Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates in Indian National Movements
Sri Aurobindo’s Critique of Political Moderates in the Indian National Movement
Sri Aurobindo was one of the most original and forceful thinkers of the early 20th-century Indian freedom struggle. He was not just a revolutionary and philosopher, but also a sharp political analyst who offered a strong critique of the moderate leaders of the Indian National Congress. To understand his views, we need to recall the situation of Indian politics at that time.
The Congress, since its founding in 1885, was dominated by the moderates—leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Pherozeshah Mehta, and others. They believed in gradual reform, petitioning the British government, and showing loyalty to the Crown. Their methods included passing resolutions, writing memorials, and appealing to British liberal opinion. They believed that the British rule had both benefits and faults, and that with reforms, India could gradually gain self-government under the Empire.
Aurobindo, however, found this approach timid, unrealistic, and out of tune with the actual needs of the country. His critique of moderates can be explained under several headings.
1. The Question of Political Goal
Moderates generally aimed at getting more representation in legislative councils, Indianization of the bureaucracy, and economic reforms within the British system. Their ultimate goal was dominion status within the Empire. Aurobindo thought this was far too limited. For him, the true goal of Indian politics was Purna Swaraj—complete independence. Anything short of this, he argued, would keep India chained.
He believed that no nation could progress without freedom. The moderates, by settling for partial concessions, were in fact strengthening colonial rule instead of challenging it.
2. The Method of Petition and Prayer
Moderates relied heavily on sending petitions, memorials, and appeals to the British Parliament. They thought British rulers would respond to reason and moral persuasion. Aurobindo strongly criticized this approach. In his writings in Bande Mataram and other journals, he mocked the endless passing of resolutions and begging for reforms.
According to him, no nation in history had won freedom by appealing to the goodwill of the oppressor. Real power, he argued, respects only strength, not petitions. To keep asking for reforms from the very rulers who exploited India was, in his eyes, a form of humiliation. He called this “politics of mendicancy.”
3. Faith in British Liberalism
Moderates often believed that the British government was essentially fair and just, and that if Indians could show themselves loyal, they would be rewarded with reforms. Aurobindo saw this as an illusion. He argued that colonialism was not a moral mission but a system of exploitation.
In his view, the British Parliament acted in its own self-interest, not out of concern for India. Depending on British generosity to solve India’s problems was, for him, a form of self-deception. He believed the only way to break free was through organized struggle and self-reliance.
4. Neglect of Masses
Another sharp point of critique was the moderate’s limited social base. The Congress of that time was largely an elite body of educated Indians, mostly lawyers, teachers, and professionals. They rarely mobilized peasants, workers, or common people. Aurobindo believed that true political awakening required involving the masses.
In his speeches, he called for political education of the people, use of indigenous languages, and building a spirit of sacrifice. Without mass participation, the movement would remain weak and ineffective.
Download Complete IGNOU Assignment Answer
Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates Sri Aurbindos critique of political moderates
