1. Assertion (A): The basic weakness of the early nationalist movement lay in its narrow social base.
2. Reason (R): It fought for the narrow interests of the social groups which joined it.
A
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B
Both A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
C
A is true, but R is false
D
A is false, but R is true
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. Assertion (A) is true. The early nationalist movement in India (late 19th century) primarily comprised educated elites, professionals, and urban dwellers, thus having a relatively narrow social base compared to later mass movements.
2. Reason (R) is false. While the movement's participants came from specific social groups, their stated objectives and demands generally aimed at broader national interests, such as constitutional reforms, administrative changes, economic critique of British rule, and civil liberties, rather than solely focusing on the narrow interests of their own groups.