MODERATE AND MILITANT NATIONALISM

Published on 07 Oct 2025

In late 19th-century India, the Indian National Congress pursued moderate nationalism, advocating gradual reforms within British rule, while early forms of militant nationalism emerged, emphasizing assertive Indian identity and self-rule. This period witnessed the coexistence of both approaches, laying the groundwork for the complex evolution of India's independence movement.

Moderate Nationalism

The Moderate Phase of the Indian National Movement (INM) was a period from 1885 to 1905 when the Indian National Congress was led by Congress leaders who believed in liberalism and moderate politics. They were known as early nationalists because they demanded reforms through peaceful and constitutional means, such as petitions, meetings, resolutions, pamphlets, memoranda, and delegations.

Leaders: A.O. Hume, W.C. Banerjee. Surendra Nath Banerjee, Dadabhai Naoroji, Feroze Shah Mehta, Gopalakrishna Gokhale.

Factors Contributing to Moderate Nationalism

• Exposure to Western Ideals: Indian intellectuals, exposed to Western democratic principles, advocated for political representation within the British colonial system.

• Example: Dadabhai Naoroji's "Drain Theory" highlighted economic exploitation, demanding Indian participation in policymaking.

• Rise of Educated Middle Class: British education created a politically conscious middle class, nurturing aspirations for social and political reform.

• Example: Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a prominent moderate leader, founded the Servants of India Society to promote education and social welfare.

• Leadership of Moderates: Figures like Surendranath Banerjee and Feroz Shah Mehta emphasized peaceful negotiation and cooperation with British authorities.

• Example: The Indian National Congress, under leaders like A O Hume, initially focused on petitioning for Indian representation in legislative councils.

• Focus on Constitutional Reforms: Moderates sought reforms through constitutional means, aiming to work within the existing legal framework.

• Example: The Indian Councils Act of 1892, which expanded legislative councils, was a result of moderate pressure for political participation.

• Advocacy for Social Reforms: Moderates championed social reforms alongside political demands, aiming to address issues like caste discrimination and women's rights.

• Example: Raja Ram Mohan Roy's Brahmo Samaj advocated for social reform and religious tolerance, influencing the moderate nationalist movement.

• Intellectual Journals and Societies: "The Indian Mirror" and "Sudharak" provided platforms for moderates to disseminate their ideas and mobilize public opinion.

Safety Valve Theory and INC

• Origins and Concept: The safety valve theory, proposed by British officials and scholars, suggests institutions like the INC provided peaceful outlets for Indian grievances, preventing violent rebellion.

• Limited Efficacy: The safety valve theory oversimplifies Indian nationalism and the INC's role, downplaying genuine aspirations and portraying activism as mere discontent relief.

• Strategic British Manipulation: Some historians view the safety valve theory as a British strategy to co-opt Indian political movements, portraying the INC as a safety valve to justify colonial rule.

• Complexity of Nationalist Movements: Safety valve theory ignores diverse facets of Indian nationalism beyond the INC. Movements like Ghadar Party and Bhagat Singh's activism show genuine resistance against colonial oppression.

• Impact on Colonial Policies: INC and other movements pushed British for reforms, facing repressive responses like crackdowns and arrests, showing activism as a threat, not just a safety valve.

Moderates vs Extremists

Moderates as Pioneers in Promoting Nationalism

• Bridge Between Cultures: Served as intermediaries, fostering mutual understanding between British rulers and Indian masses, navigating cultural and political differences.

• Example: Rast Goftar, Hindustan times, Bombay Chronicle bringing communities together across various cultures towards unified nationalistic ideas.

• Promotion of Nationalism: Advocated Indian nationalism within the British Empire, asserting cultural identity and aspirations for self-governance.

• Example: inspiring pride in India's culture, and revived festivals like Ganapati and Shivaji to arouse the masses.

• Political Education: Disseminated political knowledge through various channels, empowering citizens with awareness of rights and civic duties.

• Example: Moderates were inspired by Western ideas of liberalism, democracy, equity, and freedom, as well as Indian history, cultural heritage, and Hindu traditional symbols

• Constitutional Reforms: Advocated for Indian representation in legislative bodies and administrative reforms within the British governance framework.

• Example: Simultaneous Indian Civil Service exams in India and England, separation of the executive and judiciary, repeal of the Arms Act and License Act etc

• Building Public Opinion: Utilized writings and speeches to shape public sentiment against British policies, fostering unity and solidarity among Indians.

• Example: Published newspapers, wrote articles, and exposed the Britishers' exploitative policies to the masses –Drain theory by Dadabhai Naoroji

• International Advocacy: Engaged with sympathetic British politicians, Indian diaspora, and global forums to garner support for Indian nationalist aspirations.

