Moderate vs Extremist Phase – Easy Comparison
Moderate vs Extremist Phase
The Indian National Movement was a long and complex struggle against British colonial rule. It did not follow a single path or method but evolved over time, responding to changing political, economic and social conditions. One of the most important phases of this movement was the early phase led by the Indian National Congress (INC), which can broadly be divided into two stages: the Moderate Phase (1885–1905) and the Extremist Phase (1905–1918).
These two phases differed significantly in their ideology, objectives, methods of struggle and attitude towards British rule. However, they were not opposing forces in a negative sense. Rather, both contributed in their own ways to the growth of nationalism and the eventual freedom of India. Understanding the difference between the Moderates and the Extremists helps us appreciate how the national movement matured over time.
Background: Rise of Nationalism in India
By the second half of the 19th century, several factors contributed to the growth of nationalism in India:
- British economic exploitation, such as heavy taxation, destruction of Indian industries and drain of wealth.
- Western education, which introduced ideas of liberty, equality, democracy and nationalism.
- Administrative unity created by British rule, which united diverse regions under one system.
- Improved communication, such as railways, postal services and newspapers, which helped spread nationalist ideas.
- Social and religious reform movements, which encouraged people to think critically about society.
These factors led to the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, which became the main platform for expressing Indian political aspirations.
The Moderate Phase (1885–1905)
Emergence of the Moderates
The first 20 years of the Indian National Congress were dominated by leaders known as the Moderates. These leaders believed in constitutional methods and gradual reforms. They had faith in British justice and hoped that the British government would introduce reforms if Indians presented their demands politely and logically.
The Moderates were largely educated middle-class Indians who had been influenced by Western political ideas.
Important Leaders of the Moderate Phase
Some prominent Moderate leaders included:
- Dadabhai Naoroji
- Surendranath Banerjee
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- Pherozeshah Mehta
- W.C. Bonnerjee
- Madan Mohan Malaviya
These leaders played a crucial role in laying the foundation of Indian nationalism.
Ideology and Beliefs of the Moderates
The Moderates believed that British rule in India, despite its many drawbacks, had introduced certain beneficial elements such as modern education, a structured system of administration, the rule of law, and improved means of communication. They felt that these developments could help India progress politically and socially. The Moderates were confident that India could achieve self-governance through constitutional reforms rather than revolutionary methods. They trusted that the British Parliament and public opinion in England were fair-minded and could be persuaded to grant reforms if Indians presented their demands logically and respectfully. Therefore, they relied on reasoned arguments, petitions, resolutions, and discussions to highlight Indian grievances. The Moderates believed that political freedom would come gradually, step by step, as Indians became more politically aware and experienced. Firmly opposing violence or confrontation, they advocated peaceful and lawful agitation as the most effective and moral way to achieve national goals.
Objectives of the Moderates
The objectives of the Moderates were limited and reformist, focusing on improving the existing system rather than overthrowing British rule. They demanded the expansion of legislative councils at the central and provincial levels and sought greater representation of Indians in these bodies so that Indian voices could influence law-making. The Moderates also called for a reduction in land revenue, which heavily burdened peasants, and a cut in military expenditure, which they felt drained India’s resources for imperial interests. Another important demand was the Indianisation of the civil services, arguing that qualified Indians should be given fair opportunities in administration instead of posts being dominated by British officials. They strongly supported the protection of civil rights, including freedom of speech, expression, and the press, as these were essential for political participation. In addition, the Moderates emphasized economic reforms to address widespread poverty and prevent the exploitation of Indian resources. However, they did not demand complete independence, instead aiming for self-government within the British Empire, believing this to be a realistic and achievable goal at that stage.
Methods of the Moderates
The methods adopted by the Moderates were often described as “constitutional agitation”. These included:
- Petitions and Memorials
They submitted petitions to British authorities to express Indian grievances. - Meetings and Conferences
Public meetings were organised to discuss issues and spread awareness. - Resolutions
Annual sessions of the Congress passed resolutions demanding reforms. - Appeals to British Public Opinion
Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji went to England to influence British politicians and intellectuals.
These methods were often summed up as “Prayer, Petition and Protest.”
Contributions of the Moderates
Despite their limitations, the Moderates played a crucial role in the early phase of the Indian national movement. One of their most significant contributions was the creation of national political awareness among Indians. Through speeches, newspapers, meetings, and debates, they educated people about political rights, responsibilities, and the need for collective action. The Moderates also exposed the economic exploitation of India by British rule, most notably through Dadabhai Naoroji’s theory of the Drain of Wealth, which explained how India’s resources were being systematically transferred to Britain. By working through the Indian National Congress, they helped unify Indians politically under a single national organisation, cutting across regional and communal differences. In addition, the Moderate phase acted as a training ground for future leaders, who learned skills of political organisation, public speaking, and constitutional debate. Most importantly, their efforts laid the foundation for later, more assertive phases of the freedom struggle by establishing nationalism as a powerful political force in India.
Limitations of the Moderate Phase
Over time, the Moderate approach began to lose its effectiveness. Despite years of petitions, appeals, and resolutions, there were very few tangible results, leading to growing frustration among Indians. British policies continued to cause economic exploitation and political repression, showing little concern for Indian demands. This failure to bring meaningful change created dissatisfaction among younger and more radical nationalists, who felt that the Moderate methods were too slow and submissive. Moreover, the indifference of the British government towards Indian opinion further weakened faith in constitutional agitation. As a result, many Indians began to believe that a more forceful and assertive form of nationalism was necessary, leading to the rise of the Extremist phase.
