Which of the following was NOT a demand of the extremists?

The correct answer is Constitutional reforms.

Key Points

• The extremists within the Indian National Congress primarily demanded Complete Swaraj (self-rule).
• They advocated for the Promotion of Swadeshi industries to reduce dependency on British goods and promote Indian businesses.
• The goal of Complete independence from British rule was a core demand of the extremists.
• In contrast, Constitutional reforms were not a primary demand of the extremists, as they sought more radical changes than merely constitutional adjustments.

Additional Information

• Extremists in the Indian National Congress
  • Led by figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
  • They believed in direct action and mass mobilization to achieve self-rule.
  • Extremists used methods such as boycotts, Swadeshi movements, and passive resistance.
• Swadeshi Movement
  • Part of the larger Indian independence movement aimed at promoting Indian goods and boycotting British products.
  • Started in response to the partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon.
  • Encouraged self-reliance and the revival of domestic industries.
• Moderates vs. Extremists
  • Moderates believed in gradual reforms and constitutional methods to achieve self-governance.
  • Extremists demanded immediate self-rule and were willing to use more aggressive tactics.
  • The split between moderates and extremists became evident during the Surat session of the Indian National Congress in 1907.
• Partition of Bengal (1905)
  • Implemented by the British to divide and rule by separating the largely Muslim eastern areas from the largely Hindu western areas.
  • Led to widespread protests and was a significant factor in the rise of extremist activities.
  • The partition was eventually annulled in 1911 due to the intense opposition.