Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress resulting in the emergence of ‘moderates’ and ‘extremists’?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Swadeshi Movement
(b) Quit India Movement
(c) Non-Cooperation Movement
(d) Civil Disobedience Movement
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- The partition of Bengal resulted in the Swadeshi movement which aimed at promoting self-reliance, self-determination, and self-help through the adoption of Indian goods.
- The Boycott Movement was also adopted as a means of integrating the people. Both movements aimed at boycotting foreign-made goods and promoting Indian goods.
- To achieve this, the people boycotted foreign goods, publicly burned foreign clothes, and picketed shops selling foreign goods.
- However, the Swadeshi Movement was weakened by the split of Congress into moderates and extremists at the Surat session.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.