The Moderate Phase of Indian National Movement (1885-1905)

The period between 1885 and 1905 is commonly referred to as the Moderate Phase, led by moderate leaders. During this time, influential figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozshah Mehta, D.E. Wacha, W.C. Bonnerjea, and S.N. Banerjee held prominent positions in Congress and shaped its policies. These leaders were strong advocates of “liberalism” and pursued moderate political approaches. They were known as Moderates to differentiate them from the extremists who emerged in the early twentieth century. The emergence of Indian nationalism in the late 19th century was influenced by various factors such as the spread of Western education, socio-religious reforms, British policies, and other contributing elements.

Table of Contents

Moderate Phase – Features

During the Moderate Phase, which took place between 1885 and 1905, the Early Nationalists, commonly known as the Moderates, emerged as a significant group of political leaders in India, marking the beginning of the organized national movement. Two prominent moderate leaders were Pherozeshah Mehta and Dadabhai Naoroji.
The Moderates consisted primarily of educated middle-class professionals, including lawyers, teachers, and government officials, many of whom had received their education in England. Their political activities followed a constitutional approach, focusing on lawful agitation and demonstrating a gradual and orderly political progression.
The Moderates held the belief that the British authorities genuinely intended to be fair to the Indians but lacked awareness of the actual conditions in India. They believed that by shaping public opinion within the country and presenting public demands through resolutions, petitions, meetings, and other means, the authorities would gradually meet these demands.
To achieve their objectives, the Moderates employed a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, they aimed to create strong public opinion to awaken consciousness and foster national spirit among the people. They also worked towards educating and uniting individuals on common political issues. Secondly, they sought to persuade the British government and public opinion to implement reforms in India in line with the nationalist agenda.
In 1899, a British committee of the Indian National Congress was established in London, serving as its representative body. Dadabhai Naoroji played a significant role in advocating for India’s cause on international platforms, dedicating a considerable portion of his life and resources to this endeavour.
Although there were plans to hold a session of the Indian National Congress in London in 1892, the proposal was postponed due to the British elections in 1891 and was subsequently not revived.

Moderate Phase – Objectives

The objectives of the Moderate Phase during the late 19th and early 20th century in India were as follows:
Establish a democratic, nationalist movement: The Moderates aimed to create a movement that would advocate for the rights and aspirations of the Indian people within a democratic framework.
Politicize and politically educate people: The Moderates sought to raise political awareness among the Indian population, particularly the educated middle class, and educate them about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Establish a movement’s headquarters: The Moderates aimed to establish a central headquarters or organization that would serve as a platform for coordinating and directing nationalist activities throughout the country.
Promote friendly relations among nationalist political workers: The Moderates emphasized the importance of fostering friendly relationships and cooperation among nationalist political workers from different regions of India, with the goal of creating a unified front against colonial rule.
Create and spread an anti-colonial nationalist ideology: The Moderates aimed to develop and propagate an ideology that emphasized the need to oppose and challenge British colonial rule in India.
Formulate and present popular demands to the government: The Moderates believed in formulating popular demands related to economic and political reforms, which would serve as a rallying point to unite the Indian people behind a common agenda. These demands would be presented to the government for consideration.
Develop and consolidate a sense of national unity: The Moderates worked towards fostering a sense of national unity among people of all religions, castes, and provinces in India. They aimed to transcend divisions and create a shared identity based on the idea of Indian nationhood.
Promote and cultivate Indian nationhood with care: The Moderates recognized the importance of nurturing and preserving the concept of Indian nationhood, paying attention to its development and ensuring its growth in a thoughtful and deliberate manner.

Moderate Phase – Important Leaders

The Moderate Phase of the Indian national movement was characterized by the leadership of several prominent figures. Here are some important leaders from that period:
Dadabhai Naoroji: Often referred to as the “Grand Old Man of India,” he was the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons. Naoroji authored the influential book ‘Poverty and Un-British Rule in India,’ which highlighted the economic drain caused by British policies in India.
Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee: He served as the first president of the Indian National Congress (INC). Bonnerjee, a lawyer by profession, was also the first Indian to serve as Standing Counsel.
G. Subramania Aiyer: He founded the newspaper ‘The Hindu,’ through which he criticized British imperialism. Aiyer also established the Tamil newspaper ‘Swadesamitran’ and was a co-founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Gokhale was an influential leader and political mentor to Mahatma Gandhi. He founded the Servants of India Society, which aimed to promote social and political reforms in the country.
Surendranath Banerjee: Known as ‘Rashtraguru’ and ‘Indian Burke,’ Banerjee founded the Indian National Association, which later merged with the INC. He was also associated with the Bengalee newspaper. Banerjee faced racial discrimination when he was fired from the Indian Civil Service.
Other notable moderate leaders include Rash Behari Ghosh, R.C. Dutt, M.G. Ranade, Pherozeshah Mehta, P.R. Naidu, Madan Mohan Malaviya, P. Ananda Charlu, and William Wedderburn. These leaders played significant roles in advocating for India’s rights and pushing for political and social reforms during the Moderate Phase.

