Moderates, Extremists & Lal-Bal-Pal — Set 2

Correct Answer: A. A. Division between moderate and extremist factions

The Surat Split of 1907 was the decisive division of the Indian National Congress into moderate and extremist factions at the Surat session. The extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, wanted their candidate for president while moderates insisted on Rash Behari Ghosh. The session broke down in chaos and the moderates effectively expelled the extremists. The split weakened the nationalist movement for nearly a decade.

Correct Answer: A. A. Lajpat Rai, Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal

Lal-Bal-Pal referred to the three famous extremist leaders of the Indian National Congress: Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal), Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Bal), and Bipin Chandra Pal (Pal). These three leaders formed the core of the extremist faction that demanded complete independence through mass agitation. Together they opposed the moderate approach of petitioning the British for gradual reforms. They were the dominant nationalist voices during the period 1905-1907.

Correct Answer: A. A. Constitutional methods, petitions and faith in British justice

The moderate faction of the INC, led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale and others, was known for using constitutional methods — petitions, memorials, and resolutions — to achieve gradual reforms. They had faith in British justice and the Empire's ability to grant reforms. They opposed armed resistance and mass agitation. The moderates dominated the INC from 1885 to about 1905 before the extremists grew more powerful.

Correct Answer: A. A. Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it

Bal Gangadhar Tilak's famous declaration was 'Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.' This became one of the most powerful rallying cries of Indian nationalism. Tilak was the leader of the extremist faction who demanded complete independence rather than gradual reforms. He used this declaration to inspire ordinary Indians to demand their rights forcefully. He was tried multiple times for sedition partly because of such declarations.

Correct Answer: A. A. Dispute over the presidential candidate and INC's political direction

The Surat Split of 1907 was primarily caused by the dispute between moderates and extremists over the presidential candidate and the INC's political direction. The extremists wanted a radical candidate and a more militant program while the moderates wanted to continue their gradualist approach. The extremists also contested the moderate leadership's control over the Congress constitution. The dispute boiled over into violence at the Surat session itself.

Correct Answer: A. A. Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott and National Education

The Calcutta session of the INC in 1906, presided by Dadabhai Naoroji, adopted four key resolutions: Swaraj (self-rule), Swadeshi (use of Indian goods), Boycott (of British goods), and National Education. These four demands reflected the growing influence of the extremist faction. The adoption of these resolutions was a significant radicalization of the INC's political program. They were championed by Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and others.

Correct Answer: A. A. Mass agitation, boycott of British goods, and swadeshi

The extremists led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak advocated mass agitation, boycott of British goods, and promotion of Indian (swadeshi) goods as their primary political methods. They also supported passive resistance and non-cooperation. Unlike the moderates, they believed the masses — not just the educated elite — needed to be mobilized. They rejected the moderate approach of petitioning the British and demanding gradual reforms.

Correct Answer: A. A. He was a powerful orator and advocate of aggressive nationalism

Bipin Chandra Pal was one of the most powerful orators of the extremist movement in Indian nationalism. From Bengal, he advocated aggressive nationalism, complete independence, and was known for his fiery speeches. He edited the newspaper 'New India.' He refused to testify in a case against Tilak and was imprisoned for it. After the Surat Split, he gradually withdrew from active politics and focused on writing.

Correct Answer: A. A. Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai was deported to Mandalay, Burma in 1907 by the British authorities for his nationalist activities in Punjab. His deportation without trial caused outrage across India. He was later released due to lack of evidence but the incident intensified anti-British sentiment. This event happened in the same year as the Surat Split and reflected the increasingly confrontational relationship between British authorities and extremist nationalists.

Correct Answer: A. A. Punjab Kesari (Lion of Punjab)

Lala Lajpat Rai was known as 'Punjab Kesari' (Lion of Punjab) for his fierce nationalism. He was one of the three key extremist leaders — Lal (Lajpat Rai), Bal (Tilak), Pal (Bipin Chandra Pal). He was deported to Burma in 1907 for his nationalist activities. He later died of injuries sustained during a lathi charge at anti-Simon Commission protests in 1928. His death directly inspired Bhagat Singh's revenge assassination of John Saunders.