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

Moderate Phase (1885–1905)

The Moderate Phase in the Indian National Movement spans from 1885 to 1905, marked by constitutional methods and the foundation of Indian National Congress. This period was led by early nationalists, often referred to as Moderates, who believed in peaceful and gradual reforms.

1. Features of the Moderate Phase

  • Belief in British justice and fair play.
  • Use of constitutional and peaceful methods like petitions, meetings, resolutions, and newspapers.
  • Demand for administrative and legislative reforms, civil rights, and economic improvement.
  • Focused on creating national awakening among Indians.

2. Prominent Moderate Leaders

  • Dadabhai Naoroji
  • Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  • Pherozeshah Mehta
  • Surendranath Banerjee
  • Anand Mohan Bose
  • R.C. Dutt

3. Major Demands of the Moderates

  • Expansion of legislative councils
  • Indianisation of civil services
  • Separation of judiciary from the executive
  • Reduction in military expenditure
  • Repeal of Arms Act and Press Act
  • Protection of Indian industries

4. Economic Critique of British Rule

  • Dadabhai Naoroji’s theory of the “Drain of Wealth.”
  • Exploitation through high land revenue and destruction of handicrafts.
  • Promotion of imports over Indian industries.

5. Achievements of the Moderates

  • Laid the foundation of Indian Nationalism and national movement.
  • Exposed the economic impact of British policies.
  • Educated people on political rights and reforms.
  • Helped in gaining some administrative concessions.

6. Limitations of the Moderates

  • Over-reliance on British goodwill.
  • Lack of mass mobilization.
  • Failure to address peasant and working-class issues.

7. End of Moderate Phase

The partition of Bengal in 1905 marked the end of the Moderate era. The failure to prevent this move led to dissatisfaction among the masses, giving rise to the Extremist phase (1905–1919).

Previous Year Questions (15+)

  • HSSC 2021: Who is known as the Grand Old Man of India?
    → Dadabhai Naoroji
  • SSC CGL 2020: Who authored 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'?
    → Dadabhai Naoroji
  • UPSC CDS 2019: Which phase is known as the Moderate Phase?
    → 1885–1905
  • SSC CHSL 2018: Who founded the Indian National Congress?
    → A.O. Hume
  • RRB NTPC 2020: What was the main demand of Moderates?
    → Constitutional reforms
  • SSC GD 2019: Who was the first Indian to become a member of the British Parliament?
    → Dadabhai Naoroji
  • HSSC 2017: What was the primary method of struggle by Moderates?
    → Petitions and peaceful protest
  • UPSC NDA 2016: Who among the following was not a Moderate?
    → Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  • SSC CGL 2016: Who gave the concept of 'Drain Theory'?
    → Dadabhai Naoroji
  • RRB ALP 2018: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a mentor to?
    → Mahatma Gandhi
  • SSC JE 2020: Indian National Congress was formed in?
    → 1885
  • SSC CPO 2018: In which city was the first session of INC held?
    → Bombay
  • UPPSC 2019: R.C. Dutt is known for?
    → Economic critique of British rule
  • HSSC 2020: Who was the president of INC in 1896?
    → Dadabhai Naoroji
  • SSC CGL 2022: The early Congress was dominated by?
    → Moderates

Conclusion

The Moderate Phase laid the ideological foundation for the Indian freedom struggle. Despite its limitations, it created political consciousness and national unity, setting the stage for more assertive movements to follow.

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