UPSC Prelims 2016 Q92: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
- (a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto
- (b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government
- (c) Foundation of Muslim League
- (d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress
Answer: (b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government
Explanation
Split in the Indian National Congress at Surat, 1907
The Congress split into Moderates and Extremists at the Surat session.
| Side | Leaders | View |
|---|---|---|
| Moderates | Pherozeshah Mehta, Gokhale, Rash Behari Ghosh | Petitions and negotiation with the British |
| Extremists | Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh | Boycott, swadeshi and mass struggle |
The Extremists had no faith that the Moderates could win anything by negotiating with the British Government.
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Introduction of communalism by Lord Minto | Incorrect; separate electorates came in 1909 |
| (b) Extremists' lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate | Correct |
| (c) Foundation of Muslim League | Incorrect; it was founded in 1906 but did not cause the split |
| (d) Aurobindo Ghosh's inability to be elected as President | Incorrect; the dispute was over Rash Behari Ghosh versus Tilak or Lajpat Rai |
Answer: (b) Extremists' lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Lord Minto's communal electorates came in 1909, after the split.
- (b) CORRECT. The Extremists lost faith in the Moderates' method of negotiation.
- (c) Incorrect. The foundation of the Muslim League (1906) was not the cause.
- (d) Incorrect. Aurobindo Ghosh was not the presidential candidate in dispute.
Key point
Surat Split (1907): Moderates versus Extremists over methods and the 1906 Calcutta resolutions; President Rash Behari Ghosh; reunited at Lucknow in 1916.
Remember
Surat Split = Extremists versus Moderates, 1907.
Common mistakes
- Blaming the split on communal politics; it was about methods of struggle.
- Naming Aurobindo as the disputed candidate; Extremists wanted Tilak or Lajpat Rai.
- Forgetting the reunion at Lucknow in 1916.
Exam tip
Surat 1907 split; Lucknow 1916 united.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 11 (The Split in the Congress and the Rise of Revolutionary Terrorism)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Era of Militant Nationalism)