THE TRADITION OF liberalism in Indian politics is much older than the emergence of the liberals as a separate parliamentary party in its public life. This liberal trend in Indian politics can be traced back to the foundation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
The fundamental article of that liberal tradition was loyalty to the British Raj. The Liberals never underrated the enormous benefits of British rule in India-the inestimable benefit of peace and security, law and order, English education and works of public utility. The whole political literature of the period bears testimony to this profound sense of gratitude for the innumerable blessings of the British Raj.
'Would there have been an India but for the almost providential intervention of the British?"
They were effusive in their expression of loyalty to the Throne. Surendranath Banerjee said at Poona in 1895: "To England we look for inspiration and guidance. To England we look for sympathy in the struggle. From England must come the crowning mandate which will enfranchise our people. England is our political guide and moral preceptor in the exalted sphere of political duty. English history has taught us those principles of freedom which we cherish with our life blood. We have been fed upon the strong food of English constitutional freedom".1
The liberals were thus full of gratitude for all the good that the British did in India consciously or unconsciously. In fact, 'the ideal of the Liberal party in India was...to unite highest patriotic devotion to the country with an equally enthusiastic attachment to the Crown.2
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