The Surat Split of 1907 marked a major ideological division within the Indian National Congress (INC), leading to the formal separation of Moderates and Extremists and significantly shaping the future of India’s freedom movement.

BulletsIn

• The Surat Split occurred during the 1907 Surat session of the Indian National Congress, dividing the party into Moderates and Extremists.
• The Moderates, led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, supported constitutional reforms and gradual change, while Extremists led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai demanded direct action.
• The immediate backdrop of the split was growing dissatisfaction after the Partition of Bengal (1905), which intensified nationalist sentiments.
• Leadership conflict over the INC presidency in 1907 further escalated tensions between the two groups.
• The Surat session descended into chaos, leading to its suspension and formal division within the Congress.
• The split weakened the Indian National Congress and delayed a unified national movement against British rule.
• British authorities benefited from the division and introduced several repressive laws to curb extremist activities.
• The reunion of Moderates and Extremists later took place through the Lucknow Pact of 1916, restoring unity in the nationalist movement.