UPSC Prelims 2015 Question:

Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress resulting in the emergence of ‘moderates’ and ‘extremists’?

Explanation:

• The Swadeshi movement of Bengal (1905-1908) is seen as an important historical event in the episodic narrative of the Indian Nationalist Movement, which takes the story forward to its eventual climax in 1947. Lord Curzon’s unpopular decision to partition the province of Bengal in 1905, led to this popular movement, which was organized around the effective use of ‘swadeshi’ and ‘boycott’ as methods of agitation, under Extremist leadership.
  
  
• Moderates wanted to restrict the Boycott Movement to Bengal and to a boycott of foreign cloth and liquor. Extremists wanted to take the movement to all parts of the country and include within its ambit all forms of association with the government through a boycott of schools, colleges, law courts, legislative councils, government service, municipalities, etc.
  
  
• This conflict was the major reason leading to a split in both the factions of the Indian National Congress. This event is known as the Surat Split of 1907. 
  
  

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Swadeshi Movement