Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)

The Extremist Phase of Indian Nationalism

• By the beginning of the twentieth century, a new wave of leaders emerged in the Indian national movement who were distinct from the earlier Moderate leaders. This group was referred to as Extremists due to their adoption of more radical and assertive methods in their fight against British colonial rule. These Extremist leaders believed that more aggressive tactics were necessary to achieve India's freedom.
• The Extremist leaders were often younger and more inclined towards direct action and confrontation with the British authorities. They rejected the gradualist approach of the Moderates and instead advocated for more assertive measures to scare away the British from India. Their methods included acts of protest, civil disobedience, and, in some cases, even armed resistance.
• Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Rajguru are examples of prominent Extremist leaders who played significant roles in the fight for independence. They became symbols of resistance and sacrificed their lives for the cause.
• The Extremists represented a shift in the tactics and strategies employed in the national movement. While the Moderates sought reforms within the framework of British rule, the Extremists demanded complete independence and were willing to use more forceful means to achieve it.
• It's important to note that the Extremist phase was a significant development in the trajectory of the Indian national movement. It reflected the growing frustration and impatience among a section of leaders who believed that more radical measures were necessary to challenge British colonialism.

Extremists and the Partition of Bengal

• The partition of Bengal in 1905 by the British government was a significant event that triggered the rise of the Extremist or Radical factions within the Indian National Congress. The decision to partition Bengal was met with widespread opposition and protests from the Indian population, particularly in Bengal. The Extremists emerged as a response to the failure of the Moderate leaders' attempts to address this issue through constitutional means.
• Leaders such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh played pivotal roles in this new phase of the national movement. They were labelled as Radicals or Extremists because they believed that more aggressive and militant methods were necessary to challenge British colonialism and achieve India's independence.
• The Extremists rejected the gradualist approach of the Moderates and advocated for more assertive and forceful means of resistance. They called for boycotts, strikes, and mass protests as methods of challenging British rule. They believed that achieving freedom required strong and uncompromising actions.
• The rise of the Extremists marked a significant shift in the tactics and ideology of the national movement. They brought a more assertive and confrontational approach to the struggle for independence. The partition of Bengal and the British government's response to it served as a catalyst for this new phase and the emergence of Extremist leaders.

The rise of Extremism in the Indian national movement can be attributed to several key factors:

• Disappointment with Moderate Achievements: The failure of the Moderate leaders to achieve significant results and bring about substantial reforms despite their efforts led to growing disillusionment among Indians. This disappointment fueled the desire for a more assertive and radical approach.
• Economic and Social Hardships: The severe economic conditions during the famine and plague of 1896-97, exacerbated by British policies, deepened the grievances of the Indian population. The hardships experienced by the people further fueled discontent and a desire for more radical action.
• Influence of Global Events: The influence of global events, such as the Russian Revolution and the overthrow of the Czar in 1917, inspired Indian nationalists with the idea of revolutionary change and the possibility of challenging oppressive regimes.
• Impatience and Frustration: The lack of significant progress and the slow pace of reforms under the Moderate leaders led to a sense of impatience and frustration among Indian nationalists. They felt that more radical measures were needed to achieve their goals and secure Indian independence.
• Partition of Bengal: The partition of Bengal in 1905, orchestrated by Lord Curzon, was a major catalyst for the rise of Extremism. It sparked widespread protests and nationalist sentiments, as it was seen as a deliberate attempt to divide and weaken the Indian population.
• National Pride and Cultural Identity: The growing sense of national pride and the revival of Indian cultural identity played a significant role in motivating Indians to take more extreme measures in their struggle against British rule. They resented British attempts to Westernize and undermine Indian culture.
• Inspiration from International Movements: The national movements in other countries, such as Persia, Egypt, and Turkey, inspired Indian nationalists. The success and resilience of these movements against colonial powers served as a source of motivation and solidarity for the Extremist leaders.
• Reaction to British Arrogance: The arrogance displayed by British officials, particularly during the Delhi Durbar, where the plight of the people suffering from famine was ignored, further angered Indians and contributed to the rise of Extremism.
• These factors collectively contributed to the emergence of the Extremists, who sought to adopt more radical and militant methods in their struggle for India's independence. They believed in the urgency of the cause and were willing to confront the British authorities more aggressively.

