Modern History Playlist
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1
Advent of Europeans in India
10 topics
2
Decline of the Mughal Empire
7 topics
3
Emergence of Regional States
11 topics
4
Expansion and Consolidation of British Power
23 topics
5
British Government & Economic Policies (1757-1857)
7 topics
6
Social Reform Movements
24 topics
7
People’s Resistance before 1857
13 topics
8
The revolt of 1857
7 topics
9
Growth of Nationalism and Moderate Phase of Congress
9 topics
10
British Administration in India
9 topics
11
Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)
6 topics
12
First Phase of Revolutionary Activities(1907-1917)
8 topics
13
India’s Response to First World War and Home Rule Movement
5 topics
14
Emergence of Gandhi
10 topics
15
Non-Cooperation Movement and Khilafat Movement
10 topics
16
Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities
8 topics
17
Struggle For Swaraj: 1928-1935
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18
Period from 1935-42
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Period from 1942-47
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Chapter 11: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)
Chapter Test6 topics•Estimated reading: 18 minutes
Era of Militant Nationalism (1905–1909): Causes, Methods, and Impact
Key Point
Militant Nationalism (Extremism) represented a paradigm shift in the national movement, emerging due to the failure of Moderate methods (Constitutional agitation), severe economic distress , and Lord Curzon's reactionary policies , especially the Partition of Bengal (1905) . It fundamentally changed the goal to complete Swaraj and the method to passive resistance and mass mobilization .
Militant Nationalism (Extremism) represented a paradigm shift in the national movement, emerging due to the failure of Moderate methods (Constitutional agitation), severe economic distress , and Lord Curzon's reactionary policies , especially the Partition of Bengal (1905) . It fundamentally changed the goal to complete Swaraj and the method to passive resistance and mass mobilization .
Detailed Notes (19 points)
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I. Causes and Intellectual Foundations:
Failure of Moderates: By the turn of the century, two decades of 'Constitutional Agitation' (Petitions, Prayers, Protests) yielded few concrete results, leading to ideological bankruptcy and disillusionment among youth.
Economic Distress: Frequent famines (1896-1900), rising land revenue, heavy taxes, and the destruction of indigenous industries revealed the exploitative nature of British rule, fueling radical economic nationalism.
Reactionary Rule of Curzon: His measures (e.g., Calcutta Corporation Act, 1899 ; Indian Universities Act, 1904 ) directly attacked Indian political and educational space. The Partition of Bengal was the final strategic provocation, seen as an attempt to dismember national unity .
Intellectual Roots: Influenced by thinkers like Dayanand Saraswati (Arya Samaj) and Vivekananda (Ramakrishna Mission), Extremists promoted cultural pride and self-respect, rejecting the idea of British 'divine guidance'.
International Events: Victories of non-European nations (e.g., Japan's defeat of Russia in 1905 ) shattered the myth of European invincibility and boosted Indian morale.
II. Methods and Programme (The Swadeshi Movement):
Goal of Swaraj: Unlike the Moderate demand for colonial self-government, the Extremists advocated complete Swaraj (self-rule, defined by Tilak as 'my birthright').
Boycott and Swadeshi: The movement's dual program involved the Boycott of British goods and institutions (courts, schools, government services) and the promotion of Swadeshi (self-reliance/indigenous production).
Passive Resistance: Advocated by leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh , this involved non-violent, but active, non-cooperation and defiance of authority, foreshadowing Gandhian methods.
Mass Mobilization: Utilizing traditional festivals (Ganapati, Shivaji Utsav in Maharashtra) and vernacular press to reach the masses (peasants, students, workers), fundamentally broadening the social base of nationalism.
National Education: Establishment of institutions like the Bengal National College and the National Council of Education (1906) to replace government-controlled education with a national alternative.
III. Social Base and Cultural Impact:
Social Expansion: The movement successfully moved beyond the educated elite of the major cities to include the urban lower middle class , students , and women (e.g., organizing *samitis* and *vratas*).
