Question

With reference to the Surat Split of 1907, answer the following questions:

1. What were the issues on which the two wings of the Congress had differences of opinion? How did the British exploit the differences between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists?
2. What was the effect of the split between the two wings of the Congress on the National Movement?
3. Why did the Assertive Nationalists adopt the policy of non-cooperation with the British Government? Name the Assertive Nationalist leader who organised akharas and lathi clubs. Why were these organised?

Answer 1

1. The Assertive Nationalists wanted Lala Lajpat Rai to be the President of the Surat Session, while the Early Nationalists suggested Rashbehari Ghosh. When the session began in December 1907, there was confusion, leading to a split in the Congress. The Assertive Nationalists were expelled for nine years. This split was unfortunate as it gave the British a chance to benefit from the situation. They followed a policy of "concession and repression,"  offering concessions to Early Nationalists and Muslims while repressing the Assertive Nationalists.
2. The split in Surat weakened the National Movement. The Early Nationalists took control of the Congress, and in the Allahabad convention in April 1908, the split was formalised.
3. The Assertive Nationalists adopted a policy of non-cooperation with the British for these reasons:
   1. Their main goal was to get a larger role for Indians in running the country and to stop Britain's economic exploitation of India.
   2. They believed these aims couldn't be achieved without pressure and direct action.
   3. So, they chose non-cooperation and resistance against unjust British actions. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the first leader to connect with the masses, set up akharas and lathi clubs to teach physical training, self-defence, and patriotism.