Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
2. There was much in common between the Moderates and the Extremists. But they also shared certain differences in political perspectives and methods which led to the Surat Split. Comment. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Chapter 11 – India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 as mentioned in Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To discuss and contrast the ideologies and methods of Moderates and Extremists which ultimately resulted in the Surat Split.
Directive word:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Mention the similarities between the Moderates and extremists such as love for the nation, using Congress as a platform for political reforms etc.
Body:
Bring out the shortcomings of liberal moderates and their disconnect with the masses and the rise of extremists to fill this gap. Contrast the ideas of Extremists vis-à-vis the Moderates such as use of methods of appeals as against the radical moves, belief in masses, use of press with a strong language against the British by Tilak, personalities such as Aurobindo promoting superiority of our own civilisation etc.
Mention their differences on swaraj and the disagreements on the swadeshi movements.
Conclusion:
Mention that although the end was to attain Swaraj, the means to achieve it was different in the eyes of the Moderates and Extremists and that mutual distrust lead to the Surat split.