Cultural Renaissance (Atma-Shakti): Promoted the concept of 'self-strengthening' ( Atma-Shakti ). This included literature (Tagore's *Amar Sonar Bangla*), art (Abanindranath Tagore's *Bharat Mata*), and science (P.C. Ray's Bengal Chemicals ).
IV. British Response and Decline:
Suppression: The government adopted a three-pronged strategy: repression (prosecuting leaders like Tilak, banning *samitis*), conciliation (appeasing Moderates), and division (Morley-Minto Reforms).
Surat Split (1907): The open conflict between Moderates and Extremists led to the split in Congress, which resulted in the temporary political isolation and subsequent suppression of the Extremist leadership.
Morley-Minto Reforms (1909): These reforms aimed to sow internal dissension by introducing separate electorates for Muslims , formalizing the communal divide in Indian politics.
Major Revolutionary Events (1905–09)
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Launch of Swadeshi & Boycott in Calcutta | Formal beginning of mass nationalism and direct action. |
| 1906 | Formation of All India Muslim League | Communal divide encouraged by British. |
| 1907 | Surat Split | Division of the Congress weakened movement. |
| 1908 | Muzaffarpur Bomb Case (Khudiram Bose, Prafulla Chaki) | Turn towards revolutionary terrorism . |
| 1909 | Tilak’s trial and imprisonment in Mandalay | Suppression of Extremist leadership . |
| 1909 | Morley–Minto Reforms | Introduced separate electorates , sowed communalism. |
Comparative Analysis: Moderates vs. Extremists (1905)
| Feature | Moderates (Udarvadi) | Extremists (Ugravadi) |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Colonial Self-Government (under British Crown) | Complete Swaraj (Tilak: 'Swaraj is my birthright') |
| Method | Constitutional agitation (Petitions, resolutions, meetings) | Passive Resistance , Boycott, Mass mobilization, Direct action |
| Nature of British Rule | Believed in British sense of Justice (Moral Force) | Viewed British rule as fundamentally exploitative and unjust |
| Social Base | Educated elite, landlords, professionals | Students, urban middle class, workers , and masses |
Mains Key Points
Shift in Ideology and Goal: The era moved the nationalist goal from merely administrative reforms to Purna Swaraj (or absolute autonomy), setting the stage for the next phase of the freedom struggle.
Expansion of Social Base: It marked the first widespread attempt to draw students, urban poor, and women into political agitation, making nationalism a mass movement and demonstrating the potential for popular mobilization.
Economic Programme: The Swadeshi movement provided a clear constructive programme focusing on economic self-reliance (Swadeshi industries, National Banks), challenging British economic hegemony directly.
Cultural Assertion: The movement fostered Atma-Shakti (self-reliance and self-confidence) through the use of indigenous cultural symbols, language, and national education, giving the movement a deeper, spiritual meaning.
Exposing Divide-and-Rule: The Partition of Bengal and the subsequent Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) clearly exposed the British strategy of 'Divide and Rule' by using communalism as a tool against nationalism.
Legacy of Methods: The methods of Passive Resistance, Boycott of institutions, and Mass political strikes formed the essential blueprint for the later, more successful Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements led by Gandhi.
The Partition of Bengal (1905)
Key Point
Announced by Lord Curzon on 20 July 1905 and made effective on 16 October 1905 , the Partition of Bengal divided the huge province into Eastern Bengal & Assam and Western Bengal — a move presented as administrative, but widely seen as a deliberate 'divide-and-rule' step that galvanized the Swadeshi movement .
Announced by Lord Curzon on 20 July 1905 and made effective on 16 October 1905 , the Partition of Bengal divided the huge province into Eastern Bengal & Assam and Western Bengal — a move presented as administrative, but widely seen as a deliberate 'divide-and-rule' step that galvanized the Swadeshi movement .
Detailed Notes (12 points)
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Background: The idea of reorganising Bengal and eastern districts (Chittagong, Dhaka, Mymensingh) had been under consideration since c.1903 ; Curzon pursued proposals in 1904 and toured eastern Bengal ( Feb 1904 ) to justify the scheme.