The method used by the Moderates

The Moderates employed several methods to advance their objectives during the Moderate Phase of the Indian national movement. Here are some of the key approaches they used:
Reform Demands and Criticism: The Moderates articulated reform demands and openly criticized government policies. They highlighted the need for social, economic, and political reforms in India.
Emphasis on Patience and Reconciliation: The Moderates believed in peaceful and non-violent methods. They prioritized patience and reconciliation over violent confrontations, seeking to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation.
Constitutional and Peaceful Means: The Moderates relied on constitutional and peaceful means to achieve their goals. They adhered to legal frameworks and advocated for reforms within the existing system.
Education and Political Consciousness: The Moderates placed great emphasis on educating people and raising their political consciousness. They aimed to inform and engage the public on matters of national importance, fostering a sense of political awareness among the masses.
Formation of Public Opinion: The Moderates organized lectures and discussions in different parts of India and England to shape public opinion. They utilized platforms to generate awareness and garner support for their cause. The publication of the weekly journal ‘India’ aimed at disseminating information among the British people.
Criticism through Newspapers and Journals: The Moderates utilized various newspapers and journals to criticize government policies and advocate for reforms. Publications like the Bengali newspaper, Bombay Chronicle, Hindustan Times, Induprakash, Rast Goftar, and the weekly journal India were utilized to voice their concerns and perspectives.
Advocacy for Government Investigation: The Moderates called for government investigations into the problems faced by the people and sought viable solutions to address these issues.
Organizing Meetings and Discussions: The Moderates regularly held meetings and discussions to address social, economic, and cultural issues. These gatherings took place in various locations, including England, Mumbai, Allahabad, Pune, and Calcutta, among others.
By employing these methods, the Moderates sought to create awareness, mobilize public support, and influence policy-making in their pursuit of reform and progress for

Contributions of Moderate Nationalists

Economic Critique of British Imperialism
- The Moderate Nationalists made significant contributions to the Indian national movement. Here are some key areas where they made their mark:
Economic Critique of British Imperialism: Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, R.C. Dutt, Dinshaw Wacha, and others critically examined the political economy of British rule in India. They put forth the “drain theory,” which explained the British exploitation of India’s resources and advocated against the conversion of India’s self-sufficient economy into a colonial one. They created public opinion that British rule was the primary cause of India’s poverty and economic backwardness. They called for an end to economic dependence on Britain, the development of an independent Indian economy, and the involvement of Indian capital and enterprise.
Demands for Economic Reforms: The Moderate Nationalists demanded various economic reforms to alleviate the deprivation in India. They called for a reduction in inland revenue, the abolition of the salt tax, better working conditions for plantation labourers, and a decrease in military spending, among other measures. Their economic demands aimed to address the exploitative practices and policies of British imperialism in India.
Advocacy for Constitutional Reforms: Despite limited official power, the Moderate Nationalists actively participated in India’s legislative councils, which were established by the Indian Councils Act (1861). They used these platforms to push for constitutional reforms and to advance the cause of the national movement. While the councils were initially designed as impotent bodies, the work done by the nationalists within them helped in the growth of the national movement.
Council Expansion and Reform: From 1885 to 1892, the Moderate Nationalists focused on demands for council expansion and reform. They called for greater participation of Indians in the councils and sought more powers for the councils, particularly in terms of control over finances. These demands aimed to increase Indian representation and influence in the decision-making processes of the colonial administration.
By highlighting the economic exploitation under British rule, advocating for economic reforms, and pushing for constitutional changes, the Moderate Nationalists played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, mobilizing support, and laying the foundation for the broader Indian national movement.

