Correct answer: (a) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
- A
Both 1 and 2
Both 1 and 2. Statement 1 is correct because the Justice Party actively opposed the Indian National Congress, characterizing it as a Brahmin-dominated organization that did not represent the interests of the lower castes and non-Brahmins of the Madras Presidency. Statement 2 is also correct as the party demanded separate communal electorates and reservation of seats for non-Brahmins, drawing a direct parallel to the communal representation granted to Muslims under the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909. Since both statements accurately reflect the historical ideology, political demands, and founding platform of the Justice Party, this option is the correct and comprehensive key.
- B
Neither I nor 2
Neither 1 nor 2. This option claims that both statements regarding the Justice Party are factually incorrect. However, this is false because the party did oppose the Congress on caste lines and did demand separate representation akin to Muslim concessions.
- C
Only 1
Only 1. This option asserts that the first statement about opposing the Congress as a Brahmin-dominated body is correct while the second is wrong. This is incorrect because the party equally emphasized claiming separate communal representation for non-Brahmins.
- D
Only 2
Only 2. This option claims that only the demand for communal representation is correct while the opposition to Congress is false. This is incorrect because the Justice Party's foundational stance was explicitly built upon challenging Congress hegemony.
Summary. Official key is (a) because both given statements regarding the Justice Party are historically accurate. The party emerged in the Madras Presidency to champion non-Brahmin interests and fiercely criticized the Indian National Congress as a Brahmin-dominated outfit. Furthermore, it successfully advocated for separate communal representation mirroring the provisions of the Morley-Minto reforms. Option (a) correctly encompasses all valid assertions, making it the right choice.