IGNOUMATIC

The Indian freedom struggle, spanning several decades, witnessed a variety of ideologies, strategies, and methods. Two major factions within the Indian National Congress (INC) during the early phase of the movement were the Moderates and the Extremists. Each of these groups contributed significantly to India’s struggle for independence, albeit in different ways. While both sought self-rule for India, their approaches, methods, and ideologies were distinct.

3.1. The Moderates: Advocates of Constitutionalism

The Moderates, who dominated the Indian National Congress during its early years (from 1885 to the early 20th century), believed in achieving self-rule (Swaraj) through peaceful and constitutional means. They emphasized dialogue with the British government, aimed at persuading the colonial authorities to grant political reforms that would grant Indians more power in the administration and governance of the country.

Key Contributions of the Moderates:

1. Introduction of Constitutional Reforms:
   Moderates such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Pherozeshah Mehta advocated for political and constitutional reforms. They worked to make the British colonial system more responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Indian people. Naoroji’s famous theory of “Drain of Wealth” was a critical contribution to highlighting how British rule impoverished India. The Moderates believed in the gradual and peaceful implementation of reforms, which could be achieved through petitions, representations, and discussions with the British authorities.
2. Economic Nationalism:
   Dadabhai Naoroji, often considered the first prominent economist in India, highlighted the economic exploitation of India under British rule. His “Drain Theory” pointed out how the wealth of India was being drained to Britain, and how this negatively impacted the Indian economy. This critique laid the foundation for economic nationalism, which later became a major theme in the Indian freedom movement.
3. Educational and Social Reform:
   The Moderates strongly advocated for the expansion of education, particularly for Indians, in order to foster a more informed, capable citizenry. Leaders like Gokhale emphasized the importance of Western education, which they believed could open doors to civil services, thus enabling Indians to participate in governance and contribute to the administration. The Moderates also supported social reforms, including the promotion of women’s rights and the abolition of practices like Sati.
4. Establishment of the Indian National Congress (INC):
   The INC, founded in 1885, was initially led by Moderates. The Congress served as a platform for demanding constitutional reforms and for representing Indian interests to the British government. Moderates used the Congress to communicate their demands for greater Indian participation in the political process.
5. Pressure for Reforms in the British Administration:
   The Moderates’ tactics included petitions to the British Parliament, public debates, and the publication of reports and articles to press for reforms. Their peaceful and diplomatic methods sought to bring about changes in the British colonial system without resorting to violence.

While their methods were often slow and conciliatory, the Moderates helped lay the groundwork for India’s political mobilization, establishing the Congress as a key political entity and developing the discourse of self-rule and national identity.

3.2. The Extremists: Advocates of Direct Action and Self-Reliance

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a new group of leaders emerged within the Indian National Congress who became known as the Extremists. These leaders were disillusioned with the slow pace of reforms under the Moderates and sought more radical and direct forms of resistance to British rule. Key leaders of the Extremists included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.

Key Contributions of the Extremists:

1. Swaraj (Self-Rule) and Assertive Nationalism:
   Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the most prominent leader of the Extremists, and his slogan “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!” became a rallying cry for those who sought immediate self-rule. Unlike the Moderates, who believed in gradual reforms, the Extremists emphasized the need for direct action and the rejection of British rule in favor of complete self-rule. Their vision of Swaraj was not just political autonomy but also a cultural and social resurgence of India.
2. Promotion of Radical Methods:
   The Extremists called for more assertive forms of resistance against British colonialism, including boycotts of British goods (Swadeshi), protests, and direct action. They played a significant role in organizing the Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908) in response to the partition of Bengal by the British, which was seen as an attempt to divide and rule. The movement emphasized the promotion of indigenous industries, the boycott of foreign goods, and the establishment of self-reliant economic systems.
3. Cultural Revival and National Identity:
   The Extremists also stressed the importance of cultural revival. They sought to foster a sense of national pride and unity by reviving India’s ancient traditions and promoting the idea of Hindu unity. Leaders like Tilak emphasized the importance of celebrating Indian festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti, which helped cultivate a sense of national identity and pride among the Indian masses.
4. Education and Mass Mobilization:
   While the Moderates focused on Western-style education, the Extremists emphasized the need for mass education that would be more attuned to the Indian context. Tilak, for instance, advocated for the promotion of indigenous languages and literature. The Extremists also worked towards mobilizing the masses, especially the rural population, to participate in the freedom struggle. Their ideas inspired the later mass movements led by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.
5. Direct Action and Revolutionary Struggles:
   The Extremists believed in the necessity of direct action to force the British to leave India. Some leaders within this group were involved in revolutionary activities, including the formation of secret societies like the Anushilan Samiti and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). These groups, which included figures like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and others, advocated armed resistance against British rule. They believed that political freedom could only be attained through revolution.
6. Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army (INA):
   Although Bose’s activities were primarily during the later phase of the freedom struggle, his vision and actions were deeply influenced by the extremist nationalism that began with leaders like Tilak. Bose, with his formation of the Indian National Army (INA) and collaboration with Axis powers during World War II, aimed at achieving independence through military struggle. This form of militant nationalism resonated with the Extremist approach of direct confrontation with the colonial powers.

3.3. The Interplay Between Moderates and Extremists

While the Moderates and Extremists had different methods, their contributions to the freedom struggle were complementary. The Moderates laid the foundation of political organization and constitutional discourse, which gave a structured platform for demanding reforms. They helped to spread the ideas of nationalism among the educated elite. On the other hand, the Extremists brought energy, direct action, and a sense of urgency to the struggle. They pushed for the empowerment of the masses and helped popularize the idea of self-rule as a necessity rather than a gradual process.

In the long run, the combined efforts of both groups created a unified force for India’s independence. The Moderates, through their petitions and constitutional pressure, and the Extremists, through their mass mobilization and revolutionary activities, created a movement that ultimately led to India’s freedom in 1947.

Conclusion The contributions of the Moderates and Extremists to India’s freedom struggle were both essential and significant. The Moderates, through their constitutional methods and emphasis on education, laid the groundwork for India’s political mobilization, while the Extremists infused the movement with radical ideas and a sense of urgency. Together, they helped shape the trajectory of the Indian independence movement, which was ultimately a collective struggle that transcended ideologies and methods.