Surat Split 1907 and International Influences on Indian Nationalism

Explore the causes and impact of the Surat Split of 1907 between Moderates and Extremists in the Indian National Congress, and how global nationalist movements in Ireland, Japan, Egypt, and Turkey inspired Indian militant nationalism.

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The Surat Split of 1907 was a significant event in the history of the Indian National Congress, marking a major ideological and political division within the party. The split occurred during the Congress session in Surat, where the party split into two factions: the moderates (also known as the Naram Dal) and the extremists (also known as the Garam Dal or the radicals).

Surat Split Causes Between Moderates and Extremists

  • Disagreement: The disagreement arose over the continuation of four resolutions (Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education, and Self-Government) and the extension of the movement to the entire nation, not just Bengal.
  • Failure of Moderates: When the moderates failed to make significant progress, the extremists grew impatient and agitated for more radical methods.
  • Impatience of the Extremists: The extremists, led by figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, believed that more aggressive tactics were necessary to achieve independence.
  • Bengal Split Agitation Issue: The demand for Swaraj (self-governance) during the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, championed by the extremists, clashed with the moderates' desire to confine the movement to Bengal alone.
  • International influences: Extremists were inspired by the defeats of Russia by Japan and Italy by Ethiopia, which shattered the image of European might.
  • Leadership Dispute: The moderates, fearing the election of Tilak as president, moved the session from Nagpur to Surat. The extremists wanted either Tilak or Lala Lajpat Rai as president, while the moderates supported Rash Behari Ghose.

Surat Split Impact on the Freedom Struggle

  • Weakening of the Congress: The split was a setback for Congress and hindered the goal of united national representation.
  • Impetus for reforms: The Surat Split was the impetus for the 1909 Minto-Morley Reform.
  • Benefit to British Government: The Surat Split ultimately benefited the British government, as it weakened the Indian nationalist movement and allowed them to maintain control and divide the opposition.
  • Rise of revolutionary movements: The youth, rendered leaderless by the disappearance of extremist leaders, took to revolutionary terrorism.

After an eight-year separation, the moderates and extremists reunited in Lucknow in 1916. The Surat Split had a lasting impact on the Indian independence movement, shaping strategies, demands, and unity within the Congress.


Surat Split and Global Influences on Militant Nationalism in India

The international influences on the rise of militant nationalism in India during the early 20th century were significant.


Country

Nationalist Movement

Key Points

Ireland

Irish Land War (1870-1882) & Home Rule Movement (1870s-1910s)

  • Land reforms to favor tenants.
  • Advocacy for self-government for Ireland within the UK.

Japan

Meiji Restoration (1868, continued into the 1870s)

  • Modernization, industrialization, and westernization.
  • Abolition of the feudal system.

Egypt

Orabi Revolt (1879-1882)

  • Anti-European and anti-Ottoman revolt led by Ahmed Orabi.
  • British intervention led to a British protectorate.

Turkey

Young Turk Revolution (1908)

  • Restoration of the Ottoman constitution.
  • Beginning of modernization and reduction of European influence.

Persia

Persian Constitutional Revolution (1905-1911)

  • Demanded a constitution and parliament.
  • Aimed at reducing foreign influence and modernizing Persia.

China

Hundred Days' Reform (1898) and anti-foreign Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901)

  • Short-lived reform movement and anti-foreign uprising.
  • Efforts to modernize and reduce foreign influence.


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