Official announcement: On 20 July 1905 Lord Curzon issued the order dividing Bengal into two units; the partition formally took effect on 16 October 1905 .
Administrative scheme: Two provinces were created — Eastern Bengal & Assam ( Dacca as capital) with about 31 million population, and Western Bengal (including the Presidency) with Calcutta as capital; the official reason cited ease of administration of a province of c.78 million.
Real (political) motive: The partition aimed to weaken Bengali political unity by splitting the Bengali-speaking population and by creating a Muslim-majority eastern province — seen as an attempt to divide Bengalis on linguistic and communal lines and to blunt the rising nationalist movement in Bengal.
Demographic engineering: In the new scheme Bengal proper (western part) would have become a Hindu-majority area while Eastern Bengal & Assam would be Muslim-majority — reducing Bengali influence in provincial politics.
Opposition inside administration: Some officials (e.g., H.J.S. Cotton , former Chief Commissioner of Assam) opposed the scheme; many Bengali political leaders and newspapers protested strongly.
Mass political reaction: The announcement triggered wide protests — hartals , public meetings, processions, fasting , bathing in the Ganga as a mark of mourning ( 16 Oct 1905 ), tying of rakhis across Bengal as a symbol of unity, and large gatherings where songs like Rabindranath Tagore’s 'Amar Sonar Bangla' were sung.
Swadeshi & Boycott link: Partition became the immediate catalyst for the Swadeshi and Boycott movement (1905 onward): public burning of foreign cloth , boycotts of British goods, establishment of swadeshi schools, industries and banks , and use of festivals for political mobilisation.
Political fallout: The partition accelerated the rise of extremist leaders ( Tilak, Aurobindo, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lajpat Rai ) and intensified demands for more vigorous political action beyond moderate petitions.
Administrative consequences & changes: To placate some interests the British created separate administrative arrangements for Assam and for Bihar & Orissa later (after annulment), and moved the imperial capital to Delhi (1911) .
Annulment (1911): At the Delhi Coronation Durbar on 12 December 1911 King George V announced the annulment of the 1905 partition; Bengal was reunited, but Bihar and Orissa were separated from Bengal and Assam became a separate province; Dacca ceased to be a provincial capital of a separate Bengal province.
Aftermath and reactions: Many Muslim leaders condemned the annulment as betrayal; Congress and nationalist opinion celebrated the reunification but the long-term damage included communal political mobilization and British use of communal representation (later reinforced by measures like separate electorates).
Timeline — Key Dates
| Date / Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| c.1903 | Initial proposals to reorganise Bengal discussed | Early administrative discussions began |
| January 1904 | Partition proposals officially published | Scheme circulated for comments |
| February 1904 | Curzon tours eastern Bengal | Attempt to justify scheme to public and officials |
| 20 July 1905 | Lord Curzon announces Partition | Official proclamation issued |
| 16 October 1905 | Partition comes into effect | Eastern Bengal & Assam operational with Dhaka as capital |
| 1905–1908 | Swadeshi & Boycott agitation peaks | Mass mobilisation, protests and economic action |
| 1906 | All-India Muslim League formed (Dec 1906) | Muslim political organisation partly encouraged by communal politics |
| 12 December 1911 | Partition annulled at Delhi Durbar | Bengal reunited; capital moved to Delhi ; Bihar & Orissa separated |
Reasons & Motives
| Stated (Official) Reason | Real/Political Motive |
|---|---|
| Too large a province (c.78 million) — administrative difficulty | Divide Bengali political influence and weaken nationalist leadership |
| To develop and administer Assam more directly | Create a Muslim-majority province to cultivate Muslim loyalty and divide Hindus & Muslims |
| Improve provincial efficiency and governance | Gerrymander demographics — reduce Bengali-speaking majority in West Bengal |
Reactions — Who supported / opposed
| Group/Person | Position | Reason/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate Congress leaders (initially varied) | Opposed partition (many supported Swadeshi later) | Organized petitions, meetings and moderate protest in Bengal |
| Extremists & younger nationalists ( Tilak, Aurobindo, Bipin Chandra Pal ) | Strongly opposed, supported direct action | Pushed mass agitation, boycott and political mobilisation outside Bengal |
| Urban middle-class & students in Bengal | Opposed | Led picketing, processions and economic boycotts |
| Some Muslims (esp. certain landlords & elite in Dacca) | Supported or were neutral | Perceived administrative advantage and greater representation in the new province |
| British officials ( Curzon and associates) | Supported and implemented | Cited administrative efficiency; aimed to split nationalist leadership |
Fun Facts
On 16 October 1905 (the day partition came into force) people in Bengal observed it as a day of mourning — fasting, bathing in the Ganga and barefoot processions singing 'Bande Mataram' .
