Que. To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.
नरमपंथियों की भूमिका ने किस सीमा तक व्यापक स्वतंत्रता आन्दोलन का आधार तैयार किया? टिप्पणी कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Briefly introduce the Moderates’ role in shaping India’s initial phase of the freedom struggle.
(ii) Main Body: Discuss how the Moderates laid the foundation for future freedom movements through political, economic, and ideological contributions.
(iii) Conclusion: Summarize the Moderates’ contributions to building the base for mass mobilization in the freedom movement.
Introduction
The “Moderates” played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation for India’s freedom struggle. Their “constitutional methods,” economic critique, and emphasis on political reforms created a base for the later “nationalist movement.”
Political Awareness and Democratic Ideals
The Moderates introduced political awareness and “democratic ideals” through “constitutional means,” laying a solid foundation for future freedom struggles by emphasizing gradual reforms and civic rights.
(i) Constitutional Reforms: The Moderates sought political reforms through “constitutional methods,” influencing Acts like the “Indian Councils Act of 1892,” expanding Indian representation in legislative councils.
(ii) Advocacy for Civil Liberties: They fought for “civil rights” such as freedom of speech, press, and association, introducing ideas that became central to India’s political future.
(iii) Foundation of the Indian National Congress (INC): The Moderates were instrumental in establishing the “INC” in 1885, providing a unified platform for national dialogue, fostering Indian nationalism.
(iv) Petitions and Resolutions: They extensively used petitions and resolutions to appeal to the British government, advocating for increased Indian participation in governance and justice.
(v) Gradual Political Reforms: The Moderates believed in achieving reforms gradually, through dialogue and diplomacy, creating a sense of “political consciousness” and introducing the idea of a structured opposition.
Economic Critique and Drain of Wealth Theory
The Moderates’ critique of British economic policies, particularly their “drain of wealth” theory, exposed the economic exploitation of India, which became a rallying point for future movements.
(i) Dadabhai Naoroji’s Drain Theory: Naoroji’s theory articulated that British economic policies were draining India’s wealth to Britain, which created public awareness of “economic exploitation.”
(ii) Opposition to High Taxes: The Moderates criticized the excessive taxation policies imposed by the British, especially the oppressive land revenue system, which impacted the “peasant economy.”
(iii) Industrial Decline: They emphasized the destruction of India’s “traditional industries” due to British industrial policies, which prioritized British goods and led to economic backwardness.
(iv) Demand for Economic Justice: Moderates advocated for the development of Indian industries and infrastructure, laying the base for the later “economic demands” of the freedom struggle.
(v) Critique of British Fiscal Policies: The Moderates opposed British fiscal policies that focused on draining resources and wealth from India without adequate reinvestment in Indian development.
National Awakening and Political Unity
The Moderates were instrumental in fostering “national consciousness” and “political unity” among Indians, which became the cornerstone of future mass movements, including the “Non-Cooperation” and “Civil Disobedience” movements.
(i) Creation of National Platforms: The establishment of the INC brought together diverse leaders from across the country, promoting “national unity” and dialogue on common grievances against British rule.
(ii) Political Education: The Moderates engaged in educating the masses about their political rights and the need for “self-governance,” creating political awareness among the Indian middle class.
(iii) Hindu-Muslim Unity: They promoted “communal harmony” by advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity, a vision carried forward by later movements, though with limited success in practice.
(iv) Non-violence as a Strategy: The Moderates laid the foundation for non-violent resistance by rejecting violent methods and advocating for peaceful reforms, which later influenced “Gandhian principles” of non-violence.
(v) Opposition to British Autocracy: They continually opposed the autocratic nature of British governance, pushing for constitutional reforms and legal rights, creating a framework for the future political demands of Indians.
Limitations and Role in Transition to Extremism
Though their contributions were foundational, the Moderates’ strategies were viewed as limited by younger nationalists, leading to the rise of “Extremists” and a more assertive phase in India’s struggle for freedom.
(i) Elitism and Lack of Mass Engagement: The Moderates primarily represented the interests of the educated elite and failed to connect with the “masses,” limiting their broader impact on rural India.
(ii) Failure to Achieve Immediate Reforms: Their reliance on petitions and constitutional dialogue yielded limited reforms, creating frustration and dissatisfaction among younger leaders who desired more immediate action.
(iii) Partition of Bengal (1905): The inability of the Moderates to prevent the partition of Bengal exposed their limitations and gave rise to the “Swadeshi Movement” and more aggressive tactics led by the Extremists.
(iv) Rise of Extremist Leadership: Dissatisfaction with the Moderate approach led to the rise of leaders like “Bal Gangadhar Tilak,” who advocated for “Swaraj” and direct action, accelerating the demand for independence.
(v) Bridge to Mass Movements: Despite their limitations, the Moderates prepared the political and ideological base upon which more assertive movements like “Swadeshi” and “Non-Cooperation” were built, influencing the direction of the national movement.
Conclusion
The Moderates laid the “intellectual and political foundation” for India’s freedom movement. Their emphasis on “constitutionalism” and economic critique inspired future mass movements, despite their limited immediate success.
