The Indian National Movement, which aimed to end British colonial rule in India, saw the rise of two major ideological groups in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—the Moderates and the Extremists. Both groups were part of the Indian National Congress but differed in their methods and approach towards achieving independence. While the Moderates adopted a gradual and constitutional path, the Extremists believed in assertive and direct action. Together, they played a crucial role in awakening national consciousness and shaping the freedom struggle.
The Moderates were primarily Western-educated Indians who believed in British justice and fair play.
They followed a policy of prayers, petitions, and protests.
Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, and M.G. Ranade were prominent Moderates.
Political Awareness: They laid the foundation of political awakening in India and educated the masses about their rights.
Economic Critique of British Rule: Dadabhai Naoroji’s Drain Theory highlighted the economic exploitation of India.
Press and Public Opinion: They used newspapers, journals, and public meetings to spread awareness and create pressure on the British government.
Reforms and Petitions: Demanded reforms such as expansion of legislative councils, civil service reforms, and protection of Indian industries.
Though they didn’t achieve immediate political goals, they succeeded in mobilizing the educated middle class.
They helped in institutionalizing the Indian National Congress and laying a strong base for the future struggle.
The failure of the Moderates to bring significant reforms led to dissatisfaction.
Events like the Partition of Bengal (1905) triggered mass unrest and gave rise to a new generation of assertive leaders.
Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai were at the forefront.
Believed in the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.”
Promoted self-reliance (Swadeshi), boycott of British goods, and national education.
Unlike the Moderates, Extremists used agitation, strikes, boycotts, and passive resistance.
They appealed to emotions, history, culture, and religion to inspire nationalism.
Played a major role in the Swadeshi Movement and anti-partition agitation.
Brought the masses into the national movement, including students, women, and rural folk.
Fostered cultural nationalism by reviving festivals like Ganesh Utsav and Shivaji Jayanti.
Paved the way for more radical forms of protest, which would be used in later movements.
The ideological rift between Moderates and Extremists culminated in the Surat Session of 1907, where the Congress split.
Moderates wanted Gokhale as president, while Extremists supported Tilak.
The split weakened the movement temporarily, but it also marked the evolution of diverse strategies in the freedom struggle.
The Lucknow Pact of 1916 saw the reunion of Moderates and Extremists and a joint demand for constitutional reforms.
They also joined hands with the Muslim League, marking an important moment of Hindu-Muslim unity.
Moderates laid the intellectual foundation of the movement.
Extremists brought emotional energy and mass participation.
Their combined efforts created the momentum that would later be harnessed by leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel.
The Moderates and Extremists, despite their differences, were integral to the Indian freedom movement. The Moderates brought awareness and political education, while the Extremists brought courage, nationalism, and mass involvement. Their roles were complementary and together they prepared the ground for mass civil disobedience movements that followed. Understanding their contributions helps us appreciate the evolution of India's struggle for independence and the sacrifices made to achieve it.