People tied rakhis across communities in Bengal as a symbolic gesture of unity between the two halves.
Rabindranath Tagore composed and popularised songs (including 'Amar Sonar Bangla' ) that became anthems of protest during the anti-partition movement.
Mains Key Points
Though presented as an administrative reform, the 1905 Partition of Bengal was a politically motivated move to break Bengali unity and to cultivate communal divisions — it exemplifies the British 'divide-and-rule' strategy .
The announcement triggered mass politics in India — the Swadeshi and Boycott movement linked political protest with economic self-reliance , education reform and cultural revival.
The partition and its annulment had complex consequences: it briefly achieved some administrative aims but permanently altered political alignments — encouraging communal political organisation (e.g., growth of Muslim League) and strengthening extremist nationalism .
The Partition episode demonstrates how colonial administrative decisions could produce large-scale political mobilisation and change the trajectory of the freedom movement by widening its social base (students, women, workers).
Prelims Strategy Tips
Partition announced: 20 July 1905 ; came into effect: 16 October 1905 .
Eastern Bengal & Assam capital — Dacca (Dhaka) ; Western Bengal retained Calcutta (Kolkata) .
Partition annulled: 12 December 1911 ( Delhi Durbar of King George V ).
Immediate political consequence — launch and spread of the Swadeshi & Boycott movement (1905 onwards).
The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement (1905–1911): A Foundation for Mass Nationalism
Key Point
The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement emerged as a direct response to the politically motivated Partition of Bengal (1905) . It marked a watershed moment in India's freedom struggle by pioneering the concept of economic self-reliance (Swadeshi) , advocating passive resistance, and demonstrating the power of mass political mobilisation , even across regional boundaries. The movement highlighted the ideological schism between the Moderates and Extremists, but together they forged the essential blueprint for future nationalist struggles.
The Swadeshi and Boycott Movement emerged as a direct response to the politically motivated Partition of Bengal (1905) . It marked a watershed moment in India's freedom struggle by pioneering the concept of economic self-reliance (Swadeshi) , advocating passive resistance, and demonstrating the power of mass political mobilisation , even across regional boundaries. The movement highlighted the ideological schism between the Moderates and Extremists, but together they forged the essential blueprint for future nationalist struggles.
Detailed Notes (10 points)
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Launch and Catalyst: The movement was formally inaugurated at the Calcutta Town Hall on 7 August 1905 , following the passage of the Boycott Resolution . The immediate political provocation was the implementation of the Bengal Partition on 16 October 1905 , which was observed as a Day of Mourning (Arandhan) in Bengal.
Campaign under Moderates: Leaders like Surendranath Banerjea , K.K. Mitra , and Prithwishchandra Ray dominated the initial phase (1905). Their methods remained largely constitutional , utilizing petitions, public meetings, and propaganda through newspapers like *Hitabadi*, *Sanjibani*, and *Bengalee*. Their strategy was limited to pressuring the British government by building public opinion primarily in Bengal and England.
