Skip to content
Question

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

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2024MCQ· 1mImportance★★★★★
🔒 Locked · start free trial →

You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.

Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →

The Moderates believed in constitutional methods and gradual reform through petitions and dialogue with the British. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a leading Moderate, while the other three were prominent Extremists who advocated militant nationalism.

The Indian National Congress in its early phase (roughly 1885–1905) was dominated by leaders who believed in a patient, constitutional approach to political reform. They had faith in British justice and sought self-governance through petitions, resolutions, and working within the colonial framework. These leaders came to be known as the Moderates or the "Old Guard."

Around the turn of the century, a younger, more assertive group emerged — the Extremists or "New Party" — who rejected this gradualism. They believed British rule was inherently exploitative and called for Swaraj (self-rule) as a birthright, using more aggressive methods like boycotts, swadeshi, and mass mobilization.

Let me examine each leader:

  1. Bipin Chandra Pal – One-third of the famous "Lal-Bal-Pal" trio, he was a fiery orator and journalist who championed militant nationalism, swadeshi, and the boycott movement during the Partition of Bengal (1905). He explicitly rejected the Moderate faith in British benevolence. Clearly an Extremist.

  2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak – Perhaps the most prominent Extremist leader, Tilak's slogan "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" became the rallying cry of militant nationalism. He used festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi to mobilize masses and was imprisoned multiple times for sedition. Definitely an Extremist. …

Unlock everything free for 14 days

  • Full step-by-step solutions
  • Concept-first explanations
  • Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
  • PYQ mapping + timed mock tests

Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.