Moderates, Extremists & Lal-Bal-Pal — Set 7

Correct Answer: A. A. The famous split between moderate and extremist factions ending in chaos

The Surat Congress session of 1907 is remembered primarily for the famous split between moderate and extremist factions that ended in chaos and disorder. The session was supposed to discuss the presidential election and political direction but disintegrated into shouting, chair-throwing, and pandemonium. The moderates declared the session over and expelled the extremists. The event marked a permanent rupture that weakened Indian nationalism for nearly a decade until the Lucknow session of 1916 reunited the factions.

Correct Answer: A. A. Moderates opposed the partition through constitutional methods and petitions

The moderate faction of the INC opposed the partition of Bengal in 1905 but through constitutional methods — petitions to Parliament, public meetings, and memorials to the Viceroy. They argued against it on grounds of administrative inefficiency and political injustice. However, they stopped short of the mass agitation, boycott, and swadeshi that the extremists championed. Their opposition was seen as insufficient by many ordinary Indians outraged by the partition, which strengthened the extremist faction.

Correct Answer: A. A. They expanded mass participation and raised the demand for complete independence

The extremist movement made crucial contributions to Indian independence by expanding mass participation in nationalist politics beyond the educated elite, raising the demand for complete independence (Swaraj) rather than mere reforms, and demonstrating that ordinary Indians could be mobilized for nationalist causes. The Swadeshi and Boycott movements they led were the first truly mass nationalist movements. Their approach influenced Gandhi's later mass campaigns. They shifted the discourse from gradual reform to complete self-rule.

Correct Answer: A. A. 1884

Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Ganesh Agarkar established the Deccan Education Society in 1884 in Pune to provide Western education combined with Indian values. The society established Fergusson College, which became an important institution in Maharashtra. The society's members took pledges to devote their lives to education. Tilak and Agarkar later differed on the role of social reform — Agarkar emphasized it while Tilak focused on political nationalism.

Correct Answer: D. D. Drain of wealth theory and political consciousness

The correct answer is D. Drain of wealth theory and political consciousness. Naoroji's "Drain of Wealth" theory demonstrated how British colonial rule impoverished India, contributing significantly to anti-colonial political consciousness. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: C. C. Drain of wealth theory and political consciousness

The correct answer is C. Drain of wealth theory and political consciousness. Naoroji's "Drain of Wealth" theory demonstrated how British colonial rule impoverished India, contributing significantly to anti-colonial political consciousness. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: C. C. Drain of wealth theory and political consciousness

The correct answer is C. Drain of wealth theory and political consciousness. Naoroji's "Drain of Wealth" theory demonstrated how British colonial rule impoverished India, contributing significantly to anti-colonial political consciousness. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.

Correct Answer: A. A. Rashtraguru (National Teacher)

Surendranath Banerjee was known as 'Rashtraguru' (National Teacher) for his contributions to Indian nationalism. He was the founder of the Indian Association (1876), which he later merged with the INC. He served twice as INC president (1895 and 1902). He was a leading moderate who opposed the partition of Bengal and was known for his powerful oratorical skills. He later joined the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms as a minister, which was criticized by some nationalists as too collaborative with the British.

Correct Answer: A. A. He was convicted of sedition and sentenced to 6 years in Mandalay, Burma

In 1908, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was tried for sedition based on articles in his newspaper 'Kesari' related to the Muzaffarpur bomb case. He was convicted and sentenced to six years' rigorous imprisonment in Mandalay, Burma. His defense speech before the court was a powerful nationalist statement. The trial and conviction caused massive protests across India. Tilak served the full sentence and returned to India in 1914, where he was welcomed as a national hero.

Correct Answer: A. A. Both ultimately sought self-governance or independence for India from British rule

Despite their fundamental differences in methods and timeframe, both the moderate and extremist factions of the INC shared the same ultimate political goal: self-governance or independence for India from British rule. Moderates wanted gradual reforms leading eventually to dominion status or self-governance while extremists wanted immediate complete Swaraj. Both were nationalists who opposed foreign rule. Their differences were about strategy and timeline, not about whether India should be free.