Campaign under Extremists: The later phase (1906 onwards) saw the ascendancy of the Extremist leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak , Lala Lajpat Rai , Bipin Chandra Pal , and Aurobindo Ghosh . They advocated a shift in method toward passive resistance , encompassing the complete boycott of not only foreign goods but also government schools, jobs, courts, legislative councils, and titles .
Extremists’ Strategy: Their goal was to transform Swadeshi into a true mass struggle with the objective of attaining Swaraj . Key methods included the public burning of foreign cloth , organizing widespread political strikes and processions, and innovatively using traditional religious festivals (like Ganapati and Shivaji Utsav) for political mobilisation.
Extent of the Movement: The movement successfully transcended Bengal's borders, spreading to Bombay (under Tilak), Punjab (under Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh), Madras Presidency (led by V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Subramania Siva), and Andhra (led by Hari Sarvottam Rao), proving its pan-Indian appeal.
Labour Unrest: The period marked the beginning of modern industrial protest linked to nationalist politics, evidenced by strikes among railway workers (1906) , Burn Company clerks, and cotton mill labourers. This led to the emergence of the first trade union-like movements .
Women’s Participation: For the first time, urban middle-class women actively broke traditional barriers to join processions, engage in picketing , and organize their own protest meetings.
Students’ Role: Students were highly politicized, organizing picketing and boycotting foreign goods, often facing severe government backlash, including expulsions, fines, and the loss of scholarships (e.g., the Carlyle Circular).
Reasons for Decline (by 1908): The movement fizzled out primarily due to intense government repression , the imprisonment or deportation of key leaders (e.g., Tilak in 1908), the lack of a sustained organizational structure, the damaging Surat Split (1907) which fractured the Congress, a narrow social base (peasants remained largely uninvolved), and the inherent difficulty of sustaining prolonged, high-intensity mass mobilisation.
Significance: It was the first mass movement to involve students, women, and workers; it profoundly strengthened Indian nationalism by expanding the struggle into economic, cultural, and political spheres simultaneously; and critically, it provided the conceptual and methodological framework for the later Gandhian movements.
Moderates vs Extremists in Swadeshi Movement
| Aspect | Moderates’ Approach | Extremists’ Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Surendranath Banerjea, Prithwishchandra Ray | Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal |
| Methods | Petitions, meetings , propaganda in newspapers | Boycott, passive resistance , strikes, processions |
| Focus | Bengal-centric agitation | Nationwide mobilisation |
| Objective | Pressurise British with public opinion | Make administration impossible; demand swaraj |
| Social base | Upper middle classes, zamindars | Educated lower middle class, students, workers |
Extent of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
| Region | Leaders | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | Lala Lajpat Rai, Ajit Singh | Peasant agitation, protests against canal colonies |
| Bombay | Bal Gangadhar Tilak | Ganapati & Shivaji festivals used for mobilisation |
| Madras Presidency | V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Subramania Siva | Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company , Tamil newspapers |
| Andhra | Hari Sarvottam Rao | Student participation, vernacular speeches |
| Delhi | Sayyed Haider Raza | Meetings and mobilisation in north India |
Fun Facts
On 16 October 1905 , people tied rakhis to each other’s hands to symbolize Bengal’s unity (Hindu-Muslim unity).
Rabindranath Tagore composed 'Amar Sonar Bangla' as a protest song, later adopted as Bangladesh’s national anthem.
Priests refused to solemnise marriages where foreign goods were exchanged, highlighting the social application of the Boycott.
Mains Key Points
The movement showcased India’s capacity for economic self-reliance (Swadeshi industries, national banks) and resistance against colonial exploitation.
It was the first large-scale movement involving students, women, and workers , successfully widening the social base of the national struggle and laying groundwork for later mass movements.
It clearly revealed ideological divisions within INC ( Moderates vs Extremists ), leading to the organizational fracture known as the Surat Split (1907) .
Though it fizzled out by 1908, it left a deep impact on Indian nationalism by linking cultural, economic, and political struggles under the banner of Atma-Shakti (self-reliance).
Prelims Strategy Tips
Swadeshi & Boycott → formally launched in Calcutta Town Hall (7 Aug 1905) .
