Extremist Phase (1905–1917)

Introduction
• The early 20th century witnessed the rise of a new generation of national leaders called Extremists.
• They were younger, more radical, and rejected the moderate approach of gradual reform.
• Extremists believed that political rights could be won only through bold action, mass mobilization, and self-reliance.

Factors Leading to the Rise of Extremism

1. Recognition of the True Nature of British Rule
• Moderate belief in British justice weakened with time.
• Nationalist writers exposed how British rule caused poverty and economic ruin.
• Key repressive policies:
  – 1898: Law against “exciting disaffection.”
  – 1899: Indian representation reduced in Calcutta Corporation.
  – 1904: Indian Official Secrets Act restricted press freedom.
  – Deportation without trial (e.g., Nathu brothers, 1897).
  – 1897: Tilak jailed for sedition.
  – Section 124A (Sedition) strengthened.
• These convinced Indians that British rule needed to be challenged, not pleaded with.

2. Growth of Self-Respect and Self-Confidence
• Increasing awareness and political consciousness created pride and faith in India’s capacity.
• Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal emphasized:
  – Self-reliance
  – Self-respect
  – Courage and sacrifice
• Swami Vivekananda inspired youth with the message:
  – “Strength is life; weakness is death.”
• Educated Indians became strong supporters of assertive nationalism due to unemployment and exposure to world ideas.

3. International Influences
• Japan’s industrial growth and victory over Russia (1905) shattered myth of European superiority.
• Ethiopia’s victory over Italy (1896).
• Boer Wars (1899–1902) weakened British prestige.
• Nationalist struggles in Ireland, Russia, Turkey, China inspired Indians.

4. Failure of Moderate Methods
• Younger leaders were impatient with slow “prayer–petition–protest” approach.
• They believed Moderates practiced “political mendicancy.”
• Dissatisfaction grew within the Congress.

5. Rise of Extremist Leadership
• Key Extremist leaders:
  – Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  – Bipin Chandra Pal
  – Lala Lajpat Rai
  – Aurobindo Ghosh
  – Rajnarain Bose
  – Ashwini Kumar Datta
  – Vishnu Shastri Chiplunkar

6. Militant Nationalist School of Thought
• Since early phase, a militant stream coexisted in Bengal and Maharashtra.
• Most prominent figure: Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Contributions
• Edited Kesari from 1889; spread nationalism.
• Popularized Ganapati Festival (1893) and Shivaji Festival (1895).
• Led a “No Tax Campaign” (1896–97); advised famine-stricken peasants to withhold revenue.
• Jailed for 18 months in 1897; became symbol of resistance.

Partition of Bengal (1905) and Swadeshi Movement
• Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal into:
  – Western Bengal with Bihar & Orissa
  – Eastern Bengal & Assam
• Official reason: Administrative convenience.
• Real motive: Weaken nationalism by dividing Bengal along communal and linguistic lines.

Anti-Partition Campaign
• Led by Moderates: Surendranath Banerjee, K.K. Mitra, Prithwish Chandra Ray.
• Tools used:
  – Petitions
  – Public meetings
  – Memoranda
  – Press campaigns in Hitabadi, Sanjibani, Bengalee
• Despite strong public opinion, Curzon ignored protests.

Launch of Swadeshi Movement (1905)
• 7 August 1905: Boycott Resolution passed at Calcutta Town Hall.
• Boycott of Manchester cloth and Liverpool salt.
• 16 October 1905: Partition implemented; observed as day of mourning.
• People:
  – Fasted, bathed in Ganga
  – Sang Vande Mataram and Amar Sonar Bangla (Tagore)
  – Tied rakhis for unity

Spread of Swadeshi
• Boycott extended to all British goods.
• Promotion of indigenous industries.
• National education movement started to replace government schools.

Role of Extremists
• Led by Tilak, Pal, Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo.
• Wanted:
  – Wider mass participation
  – Swaraj as the goal
  – Nationwide agitation
• Called for passive resistance and self-reliance.

Surat Split (1907)
• Congress adopted Swaraj as its goal in 1906 under Dadabhai Naoroji.
• However, clashes grew over methods of struggle.
• 1907 Surat Session:
  – Violent rift between Moderates & Extremists.
  – Congress split; serious setback to national movement.
• Extremists demanded:
  – Complete boycott (goods, schools, titles, courts, councils)
  – Direct action and mass involvement.

Conclusion
• Extremist phase transformed Indian nationalism into a powerful mass movement.
• It marked a shift from petitions to active resistance, laying foundation for later Gandhian mass struggles.

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Subject: Modern History

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