In the intricate landscape of ideologies and socio-political movements, two contrasting forces often emerge: moderates and extremists. While both may share common goals of societal change, their methods, philosophies, and approaches diverge significantly. Delving into this dichotomy is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of political discourse and activism in contemporary society.
The Indian National Congress had two main groups guiding its actions during the freedom struggle: the Moderates and the Extremists. The Moderates were in charge from 1885 to 1905, but many nationalists became dissatisfied with their efforts and the split of Bengal. This dissatisfaction led to the rise of the Extremists, who dominated from 1905 to 1920.
Difference between Moderates and Extremist
| Characteristics | Moderates | Extremists |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Wanted more Indian inclusion under British rule, not overthrow | Aimed to completely remove foreign rule, achieving full independence |
| Social Base | Supported by landlords and urban upper-middle class | Gained support from educated middle and lower-middle classes |
| Ideological Inspiration | Influenced by Western liberal ideas and European history | Drew inspiration from India’s rich cultural heritage and history |
| View on Mass Participation | Thought masses weren’t ready for political involvement, limited to middle class | Believed in the masses’ ability to participate and sacrifice |
| Believed Political Connections | Saw benefits in maintaining ties with Britain for India’s interests | Blamed Britain’s political connections for India’s exploitation |
| Loyalty | Professed loyalty to the British Crown | Believed British Crown didn’t deserve Indian loyalty |
| Means of Revolt | Advocated constitutional methods like petitions and persuasion | Relied on boycotts and passive resistance, non-legal methods |
Moderation and extremism are two ways people live their lives. Moderates consider everyone’s opinions, while extremists stick to their own beliefs without considering others. Extremists are ready to give up a lot to achieve their goals, while moderates carefully weigh different views before making decisions that benefit everyone. Moderates listen to different perspectives to understand situations better. Extremists act without thinking about the consequences, which can harm themselves or others.
Also Read: Partition of Bengal.