The Surat Split of 1907
In 1907, during the annual session of the Indian National Congress (INC) held in Surat, a deep ideological divide within the organization culminated in a dramatic event known as the Surat Split. This split marked a significant turning point in the Indian independence movement, paving the way for more radicalized methods of resistance against British rule.
Before the Split:
The INC, formed in 1885, initially comprised a diverse group with varying approaches to achieving independence. The Moderates, led by Gokhale and Pherozeshah Mehta, advocated for constitutional reforms and negotiations with the British Raj. They pursued methods like petitions, protests, and public appeals.
Meanwhile, the Extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai, believed in more aggressive methods like boycotts, swadeshi (adopting indigenous goods), and mass agitation. They viewed the Moderates’ approach as ineffective and slow.
The Split:
The Surat session witnessed escalating tensions between the two factions. Disagreements over resolutions, particularly regarding self-rule and boycott of British goods, fueled the tension. The session ultimately descended into chaos, with physical altercations and disruptions. Unable to reconcile their differences, the Extremists walked out, effectively splitting the INC.
Date of Surat Split
The Surat Split, which divided the Indian National Congress (INC) into the Moderate and Extremist factions, occurred on December 26, 1907. It took place during the annual session of the INC held in Surat, India.
Aftermath and Impact:
The Surat Split had several significant consequences:
- Emergence of Two Nationalist Factions: It solidified the division between the Moderates and Extremists, leading to the formation of separate parties – the Indian National Congress (Moderates) and Swaraj Party (Extremists).
- Rise of Radical Methods: The split emboldened the Extremists, paving the way for more militant forms of resistance against British rule. This ultimately contributed to the rise of figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh.
- Weakening of Unity: The split temporarily weakened the INC and allowed the British to exploit the division among nationalists.
- Seeds of the Future: Despite the immediate setback, the Surat Split sparked a debate within the independence movement that ultimately led to the adoption of more diverse and effective strategies in the decades to come.
