Question

The Surat Session 1907 of the Indian National Congress is important because_____
A. The Muslim League supported the Indian National Congress’s demands put forward to the British.
B. There was an open clash between the Moderates and the Extremists which finally led to the split in the Congress.
C. Of declaration of Poorna Swaraj or complete independence.
D. None of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: The Surat Session of the Indian National Congress is an important period in the history of India’s independence. The period between 1885-1905 was known as the period of the Moderates, This is because they dominated Congress. They used schemes like meetings, prayers, pamphlets and delegations.

Complete answer: The Surat Session of the Congress in 1907 was also known as the Surat Split. This is because in this session there was an open clash between the Moderates and Extremists which led to the split in the Congress. This difference gave an opportunity to the British. The Moderates were in support of resolving minor issues with the British through discussions, petitions, delegations and deliberations with the government. Whereas the Extremists believed in agitation, strikes and boycotts. Under the leadership of Lokmanya Tilak agitation was held against the Moderates. However, the extremists remained inside the Indian National Congress.
In the Surat session, there were differences of opinion in choosing the President of Congress. The Extremists wanted Lokmanya Tilak or Lala Lajpat Rai and the Moderates vouched for Rash Behari Ghosh.
Option B is the correct answer.

Note: In the Benaras session of the Congress in 1905, the difference in the Congress became visible. Lokmanya Tilak had held a different session. The Extremists wanted to include boycott of foreign goods, Swadeshi and swaraj in their curriculum whereas the Moderates opposed these.