India’s Extremist Phase (1905-1920): Rise, Tactics, and Limitations

Rise of Extremism Phase: Shifting Politics in 20th Century India

By the end of the nineteenth century, the failure of moderate politics led to the rise of a reactionary wing within the Congress circle. This new phase is known as the ” Extremist Phase”. This trend in INC spanned from 1905 till 1920. Dissatisfaction with moderate politics was the major reason behind the rise of the Extremist Phase. Also, the rise of factionalism by the end of the nineteenth century was one of the reasons for the rise of extremist ideology. Various international movements in Russia, Egypt, Turkey, etc also motivated the nationalist leaders to oppose the British in more radical ways. 

Extremist Phase Tactics: Resisting British Rule in India

The extremist approach to dealing with the British rule in India set them apart from the moderates. The following are important Extremist Phase methods in National Movement: 

• Boycott trend: At the popular level, calls for the boycott of foreign goods and the use of swadeshi gave a push to extremist ideology.
• Passive Resistance: It included non-violent refusal to cooperate with British officials in the working of the administrative institutions.
• Push to Self Reliance: It included the restoration of confidence and a sense of dignity as well as the social and economic revitalization of the villages.
• Public meetings: For mobilization of the masses, public meetings, and processions were organized.
• Promotion of National Education: The extremists gave impetus to national education which instill a sense of pride among students and help them to become self-reliant.

Limitations Of The Extremist Phase: Challenges and Shortcomings Analyzed

Though the Extremist ideology took over because of the limitations of the Moderates, the Extremist Phase methods were also not free from the limitations. Following are a few such limitations: 

• Unclear definition of Swaraj: The extremists’ goal was swaraj, which different leaders interpreted differently. For Tilak, it meant Indian control over the administration, but not a total severance of relations with Great Britain however for Bipin Pal Swaraj was complete autonomy, absolutely free of British rule. 
• Failure to reach masses: Under extremists also, the movement could not reach the masses, especially peasants, but instead remained confined to the upper class.
• Rise of communalism: As the extremist leaders were inspired by the cultural ideology of Hinduism, it led to the alienation of Muslims from the national movement and gave rise to communalism.
• Failed to direct the masses: Extremist nationalists succeeded in generating a new wave of energy among youth but failed to channel the same thereby giving rise to revolutionary activism.

Conclusion

The Extremist phase is one of the most important historical eras of the Indian National Movement. The new generation of leaders that appeared at that time were crucial to India’s freedom. The Extremists gave new impetus to the already started struggle against foreign rule. Their demand for Swaraj and their radical ways gave new hope to the young nationalist thus Extremists came to be labeled as Neo Nationalists.

The Extremist Phase (1905-1920) FAQs

Q1. Who were the Extremists in the Indian political Scenario?

Ans. The Extremists were a faction of nationalists, who emerged by the end of the 20th century and believed only radical actions could free India from British rule.

Q2. What are the names of the Extremists leaders of the Indian National Movement?

Ans. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lal-Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo Ghosh, Bipin Chandra Pal, Raj-Narayan Bose, V.O Chidambaram Pillai, etc. were the Extremists leaders.

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