Surat Split

• The Surat Split of 1907 was a significant event that highlighted the ideological differences between the Moderates and the Extremists within the Indian National Congress. The split occurred during the Congress session held in Surat, Gujarat. Here are some key points regarding the Surat Split:
• Leadership Conflict: The main cause of the split was the disagreement over the selection of the Congress president. The Extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, wanted him to be the president, while the Moderates, represented by Rash Behari Ghosh, preferred their candidate. The Moderates used procedural rules to shift the venue to Surat, where they hoped to exclude Tilak from the presidency.
• Differences in Approach: The Moderates, who advocated for a gradual and constitutional approach towards attaining self-government within the British Empire, aimed to distance the Congress from more radical resolutions such as swadeshi (boycott of foreign goods), boycott movements, and national education. The Extremists, on the other hand, supported more assertive and militant methods in the struggle for independence.
• Suppression of Voices: During the session, the Moderates prevented Tilak from speaking, which angered the Extremists. This suppression of voices and the refusal to accommodate the demands of the Extremists created further animosity and led to a deadlock.
• Demand for Boycott: In response to the exclusion of Tilak and the refusal to address their demands, the Extremists demanded a boycott of the Surat Session, leading to a significant division within Congress.
• Violence and Disruption: The Surat Session witnessed violent clashes and disruptions between the supporters of the Moderates and the Extremists. The session ultimately ended in chaos and the split of the Congress into two factions.
• The Surat Split marked a significant turning point in the Indian national movement, with the division between the Moderates and the Extremists becoming more pronounced. While the Moderates aimed for incremental reforms and cooperation with the British, the Extremists sought a more confrontational and radical approach. Despite the violence and division, the split highlighted the growing frustration and divergence of strategies within Congress as different leaders pursued their visions of achieving independence.

Methods of Extremist Leaders

• The Extremist leaders adopted more assertive and militant methods in their struggle for independence. Here are some key methods employed by the Extremist leaders:
• Demand for Swaraj: The Extremists aimed for the attainment of "Swaraj," which meant either complete autonomy and freedom from British rule or a total Indian control over the administration, without necessarily breaking away from the British Empire.
• Inclusion of a Larger Section of People: The Extremists had a broader reach and involved a larger section of people in the movement, including the lower middle class. They aimed to mobilize and unite the masses in their fight against British rule.
• Non-Constitutional Methods: Unlike the Moderates, who focused on constitutional means, the Extremists went beyond the traditional methods of protest and made use of strikes, boycotts, burning of foreign goods, and other forms of non-cooperation to challenge British authority.
• Confrontation: Extremist leaders believed in confrontation rather than persuasion. They openly challenged and opposed British imperialistic policies in India and did not shy away from direct confrontations with the colonial administration.
• Promotion of the Swadeshi Movement: The Extremists actively supported and promoted the Swadeshi movement, which encouraged the use of indigenous goods and the establishment of Indian banks, mills, factories, etc. This movement aimed to reduce dependence on foreign goods and boost Indian industries.
• Pride in Indian Culture: Extremists took pride in Indian culture and history. They drew inspiration and courage from ancient Indian scriptures and heroes. They aimed to revive and promote Indian traditions and values, opposing the Westernization of Indian society.
• Sacrifice and Patriotism: Extremist leaders were willing to sacrifice anything, including their lives, for the cause of the motherland. They instilled a sense of self-respect and patriotism among the masses, citing the bravery and sacrifices of past Indian heroes.
• Opposition to British Rule: Unlike the Moderates, who sometimes had equivocal positions, the Extremists clearly opposed British rule and showed no loyalty to the British Crown. They viewed the British as the primary obstacle to Indian self-rule.
• The Extremist leaders played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses, promoting self-reliance, and challenging British authority in India. Their methods aimed at achieving a more radical transformation of Indian society and governance, reflecting the growing discontent and desire for complete independence from British rule.

