UPSC Preparation - Chapter 12: Era of Extreme Nationalism 1905 to 1909

1. Government Strategy in Swadeshi and Boycott Movement

• Position of Moderates:
  • The British government never really liked the moderates.
  • Moderates were not initially hostile against the British government.
• Government Policies:
  • "Carrot and Stick" policy was adopted.
  • Three main approaches:
    • Repression: Mild repression was applied to extremists.
    • Conciliation: Reforms were made to appease the moderates.
    • Suppression: Severely suppressed extremists when they took the law into their own hands.
• Surat Split:
  • The distance between moderates and extremists increased during the Surat Split.

2. Morley-Minto Reforms

• Key Individuals:
  • Secretary of State: John Morley
  • Viceroy: Lord Minto
• Simla Deputation (1906):
  • Muslim delegation led by Aga Khan.
  • Demand: Separate electorate and other rights.
• Gokhale’s Visit to England:
  • Went to meet Morley.
• Key Points:
  • Indians were allowed to participate in various legislative councils.
  • Reforms in the electoral process.
  • Majority of non-official members in the district councils.

3. Separate Electorate for Muslims

• 1909 Act:
  • Provision for separate electorates.
  • Representation according to the Muslim population.
• Economic Qualifications:
  • Income qualifications for Muslim candidates were different from those for Hindus.
• Voting on Budget:
  • Was not possible to vote on the overall budget.

4. Evaluation of Morley-Minto Reforms

• Legitimization of Communalism:
  • Communalism gained legitimacy.
• Impact on National Unity:
  • Promoted divisions between various nationalities.
• Policy for Moderates and Muslims:
  • Not for all Muslim communities, but for some specific classes.
• Responsible Legislature:
  • The legislature was not responsible.

Conclusion

• The Morley-Minto reforms are significant in this chapter.
• Keep studying!