The Surat Split was a major event in the history of the Indian National Congress, marking the division between the Moderates and the Extremists. It highlighted the growing differences in methods and ideologies within the national movement.
Background
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By the early 20th century, the Indian National Congress had two groups:
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Moderates led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta.
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Extremists led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
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Moderates believed in constitutional methods such as petitions, resolutions, and discussions.
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Extremists demanded immediate self-rule (Swaraj) through boycott, passive resistance, and mass mobilization.
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The success of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement (1905) strengthened the position of Extremists, leading to conflict within the Congress.
Events at Surat Session (1907)
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The annual session of Congress was held at Surat (in Gujarat) in December 1907.
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Extremists wanted Bal Gangadhar Tilak to be elected as President.
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Moderates opposed this and supported Rash Behari Ghosh instead.
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Heated arguments and clashes broke out between both groups during the session.
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The session ended in chaos, leading to the split of Congress into two groups.
Consequences of Surat Split
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Congress was divided into Moderates and Extremists, weakening the national movement.
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From 1907 to 1915, the Moderates remained in control of Congress, while the Extremists worked outside it.
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The split helped the British, who exploited the division to suppress Extremists through arrests and repressive measures.
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However, the Extremists’ ideology of Swaraj and mass struggle continued to inspire young revolutionaries.
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The split was finally resolved in 1916 at the Lucknow Session, when both factions reunited, along with the Muslim League.
Key Takeaway
The Surat Split of 1907 revealed the growing rift between Moderate reformist politics and Extremist militant nationalism. Though it temporarily weakened the freedom struggle, the differences ultimately enriched the nationalist movement by combining both constitutional methods and mass action in later years.