Surendranath Banerjee, Biography, INC, Freedom Movement

Surendranath Banerjee, often referred to as the “Rastraguru,” was one of the earliest leaders to champion the nationalist cause in India. Banerjee was deeply influenced by the liberal and nationalist ideas that swept through Europe in the 19th century. Banerjee was a pioneer in several spheres, including education, journalism, and politics. He became the second Indian to pass the prestigious Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination in 1869.

He was a key figure in opposing the Partition of Bengal and promoting Swadeshi. His role in founding the Congress, and his tireless efforts for constitutional reforms make him a significant figure in India’s journey towards independence.

About Surendranath Banerjee

Surendranath Banerjee was born on November 10, 1848, in Calcutta, Bengal, into a Rarhi Kulin Brahmin family. His father, Durga Charan Banerjee, a doctor, had a profound influence on him, instilling values of liberty and progressive thinking. After completing his education at the University of Calcutta, Banerjee traveled to England in 1868 to attempt the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination. He successfully cleared the examination in 1869. However, his career in the ICS was cut short in 1874 when he was dismissed due to a legal technicality.

Surendranath Banerjee’s Political Career

Upon returning to India in June 1875, Surendranath Banerjee embarked on an academic and political career that would leave a lasting impact on the nationalist movement. He became an English professor at the Metropolitan Institution, and later at Rippon College, which he founded in 1882 (now known as Surendranath College). His teachings and public speeches on nationalism and liberal political ideas deeply influenced his students and the broader public.

• In 1876, he co-founded the Indian National Association with Anandamohan Bose, one of the earliest political organizations in India.
• He used the Indian National Association to campaign against the age limit for Indian students taking the ICS examinations.
• Banerjee gained widespread popularity by condemning racial discrimination in British policies and addressing these injustices in speeches across India.
• In 1879, he started editing the newspaper The Bengalee, making it a platform for nationalist ideas.
• In 1883, Banerjee was arrested for contempt of court after publishing a controversial article in The Bengalee, becoming the first Indian journalist to be imprisoned.

Surendranath Banerjee Association with INC

Surendranath Banerjee played a pivotal role in the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885. Banerjee merged his organization Indian National Association with the Congress in 1886, marking a significant step towards a unified nationalist front. He was elected as the Congress President twice—first in 1895 at Poona and again in 1902 at Ahmedabad. However, the growing ideological divide between the Moderates, with whom Banerjee was closely aligned, and the Extremists led to a decline in his influence.

Surendranath Banerjee Indian Freedom Movement

Surendranath Banerjee was a key figure in opposing the 1905 partition of Bengal, which sought to divide the province along religious lines. He led protests, organized petitions, and garnered widespread public support across Bengal and India, ultimately pressuring the British to annul the partition.

• Banerjee was a prominent advocate of the Swadeshi movement, urging Indians to boycott foreign goods and support locally-made products.
• He supported the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909
• Despite being critical of Mahatma Gandhi’s approach to civil disobedience, Banerjee admired Gandhi’s dedication to securing Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Banerjee also supported the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms. His stance led to the formation of the Indian Liberation Federation, a group of moderate leaders who distanced themselves from Congress.

In his later years, Banerjee accepted a ministerial post in the Bengal government, which alienated him from nationalists.

Surendranath Banerjee Death and Legacy

Surendranath Banerjee passed away on August 6, 1925, at Barrackpore, leaving behind a complex legacy. His death marked the end of an era of Indian nationalism. While his moderate stance and belief in constitutional methods were later overshadowed by more radical approaches, his contributions were foundational in shaping the early nationalist movement in India.

Surendranath Banerjee UPSC PYQs

Q) Consider the following pairs: (UPSC Prelims 2017)

1. Radhakanta Deb: First President of the British Indian Association
2. Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty: Founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha
3. Surendranath Banerjee: Founder of the Indian Association

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)