Identify the reasons why moderate politics remained narrow in nature.
(A) Social backgrounds of the leaders.
(B) Most of the leaders belonged to the powerful classes.
(C) Prominence of new professional classes.
(D) Increasing influence of leaders belonging to the Muslim League.

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (A), (B), (C)
Explanation:
→ Statement (A) is true: The social backgrounds of many leaders in the moderate phase of Indian nationalism were largely drawn from the upper or educated classes. These leaders often came from the elite sections of society, such as the Brahmins, zamindars, and lawyers, which limited their appeal to the broader masses of Indian society. Their focus was often on constitutional methods, which did not directly address the pressing issues faced by the rural poor and lower castes.
→ Statement (B) is true: Most of the leaders in the moderate phase belonged to the powerful classes. These leaders were often from families that had access to education and economic resources. This allowed them to participate in politics, but their outlook remained narrow, catering mostly to the interests of the educated elite, instead of focusing on mass mobilization or addressing the concerns of the rural or poorer sections of society.
→ Statement (C) is true: The prominence of new professional classes, such as lawyers, teachers, and intellectuals, played a role in the narrow focus of moderate politics. These professionals were more concerned with reforms in law, governance, and the civil administration, but they lacked the influence or the drive to mobilize the masses or challenge colonialism in a more radical manner.
→ Statement (D) is false: The increasing influence of leaders belonging to the Muslim League was not a factor that contributed to the narrow nature of moderate politics. The Muslim League, during this period, was still a minor political group, and its rise as a significant force came later in the early 20th century, especially after the 1906 session of the League. The narrow nature of moderate politics was more a result of the class-based, elitist approach and limited mass involvement.
Information Booster:
→ Moderate politics, led by figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and others, mainly focused on constitutional methods, such as petitions, prayers, and reforms through British institutions.
→ These leaders were often more concerned with gradual reforms and economic development rather than radical or mass-based movements.
→ The limited social base of moderate leaders meant their political approach was restricted to addressing the concerns of the educated middle class and not the broader population.
→ While they pushed for reforms like reducing land taxes and improving civil rights, they did not fully engage with the rural poor or lower castes, whose issues were more urgent and immediate.
→ This narrow approach was eventually challenged by the more radical leaders and movements, especially with the rise of the Indian National Congress’s more assertive faction.
→ The emergence of the extremist faction within the Congress, led by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, marked a shift away from the moderate politics of petitioning and appeals to the British.