The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
"Fortnightly Reports" were confidential reports sent every two weeks by the provincial governments to the Home Department of the Government of India. These reports are crucial primary sources for historians studying the Indian National Movement, particularly the Gandhian era, but they reflect the specific perspective of the colonial administration.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Fortnightly Reports were compiled based on information gathered by the police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from various localities. The local police would report to the provincial administration, which would then summarize these details for the Home Department.
- Statement 2 is Correct: These reports were not objective. They reflected the fears, anxieties, and prejudices of the colonial officials. The administrators often viewed the National Movement primarily as a law-and-order problem or a seditious conspiracy, rather than a legitimate expression of public will.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The reports frequently downplayed the popularity of Gandhi’s movements. Officials were often reluctant to admit the extent of mass support to their superiors. For instance, during the Salt Satyagraha, reports often described the mass response as "lukewarm," "coerced," or limited to specific sections, contradicting other accounts that showed widespread enthusiasm.
Key Takeaway:
While Fortnightly Reports provide valuable chronological details of the freedom struggle, they are inherently biased sources that represent the "official" colonial view, often minimizing the scale and voluntary nature of nationalist mobilization.