INC Extremist Phase | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Rise of Extremism and Leaders of INC Extremist 

• Surendranath Banerjee, known as the Indian Burke, staunchly opposed the Partition of Bengal.
• He established the Indian Association in 1876 to advocate for political reforms.
• Banerjee organized the Indian National Conference in 1883, which later merged with the Indian National Congress in 1886.
• G. Subramanya Aiyar promoted nationalism through the Madras Mahajana Sabha and founded The Hindu and Swadesamitran.
• Dadabhai Naoroji, recognized as the Grand Old Man of India, served as India's unofficial Ambassador in England and became the first Indian Member of the British House of Commons.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Gandhi's political mentor, established the Servants of India Society in 1905 to train Indians for the nation's cause.

Phase II - Rise of Extremism (1905 - 1916)

• The period from 1905 to 1916 marked a significant phase in the Indian National Movement characterized by extremism.
• Extremists, also known as aggressive nationalists, believed in achieving goals through daring and forceful actions.
• Prominent leaders during this period included Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh.

Causes for the Rise of Extremism

• The inability of the Moderates to achieve significant progress apart from the expansion of legislative councils through the Indian Councils Act (1892).
• The widespread impact of the 1896-97 famine and plague, leading to mass suffering across the nation.
• Deteriorating economic conditions that worsened the plight of the people.
• The authoritarian governance of Lord Curzon, exemplified by the divisive Partition of Bengal in 1905.

Methods of the Extremists

• The Extremists distrusted the British notion of justice and fair play.
• They highlighted the coercive methods through which the British gained control over India.
• They believed that political rights needed to be actively pursued, emphasizing self-reliance and self-determination.
• They advocated non-cooperation with the British Government by boycotting government institutions like courts, schools, and colleges.
• They promoted the use of Swadeshi goods and the boycott of foreign products to bolster the Indian economy.
• They focused on the introduction and advancement of national education to foster a sense of Indian identity and pride.

Leaders of the Extremists

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak:
  • Regarded as the primary initiator of the popular anti-British movement in India.
  • Known as 'Lokamanya'.
  • Expressed anti-British sentiments through his newspapers, The Mahratta and the Kesari.
  • Imprisoned twice by the British for nationalist activities; deported to Mandalay for six years in 1908.
  • Established the Home Rule League in 1916 at Poona, famously declaring "Swaraj is my birth-right and I will have it."
• Lala Lajpat Rai:
  • Popularly known as the 'Lion of Punjab'.
  • Significant contributor to the Swadeshi Movement.
  • Founded the Indian Home Rule League in the US in 1916.
  • Deported to Mandalay on charges of sedition.
  • Received fatal injuries during a protest against the Simon Commission, leading to his death on November 17, 1928.
• Bipan Chandra Pal:
  • Commenced as a moderate and transitioned into an extremist.
  • Played a crucial role in the Swadeshi Movement.
  • Promoted nationalism through impactful speeches and writings across India.
• Aurobinda Ghosh:
  • Active participant in the Swadeshi Movement.
  • Served a prison sentence and later relocated to Pondicherry, focusing on spiritual pursuits.