Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress resulting in emergence of ‘moderates’ and ‘extremists’?
Correct Answer :
Swadeshi Movement
Solution :
The correct option is Swadeshi Movement.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Context of the Split:
The Indian National Congress (INC) experienced a major split during its Surat session in 1907, which is historically known as the "Surat Split". The main division was between two groups within the Congress: the Moderates and the Extremists.
2. Role of the Swadeshi Movement:
The Swadeshi Movement was launched in 1905 to protest against the Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon. Both the Moderates and the Extremists supported the movement, but they differed significantly on how it should be conducted and its overall scope.
3. Points of Conflict:
- Scope of the Movement: The Extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, wanted to extend the Swadeshi and Boycott movement beyond Bengal to other parts of India. On the other hand, the Moderates wanted to keep the movement confined only to Bengal.
- Methods of Protest: The Extremists advocated for a wider boycott, including government schools, colleges, courts, services, and titles. The Moderates, however, favored constitutional methods and preferred limiting the boycott to foreign-made goods.
- Leadership Disagreements: The final trigger for the split occurred during the Surat Session of 1907, where disagreement over who would preside as the Congress President (Rash Behari Ghosh nominated by Moderates vs. Lala Lajpat Rai proposed by Extremists) culminated in a formal split.
4. Conclusion:
Therefore, the ideological differences regarding the expansion and execution of the Swadeshi Movement directly led to the split in the Indian National Congress in 1907, dividing it into Moderates and Extremists.
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