Explanation: The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule. The party was initially divided into two factions: the Moderates and the Extremists. The Moderates, including Gopal Krishna Gokhale, believed in a gradual and constitutional approach to achieve self-government. They sought to work within the existing political framework and believed in the power of dialogue and cooperation with the British to secure Indian rights and reforms.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale, born in 1866, was a prominent Moderate leader and a key figure in the Indian National Congress. He was known for his intellectual prowess and his commitment to constitutional methods. Gokhale was a strong advocate for education and believed that the key to India's progress lay in the empowerment of its people through education and economic development. He was a mentor to many young leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, and played a significant role in shaping the early phase of the Indian nationalist movement.
In contrast, the Extremists, who emerged later, advocated for more direct and aggressive methods to achieve independence. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai were part of this faction, which believed in the use of mass movements and civil disobedience to challenge British rule.
Lord Curzon and John Morley, mentioned in the options, were British officials who played significant roles in the administration of India but were not part of the Indian nationalist movement. Lord Curzon was the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905 and is known for his policies, including the partition of Bengal, which led to widespread protests. John Morley was the Secretary of State for India and was involved in the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, which introduced some limited forms of Indian representation in the government.
Understanding the distinction between the Moderate and Extremist factions within the Indian National Congress is crucial for comprehending the evolution of the Indian freedom struggle. The Moderates, led by figures like Gopal Krishna Gokhale, laid the groundwork for the later, more radical movements that eventually led to India's independence in 1947.