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

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Aurobindo Ghosh

Explanation:

• Aurobindo Ghosh is not considered a leader of the Moderates; he belonged to the Extremist or Assertive Nationalist faction within the Indian National Congress.
• He advocated for more aggressive forms of protest, including boycott, swadeshi, and passive resistance, especially post-1905 after the Partition of Bengal.
• His ideology moved beyond the constitutional methods preferred by the Moderates, and he eventually became associated with revolutionary nationalism.

Information Booster:

• The Moderates (1885–1905) believed in gradual reforms, dialogue with the British, and using constitutional means like petitions and resolutions.
• They emphasized British justice and liberalism, aiming to gain Indian participation in administration.
• Key Moderate leaders:
• Dadabhai Naoroji: Known as the "Grand Old Man of India" and author of the Drain Theory.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Founder of the Servants of India Society, believed in moderation and education.
• Ferozshah Mehta: Called the "Lion of Bombay", strong advocate for legal and civil rights.

Additional Information:

• The split between Moderates and Extremists occurred during the Surat Session of 1907.
• Extremists included leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal-Bal-Pal).
• Aurobindo Ghosh, post-politics, turned to spiritual philosophy and settled in Pondicherry, founding the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
• The Moderates’ approach laid the groundwork for political dialogue, while the Extremists intensified mass movements.