UPSC Prelims 2015 Q68: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National
Congress resulting in the emergence of 'moderates' and 'extremists'?
- (a) Swadeshi Movement
- (b) Quit India Movement
- (c) Non - Cooperation Movement
- (d) Civil Disobedience Movement
Answer: (a) Swadeshi Movement
Explanation
Movement behind the Moderate-Extremist split
The Swadeshi Movement (1905 to 1908) exposed the gap between the two wings of the Congress.
The split came at Surat in 1907.
| Issue | Moderates | Extremists |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of the movement | Keep it within Bengal | Spread it across India |
| Boycott | Of foreign goods only | Of goods, schools, courts and titles |
| Goal | Self-government within the Empire | Swaraj |
Road to the split:
| Session | Event |
|---|---|
| Banaras, 1905 | Differences come into the open |
| Calcutta, 1906 | Dadabhai Naoroji declares Swaraj the goal; four resolutions passed |
| Surat, 1907 | Congress splits |
The Quit India, Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements all came later.
Answer: (a) Swadeshi Movement.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Swadeshi Movement led to the split into moderates and extremists.
- (b) Incorrect. The Quit India Movement came in 1942.
- (c) Incorrect. The Non-Cooperation Movement came in 1920.
- (d) Incorrect. The Civil Disobedience Movement came in 1930.
Key point
Swadeshi Movement (1905-08) divided the Congress; Calcutta 1906 adopted Swaraj; Surat 1907 split it into Moderates and Extremists.
Remember
Swadeshi Movement led to the Surat Split (1907).
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that the split happened in 1907, long before Gandhi's movements.
- Confusing the Surat split with the 1969 split of the Congress.
- Not linking the split to the four Calcutta resolutions of 1906.
Exam tip
Moderates and Extremists belong to the 1905-1907 years. Only the Swadeshi Movement fits.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 10 and 11 (The Swadeshi Movement; The Split in the Congress)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Era of Militant Nationalism)