The Surat Split of 1907 marked a significant turning point in India’s struggle for independence. It showcased the ideological rift within the Indian National Congress (INC), dividing the party into two factions: the Moderates and the Extremists (or Radicals). This division weakened the party temporarily but also set the stage for future developments in the freedom movement.
What Was the Surat Split?
The Surat Split refers to the division in the Indian National Congress that occurred during its annual session in Surat, Gujarat, in December 1907. The rift was primarily between the Moderates, who believed in gradual constitutional reforms through dialogue with the British, and the Extremists, who advocated for direct action and swaraj (self-rule).
When and Where Did It Happen?
- Date: December 26-27, 1907
- Location: Surat, Gujarat
- Session Name: The 23rd annual session of the Indian National Congress
1907 INC President and the Event
The Surat session was supposed to elect the next president of the Indian National Congress. Dr. Rash Behari Ghosh, a Moderate, was nominated as the president, leading to significant opposition from the Extremists. The heated debate and disagreement resulted in chaos, culminating in the official split of the party.
Background: What Led to the Surat Split?
Several factors contributed to the growing tension between the Moderates and Extremists within the Congress:
- Partition of Bengal (1905):
- The British decision to partition Bengal sparked outrage across India, especially in Bengal.
- Extremists like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (the Lal-Bal-Pal trio) demanded a stronger, more confrontational approach against British policies.
- Difference in Ideology:
- Moderates: Believed in petitions, negotiations, and constitutional means to seek reforms. Leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji represented this group.
- Extremists: Advocated for self-rule through mass agitation, swadeshi, and boycott movements. Leaders included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
- Leadership Dispute:
- Extremists wanted Bal Gangadhar Tilak as the president, while Moderates backed Dr. Rash Behari Ghosh. This disagreement turned into a major confrontation during the Surat session.
- British Carrot and Stick Policy:
- The British adopted a dual approach to suppress the nationalist movement.
- The carrot: Granting minor reforms like the Indian Councils Act of 1909 to appease Moderates.
- The stick: Repression of Extremists through imprisonment and surveillance.
- Immediate Trigger:
- Discontent over the failure of the Moderates to take a stronger stance on the Bengal Partition led to growing frustration among the Extremists.
The Split and Its Impact
The Surat Split officially divided the Congress into two groups:
- Moderates: Focused on gradual reforms and maintaining dialogue with the British government.
- Extremists: Continued their push for immediate self-rule and mass agitation.
The division significantly weakened the Congress, as the British used this opportunity to suppress the Extremists. Leaders like Tilak faced imprisonment, and the revolutionary activities saw a temporary decline.
Viceroy and Secretary of State During the Split
- Viceroy: Lord Minto (1905–1910)
- Secretary of State: John Morley
Lord Minto and John Morley played crucial roles in implementing the Indian Councils Act of 1909, which was seen as a reward for the Moderates. The British viewed the split as an opportunity to exploit the division and suppress the freedom movement.
British Reactions
The British administration welcomed the Surat Split, as it divided the Congress and weakened its collective opposition. Officials like Lord Minto saw it as a validation of their divide-and-rule policy.
Leaders During the Surat Split
- Moderates: Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Dadabhai Naoroji, Dr. Rash Behari Ghosh
- Extremists: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai
Difference Between Moderates and Radicals
| Aspect | Moderates | Radicals (Extremists) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideology | Gradual reforms through constitutional means | Immediate self-rule through direct action |
| Approach | Petitions, resolutions, and negotiations | Agitations, protests, and boycott movements |
| Key Leaders | Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta | Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai |
| Reaction to British Policies | Cooperation and dialogue | Confrontation and mass resistance |
End of the Split
The division persisted for almost a decade. However, the need for unity against British repression eventually brought the Moderates and Extremists together. By the time of the Lucknow Session of 1916, the two factions reunited, driven by a shared goal of opposing British rule.
Conclusion
The Surat Split of 1907 highlighted the growing pains within the Indian National Congress as it grappled with divergent strategies to achieve independence. While the split temporarily weakened the party, it also underscored the urgency of addressing ideological differences to strengthen the nationalist movement. The reunion in 1916 symbolized the maturity of the Congress and the determination to present a united front against colonial rule.
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