Government Reaction to Extremist

• The British government reacted strongly to the activities and influence of the Extremist leaders. They implemented several laws and took aggressive measures to suppress the Extremist movement. Here are some notable actions taken by the government:
• Laws to Restrict Activities: The British government passed laws such as the Seditious Meetings Act of 1907, the Indian Newspapers (Incitement to Offences) Act of 1908, the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908, and the Indian Press Act of 1910. These laws aimed to restrict the activities of the Extremists, curb freedom of speech and assembly and control the press.
• Imprisonment of Tilak: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the prominent Extremist leaders, was sentenced to imprisonment. He was sent to Mandalay Prison in Burma (now Myanmar) for his alleged support of the revolutionaries involved in the killing of two British women, even though their original target was a British magistrate.
• Repression and Surveillance: The British government intensified its efforts to suppress the Extremist movement through repression and surveillance. Extremist leaders and their supporters were closely monitored, and any sign of subversive activities was dealt with harshly.
• Bans on Extremist Literature and Publications: The government imposed strict censorship and bans on Extremist literature and publications. They aimed to control the dissemination of ideas that challenged British rule or promoted anti-colonial sentiments.
• Use of Police and Security Forces: The British government employed police and security forces to crack down on Extremist activities. Raids, arrests, and crackdowns on public meetings and gatherings were common methods used to suppress the movement.
• These measures reflected the British government's determination to counter the Extremist movement and maintain its control over India. They sought to restrict the influence and activities of the Extremist leaders and maintain law and order in the face of growing resistance to British rule.

List of Extremist Leaders

• Lala Lajpat Rai: Also known as Punjab Kesari (Lion of Punjab), Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent Extremist leader from Punjab. He played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses and advocating for Swaraj (self-rule) through radical means.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was an influential Extremist leader from Bombay (now Mumbai). He strongly advocated for Swaraj and played a significant role in organizing mass movements such as the Ganapati and Shivaji festivals to mobilize people against British rule.
• Bipin Chandra Pal: Bipin Chandra Pal was an Extremist leader from Bengal. He was part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He vehemently criticized British policies and advocated for complete independence from colonial rule.
• Aurobindo Ghosh: Aurobindo Ghosh, also known as Sri Aurobindo, was a prominent Extremist leader from Bengal. He was involved in revolutionary activities and played a crucial role in inspiring the youth towards the cause of independence. However, he later turned towards spirituality and became a renowned spiritual philosopher.
• Rajnarayan Bose: Rajnarayan Bose was an Extremist leader and one of the founders of the Indian National Association. He played a significant role in promoting nationalist ideas and organizing public meetings to raise awareness about the need for self-rule.
• A. K. Dutt: Ashwini Dutta was indeed a prominent Indian freedom fighter, philanthropist, educationist, social reformer, and nationalist. He played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and worked towards the betterment of society. His educational achievements and legal background contributed to his activism and leadership in various social and political endeavours.
• V. O. Chidambaram Pillai: V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, also known as V.O.C., was an Extremist leader from Tamil Nadu. He was a lawyer and a prominent figure in the Swadeshi movement. He played a crucial role in promoting indigenous industries and advocating for self-rule.
• These leaders, along with others, played significant roles in the Extremist phase of the Indian independence movement and contributed to the struggle for freedom from British rule.

Impact of Extremist Period

• The Extremist period in the Indian independence movement had a significant impact on society and various aspects of Indian life. Here are some key impacts:
• Cultural Revival: Extremist leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak emphasized the revival of Indian culture and heritage. Celebrations of festivals like Ganpati Puja and the glorification of historical figures like Shivaji helped instil a sense of pride in Indian traditions and values, countering the influence of Westernization.
• Popularization of Nationalist Slogans: Tilak's powerful slogan "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" resonated with the masses and became a rallying cry for the freedom struggle. It inspired a sense of determination and unity among Indians in their fight against British colonial rule.
• Boycott Movements: The Extremists promoted boycotts of British goods and institutions, including education. This led to a significant shift in the Indian economy as indigenous industries and products gained prominence, providing employment and economic opportunities for Indians. Boycotts also served as a form of protest against British policies and exploitation.
• Education Reforms: Extremists focused on reforming the education system to promote nationalism and self-reliance. They advocated for the establishment of national universities that were free from government control, allowing for the development of an education system aligned with Indian values and aspirations.
• Mobilization of Masses: The Extremist leaders successfully mobilized a larger section of society, including the lower middle class and rural population, into the freedom movement. This broadened the base of the nationalist movement and made it more representative of the aspirations of the masses.
• Overall, the Extremist period brought about significant social and cultural reforms, fostered a sense of national pride and unity, and laid the foundation for a more assertive and militant phase of the Indian independence movement.

