Which one of the following defines extremist ideology 'during the early phase of Indian freedom movement?

Correct Option

The Extremist faction within the Indian National Congress (circa 1905-1917) advocated for a more assertive and direct approach to achieve Swaraj (self-government). They rejected the Moderate approach of petitions, prayers, and constitutional appeals. Their ideology emphasized self-reliance, mass mobilization, boycotts of foreign goods and institutions, and passive resistance. The primary goal was to obtain self-government through aggressive and confrontational means, rather than through negotiations or gradual reforms from the British government.

Incorrect Options

Option (A) Stimulating the production of indigenous articles by giving them preference over imported commodities: This describes the Swadeshi movement, which was a significant strategy employed by the Extremists. However, Swadeshi was a means to achieve economic self-reliance and put pressure on the British, rather than the defining political ideology for obtaining self-government itself. The core ideological shift of the Extremists was towards aggressive political action for self-rule.

Option (C) Providing national education according to the requirements of the country: While the Extremists did advocate for national education as part of their constructive program and to instill nationalist values, it was a broader reformist idea also supported by other factions and movements. It was not the central defining element of their political ideology for achieving freedom, which primarily focused on the methods of struggle against British rule.

Option (D) Organising coups against the British empire through military revolt: This approach characterizes revolutionary nationalism, which involved armed struggle and overthrowing British rule through force. While some revolutionary groups emerged during this period and were influenced by extremist thought, the mainstream Extremist leaders within the Congress, such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal, primarily advocated for mass political agitation, boycott, and passive resistance, not armed military insurrections or coups.