The phase (1885-1905) of the Indian National Movement was dominated by the moderates whose method was constitutional agitation.


The Indian National Movement can be broadly divided into three phases - moderate phase (1885-1905), extremist phase (1905-1919), and Gandhian phase (1919-1947). The moderate phase was marked by the dominance of moderate leaders within the Indian National Congress (INC) who adopted a constitutional approach to achieve their objectives.


The moderates believed in the power of peaceful constitutional agitation to gradually bring about political reforms and gain concessions from the British government. They sought to work within the framework of the existing British colonial system and used legal means like petitions, resolutions, and discussions to put forward their demands. Their primary objective was to create a platform for political discussion and representation of Indian interests.


The moderates focused on demanding political and administrative reforms from the British government through constitutional means. They wanted to establish a system of self-government in India, where Indians could actively participate in the decision-making process. They demanded the expansion of legislative councils, representation of Indians in high-ranking administrative positions, and greater civil liberties.

The moderates used the platform of the Indian National Congress (INC) to voice their demands and advocate for political reforms. They organized annual sessions of the INC where resolutions were passed, petitions were submitted, and discussions were held to highlight the grievances and aspirations of the Indian people.

One of the significant achievements of the moderates was the successful passage of the Indian Councils Act of 1892. This act expanded the legislative councils and allowed for some representation of Indians in the decision-making process. However, the reforms fell short of the moderate's expectations, and they continued to push for further reforms.


The moderate phase of the Indian National Movement was not without criticism. Some nationalist leaders, later known as the extremists, felt that the moderates' approach was too cautious and slow. They believed that constitutional agitation alone was insufficient to bring about real change and advocated for more radical methods.


The moderates played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the Indian National Movement. While their method of constitutional agitation had its limitations, it provided a platform for political discussion and the articulation of Indian grievances. The moderate phase set the stage for the more radical and assertive phases of the movement that followed. Overall, the moderates' method of constitutional agitation was an important step towards India's eventual struggle for independence.