Modern India Chapters

1. Expansion of British Power (Bengal, Mysore, Punjab etc.)2. Economic Impact of British Rule3. Socio Religious Movements in 19th 20th Centuries4. Freedom Struggle I5. The Revolt of 18576. Moderate Phase7. Extremist Phase8. The Gandhian Era

Extremist Phase of the Indian Freedom Struggle

“The Extremist Phase (1905–1919) marked a shift in India’s freedom movement with a more assertive and radical approach compared to the earlier moderate phase.”

Introduction

The Extremist Phase of Indian nationalism emerged due to dissatisfaction with the moderate methods. It emphasized self-reliance, swadeshi, boycott, and mass mobilization against British rule.

Key Leaders

  • Lala Lajpat Rai – Known as the 'Punjab Kesari'
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak – Advocated "Swaraj is my birthright"
  • Bipin Chandra Pal – Prominent in Bengal

Main Features

  • Swadeshi Movement (1905)
  • Boycott of British goods
  • National education and indigenous enterprise
  • Assertive nationalism and mass participation

Important Events

  • 1905: Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon
  • 1906: Formation of All India Muslim League
  • 1907: Surat Split – Division between Moderates and Extremists
  • 1911: Annulment of Bengal partition
  • 1919: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (transition to Gandhi-led era)

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2016: Who said “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”?
    → Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  • RRB NTPC 2019: Which movement started after the partition of Bengal?
    → Swadeshi Movement
  • SSC CHSL 2021: What was the main aim of the Extremists?
    → Attain complete independence (Swaraj)
  • HSSC 2018: Who were called Lal, Bal, Pal?
    → Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal
  • SSC GD 2020: In which year was the Surat Split held?
    → 1907
  • RRB Group D 2018: What was the reaction to the Partition of Bengal?
    → Widespread protests and Swadeshi Movement
  • SSC JE 2017: The slogan ‘Vande Mataram’ was popular during which movement?
    → Swadeshi Movement
  • HSSC 2021: Who led the Extremists in Maharashtra?
    → Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  • UPSC 2015: Which journal was published by Tilak?
    → Kesari
  • SSC CGL 2019: Which event led to the formation of the Muslim League?
    → Partition of Bengal
  • RRB ALP 2018: Who is known as ‘Punjab Kesari’?
    → Lala Lajpat Rai
  • SSC CHSL 2019: What caused the Surat Split?
    → Differences between Moderates and Extremists
  • HSSC JE 2020: Name a major outcome of the Extremist Movement?
    → Political awakening and boycott of British goods
  • UP Police 2021: Who started Ganesh Utsav to unite people?
    → Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  • SSC GD 2022: Where was the All India Muslim League founded?
    → Dhaka, 1906

Conclusion

The Extremist Phase energized the Indian national movement and laid the foundation for mass-based movements. It promoted courage, nationalism, and indigenous pride among Indians, setting the stage for Gandhiji’s leadership in the coming decades.

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