Explain the difference between the 'Moderate' and 'Extremist' phases of the Indian National Congress between 1885 and 1905.
Answer
The Moderates (1885‑1905) pursued constitutional methods, petitions, and dialogue with the British, seeking reforms within the existing system; the Extremists (late 1890s‑1905) adopted more assertive tactics like boycotts, swadeshi, and mass agitation, demanding self‑government and using the press to mobilise public opinion.
Step-by-step solution
- Identify the time span of the Moderate phase: 1885‑early 1900s, characterised by leaders such as Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji.
- List the key methods of the Moderates: petitions, speeches in legislative councils, and appeals to British justice.
- Identify the Extremist phase: late 1890s‑1905, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal.
- List the Extremist tactics: boycott of British goods, promotion of swadeshi, mass meetings, and more forceful criticism of British rule.
- Contrast the objectives: Moderates sought incremental reforms; Extremists demanded Swaraj (self‑rule) and a more confrontational stance.
Common mistake: Mixing up the time periods or attributing violent methods like armed rebellion to the Extremists, which were not part of the mainstream Congress approach.
Concept tested: Moderate vs Extremist phases
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Related questions
- 1 Identify two prominent leaders who advocated the 'Extremist' approach in the Indian National Congress during the early 1900s.
- 2 Calculate the average interval (in years) between the five major phases of Indian nationalism listed below: Moderate Phase (1885‑1905), Extremist Phase (1905‑1919), Non‑Cooperation Movement (1920‑1922), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930‑1934), and Quit India Movement (1942‑1945).
- 3 Calculate the number of years between the formation of the Indian National Congress (1885) and the launch of the Non‑Cooperation Movement (1920).
- 4 Discuss how the Swadeshi movement (1905‑1908) influenced Indian nationalism, citing at least two specific impacts on political consciousness and economic self‑reliance.
- 5 Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?
- 6 The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was primarily intended to: