IGNOUMATIC

The Indian National Movement, which sought to achieve independence from British colonial rule, saw a division in the strategies and methods adopted by different groups within the Indian National Congress (INC). The two major factions that emerged were the Moderates and the Extremists. These two groups differed significantly in their approach towards achieving independence, their understanding of the political landscape, and their methods for social and constitutional reforms. The differences between the Moderates and the Extremists played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the Indian freedom struggle.

Moderates: Ideology and Approach

The Moderates were the first significant faction within the Indian National Congress. Prominent leaders in this group included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Bal Gangadhar Tilak (in his early phase), and Surendranath Banerjee. Their approach to the British was characterized by a belief in the power of dialogue, petitions, and constitutional reforms.

1. Gradual Reforms: The Moderates believed that political progress and social reforms should be achieved gradually and within the framework of the existing British government. They were committed to pursuing reforms through constitutional means, such as petitions, resolutions, and demands for greater representation for Indians in the British Parliament.
2. Loyalty to British Institutions: The Moderates believed in the possibility of cooperation with the British and maintained that India’s progress could be best achieved by working within the imperial system. They did not call for immediate self-rule or complete independence; instead, they sought reforms that would gradually lead to greater Indian involvement in governance.
3. Economic Views: The Moderates were concerned about the economic exploitation of India by the British. Dadabhai Naoroji, in his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India, highlighted the economic drain from India to Britain. However, the Moderates were primarily focused on achieving administrative reforms and better governance, rather than challenging British colonialism fundamentally.
4. Key Methods: Their methods included constitutional agitation, forming petitions to the British government, and submitting demands for reforms such as the Indian representation in the legislative councils. They were opposed to violent methods and were more inclined towards diplomacy and discussions.

Extremists: Ideology and Approach

The Extremists emerged in the Indian National Congress in the late 19th century as a response to the perceived inadequacy of the Moderate approach. The movement was led by more radical leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal. The Extremists believed that the Moderates were too conciliatory towards the British and that a more assertive, direct approach was needed to achieve India’s independence.

1. Immediate Self-Rule: The Extremists were not content with gradual reforms. They called for Swaraj (self-rule), and believed that India should have full control over its political and economic affairs. Their ultimate goal was complete independence from British rule, which they saw as the only way for India to progress.
2. Radical Methods: Unlike the Moderates, the Extremists advocated for more confrontational tactics, including mass mobilization, protests, and, at times, the use of direct action. They were in favor of boycotting British goods, refusing to cooperate with colonial institutions, and launching mass movements to challenge British authority.
3. Nationalism and Revival of Indian Culture: The Extremists were also more focused on the cultural and nationalistic revival of India. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak emphasized the importance of Hindu cultural identity and national pride. They sought to unite people from different regions, castes, and religions to create a strong nationalistic movement. The Extremists believed that India should assert its own identity rather than merely seek reforms within the British system.
4. Economic Critique: The Extremists were critical of the British economic policies, which they viewed as exploitative. They advocated for the economic self-sufficiency of India and the development of indigenous industries, especially in the context of the economic exploitation that was evident in the colonial system. They strongly opposed the drain of wealth from India to Britain.
5. Key Methods: The Extremists emphasized direct action over the constitutional approach of the Moderates. For instance, Tilak’s famous slogan “Swaraj is my birthright” became a rallying cry for mass mobilization. The Extremists also believed in the importance of promoting nationalist sentiments through cultural and religious symbols, such as celebrating festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi to mobilize the masses.

Key Differences between Moderates and Extremists

1. Strategy:
   • The Moderates believed in a gradual approach and worked within the framework of British rule.
   • The Extremists called for immediate self-rule and believed that only through mass movements and direct action could India achieve independence.
2. Relationship with the British:
   • The Moderates were willing to cooperate with the British, believing that they could convince the British government to enact reforms.
   • The Extremists were more critical of British colonialism and felt that India could only achieve its aspirations through resistance and non-cooperation with the British.
3. Methods:
   • The Moderates focused on constitutional agitation, petitioning, and dialogue.
   • The Extremists advocated for mass mobilization, civil disobedience, and protests to challenge British rule.
4. Economic Views:
   • The Moderates, while critical of the economic drain, did not view economic self-sufficiency as central to their vision of reform.
   • The Extremists emphasized economic nationalism and sought to develop indigenous industries and challenge British economic exploitation.
5. Cultural Approach:
   • The Moderates were largely concerned with constitutional and political reforms, with less emphasis on cultural nationalism.
   • The Extremists placed a strong emphasis on the revival of Indian culture and the fostering of national pride as a means of uniting the people.

Conclusion In summary, the Moderates and the Extremists represented two distinct schools of thought in the Indian National Movement. The Moderates favored a constitutional, gradual approach to reform, focusing on dialogue and cooperation with the British, while the Extremists called for immediate self-rule and the use of mass mobilization and resistance against British rule. Both factions played crucial roles in shaping the Indian freedom struggle, and their differing approaches contributed to the diverse and dynamic nature of the movement for independence. Over time, elements from both the Moderate and Extremist ideologies were incorporated into the broader freedom movement, leading to the eventual success of India’s struggle for independence.