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Q.Who among the following belonged to the group of 'Moderates' of the Indian National Congress ? (A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak (B) Lala Lajpat Rai (C) Bipin Chandra Pal (D) Gopal Krishna Gokhale

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Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a prominent leader of the 'Moderates' faction within the Indian National Congress, advocating for constitutional methods and gradual reforms, while the other options represent the 'Extremist' faction. The correct option is (D).

The Indian National Congress, in its early decades, saw the emergence of two distinct ideological groups: the Moderates and the Extremists. Understanding their core philosophies, methods, and key leaders is crucial for comprehending the evolution of India's freedom struggle. This division wasn't just about personalities; it reflected fundamental differences in how they viewed British rule, the pace of reform, and the strategies to achieve self-governance.

The Moderates, active roughly from 1885 to 1905, believed in the benevolence of British rule and sought reforms through constitutional means. They aimed for self-government within the British Empire, advocating for greater Indian representation in legislative councils, administrative reforms, and economic relief. Their methods included petitions, prayers, protests, and sending delegations to Britain. They believed in gradual progress and reasoned persuasion.

In contrast, the Extremists, who gained prominence after 1905, grew disillusioned with the slow pace of reforms and the perceived ineffectiveness of Moderate methods. They believed that Swaraj (self-rule) was a birthright and advocated for more assertive methods like Swadeshi (boycott of foreign goods), boycott of British institutions, national education, and passive resistance. They had less faith in British justice and aimed for complete self-rule, though the exact definition of 'Swaraj' varied among them.

  1. Analyze the options based on their political ideology:
    • (A) Bal Gangadhar Tilak: He was a towering figure among the Extremists. Known for his slogan "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!", Tilak advocated for direct action and mass mobilization. He was a key member of the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio.
    • (B) Lala Lajpat Rai: Often called the "Lion of Punjab," Lala Lajpat Rai was another prominent Extremist leader. He championed the Swadeshi movement and was a strong proponent of self-reliance and assertive nationalism. He was also part of the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio.
    • (C) Bipin Chandra Pal: A fiery orator and journalist from Bengal, Bipin Chandra Pal completed the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio of Extremist leaders. He advocated for Swadeshi, boycott, and national education as tools to achieve Swaraj. …

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