The Indian nationalist movement, spanning from the late 19th century to India's independence in 1947, was not monolithic. It comprised various ideological streams, with 'Moderate Nationalism' and 'Extremist/Militant Nationalism' representing two distinct phases and approaches, particularly prominent in the period before Mahatma Gandhi's emergence on the national scene.

1. Moderate Nationalism (Early Nationalists - c. 1885-1905): This phase is characterized by the leadership of early Indian National Congress leaders who believed in constitutional methods and gradual reforms.

• Objectives:

  • Gradual Political Reforms: Their primary goal was to achieve greater Indian representation and participation in the legislative councils, civil services, and military, within the framework of the British Empire. They sought 'self-government' or 'Dominion Status' in the long run, similar to Canada or Australia, rather than complete independence.
  • Administrative Reforms: They advocated for the Indianization of civil services, separation of the judiciary from the executive, and reduction of military expenditure.
  • Economic Reforms: They highlighted the economic exploitation by the British, demanding an end to the 'drain of wealth,' promotion of Indian industries, and alleviation of poverty.
  • Protection of Civil Liberties: They sought to protect fundamental rights like freedom of speech and press.

• Means:

  • Constitutional Agitation: They believed in appealing to the British sense of justice and fair play. Their methods included petitions, prayers, protests, memoranda, resolutions, public meetings, and press campaigns. They aimed to educate public opinion in India and Britain about Indian grievances.
  • Non-Violent and Legal Methods: They strictly adhered to non-violent and legal means, expressing loyalty to the British Crown while criticizing specific policies.
  • Belief in British Benevolence: They generally believed that the British rule, despite its flaws, was ultimately beneficial and that reforms could be achieved through persuasion and constitutional means.
  • Limited Mass Mobilization: Their activities were largely confined to the educated elite and urban middle class, with limited efforts to mobilize the broader masses.

• Key Leaders: Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, W.C. Bonnerjee.

2. Extremist/Militant Nationalism (Later Nationalists - c. 1905-1919, and Revolutionary Terrorism): This phase emerged as a reaction to the perceived failures of the Moderates and was fueled by events like the Partition of Bengal (1905), economic distress, and growing disillusionment with British rule. It further branched into political extremism and revolutionary terrorism.

• Objectives:

  • Complete Swaraj (Self-Rule/Independence): Unlike the Moderates, the Extremists unequivocally demanded complete Swaraj, meaning absolute independence from British rule, as their immediate goal. They had no faith in British promises of reforms.
  • Revival of Indian Pride and Culture: They sought to instill a sense of national pride, revive indigenous culture, and reject Western dominance.
  • End of Economic Exploitation: They aimed to end all forms of British economic exploitation and promote self-reliance.
  • Radical Social Transformation (for some): Some revolutionary groups also envisioned a more radical social and economic restructuring of Indian society.

• Means:

  • Mass Agitation and Direct Action (Extremists): They advocated for more assertive and confrontational methods, though largely non-violent. These included:
    • Boycott: Boycott of foreign goods, government services, schools, and courts.
    • Swadeshi: Promotion of indigenous goods and industries to achieve economic self-reliance.
    • Passive Resistance: Non-cooperation with the British administration.
    • National Education: Establishment of national schools and colleges to promote indigenous learning.
    • Mass Mobilization: They sought to involve the common people, including students, women, and peasants, in the nationalist movement.
  • Revolutionary Violence/Terrorism (Militant Nationalists): This faction believed that only through force and revolutionary violence could the British be dislodged. Their methods included:
    • Assassinations: Targeting British officials and their Indian collaborators.
    • Bomb Attacks: Using bombs against government institutions and symbols of British power.
    • Dacoities: Robberies to fund their revolutionary activities.
    • Armed Uprisings: Planning and attempting armed revolts.
    • Secret Societies: Operating through underground organizations to carry out their activities.

• Key Leaders:

  • Extremists: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal (the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio), Aurobindo Ghosh.
  • Revolutionaries: Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Surya Sen, Khudiram Bose, V.D. Savarkar (in his early phase).

Key Differences Summarized: | Feature | Moderate Nationalism | Extremist/Militant Nationalism | | :------------- | :------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------- | | Objective | Gradual reforms, Dominion Status within British Empire | Complete Swaraj (Independence), radical change | | Approach | Gradual, evolutionary, constitutional | Immediate, radical, confrontational | | Means | Petitions, prayers, protests, constitutional agitation | Mass agitation, boycott, Swadeshi, passive resistance, (for militants) revolutionary violence, assassinations | | Trust in British | Believed in British justice and benevolence | No faith in British justice, believed in self-reliance and force | | Base | Educated elite, urban middle class | Broader masses, youth, students, revolutionary groups |

In essence, while both streams aimed at the betterment of India, they differed fundamentally in their vision for India's political future and the strategies they deemed necessary to achieve their goals. The Extremists and Militants, through their more assertive and radical approaches, broadened the base of the nationalist movement and instilled a greater sense of urgency and self-reliance, paving the way for Gandhi's mass movements.