Moderate Phase: Leaders, Contributions, Achievements & More | UPSC Notes

The Moderate Phase of the Indian National Movement was active from 1885 to 1905. The Moderate phase of the Indian National Movement was constituted by the Congress leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, P.M.Mehta, W.C.Bonnerjee, D.E.Wacha and so on. These leaders were known as the “Moderates” as they were staunch believers in Moderate politics and liberalism. They were known as the early nationalists as they demanded reforms by adopting peaceful and constitutional means. The Moderates believed that British Rule was a boon for India.

In this article on the Moderate Phase UPSC, important topics such as Indian National Congress, Prominent Moderates, their Methods and Achievements are discussed. This will be very useful for the aspirants of the UPSC CSE Exam.

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What is the Moderate Phase?

The moderate phase refers to a period in the history of the Indian National Congress (INC) from 1885 to approximately 1905. During this phase, the INC predominantly pursued constitutional means and moderate demands in its struggle for political and social reforms.

• The Moderate phase of the Indian national movement was from 1885 to 1905.
• During the initial period, leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, W.C.Bonnerjee, and D.E.Wacha were dominating the Indian National Congress. These leaders believed in the ideology of liberalism and Moderate politics and thus they were known as Moderates.
• The Moderates believed in the British sense of fair play, justice and integrity.

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Methods Adopted by the Moderates

The moderates believed in utilizing constitutional methods, such as petitions, resolutions, and appeals to the British government, to voice their demands for political reforms and Indian representation. The moderates emphasized the need for civil rights, including freedom of speech, press, and assembly. They aimed to secure these rights for the Indian population through peaceful means. The moderates sought to establish a constructive dialogue with the British authorities to convey their grievances and negotiate for reforms. They believed in working within the existing framework of the British administration.

Key Demands of the Moderate Phase 1885 to 1905

The important demands of the Moderate Phase were an increase in the representation of Indians in the legislative councils, the Indianization of civil services, administrative and judicial reforms, the protection and promotion of Indian industries through economic reforms, reduction in land revenue taxes, safeguarding civil rights and fundamental freedom for the citizens of India.

• Expansion of Legislative Councils: The moderates demanded the expansion of Legislative Councils and the inclusion of elected Indian representatives to ensure better representation and participation in the decision-making process.
• Civil Services Reforms: They called for reforms in the Indian Civil Services. This was to allow more Indians to hold high administrative positions and reduce discriminatory practices.
• Reduction of Land Revenue: The moderates advocated for the reduction of land revenue and a fairer assessment of land taxes to alleviate the burden on Indian farmers.
• Separation of Judiciary from the Executive: They demanded the separation of the judiciary from the executive. This was to ensure an impartial and independent legal system.

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Important Leaders of Moderate Phase

Dadabhai Naoroji

He is known as the Grand old man of India and the Unofficial Ambassador of India. He was the first Indian to become a member of the House of Commons in Britain. He was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress and he presided over three congress sessions. He put forth the drain theory and explained the British exploitation of India in his book ‘Poverty and Un-British rule in India.’

Pherozshah Mehta

He was known as the Lion of Bombay. In 1890, he was chosen as the president of the Indian National Congress. Bombay Chronicle was an English weekly newspaper which was started by him in 1910. He was knighted by the British for his service in law.

Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee

He was one of the co-founders of the Indian National Congress and he was an Indian barrister. He was the first president of the Indian National Congress. He was the first Indian to contest the election of the British House of Commons.

Surendranath Bannerjee

He was known as Rashtraguru. In 1876, he founded the Indian National Association to bring about political reforms. He started a newspaper called The Bengalee. He cleared the Indian civil service examination twice in 1869 and 1871. In 1869 he was barred due to an age dispute and in 1871 he was dismissed due to racial discrimination. He proposed the civil disobedience movement

G Subramania Aiyer

He was the co-founder of Madras Mahajana Sabha. He started two newspapers – The Hindu (English) and Swadesamitran (Tamil). He was an active participant in the Indian national movement.

Justice M.G.Ranade

He was awarded the title ‘Rao Bahadur’. He was one of the founding members of INC. He founded the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Prarthana Samaj, and Ahmednagar Education Society. He was also one of the founders of the Widow Marriage Association.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gokhale was a prominent moderate leader who emphasized the importance of education and political awareness among Indians. He advocated for gradual political reforms and was committed to the upliftment of the masses.

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Nationalists' Contribution During the Moderate Phase

The moderates played a significant role in the establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885. This provided a platform for political agitation and advocating for reforms. The moderate nationalists worked towards fostering a sense of national pride and unity among Indians. They aimed to create a united front against British rule while maintaining a constitutional and peaceful approach.

Achievements of the Moderates

The moderate phase marked the beginning of organized political activities and the awakening of political consciousness among Indians. It laid the foundation for future nationalist movements. The Indian National Congress provided a platform for Indians from different regions and backgrounds to discuss and articulate their grievances and demands. The moderate leaders effectively presented the Indian cause on international platforms. This helped garner support from sympathetic individuals and organizations.

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Criticisms Faced by the Moderate Phase

One of the main criticisms faced by the moderate phase was that their approach was perceived as slow and incremental.

• The moderate leaders were criticized for their reluctance to adopt more radical methods and demands.
• Critics accused the moderates of being too conciliatory towards the British authorities.
• The moderate phase was criticized for its limited representation of various sections of Indian society.
• The moderate phase was often criticized for their inability to secure substantial political or social reforms from the British government. 

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Conclusion

The moderate phase of the Indian National Congress played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the nationalist movement in India. While they pursued constitutional means and moderate demands, their efforts laid the foundation for future agitations and provided a platform for political discourse and unity among Indians.

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