Campaign for General Administrative Reform

The Moderate Nationalists campaigned for general administrative reform in India, advocating for various changes and improvements. Here are the key grounds on which they campaigned:
Indianisation of Government Service: The Moderates argued for the inclusion of Indians in government services. They highlighted the economic benefits of employing Indians, as British civil servants received high salaries and remitted a significant portion of their earnings out of India, leading to an economic drain on national resources. They also emphasized the political and moral aspects, arguing that excluding Indians from positions of power was discriminatory and unjust.
Separation of Judicial and Executive Powers: The Moderates criticized the existing system where the judicial and executive powers were not clearly separated. They advocated for the separation of these powers to ensure a more efficient and impartial administration of justice.
Criticism of Bureaucracy and Judicial System: The Moderates voiced concerns about the oppressive and tyrannical nature of the bureaucracy. They highlighted the bureaucratic inefficiencies and the time-consuming judicial system, calling for reforms to make these systems more responsive, transparent, and accessible.
Opposition to Aggressive Foreign Policy: The Moderates criticized the aggressive foreign policy of the British government, which resulted in actions such as the annexation of Burma, the invasion of Afghanistan, and the suppression of tribals in the North West. They argued for a more restrained and just approach to dealing with foreign affairs.
Increased Spending on Welfare and Development: The Moderates advocated for increased government spending on welfare measures such as health and sanitation, education (particularly elementary and technical education), irrigation works, agricultural improvements, and the establishment of agricultural banks for cultivators. They emphasized the need to prioritize social and economic development to improve the conditions of the Indian population.
Protection of Indian Laborers in British Colonies: The Moderates raised concerns about the mistreatment and racial discrimination faced by Indian labourers in other British colonies. They called for better treatment and protection of the rights of Indian labourers, highlighting the need for fair and just treatment regardless of their location.
Through their campaign for general administrative reform, the Moderate Nationalists aimed to address systemic issues, improve governance, and protect the interests and well-being of the Indian population.

Protection of Civil Rights

The Moderate Nationalists actively advocated for the protection of civil rights in their fight for freedom and independence. They recognized the importance of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, thought, association, and the press. Here are some key points related to their efforts:
Spread of Democratic Ideas: The Moderate Nationalists embarked on a continuous campaign to promote modern democratic ideals among the Indian population. They aimed to raise awareness and consciousness about civil rights and the principles of democracy.
Integration of Civil Rights in the Freedom Struggle: As the national movement progressed, the defence of civil rights became an integral part of the struggle for freedom. The Moderate Nationalists understood that the preservation of civil liberties was crucial in challenging colonial oppression and establishing a just and democratic society.
Outrage over Arrests and Deportation: The arrest of prominent leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and several journalists in 1897, as well as the arrest and deportation of the Natu brothers without a trial, sparked widespread public outrage. These incidents highlighted the violation of civil rights by the colonial authorities and further fueled the demand for their protection.
The Moderate Nationalists fought to safeguard civil rights as they recognized their significance in ensuring individual freedoms, promoting democratic values, and challenging oppressive colonial policies.

Achievements of the Moderates

The Moderate Nationalists made significant achievements in their pursuit of constitutional reforms and political representation. Here are the key accomplishments of the Moderates:
Indian Councils Act of 1892: The Moderates’ demands for constitutional reform were partially met through the Indian Councils Act of 1892. This act increased the number of members in the Imperial Legislative Councils and Provincial Legislative Councils, allowing for greater Indian representation.
Expansion of Legislative Councils: The act granted additional responsibilities to the Legislative Councils, such as the ability to engage in budget debates and question the executive. This expansion of their role gave Indian representatives a platform to voice their concerns and participate in the decision-making process.
Implementation of Indirect Elections: The Indian Councils Act introduced indirect elections (nominations) in both the central and provincial legislative councils. While not fully elected, these nominations allowed for some Indian representation in the councils.
Demand for Greater Representation and Budget Control: The Moderates, during Congress sessions, criticized the limited scope of the reforms. They demanded a majority of elected Indians in the councils and sought control over the budget. They argued that elected representatives should have the ability to vote on and amend the budget, emphasizing the principle of “No taxation without representation.”
The achievements of the Moderates in securing constitutional reforms and expanding representation laid the foundation for further advancements in the Indian national movement. While they faced limitations and continued to advocate for more substantial changes, their efforts marked an important step forward in the struggle for political rights and self-governance.

Limitations of the Moderates

The Moderate Nationalists had certain limitations in their approach and goals within the national movement. Here are some key limitations:
Limited Mass Involvement: The Moderate Nationalists were predominantly composed of educated elites, such as lawyers, teachers, and government officials. They did not actively seek or prioritize the involvement of the masses in their movement. Unlike leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who emphasized mass participation and mobilization, the Moderates relied more on intellectual and bureaucratic approaches.
Distanced from the Masses: The Moderates’ attachment to Western political thought and their emphasis on constitutional methods sometimes created a disconnect between them and the broader population. Their intellectual and elite background made it challenging for them to fully connect with and understand the aspirations and struggles of the common people.
Limited Goal of Autonomy: Unlike more radical and revolutionary factions within the national movement, the Moderates did not aim for complete independence from British rule. They were content with achieving dominion status, which would grant increased autonomy and self-rule while still being within the British Empire. This more moderate stance may have limited their ability to rally broader support for complete independence.
It is important to note that these limitations should be understood in the context of the specific time and circumstances in which the Moderate Phase operated. While they had their constraints, the Moderates played a significant role in laying the foundation for the subsequent stages of the Indian national movement.