Tilak used Ganapati & Shivaji festivals for mobilisation.
V.O. Chidambaram Pillai founded Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in Tuticorin.
Movement fizzled out by 1908 due to repression and Surat Split (1907) .
Moderates vs Extremists & Surat Split (1905–1907)
Key Point
The Swadeshi and Boycott movement exposed sharp differences between Moderates and Extremists in the Congress. Moderates sought constitutional reforms and gradualism, while Extremists demanded swaraj , total boycott , and passive resistance . Their clash culminated in the Surat Split of 1907 , which weakened the nationalist movement temporarily.
The Swadeshi and Boycott movement exposed sharp differences between Moderates and Extremists in the Congress. Moderates sought constitutional reforms and gradualism, while Extremists demanded swaraj , total boycott , and passive resistance . Their clash culminated in the Surat Split of 1907 , which weakened the nationalist movement temporarily.
Detailed Notes (7 points)
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Moderates’ Approach: Believed in petitions, constitutional reforms, professed loyalty to the Crown , and sought gradual participation of Indians in administration (strategy of 'political mendicancy'). Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji , Gopal Krishna Gokhale , Surendranath Banerjea .
Extremists’ Approach: Advocated swaraj (self-rule/autonomy) as the ultimate goal, total boycott of foreign goods and institutions , passive resistance, and mass mobilisation. Leaders: Bal Gangadhar Tilak , Lala Lajpat Rai , Bipin Chandra Pal , Aurobindo Ghosh .
Social Base Differential: Moderates drew support primarily from the zamindars, upper middle classes, and urban professionals; Extremists galvanized the lower middle class, students, workers, and small traders.
View on British Rule: Moderates saw British rule as ultimately beneficial if reformed (providential mission); Extremists rejected this premise entirely, viewing British rule as fundamentally exploitative and unjust.
Ideological Inspiration: Moderates relied on English liberal thought and constitutional history; Extremists drew inspiration from Indian culture, history , and traditional symbols (e.g., Tilak's festivals) to instill pride and self-confidence (Atma-Shakti).
Clash over Methods: The core dispute was whether the Swadeshi and Boycott should be limited to Bengal and foreign goods (Moderates' view) or extended nationwide to all institutions and goods with the goal of Swaraj (Extremists' view).
The Surat Split (1907) was the climax of these ideological and tactical differences, occurring over the choice of Congress president and the resolution on Swadeshi and Boycott.
Difference between Moderates and Extremists
| Aspect | Moderates | Extremists |
|---|---|---|
| Social Base | Zamindars, upper middle class, professionals | Lower middle class, students, workers, traders |
| Ideological Inspiration | Western liberalism, European history | Indian culture, history, traditional symbols |
| View on British Rule | Providential mission; reforms possible | Exploitative; must be resisted |
| Methods | Petitions, memoranda, meetings | Boycott, passive resistance, strikes |
| Goal | Constitutional reforms, more Indians in governance | Swaraj (self-rule) as ultimate aim |
| Attitude towards Masses | Masses not ready for political work | Faith in masses’ ability to sacrifice |
| Approach to British Crown | Professed loyalty to the Crown | Rejected loyalty; demanded independence |
Timeline of Surat Split
| Year & Session | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Banaras Session, 1905 | Moderates ( Gokhale presiding) vs Extremists on boycott extension | Mild resolution passed; Extremists dissatisfied |
| Calcutta Session, 1906 | Dadabhai Naoroji presided; compromise resolutions on swadeshi, boycott, self-government | Word 'Swaraj' used for first time in INC |
| Surat Session, 1907 | Extremists wanted Tilak/Lajpat Rai as president; Moderates wanted Rashbehari Ghosh | Clash between factions → violent split in Congress |
Fun Facts
At Surat (1907), both factions physically clashed ; chairs and shoes were thrown in the session hall.
Dadabhai Naoroji (1906 Calcutta) was chosen as a compromise candidate between Moderates and Extremists to avert the split temporarily.
