Who among the following is NOT considered a leader of the Moderates in the Indian National Congress?

The correct answer is Aurobindo Ghosh.

Key Points

• Aurobindo Ghosh is primarily associated with the Extremist faction of the Indian National Congress, not the Moderates.
• He played a significant role in promoting radical nationalism and advocating for complete independence rather than gradual reforms.
• During the early 1900s, Aurobindo Ghosh emerged as a key leader of the Extremists alongside Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal.
• His political philosophy included the use of passive resistance and boycotts to oppose British rule.
• He later retired from active politics and shifted his focus to spirituality, establishing the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry.

Additional Information

• Moderates in the Indian National Congress
  • Moderates were a group of leaders in the Congress who believed in achieving political reforms through constitutional and peaceful methods.
  • Key leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Ferozshah Mehta, and Pherozeshah Mehta.
  • Their primary aim was to secure greater representation for Indians in the legislative councils and administrative reforms.
  • They often relied on petitions, speeches, and lobbying to achieve their goals.
• Extremists in the Indian National Congress
  • Extremists were a faction within the Congress that emerged in the early 1900s, advocating for direct action and complete independence.
  • Key leaders included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
  • They used methods like boycotts, Swadeshi movement, and mass mobilization to challenge British rule.
  • The split between Moderates and Extremists occurred at the Surat Session of the Congress in 1907.
• Dadabhai Naoroji
  • Known as the "Grand Old Man of India," Dadabhai Naoroji was a prominent Moderate leader.
  • He authored the book "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India," highlighting the economic drain caused by British policies.
  • He was the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament in 1892.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  • A Moderate leader and mentor to Mahatma Gandhi, Gokhale was a staunch advocate of social reforms and education.
  • He founded the Servants of India Society to promote social welfare and national awakening.