(a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto.
(b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government.
(c) Foundation of Muslim League.
(d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the president of the Indian National Congress.
- Answer: (b)
Option (b) is correct: The Surat Split was a turning point in the history of Nationalist Movement in India. The Congress split into two groups i.e., moderates and extremists at the Surat in 1907. The main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress (INC) is because of the extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government.
The Rift between these two sections became clearly visible at the Banaras Session of Congress (1905) when some nationalist led by Tilak denounced the method of the moderates and suggested passive resistance. They also advocated the boycott of British goods and government institutions. The moderates after the Surat Split in 1907 demanded colonial self government, as against the extremist demand of complete independence.
