Moderates, Extremists & Lal-Bal-Pal — Set 10
National Movement · उदारवादी, उग्रवादी और लाल-बाल-पाल · Questions 91–100 of 160
What was the INC's stance on the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909?
Correct Answer: A. A. Moderates accepted them as a step forward; extremists criticized them as inadequate
The INC's reaction to the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 (Indian Councils Act 1909) was divided along moderate-extremist lines. The moderates, who had been demanding expanded legislative councils, accepted the reforms as a step in the right direction. The extremists criticized the reforms as inadequate and pointed to the introduction of separate Muslim electorates as a dangerous communal concession. Gandhi later also criticized the separate electorates as divisive. The reforms satisfied few Indians but showed that constitutional petitioning had some effect.
What was Bipin Chandra Pal's description of Swaraj?
Correct Answer: A. A. He described Swaraj as not just political freedom but spiritual and cultural liberation
Bipin Chandra Pal articulated a comprehensive vision of Swaraj that went beyond mere political independence to encompass spiritual and cultural liberation. He argued that Indians needed to liberate their minds and souls from colonial subjugation, not just achieve political independence. He linked nationalism to Indian cultural and spiritual traditions. This comprehensive vision of freedom as both political and spiritual influenced later thinkers including Gandhi, Tagore, and Sri Aurobindo.
Who was the Arya Samaj leader who influenced the extremist movement in Punjab?
Correct Answer: A. A. Lala Lajpat Rai who was deeply influenced by Arya Samaj
Lala Lajpat Rai, the key extremist leader from Punjab, was deeply influenced by the Arya Samaj founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 1875. The Arya Samaj's emphasis on Hindu cultural pride, opposition to untouchability, and promotion of education was compatible with nationalist sentiments. Lajpat Rai used the Arya Samaj's organizational networks in Punjab for nationalist activities. The Arya Samaj's 'Back to the Vedas' message combined with nationalism created a powerful ideological force in Punjab.
What was the moderates' position on Indian military service during World War I?
Correct Answer: A. A. Moderates supported Indian participation in the war expecting post-war reforms
The moderate Congress leaders supported Indian participation in World War I (1914-18), believing that Indian loyalty and military service would demonstrate India's fitness for self-governance and earn post-war political reforms. Leaders like Annie Besant initially supported the war effort. Even Tilak, though he launched the Home Rule League during the war, acknowledged supporting the British war effort while demanding self-governance. The August 1917 Declaration promising progressive self-governance was partly a response to this Indian cooperation.
What was the economic critique made by extremists about British rule?
Correct Answer: A. A. They argued British rule drained India's wealth and kept India poor
The extremists adopted and amplified the economic critique developed by moderates like Dadabhai Naoroji and Romesh Chunder Dutt. They argued that British rule systematically drained India's wealth through unfair trade policies, heavy taxation, and remittance of profits to Britain. Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal used this economic critique to argue that British rule was fundamentally opposed to Indian interests. The swadeshi movement was partly motivated by this economic critique — buying Indian goods kept money in India rather than enriching Britain.
What was the symbolism of throwing shoes at the Surat Congress session?
Correct Answer: A. A. It represented the breakdown of constitutional nationalism and the chaos of the Surat Split
The throwing of shoes at the Surat Congress session of 1907 has become the iconic image of the Surat Split. Whether the shoes were actually thrown or this is a historical exaggeration is debated, but the scene of chaos, shouting, and disorder at the Congress session represented the complete breakdown of constitutional nationalism as practiced by the moderates. The image powerfully symbolized the failure of the two factions to coexist within the same organization and the violent passions the moderate-extremist debate had stirred.
The Ilbert Bill of 1883 was a controversial measure that proposed to grant Indian judges authority to hear cases involving European residents. What was the British response?
Correct Answer: B. B. Strong opposition and withdrawal
The correct answer is B. Strong opposition and withdrawal. The Ilbert Bill faced fierce opposition from British settlers in India who rejected Indian judicial authority, leading to its modification and withdrawal of critical provisions. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Based on historical events, The Ilbert Bill of 1883 was a controversial measure that proposed to grant Indian judges authority to hear cases involving European residents. What was the British response?
Correct Answer: D. D. Strong opposition and withdrawal
The correct answer is D. Strong opposition and withdrawal. The Ilbert Bill faced fierce opposition from British settlers in India who rejected Indian judicial authority, leading to its modification and withdrawal of critical provisions. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
Which of the following statements about Strong opposition and withdrawal is correct? The Ilbert Bill of 1883 was a controversial measure that proposed to grant Indian judges authority to hear cases involving European residents. What was the British response?
Correct Answer: B. B. Strong opposition and withdrawal
The correct answer is B. Strong opposition and withdrawal. The Ilbert Bill faced fierce opposition from British settlers in India who rejected Indian judicial authority, leading to its modification and withdrawal of critical provisions. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
What was the Congress president's role in the Surat Split controversy?
Correct Answer: A. A. The dispute over who should be president was the immediate trigger of the split
The dispute over who should be the Congress president at the Surat session of 1907 was the immediate trigger of the historic split. The moderates had arranged for Rash Behari Ghosh to be elected as president. The extremists, who felt they should have the presidency given their significant presence in the Congress, objected and proposed their own candidate. When the moderates insisted on Ghosh, the session descended into chaos. The presidential dispute was really a proxy for the deeper conflict over the Congress's political direction.