Assertion (A) : The basic weakness of the early nationalist movement lay in its narrow social base. Reason (R) : It fought for the narrow interests of the social groups which joined it.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Assertion (A) is true because the early nationalist movement (the Moderate phase) was primarily led by the educated middle-class elite, such as lawyers, journalists, and industrialists. It lacked the active participation of the masses, including the peasantry and working class, resulting in a narrow social base.

Reason (R) is false because, despite their limited membership, the early nationalists did not fight for narrow interests. They adopted a "pro-people" national outlook, demanding constitutional reforms, the abolition of the salt tax, reduction in land revenue, and protection for Indian industries. Their economic critique of British rule (the Drain Theory) represented the interests of the entire Indian population rather than just their own social group. Therefore, while their base was narrow, their demands were inclusive and nationalistic in character.