The 1907 session of the Indian National Congress saw the splitting of the party into two different factions.
Although they shared the common goal the idea of an independent India, how they approached the matter was entirely different.
This article will give a proper understanding of the differences between the moderates and the extremists of the Indian National Congress, which is important for a Civil Services aspirant as questions are repeatedly asked on this topic in the UPSC Prelims examinations.
The difference between Moderates and Extremists are given in the table below:
Differences Moderates and Extremists
| Moderates |
Extremists |
| Moderates believed in Liberalism and Moderate Politics. They believed that the British rulers were merely unaware of the plight of the Indian masses and that once they were made aware the British authorities would do their utmost to improve the lives of the local populace. | The Extremist leaders firmly believed that the British had no interest of the Indian people in mind. It was evident from the lacklustre response from the authorities during a plague or famine |
| The moderates found their support base in the Zamindars and the upper-middle-class | The extremists found their support bases among the educated middle-class and lower classes |
| Moderates wanted greater autonomy and self-rule while still under the nominal rule of the British crown | Extremists wanted completed independence from British rule |
| Moderates limited their struggle to constitutional means | Extremists often used extra-constitutional methods often during their activities |
| Prayer, Petition, Persuasion, and Philanthropy. Their demands were constitutional, and so was their agitation. Their methods were regarded as ‘Passive Resistance’. | Extremists were radical in terms of their approach. |
| Dadabai Naoroji, A.O. Hume | Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak |
You can find similar topics by referring to the links given below:
- Revision Points: Moderates and Extremists
- Important Points on Surat Split
- Difference Between the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement
- Difference Between Governor-General and Viceroy
You can find more Difference Between Articles, by visiting the linked page
Difference Between Moderates and Extremists – Download PDF Here
Frequently Asked Questions on Difference Between Moderates and Extremists
What was the ideology of Moderates and Extremists during the Freedom Struggle?
How were extremists different from moderates?
To get a general idea of the exam, you can visit the UPSC Syllabus page. For more UPSC-related preparation materials and other articles refer to the link given in the table below:
Related Links
| NCERT Books | UPSC Exam Pattern | Current Affairs Quiz |
| Third President of India | National Bamboo Mission | Depot Online System |
| Political Science Books | Project Tiger in India | MSME Samadhan |
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