• Example: East India Association by Dadabhai Naoroji having retired British officials as members.

• Laying the Foundation: Established the groundwork for future nationalist movements, instilling principles of resistance and collective action in Indian society.

• Example: Non cooperation movement, Civil disobedience, Congress entry into ministry in 1930s

Shortcomings of Moderates

• Limited Demands: Moderates primarily focused on gradual reforms within the colonial framework, often perceived as insufficient by radical elements within the movement.

• Example: Moderates like Dadabhai Naoroji advocated for representation in legislative bodies and administrative reforms but not complete independence

• Elite Representation: The leadership of the Moderates largely comprised educated elites and professionals, which led to a disconnect between the leadership and the masses.

• Example: Dadabhai Naoroji, G K Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee were not always able to fully grasp the grievances of the marginalised and rural populations.

• Lack of Immediate Impact: The reforms advocated by the Moderates were often slow to materialize and failed to address the immediate grievances of the masses.

• Example: discriminatory laws such as the Vernacular Press Act and the Arms Act remained largely unchanged, leading to continued discontent among Indians.

• Failure to Mobilize Masses: The Moderates struggled to mobilize large-scale popular support due to their cautious approach and limited appeal to the masses.

Militant Nationalism

Militant nationalism, also known as extremism, was a phase of the Indian national movement that lasted from 1905 to 1909. It was a distinct period in the anti-colonial struggle that involved more radical methods of political agitation than those used by earlier moderates. Militant nationalists used mass mobilization, direct action, and even advocated armed resistance to challenge British rule and achieve independence.

Leaders: Lala Lajpat Rai, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh and Ashwini Kumar Dutt

Reasons for Growth of Militant Nationalism

• Impact of British Rule in India: British colonial rule in India, marked by economic exploitation and cultural suppression, fuelled resentment, spurring the growth of militant nationalism among Indians.

• Partition of Bengal (1905): Partition of Bengal in 1905 sparked nationwide protests. Leaders like Tilak, Pal, and Rai mobilized mass movements, fostering unity against colonial rule.

• Swadeshi Movement: Partition of Bengal birthed Swadeshi Movement, boycotting British goods, promoting indigenous products, and employing civil disobedience to challenge British dominance.

• Revolutionary Activities: The era saw emergence of revolutionary groups like Anushilan Samiti in Bengal, Abhinav Bharat Society in Maharashtra, carrying out militant activities.

• Impact of International Events: Events like the Russian Revolution of 1905 inspired Indian nationalists to adopt radical methods, seeing effectiveness of direct action.

• Role of Militant Leaders: Leaders advocacy for aggressive forms of protest and emphasis on self-rule galvanized support for militant nationalism among the Indian masses.

• Increasing Unrest and Discontent: Increasing unrest among Indians due to British repression and lack of representation fuelled support for militant nationalist movements seeking independence.

Success and Shortcomings of Militant Nationalism

• Successes:

• Mobilization of Masses: Extremist leaders like Tilak, Pal, and Rai mobilized masses, including peasants, workers, and students, in protests and boycotts against British rule.

• Radicalization of the Movement: Extremists radicalized the nationalist movement, calling for immediate Swaraj and using confrontational tactics like boycotts and civil disobedience.

• International Attention: Extremist tactics of mass mobilization and civil disobedience drew international attention, gaining sympathy and support for India's independence struggle.

• Shortcomings:

• Limited Political Gains: Despite efforts, Extremists didn't achieve significant political gains. British rule persisted largely intact, with limited political representation for Indians.

• Repression and Imprisonment: Extremist leaders endured severe repression by British authorities, including arrests and exile, weakening the nationalist movement's organizational structure and effectiveness.

• Communal Divisions: Extremist approach occasionally worsened Hindu-Muslim tensions, seen during events like Partition of Bengal, hindering efforts to unite against British rule.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
MODERATE AND MILITANT NATIONALISM freedom struggle independence movement Indian National Congress INC Indian National Movement A O Hume W C Banerjee Surendra Nath Banerjee Dadabhai Naoroji Feroze Shah Mehta Gopalakrishna Gokhale Drain Theory Educated Middle Class Indian Councils Act of 1892 Safety Valve Theory Moderates vs Extremists Complete Independence swaraj self government Nationalism Arms Act and License Act Shortcomings of Moderates Vernacular Press Act Militant Nationalism Lala Lajpat Rai Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Bipin Chandra Pal Aurobindo Ghosh Ashwini Kumar Dutt Partition of Bengal swadeshi movement

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Freedom Struggle