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02 Mar 2026
GS Paper 1
History
Q. Compare the contributions of moderates and extremists in the Indian National Congress during the early stages of the freedom struggle. (Answer in 125 words)
Approach:
- Mention the early phase of the Congress (1885–1905) and the rise of moderates and extremists.
- Moderates’ Contributions: Highlight their use of petitions, resolutions, and dialogue with British officials.
- Extremists’ Contributions: Discuss their adoption of more aggressive methods like boycotts, swadeshi, and public agitation. Contrast their ideologies and methods.
- Conclude by explaining how both approaches shaped Indian nationalism.
Introduction
The Indian National Congress’s actions during the freedom struggle were shaped by two primary ideologies: the Moderates and the Extremists. From 1885 to 1905, the Moderates held sway within the INC. However, growing dissatisfaction with their achievements and the partition of Bengal led many nationalists to adopt a more extremist approach. The influence of the Extremists is generally considered to have spanned from 1905 to 1920.
Aspect
Moderates
Extremists
Key Leaders
Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal
Method of Struggle
Constitutional means—petitions, resolutions, and dialogues with British
Direct action—mass mobilization, boycotts, and confrontations
Main Objective
Gradual reforms and self-governance within the British framework
Immediate self-rule (Swaraj) and rejection of British authority
Attitude towards British
Believed in the possibility of British goodwill and cooperation
Distrusted British intentions, believed in aggressive resistance
Economic Strategy
Focused on economic reforms through petitions (e.g., Drain of Wealth theory)
Advocated economic self-reliance, Swadeshi, and boycotts of British goods
Mass Participation
Relied on educated elites, limited mass involvement
Emphasized mass participation, mobilized common people through protests
Vision for Future
Aimed for slow, incremental progress towards self-rule
Called for immediate and complete independence
Conclusion
Thus, the Moderates laid the intellectual and institutional foundation for India’s independence, while the Extremists energized the freedom movement with mass participation and a sense of urgency. Together, they shaped the course of India’s struggle for independence, complementing each other’s contributions.
