Introduction
The Surat Split of 1907, a pivotal event in the history of the Indian National Congress, marked a crucial turning point in the evolution of the Indian freedom struggle. The ideological contrasts exposed during the Surat Split heralded the emergence of the Extremist phase in the freedom movement.
Body:
Background on the Surat Split (1907):
The Surat Split of 1907 was a transformative event in the Indian National Congress, unfolding during its annual session in Surat, Gujarat. This split laid bare profound ideological differences between Extremists such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Moderates like Gopal Krishna Gokhale, symbolizing a critical juncture in the Indian freedom movement’s development.
Extent of Emergence of the Extremist Phase:
- Formalisation of Extremist Faction: The split formalized the Extremist faction within the Indian National Congress. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, advocates of more assertive methods in the pursuit of self-rule, gained prominence.
- Radical and Assertive Methods: Extremists were characterized by their endorsement of radical and assertive methods, such as civil disobedience and mass mobilization. This marked a departure from the more moderate, conciliatory approach favored by the Congress earlier.
- Call for Complete Independence: Extremists began advocating for complete independence from British rule, a significant departure from the earlier demands for greater self-governance within the British colonial framework.
- Shift in Congress Agenda: The Surat Split shifted the Congress’s agenda towards a more radical and confrontational stance, emphasizing the need to challenge British authority directly.
- Emergence of Prominent Extremist Leaders: Leaders like Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal, collectively known as “Lal-Bal-Pal,” became prominent figures in the Extremist phase, mobilizing support for more radical nationalist agendas.
Factors Leading to the Surat Split:
- Ideological Differences: The Surat Split resulted from fundamental ideological differences between Extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Moderates like Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Extremists favored radical methods like civil disobedience, while Moderates preferred gradual negotiations with the British.
- Leadership Styles: The leadership styles of key figures played a crucial role in the division. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent Extremist leader, was known for his fiery and assertive approach, which resonated with the more militant elements of the Congress. In contrast, Gokhale’s more measured and conciliatory style appealed to the Moderates.
- Attitude Towards Swadeshi and Boycott: The Swadeshi and Boycott movements, which gained momentum during this period, highlighted another source of conflict. Extremists wholeheartedly supported these mass campaigns, whereas Moderates viewed them with skepticism and were concerned about their potential for violence and disruption.
- Role of Personalities: Personal rivalries and egos also contributed to the split. The clash between Tilak and Annie Besant, both prominent Extremist leaders, and their differences with Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji, leading Moderates, aggravated tensions within the Congress.
- External Factors: The British government’s oppressive measures, such as the arrest and deportation of leaders like Tilak and the use of repressive legislation, further radicalized the Extremists and pushed them away from the conciliatory approach advocated by the Moderates.
Conclusion:
Hence, the Surat Split of 1907 was a pivotal moment that marked the emergence of the Extremist phase of the Indian freedom struggle. The Extremist phase, heralded by the Surat Split, left an indelible mark on the trajectory of the freedom movement and played a crucial role in shaping the future course of India’s struggle for self-rule.
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