Question 16 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Modern History

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'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Swadeshi Movement

Strategy: Identify the movement linked to the Congress split by analyzing the historical context of the Surat Split and eliminating movements that occurred later.

Key Info: The Swadeshi Movement (1905–1908) arose as a political and economic response to the Partition of Bengal announced by Lord Curzon in 1905. It emphasized the boycott of British goods, promotion of indigenous industries, and use of Indian-made products.

The movement led to growing rifts within the Congress between Moderates (who preferred constitutional agitation and dialogue with colonial authorities) and Extremists (led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, who favored mass agitation and direct action). This ideological difference culminated in the historic Surat Split of 1907, where Congress formally divided along Moderate and Extremist lines.

The other movements—Non-Cooperation (1920–22), Civil Disobedience (1930–34), and Quit India (1942)—were launched much later, during the Gandhian era. The 1907 split is crucial for understanding the early evolution of Indian nationalism and Congress organizational dynamics.

Answer

Option B: Quit India Movement

Answer

Option C: Non-Cooperation Movement

Answer

Option D: Civil Disobedience Movement