Daily Answer Writing for UPSC 10th August 2023

Daily Answer Writing for UPSC 10th of August 2023, as UPSC aspirants engage in their daily answer writing practice, the pursuit of excellence in civil services gains momentum. Each passing day brings a fresh opportunity to refine critical thinking, enhance subject knowledge, and master the art of effective expression. This date holds the promise of insightful deliberations on multifaceted topics, from governance and international relations to ethics and social issues. With each word carefully chosen, aspirants inch closer to their goal of becoming astute administrators and policy-makers. This daily ritual embodies dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to transforming aspirations into accomplishments on the path to public service.

Question: Analyze the ideological differences that led to the Surat split and its aftermath on the trajectory of the Indian struggle for independence.

Answer:

The Surat Split of 1907 resulted in the division of the Indian National Congress (INC) into two factions – the Moderates and Radicals – during the Surat session. This event significantly impacted the trajectory of the Indian struggle for independence, as it showcased the deep ideological divisions among Congress members.

The split primarily arose from the difference in approach between the Extremists and Moderates within the Congress. Daily Answer Writing for UPSC 10th August 2023 The Extremists, led by figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, advocated for more assertive and radical methods to achieve self-governance and complete independence from British rule. They believed in direct action, mass mobilization, boycotts, and civil disobedience as effective means to press their demands.

On the other hand, the Moderates, led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji, preferred a more gradual and diplomatic approach. They aimed to work within the British constitutional framework to secure incremental reforms and gradually gain self-governance over time.

The aftermath of the Surat Split had several implications for the Indian struggle for independence. Firstly, it marked a shift towards more aggressive and direct methods of protest within the Indian National Congress. The Extremists’ emphasis on mass mobilization and non-cooperation laid the foundation for future movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934).

Additionally, the Surat Split contributed to the growth of nationalist sentiment among Indians. The Extremists’ urgent call for self-governance resonated with a wider section of society, fostering a sense of unity and a shared purpose among the Indian people.

Furthermore, the leaders who emerged from the Extremist faction, such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, gained prominence and played crucial roles in shaping future independence movements. Their ideas and strategies influenced subsequent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi, initially aligned with the Moderates, was also influenced by the ideas of both Extremists and Moderates. The Surat Split contributed to his evolving stance on nonviolent civil disobedience and mass mobilization, which became central to his approach in later movements.

Moreover, the emergence of a more assertive and united Indian nationalist movement compelled the British authorities to adopt repressive measures to suppress dissent. This often led to crackdowns, arrests, and clashes, further fueling anti-British sentiment.

The Surat Split also highlighted the importance of diversifying strategies within the struggle for independence. While the Extremists emphasized direct action, the Moderates’ advocacy for constitutional reforms remained relevant and eventually contributed to negotiations for India’s independence.

Overall, the Surat Split portrayed the contrasting approaches within the Indian National Congress and marked a turning point in the trajectory of the Indian struggle for independence. It paved the way for more assertive and direct methods of protest, fostering a stronger sense of national unity, and laying the groundwork for future movements that ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.