Q3. Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century?

Model Answer:

Introduction

By the end of the nineteenth century, the Indian National Congress, under the leadership of the 'Moderates,' sought to achieve gradual political reforms within the framework of British colonial rule. Their ideology centred on dialogue, petitions, and appeals to British goodwill. However, despite their efforts, the Moderates failed to garner widespread support and conviction from the Indian masses. Several factors contributed to this failure, leading to the rise of the more radical nationalists by the early twentieth century.

Body

Reasons for the Failure of the Moderates

• Over-Reliance on Constitutional Methods: The Moderates believed in working within the system through petitions, speeches, and resolutions. This method was perceived as too slow and ineffective by a growing number of Indians who sought more direct and assertive methods. The British government often ignored their pleas, leading to frustration among the masses.
• Elitist Leadership: The leadership of the Moderates consisted primarily of Western-educated, English-speaking elites who were disconnected from the everyday struggles of the common Indian. Their failure to involve the broader public—especially peasants, workers, and the rural population—limited their mass appeal.
• Limited Political Demands: The Moderates advocated for reforms such as increased representation in legislative councils and administrative reforms, but these demands were seen as too modest. Many Indians sought more substantial political changes, including self-governance, which the Moderates hesitated to demand openly.
• Ineffective Response to Economic Issues: India was undergoing significant economic hardships due to British colonial policies, including high taxation, deindustrialization, and poverty. The Moderates’ focus on political reforms did not adequately address these economic grievances, further alienating the public.
• Failure to Address Racial Discrimination: The British continued to treat Indians as second-class citizens. The Moderates, who preferred negotiation over confrontation, were unable to effectively counteract the rampant racial discrimination within the colonial system, which led to growing dissatisfaction.
• Emergence of Militant Nationalism: By the late 1890s, a new generation of Indian leaders, often referred to as Extremists or Radicals, began advocating for more aggressive methods, including swadeshi (boycott of British goods), self-reliance, and, eventually, Swaraj (self-rule). Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai criticised the Moderates for their passive approach.

Conclusion:

‍The Moderates' failure to carry conviction with the nation stemmed from their inability to inspire confidence in their methods and goals. Their elitist leadership, limited political demands, and ineffective response to pressing economic and racial issues alienated the broader Indian populace. As a result, the more assertive and radical nationalists gained traction, marking a shift in India's freedom struggle toward more confrontational methods in the early twentieth century.

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