Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 351

Who was elected the President of Indian National Congress in the Surat session 1907 famous for Surat split?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of the Surat split and the prominent leaders of the time.

Correct Answer: A) Dr Rash Bihari Ghosh.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Surat session of the Indian National Congress in 1907 was a pivotal moment in the history of the Indian independence movement. The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, was a political organization that played a crucial role in the struggle for India's independence from British rule. The Surat session was particularly significant because it marked a split within the Congress between the moderate and extremist factions.

The moderates, led by leaders such as Gopal Krishna Gokhale, advocated for a gradual and constitutional approach to achieve self-government. They believed in working within the existing political framework and sought to achieve their goals through dialogue and negotiation with the British authorities. On the other hand, the extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, were more radical in their approach. They believed in a more aggressive and direct confrontation with the British and advocated for the use of mass agitation and boycotts to achieve their goals.

The Surat split occurred due to the growing differences between these two factions. The moderates were in favor of a more conciliatory approach, while the extremists were pushing for a more militant stance. The split was further exacerbated by the differences in their views on the use of violence and the role of the British in India's future.

At the Surat session, Dr Rash Bihari Ghosh was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress. Dr Ghosh was a prominent lawyer and a moderate leader who had been involved in the Indian National Congress since its early days. His election as the President of the Congress at the Surat session was a reflection of the moderates' continued influence within the organization, despite the growing strength of the extremist faction.

The Surat split had significant implications for the Indian National Congress and the Indian independence movement. It led to a period of disunity within the Congress, with the moderates and extremists operating largely independently of each other. However, over time, the Congress was able to reunite and continue its struggle for independence, eventually leading to India's independence in 1947.

Understanding the Surat session and the leadership of Dr Rash Bihari Ghosh is important for comprehending the complex dynamics within the Indian National Congress and the broader context of the Indian independence movement. It highlights the internal debates and conflicts that shaped the strategies and approaches of the Congress in its fight against British colonial rule.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Dr Rash Bihari Ghosh was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress at the Surat session in 1907, which was notable for the Surat split between the moderate and extremist factions.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Mahatma Gandhi was not elected as the President of the Indian National Congress at the Surat session in 1907. He was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement but was not involved in the Surat split.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Jawaharlal Nehru was not elected as the President of the Indian National Congress at the Surat session in 1907. He was a significant leader in the Indian independence movement but was not involved in the Surat split.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Dr Rash Bihari Ghosh was indeed elected as the President of the Indian National Congress at the Surat session in 1907, so "None of these" is not the correct answer.

Mnemonic: RSG: Rash Bihari Ghosh, Surat session

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