22.

The early Congressmen were liberal in their views and programmes. This led to the rise of
radical nationalists who demanded more forceful action against the British. In this context,
discuss the following:

(a) Reasons why the early Congressmen were called ‘Moderates’.

(b) How did the Moderates differ from the Assertive Nationalists in realising their objectives?

(c) How did Tilak bring a new wave in Indian politics that was distinct from the early Congressmen?

(a) The Early Congressmen were called moderates due to the following reasons:

i. The early nationalists had deep faith in the British sense of justice and fairplay despite all material facts indicating otherwise.

ii. They worked within the framework of the government and did not use any extra-Constitutional means in order to attain their objectives.

iii. The Early nationalists believed in the concept of loyalty to the British Crown. The demand for Constitutional reforms was made in a mendicant manner through the use of petitions, meetings and distribution of pamphlets and leaflets.

(b) The moderates differed from the radical nationalists in the realisation of their objectives. This becomes clear from the fact that the moderates were asking for Dominion Status, i.e. self-government under the British crown whereas the radicals were demanding purna swaraj or complete independence. Moderates believed that Indians were not fit to rule. They considered British rule a gift for India.

(c) Tilak brought a new wave in Indian politics through his new, radical political beliefs, his scathing criticisms of the British government and in the manner in which he attempted to mobilize the masses and assimilate them into the mainstream of the national movement.

i.Tilak’s three pronged approach to independence was ‘swaraj’, ‘swadeshi’ and‘boycott’.

ii. Through his weeklies – ‘Kesari’ and ‘Mahratta’ – he regularly launched offensives against the government in a language that roused the masses.

iii. In order to revive the Indians’ pride in their ancient civilisation and culture, he began the celebration of the Ganpati festival and Shivjayanti on a large scale. To this effect, he also organised akharas and lathi clubs for the youths.

iv. In the year 1896 he led a ‘no rent campaign’ and asked the peasants not to pay land revenue to the government.