The Surat Split weakened Congress temporarily , allowing British to suppress Extremists with impunity.
Mains Key Points
The Surat Split was the outcome of growing ideological and tactical differences between Moderates and Extremists over the goal (Swaraj) and method (Mass Action vs Petition).
It demonstrated that nationalism had broadened beyond petitions into mass struggle but suffered from lack of unity of leadership on future strategy.
While the split weakened the nationalist front temporarily, it also sharpened the ideological clarity of the Extremist camp and prepared them for later mass politics.
The lessons from this division influenced later unity attempts under Gandhi’s leadership, where balancing moderates and radicals and creating a unified front became crucial.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Word 'Swaraj' first mentioned officially in INC at Calcutta Session (1906) .
Surat Split happened in 1907 due to clash over president choice and boycott resolutions.
Moderates led by Gokhale, Naoroji ; Extremists led by Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal .
After Surat Split & Morley-Minto Reforms (1907–1909)
Key Point
After the Surat Split of 1907 , the nationalist movement weakened due to factionalism and repression . The British exploited this by suppressing Extremists and conciliating Moderates. To placate demands, the Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909) expanded legislative councils but critically introduced communal electorates, institutionalising communal politics.
After the Surat Split of 1907 , the nationalist movement weakened due to factionalism and repression . The British exploited this by suppressing Extremists and conciliating Moderates. To placate demands, the Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909) expanded legislative councils but critically introduced communal electorates, institutionalising communal politics.
Detailed Notes (10 points)
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Impact of Surat Split (1907): Congress weakened as Moderates and Extremists split; British immediately utilized a strategic 'carrot and stick' policy to isolate the more radical element.
Attack on Extremists: The 'Stick' was applied through severe new laws: Seditious Meetings Act (1907) , Indian Newspapers Act (1908) , Criminal Law Amendment Act (1908), and Indian Press Act (1910) .
Suppression of Leadership: Tilak was arrested for sedition in 1908 for his *Kesari* writings and sentenced to 6 years in Mandalay Jail (Burma). Aurobindo Ghosh retired from politics; Bipin Chandra Pal withdrew; Lajpat Rai went abroad. The Extremists failed to form a viable alternative party.
British Strategy (Conciliation): The 'Carrot' was offered to the Moderates through the promise of constitutional reforms to consolidate their loyalty and permanently detach them from the Extremists.
Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act, 1909): Enacted under Viceroy Lord Minto and Secretary of State John Morley.
Key Features: The act increased the number of members in legislative councils; introduced indirect elections; allowed a non-official majority only in provincial councils (retaining an official majority at the central level); and, most significantly, granted separate electorates for Muslims.
Indian Representation: For the first time, Indians were nominated to the executive councils (Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian law member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council).
Impact: The Reforms introduced communal representation into the body politic, allowing Muslims to vote separately for Muslim candidates. This successfully divided nationalist ranks and institutionalized communal politics. Moderates were ultimately disappointed as the councils had strictly limited powers and did not grant responsible government.
Nickname: Viceroy Lord Minto became known as the 'Father of Communal Electorate' .
Evaluation: The reforms were strategically designed to divide rather than empower, offering an illusion of participation while retaining absolute control and sowing the seeds of future political division.
Key Repressive Laws (Post-Surat Split)
| Year | Law | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1907 | Seditious Meetings Act | Restricted political gatherings |
| 1908 | Indian Newspapers Act | Censored nationalist press |
| 1908 | Criminal Law Amendment Act | Curbed revolutionary activity |
| 1910 | Indian Press Act | Further tightened press control |
Key Features of Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expansion of Councils | More members in central & provincial councils |
| Indirect Elections | Introduced for the first time |
| Provincial Councils | Non-official majority allowed |
| Central Legislative Council | Still retained official majority |
| Communal Representation | Separate electorates for Muslims introduced |
| Indian in Executive Council | S.P. Sinha appointed as first Indian law member |
Fun Facts
Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council in 1909 as Law Member.
