The early nationalists employed constitutional and peaceful methods, such as petitions, meetings, and press critiques, to influence British policy. They spread awareness through speeches and established a British Committee of the Indian National Congress in London to present India's case. A notable achievement was Dadabhai Naoroji's advocacy, leading to the simultaneous holding of Civil Service Examinations in India and England. Despite criticisms for their moderate methods, which some believed unlikely to achieve independence, they successfully laid the groundwork for political awareness and mobilized educated Indians, facilitating later phases of the movement .

The early nationalists believed that the British sense of justice and fair play would ultimately lead to granting 'Home Rule' to Indians. This belief was influenced by their education in England, where they developed faith in British liberal values. They perceived British rule as beneficial in certain aspects, such as the abolition of social practices like sati and the promotion of certain reforms. Their strategies, like writing petitions and peaceful protests, reflected a reliance on constitutional methods inspired by their Western education. However, their ignorance of the true conditions in India and the underlying exploitative nature of British policies was a substantial limitation .

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a prominent leader who played a crucial role in India's political scene. As a vociferous critic of government spending and racial discrimination, he influenced British policies, notably through the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909. His opposition to the partition of Bengal and efforts in reducing toll taxes and land revenues demonstrated his influence on policy matters. Gokhale's engagements with British statesmen emphasized the need for policy reforms in India, paving the way for future governance changes .

Critics argue that the early nationalists were too reliant on petitions and prayers, which were unlikely to achieve independence. They failed to draw the masses into the national movement, focusing instead on the educated, urban Indians. The belief in British fairness, despite evident exploitative practices, was a significant oversight. Although these criticisms highlight genuine limitations, the early nationalists played a vital role in laying the ideological and structural foundation of the national movement. Their contributions towards civil rights and political representation were instrumental in setting the stage for later more assertive phases .

The early nationalists aimed to achieve constitutional reforms by advocating for greater Indian representation and control. Their demands included the abolition of the India Council, control over the public purse under the slogan 'No taxation without representation', and adequate representation in the Viceroy's Executive Council. By the early 20th century, they were also demanding 'Swarajya' or self-government within the British Empire, similar to the status of Canada and Australia, reflecting a strategic approach to gradually increasing Indian governance within the colonial framework .

Surendranath Banerjee significantly contributed to unifying Indian political consciousness. He founded the Indian Association in 1876 to oppose unjust British policies and encourage political unity. The Indian National Conference he convened in 1883 helped lay the groundwork for the formation of the Indian National Congress. His newspaper, 'Bengalee', became a crucial platform for political discourse. Banerjee's movements against the Licence, Arms, and Vernacular Press Acts mobilized Indian public opinion and played a vital role in shaping the collective political identity of the nation .

The early nationalists achieved significant reforms, including the appointment of the Public Service Commission in 1886 and passing the Indian Councils Act of 1892. Their major contribution was raising national consciousness about British exploitation, notably through Dadabhai Naoroji's economic analysis, which exposed the 'drain of wealth'. They promoted the ideals of democracy, civil liberties, and nationalism, thus fostering a unified Indian identity. These efforts contributed crucially to the political awakening and were instrumental in shaping the future of India's struggle for independence .

Initially, the British government was somewhat favorable towards the Indian National Congress, with government officials even attending its early sessions. However, as the Congress grew more politically active, the government began to view it with suspicion and criticism, reflecting concerns over potential challenges to British authority. By 1890, government officials were forbidden from attending Congress meetings, and policies like 'divide and rule' were implemented to weaken its influence and sow divisions among Indian leaders, such as encouraging anti-Congress movements .

The British Committee of the Indian National Congress, established in 1889, was strategically significant as it aimed to influence public opinion in Britain and garner support for Indian causes. By publishing the weekly journal 'India', the committee was instrumental in presenting a coherent case for Indian demands among British citizens and policymakers. Dadabhai Naoroji and other leaders undertook deputations to England to advocate for Indian rights, thereby strengthening the early nationalist movement’s international dimension and exerting pressure on British political circles .

Dadabhai Naoroji's contributions were pivotal in shaping the Indian national movement. Renowned as the 'Grand Old Man of India', he highlighted the economic exploitation of India through his 'drain of wealth' theory. His book, 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India', exposed how British policies were impoverishing India. As an unofficial ambassador in England, he actively fought for Indian rights, influencing reforms like the simultaneous holding of ICS exams in India and England. His leadership in the Indian National Congress led to key resolutions on self-government and national education, significantly advancing the national movement .