Previous Year Question
Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress resulting in the emergence of ‘moderates’ and ‘extremists’?
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The Swadeshi Movement is the correct answer. Swadeshi and boycott were adopted as political weapons against the Partition of Bengal in 1905. The movement intensified the existing ideological differences within the Congress.
Calcutta Session of 1906: Under the presidentship of Dadabhai Naoroji, the Congress accepted resolutions relating to Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott and National Education.
Difference between the two groups:
The Moderates emphasised constitutional methods, petitions, negotiations and gradual reforms.
The Extremists supported more assertive methods such as Swadeshi, wider boycott, passive resistance and mass agitation. Their prominent leaders included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Aurobindo Ghose.
Surat Session of 1907: The Moderate leaders attempted to step back from the Calcutta resolutions concerning Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott and National Education. These resolutions were not included in the published list of subjects for the Surat Session.
The Moderates wanted Rash Behari Ghosh as President, whereas the Extremists supported Lala Lajpat Rai. After Tilak was prevented from speaking, disorder broke out and the Congress split into the Moderate and Extremist groups.
The other movements occurred much later:
Non-Cooperation Movement — 1920
Civil Disobedience Movement — 1930
Quit India Movement — 1942
Therefore, the correct answer is the Swadeshi Movement.