The 1909 reforms disappointed Moderates, as real powers still remained with officials .
The reforms laid the seeds of communal politics , shaping later divisions in Indian society.
Mains Key Points
After Surat Split, British successfully used the 'carrot and stick' policy (repression and conciliation) to strategically weaken the nationalist movement .
The failure of Extremists to sustain momentum left Moderates dominant for a short while, but without the mass support needed for effective action.
The Morley-Minto Reforms expanded councils but denied real power; their major legacy was communal representation through separate electorates, which was a direct attempt to divide Hindus and Muslims.
The reforms deepened communal divisions, strategically diverting attention from the demand for self-rule and setting a long-term challenge for Indian nationalism.
Prelims Strategy Tips
Surat Split → 1907 , weakened Congress; allowed British to suppress Extremists.
Tilak imprisoned in Mandalay (1908–1914) .
Indian Councils Act of 1909 = Morley-Minto Reforms .
Separate Electorates for Muslims introduced in 1909 → Father of Communal Electorate = Lord Minto .
Revolutionary Organisations in Bengal (Pre-1914)
Key Point
In the wake of the Partition of Bengal (1905) , a militant revolutionary movement emerged, shifting from constitutional agitation to organized political assassinations and armed actions to challenge British authority.
In the wake of the Partition of Bengal (1905) , a militant revolutionary movement emerged, shifting from constitutional agitation to organized political assassinations and armed actions to challenge British authority.
Detailed Notes (6 points)
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Genesis: The movement was a violent reaction to the failure of the Moderates , the repressive policies of Lord Curzon , and the stifling of the Swadeshi Movement after the 1907 Surat Split .
Core Goal: To create a reign of terror among the British ruling class and inspire the youth to violent self-sacrifice for the cause of freedom.
Anushilan Samiti (1902): Activity: It was a secret society that trained members in fitness, moral development, and armed revolution.
- Founder/Leaders: Founded by Pramathanath Mitra (P.
Jugantar Group (1906):
- Genesis: Formed by leaders like Barindra Kumar Ghosh (brother of Aurobindo Ghosh) and Bhupendranath Dutta (brother of Vivekananda).
- Media: It published the highly influential revolutionary weekly, Jugantar , advocating open revolt.
Muzaffarpur Bomb Case (1908): Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki attempted to assassinate Chief Presidency Magistrate Kingsford (who was notorious for repressive actions). Bose was later hanged , and Chaki shot himself. This was the first major act of revolutionary terrorism .
Alipore Conspiracy Case (1908): The police uncovered the bomb factory run by the Jugantar group in Calcutta. Aurobindo Ghosh (who was acquitted) and Barindra Ghosh (who was convicted) were involved in the trial.
Major Revolutionary Organisations in Bengal
| Organisation | Year | Key Leaders | Associated Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anushilan Samiti | 1902 | P. Mitra, Pulin Das | Dacca Conspiracy Case |
| Jugantar Group | 1906 | Barindra K. Ghosh, Bhupendranath Dutta | Alipore Conspiracy Case (1908) |
| Khudiram Bose & Prafulla Chaki | 1908 | — | Muzaffarpur Bomb Case |
Fun Facts
The Muzaffarpur attack accidentally killed the wives of a European barrister instead of Kingsford.
The word Jugantar means 'New Era' or 'The Age of Change' .
Mains Key Points
Revolutionary organizations represented the failure of both constitutionalism (Moderates) and passive resistance (Extremists) to achieve immediate Swaraj.
The movement was characterized by individual heroism and self-sacrifice , which inspired later generations, but lacked mass support and effective organization.
The British effectively used the revolutionary actions as a pretext to launch a general wave of suppression against all nationalist activity (including Tilak's arrest ).
Prelims Strategy Tips
The Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar Group were the two main revolutionary groups in Bengal.
Aurobindo Ghosh was connected to the Alipore Conspiracy Case (1908) .
Khudiram Bose was the youngest revolutionary executed in the Muzaffarpur Bomb Case (1908) .
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