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.