Q :  Why did the ‘Moderates’ fail to carry conviction with the nation about their pro claimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? 2017 10

Introduction:

The Moderates, who dominated the early phase of the Indian National Congress (1885–1905), sought constitutional reforms through petitions, persuasion, and dialogue with the British. However, by the end of the nineteenth century, their methods failed to inspire confidence among the masses.

Body:

1. Lack of Mass Mobilization
• The Moderates confined political participation to the educated elite and failed to connect with peasants, workers, and women, making the movement appear elitist
2. Excessive Faith in British Justice
• Their belief in British liberalism and sense of justice proved unrealistic, as colonial policies continued to exploit India despite repeated appeals
3. Limited Demands
• Their objectives—like expansion of legislative councils, Indianization of services, and fiscal reforms—appeared too narrow and failed to reflect the aspirations for Swaraj
4. Absence of Assertive Leadership
• Moderate leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale lacked a charismatic mass appeal compared to later leaders like Tilak
5. Failure to Address Economic Exploitation
• Though Dadabhai Naoroji’s ‘Drain of Wealth’ theory highlighted economic exploitation, the Moderates failed to translate it into a broader nationalist campaign
6. Slow and Cautious Methods
• Petitions, resolutions, and constitutional appeals were perceived as passive tools with little tangible impact, leading to growing public frustration
7. Alienation from Youth and Middle Class
• Younger nationalists found the Moderate approach too submissive and were drawn instead to assertive nationalism and Swadeshi ideology
8. Lack of Unity with Radical Elements
• The growing ideological gap between Moderates and emerging Extremists weakened the movement’s overall strength and direction
9. British Repression
• Despite the Moderates’ loyalist approach, the British government often ignored their demands, exposing the futility of peaceful negotiation
10. Emergence of New Nationalist Spirit
• By the 1890s, the success of Japan and the influence of global anti-colonial struggles inspired a more assertive national consciousness incompatible with Moderate ideals

Conclusion:

The Moderates laid the intellectual foundation of Indian nationalism but failed to translate it into a mass movement. Their limitations paved the way for the rise of Extremists and the Swadeshi Movement, which redefined the freedom struggle with assertive methods and broader participation.

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