Q. To what extent did the role of the moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.
Question from UPSC Mains 2021 GS1 Paper
Model Answer:
Role of the Moderates in India’s Freedom Movement
The moderates, active from 1885 to the early 1900s, played a crucial role in preparing the base for India’s wider freedom movement. Their contributions can be assessed in several key areas:
Ideological Foundation:
• Introduced concepts of civil rights and representative government
• Popularized nationalism and self-rule among educated Indians
• Examples: Gopal Krishna Gokhale’s speeches, Dadabhai Naoroji’s writings
Constitutional Methods:
• Utilized petitions, memoranda, and delegations to present Indian grievances
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of organized political action
• Example: Surendranath Banerjee’s Congress deputations
Political Organization:
• Established the Indian National Congress (1885)
• Created a pan-Indian political platform, transcending regional and communal divisions
• Example: A.O. Hume’s organizational efforts
Economic Critique:
• Developed the ‘Drain Theory’ (Dadabhai Naoroji)
• Raised awareness about economic exploitation under British rule
• Example: R.C. Dutt’s economic history
Social Reforms:
• Advocated for education, especially for women
• Worked towards abolishing social evils like child marriage and caste discrimination
• Example: M.G. Ranade’s social reform
Press and Propaganda:
• Used newspapers and journals to spread nationalist ideas
• Critiqued British policies, educating masses about colonial exploitation
• Example: Surendranath Banerjee’s “Bengalee” newspaper
The moderates’ approach, however, had limitations. Their elite background and faith in British justice often disconnected them from the masses. This led to the rise of more aggressive leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, who advocated for more direct action.
Despite these limitations, the moderates’ contributions were significant:
• They created a political consciousness among educated Indians
• Established organized methods of political action
• Articulated Indian grievances and aspirations
• Exposed the exploitative nature of British rule
Conclusion: The moderates laid a crucial foundation for the freedom movement, creating political awareness and organizational structures that later leaders built upon.