India's journey towards independence, advocating reforms, justice, and socio-economic improvements.

- The "Drain Theory", proposed by him, has been a crucial part of economic studies related to Colonial India.

- Considered to be one of the founders of modern India, his principles of self-governance, democracy and economic liberation for India still remain relevant.