The Extremist Phase (1905–1918)
The Extremist phase marked a significant shift in the nature of the Indian freedom movement. Unlike the Moderates, the Extremists believed that British rule could not be reformed and had to be challenged directly. This phase represented a more militant and assertive form of nationalism, which sought to mobilise the masses and confront colonial authority openly.
Emergence of the Extremists
The Extremist phase emerged in the early twentieth century, particularly after the Partition of Bengal in 1905. This decision by the British government deeply shocked Indians and was widely seen as an attempt to divide the country on communal and regional lines. The event convinced many leaders that the British would not respond to polite requests or constitutional methods. Consequently, a new group of leaders emerged who believed that freedom could be achieved only through strong and direct action against British rule.
Important Leaders of the Extremist Phase
The Extremist movement was led by prominent nationalist leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Aurobindo Ghosh. Tilak emphasised the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright,” while Pal and Lajpat Rai inspired people through powerful writings and speeches. Together, Tilak, Pal, and Lajpat Rai came to be known as the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, symbolising militant nationalism and resistance against colonial rule.
Ideology and Beliefs of the Extremists
The Extremists believed that British rule was inherently exploitative and harmful to India’s interests. Unlike the Moderates, they rejected the idea that political rights would be granted voluntarily by the British. Instead, they argued that such rights had to be snatched through struggle. They emphasised self-reliance, urging Indians to depend on their own strength rather than British goodwill. National pride, self-confidence, and a sense of sacrifice were considered essential for achieving freedom. Their ideology was rooted in assertive nationalism, which sought to awaken the masses and instil a spirit of resistance.
Objectives of the Extremists
The main objective of the Extremists was the attainment of Swaraj (self-rule), which they regarded as an immediate and non-negotiable goal. They demanded complete freedom from British control in internal matters and sought to revive Indian culture and national pride as a means of strengthening unity and confidence. Although they did not openly demand complete independence at this stage, their vision was far more radical and uncompromising than that of the Moderates.
Methods of the Extremists
To achieve their objectives, the Extremists adopted aggressive and mass-based methods of struggle. The Swadeshi Movement encouraged the use of Indian goods and the boycott of foreign products. Through boycott, people refused to use British goods, attend government institutions, or cooperate with colonial authorities. The Extremists also promoted national education by establishing schools and colleges that fostered patriotic values. A key feature of this phase was mass mobilisation, as students, workers, and peasants were actively involved in the freedom struggle for the first time. Cultural symbols and festivals such as Ganesh Utsav and Shivaji Jayanti were used to spread nationalist ideas and unite people emotionally.
Role of the Partition of Bengal
The Partition of Bengal in 1905 acted as a turning point in the national movement. It was widely perceived as a deliberate attempt by the British to divide Indians on communal lines. The decision sparked widespread protests, strikes, and boycotts across the country. The anti-partition movement strengthened Extremist ideology and transformed the struggle into a mass movement under Extremist leadership, marking a new phase in Indian nationalism.
Contributions of the Extremists
The Extremists made several lasting contributions to the freedom struggle. They transformed the national movement into a mass movement, involving ordinary people on an unprecedented scale. Their actions instilled fearlessness, self-confidence, and a spirit of sacrifice among Indians. They popularised the concept of Swaraj and challenged British authority more openly and directly. The methods and ideas of the Extremists later inspired Gandhian movements, particularly mass mobilisation and boycott.
Limitations of the Extremist Phase
Despite their enthusiasm and popularity, the Extremists faced serious challenges. The British government responded with harsh repression, including arrests, censorship, and exile of leaders such as Tilak. There was also a lack of a unified and long-term strategy, which weakened their effectiveness. Internal differences and the split in the Congress in 1907 further damaged the movement. These factors temporarily slowed down the progress of the national struggle.
The Surat Split (1907)
The ideological differences between the Moderates and Extremists reached a climax at the Surat Session of the Indian National Congress in 1907, leading to a split in the organisation. The Moderates wished to continue constitutional and peaceful methods, while the Extremists demanded aggressive action and mass agitation. This division weakened the Congress and allowed the British government to suppress nationalist activities more easily.
Reconciliation and Later Developments
By 1916, both the Moderates and Extremists realised that unity was essential for the success of the national movement. This understanding led to the Lucknow Pact of 1916, which marked the reunification of the two groups. Soon after, a new phase of leadership emerged under Mahatma Gandhi, who combined mass mobilisation with disciplined non-violence. The experiences of both the Moderate and Extremist phases strongly influenced Gandhian methods and strategies.
Moderate vs Extremist Phase: Easy Comparison
The Moderate phase, spanning from 1885 to 1905, was characterised by faith in British justice, constitutional reforms, and limited mass participation. Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale believed in loyal opposition and used petitions and meetings as their main tools. In contrast, the Extremist phase from 1905 to 1918 was driven by assertive nationalism, with Swaraj as its aim. Leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai adopted methods like boycott and Swadeshi, encouraged widespread mass participation, and openly criticised British rule.
Role of Both Phases in the Freedom Struggle
Both the Moderate and Extremist phases played complementary roles in the Indian freedom struggle. The Moderates laid the intellectual and organisational foundation of nationalism, while the Extremists infused the movement with energy, courage, and mass support. Rather than viewing them as rivals, these phases should be seen as successive stages of the same struggle, each contributing in its own way to India’s march towards freedom.
Conclusion
The Moderate and Extremist phases represent two important stages in the evolution of the Indian National Movement. While the Moderates relied on peaceful and constitutional means, the Extremists believed in direct action and mass participation. Both approaches had their strengths and limitations, but together they shaped the course of India’s freedom struggle.
By studying these phases, we understand how Indian nationalism matured, learned from experience, and prepared the ground for the mass movements of the Gandhian era. The legacy of both Moderates and Extremists continues to inspire democratic and nationalist movements in India.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
