69th BPSC mains 2023 (general studies 1 ) Q3(a): Critically examine the contribution of moderate phase of the Indian National Congress Movement.

Q3(a): Critically examine the contribution of moderate phase of the Indian National Congress Movement.

The Indian National Congress (INC), established in 1885, played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The period from its inception until the early 1900s is often referred to as the Moderate Phase of the Congress movement. During this period, the leaders of the Congress, known as Moderates, adopted a strategy of constitutional agitation and dialogue with the British authorities. This phase laid the foundational framework for India’s freedom struggle, even though it was later overshadowed by more radical approaches.

Key Contributions of the Moderate Phase

1. Foundational Political Education and Awakening

The Moderates played a pivotal role in politically educating and awakening the Indian populace. They instilled a sense of national consciousness and political identity among Indians. This was a significant shift from the fragmented and localized political activities of the past.

• National Unity: The INC emerged as a platform where representatives from various parts of India could come together, discuss their issues, and present a united front to the British government.
• Political Awareness: The Moderates conducted extensive campaigns to inform the masses about their political rights and the exploitative nature of British rule. Through newspapers, pamphlets, and public meetings, they spread awareness about the need for self-governance.

2. Advocacy for Constitutional Reforms

The Moderates believed in gradual reform through constitutional means. They adopted methods such as petitions, resolutions, and meetings to put forward their demands. Key demands included:

• Expansion of Legislative Councils: They pushed for greater Indian representation in legislative councils and advocated for the introduction of elective principles.
• Civil Rights: The Moderates demanded civil liberties such as freedom of speech, press, and association.
• Economic Reforms: They highlighted issues such as high land revenue, the drain of wealth from India to Britain, and the need for better facilities for education and healthcare.

3. Highlighting Economic Exploitation

A significant contribution of the Moderates was their detailed critique of the economic policies of the British government, which they argued were responsible for the impoverishment of India.

• Drain Theory: Dadabhai Naoroji, one of the prominent Moderate leaders, propounded the Drain Theory, which argued that a significant portion of India’s wealth was being transferred to Britain, leading to widespread poverty and underdevelopment in India.
• Public Debates: Moderates organized debates and discussions to highlight the adverse economic impact of British policies on India’s agriculture, industry, and trade.

4. Establishment of an Institutional Framework

The Moderates laid the groundwork for a systematic and organized national movement. They established institutions and practices that became the bedrock for future political activities.

• Annual Sessions: The INC’s annual sessions became a regular feature where political strategies were discussed, and resolutions were passed.
• Professionalizing Politics: The involvement of lawyers, journalists, and professionals brought a level of sophistication and professionalism to the Congress’s activities.

5. Diplomacy and International Advocacy

Moderate leaders also engaged in diplomatic efforts to garner support for India’s cause on the international stage.

• British Parliament: Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and W.C. Bonnerjee contested elections to the British Parliament to raise Indian issues at the heart of the empire.
• International Networks: The Moderates established connections with political leaders and organizations abroad to gain international support for Indian reforms.

Limitations and Criticisms of the Moderate Phase

Despite their contributions, the Moderate Phase faced significant criticisms and limitations.

1. Limited Appeal and Mass Base

The Moderate leaders primarily came from the educated, urban, and elite sections of society. They often failed to connect with the broader masses, particularly the rural population.

• Elitist Approach: Their methods of petitions and resolutions were perceived as elitist and ineffective by many Indians who were suffering under British rule.
• Lack of Mass Mobilization: The Moderates did not have a strategy for mass mobilization, which limited their ability to pressure the British government effectively.

2. Over-reliance on Constitutional Methods

The Moderates’ faith in the British sense of justice and their reliance on constitutional means were often seen as a weakness.

• Ineffectiveness: Their petitions and appeals were frequently ignored or dismissed by the British authorities, leading to frustration and disillusionment among the Indian populace.
• Slow Progress: The pace of constitutional reforms was slow, and the changes that did occur were often superficial and did not address the core issues of colonial exploitation.

3. Failure to Address Immediate Grievances

The Moderate leaders were often criticized for not addressing the immediate economic and social grievances of the common people.

• Economic Hardships: Issues such as high taxes, famines, and rural indebtedness were not adequately addressed by the Moderates, leading to a gap between the leadership and the masses.

Transition to Extremism

The perceived ineffectiveness of the Moderates’ strategies eventually led to the rise of a more radical faction within the Congress, known as the Extremists. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai argued for a more aggressive approach to achieve self-rule (Swaraj).

• Direct Action: The Extremists advocated for boycotts of British goods, Swadeshi (self-reliance), and more direct forms of resistance.
• Mass Mobilization: They sought to involve the broader masses, including peasants and workers, in the struggle for independence.

Conclusion

The Moderate Phase of the Indian National Congress played a foundational role in the Indian freedom struggle by politically educating the masses, advocating for constitutional reforms, and highlighting the economic exploitation under British rule. Despite its limitations and criticisms, this phase established the initial framework and institutional structures that later phases of the independence movement would build upon.

The transition from Moderates to Extremists and eventually to the Gandhian phase of mass mobilization and nonviolent resistance reflects the evolving strategies of the Indian freedom struggle. Each phase, including the Moderate Phase, contributed uniquely to the eventual attainment of independence in 1947. The Moderates’ commitment to dialogue, constitutionalism, and incremental reform, even if slow and often frustrating, was crucial in laying the groundwork for a more assertive and broad-based national movement in the years that followed.