Work of the Extremist

• The Extremists were a group of Indian nationalists who emerged in the early 20th century. They were dissatisfied with the moderate approach of the Indian National Congress and advocated for a more militant and aggressive stance against British rule.
• The Extremists believed that India could only achieve independence through a mass movement of the people. They called for boycotts of British goods, strikes, and other forms of civil disobedience. They also revived traditional Indian symbols and festivals in order to generate a sense of national pride and unity.
• Some of the most prominent Extremists included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai. They played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, and their ideas helped to shape the course of the struggle.

Here are some of the specific works of the Extremists:

• Boycott of British goods: The Extremists called for a boycott of British goods in order to weaken the British economy and pressure them to leave India. They encouraged people to buy Indian-made goods instead of British goods.
• Use of Swadeshi goods: The Extremists also promoted the use of Swadeshi goods or goods that were made in India. They believed that this would help to boost the Indian economy and create jobs.
• Public meetings: The Extremists held public meetings to spread their message and mobilize support for their cause. They spoke at these meetings about the evils of British rule and the need for independence.
• Passive resistance: The Extremists also practised passive resistance, or refusing to cooperate with the British authorities. This included refusing to pay taxes, boycotting government schools, and refusing to serve in the British army.
• National education: The Extremists also believed that it was important to provide Indians with a national education, one that would instil in them a sense of pride in their country and its culture. They founded schools and colleges that taught Indian history, culture, and languages.
• The work of the Extremists helped to raise awareness of the Indian independence movement and to mobilize support for the cause. They played a significant role in shaping the course of the struggle, and their ideas continue to inspire people today.

Comparison between Moderates and Extremists

Achievements of Extremists     

• The achievements of the Extremists during the Indian independence movement were significant and had a lasting impact on the course of the struggle. Some of their key achievements include
• Demand for Swaraj: The Extremists were the first to boldly demand complete self-rule or Swaraj for India. They advocated for the idea that Indians had the inherent right to govern themselves and should strive for independence from British colonial rule.
• Mass Mobilization: The Extremists played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses and involving a wider section of society in the freedom struggle. They recognized the importance of grassroots participation and actively worked towards raising awareness and garnering support among the common people.
• Swadeshi Movement: The Extremists spearheaded the Swadeshi movement, which aimed at boycotting British goods and promoting Indian-made products. This movement had a profound impact on the Indian economy and self-reliance, as it encouraged the development of indigenous industries and the use of local products.
• Political Organization: The Extremists played a pivotal role in organizing the Indian National Congress on an all-India scale. They worked towards establishing a unified political platform that represented the aspirations and demands of the Indian people. This laid the foundation for a more cohesive and coordinated national movement.
• Ideological Shift: The Extremists brought about a shift in the ideological direction of the freedom struggle. They advocated for a more assertive and militant approach, emphasizing the need for direct confrontation with British colonialism. This shift in strategy set the stage for future generations of freedom fighters.
• Inspiring Nationalism: The Extremists played a significant role in fostering a sense of nationalism and pride among the Indian population. Through their speeches, writings, and actions, they instilled a deep sense of patriotism and the belief that Indians deserved freedom and self-determination.
• Overall, the Extremists played a crucial role in shaping the Indian independence movement and laying the groundwork for future struggles. Their demand for Swaraj, mass mobilization efforts, organization of the Swadeshi movement, and ideological shift towards a more assertive approach left a lasting impact on the trajectory of the freedom struggle in India.