The Moderates and Extremists were two prominent factions within the Indian National Congress (INC) during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They differed in their approaches to achieving political objectives and responding to British colonial rule in India.
- Moderates:
- Approach: The Moderates believed in the use of constitutional methods and gradual reforms to achieve political goals within the framework of British colonial rule. They advocated for dialogue and cooperation with British authorities and sought to work within existing institutions to effect change.
- Political Methods:
- Petitions, memorandums, and representations to British officials.
- Participation in legislative councils and associations.
- Advocacy for constitutional reforms and policy changes.
- Public awareness and education through speeches and publications.
- Engagement with sympathetic individuals and governments abroad for international support.
- Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee.
- Key Demands:
- Increased representation for Indians in legislative bodies.
- Civil service reforms to allow for Indian participation.
- Promotion of social and economic reforms within the colonial system.
- Protection of civil rights and liberties for Indians.
- Extremists:
- Approach: The Extremists advocated for more assertive and radical methods to challenge British colonial rule and achieve political independence for India. They rejected cooperation with British authorities and called for mass agitation, civil disobedience, and direct action to achieve their goals.
- Political Methods:
- Boycotts, strikes, and protests against British policies and institutions.
- Non-cooperation and civil disobedience campaigns.
- Radical speeches and publications promoting nationalist sentiment.
- Emphasis on self-reliance and Swadeshi (indigenous) economic initiatives.
- Appeals to mass mobilization and popular support for the nationalist cause.
- Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo Ghosh.
- Key Demands:
- Complete independence (Swaraj) from British rule.
- Rejection of British colonial institutions and policies.
- Promotion of indigenous industries and economic self-sufficiency.
- Mobilization of the masses for political agitation and resistance.
- Emphasis on cultural and educational revival to foster nationalist sentiment.
- Differences:
- Approach to British Rule: Moderates favored cooperation and dialogue with British authorities, while Extremists advocated for outright opposition and defiance.
- Methods of Political Work: Moderates preferred constitutional methods and gradual reforms, while Extremists favored mass agitation, civil disobedience, and direct action.
- Goals: Moderates aimed for incremental political reforms and increased Indian participation within the colonial system, while Extremists sought complete independence (Swaraj) from British rule.
- Leadership: Moderates were led by figures like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, while Extremists were led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
- Impact and Legacy:
- The division between Moderates and Extremists reflected the diversity of approaches within the Indian nationalist movement and influenced the trajectory of the struggle for independence.
- While Moderates focused on gradual reform and dialogue, Extremists played a crucial role in mobilizing popular support and galvanizing the masses for nationalist agitation.
- The tension between Moderates and Extremists eventually led to a split within the Indian National Congress, with the formation of separate factions advocating for different strategies and objectives.
In conclusion, the division between Moderates and Extremists within the Indian National Congress reflected differing approaches to achieving political objectives and responding to British colonial rule in India. While Moderates favored constitutional methods and gradual reform, Extremists advocated for more assertive and radical forms of political activism aimed at achieving complete independence from British rule.
