The Era of Moderates (1885-1905) in Indian politics was marked by leaders such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozshah Mehta, and W.C. Bonnerjea, who advocated for gradual political progress through constitutional methods. This period focused on creating public opinion and persuading the British Government for reforms, using approaches like petitions and resolutions. The establishment of a British committee in London in 1889 and the planned 1892 session in London reflected their efforts. The Moderates aimed to improve colonial rule rather than directly challenging British authority.
Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozshah Mehta, D.E. Wacha, W.C. Bonnerjea, and S.N. Banerjea were the prominent national leaders during the early period (1885-1905).
These leaders were staunch believers in ‘liberalism’ and ‘moderate’ politics and were labeled as Moderates to distinguish them from the neo-nationalists, known as Extremists, of the early twentieth century.
The moderate political activity involved constitutional agitation within the confines of law, showing a slow but orderly political progress.
Moderates believed that the British were essentially inclined to be just to the Indians but were unaware of real conditions. Hence, they aimed to create public opinion and present demands through resolutions, petitions, and meetings.
Their approach was two-pronged:
Create strong public opinion to arouse consciousness and national spirit, and educate and unite people on common political questions.
Persuade the British Government and public opinion to introduce reforms in India as suggested by nationalists.
They employed the method of ‘prayer and petition’ and, if unsuccessful, resorted to constitutional agitation.
A British committee of the Indian National Congress was established in London in 1889 with India as its focus. Dadabhai Naoroji dedicated a significant portion of his life and income to campaigning for India’s cause abroad.
In 1890, there was a plan to hold a session of the Indian National Congress in London in 1892. However, due to the British elections of 1891, the proposal was postponed and never revived.
Moderate leaders believed that maintaining political connections with Britain was beneficial for India at that stage and that it was not the right time for a direct challenge to British rule. Their goal was to transform colonial rule to be as close to a national rule as possible.
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