Evaluation of Early Nationalist

The evaluation of the Early Nationalists, also known as the Moderates, can be seen in the following light:
Progressive Forces: The Early Nationalists represented the most progressive forces in India during their time. They advocated for constitutional reforms, civil rights, and economic independence from British imperialism. Their ideas and actions were instrumental in shaping the early stages of the national movement.
National Awakening: The Moderates played a significant role in creating a widespread national awakening among Indians. They emphasized the need for unity and a sense of belonging to one nation, uniting people across regions, religions, and castes in the common struggle against colonial rule.
Political Education and Modern Ideas: The Moderates actively worked to educate people about politics and popularize modern ideas. They played a crucial role in raising political consciousness and spreading awareness among the masses.
Exposing Exploitative Colonial Rule: The Moderates effectively exposed the exploitative nature of colonial rule in India. They highlighted the economic drain and social injustices caused by British policies, undermining the moral foundations of colonialism.
Realistic and Grounded Approach: The political work of the Moderates was based on hard realities rather than shallow sentiments or religious factors. They focused on practical reforms and gradual progress within the existing system, aiming to govern India in the interests of Indians.
Foundation for a Mass-Based Movement: The Moderates laid the groundwork for a more vigorous and mass-based national movement that would follow in the years ahead. Their efforts provided a foundation for future leaders and organizations to mobilize the masses and broaden the struggle for independence.
Limitations in Broadening the Base: One of the criticisms of the Moderates is their limited ability to broaden their democratic base and expand the scope of their demands. They primarily represented the educated elite and did not actively engage or involve the larger masses in the movement.
In conclusion, the Early Nationalists, or Moderates, played a crucial role in the Indian national movement. They brought progressive ideas, created national awakenings, exposed colonial exploitation, and laid the groundwork for future mass-based movements. However, their limitations in broadening their base and expanding demands are also acknowledged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Moderate Phase of the Indian national movement, led by the Early Nationalists, made significant contributions to the struggle for independence. They believed in peaceful and constitutional methods, seeking to transform colonial rule into a form of national rule that would be in India’s best interests. However, their approach was limited by their reliance on the educated elite and their hesitation to challenge British rule directly.
While the Moderates were not able to achieve widespread mass participation and lacked radical political positions, their efforts were instrumental in creating a sense of Indian nationalism and raising awareness about the exploitative nature of the colonial rule. They fought for the interests of the emerging Indian nation and laid the foundation for future nationalists who would adopt more militant and mass-based approaches in the struggle against colonialism.
The Moderates played a significant role in shaping the early stages of the national movement, and their contributions should be recognized in the broader context of India’s journey towards independence.

FAQs

Q: What were the key objectives of the Moderates during the Indian National Movement (1885-1905)?

Answer: The Moderates aimed to attain constitutional reforms and self-governance within the framework of the British Empire. They sought to address Indian grievances through petitions, discussions, and peaceful methods rather than radical or confrontational approaches.

Q: Who were some prominent leaders associated with the Moderate phase of the Indian National Movement?

Answer: Leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee, Dinshaw Wacha, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale were prominent figures in the Moderate phase. They advocated for political reforms, representation in legislative bodies, and greater participation of Indians in governance.

Q: What were the demands of the Moderates in terms of economic policies during this phase?

Answer: The Moderates focused on economic issues, advocating for a fair economic policy that would benefit Indian industries and agriculture. They aimed to reduce economic exploitation and discrimination against Indian businesses, calling for protective tariffs and equitable economic opportunities.

Q: How did the Moderates approach social issues during the Indian National Movement (1885-1905)?

Answer: While the primary focus was on constitutional reforms, the Moderates were not indifferent to social issues. They advocated for social reforms within the existing framework, emphasizing education, women’s rights, and caste-related issues. Gopal Krishna Gokhale, for instance, worked towards social and educational upliftment.

Q: What role did the Moderates play in shaping the political landscape of India during this period?

Answer: The Moderates played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the Indian political awakening. Their emphasis on constitutional methods, petitions, and dialogue helped create a platform for political discourse.

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The Moderate Phase of Indian National Movement (1885-1905) – UPSC Modern History Notes