Question

Who among the following was a moderate leader?

• A. Pherozeshah Mehta
• B. Subhas Chandra Bose
• C. Lala Lajpat Rai
• D. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Hint:

Other prominent Moderate leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Indian National Congress in its early years was divided into two main factions: the Moderates and the Extremists (Radicals), based on their methods of seeking political reforms from the British.

Step 1: Analyze the options.
(A) Pherozeshah Mehta: He was one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress and a key leader of the Moderate faction. Moderates believed in "constitutional agitation" and the use of petitions and prayers.
(B) Subhas Chandra Bose: He was a radical nationalist who believed in complete independence through revolutionary means and military force.
(C) Lala Lajpat Rai \& (D) Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Along with Bipin Chandra Pal, they formed the famous "Lal-Bal-Pal" trio. They were the leaders of the Extremist wing, advocating for Swadeshi and Boycott movements.

Step 2: Conclusion.
Pherozeshah Mehta is the only leader among the choices who belonged to the Moderate group of the early Congress.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(A) \, \text{Pherozeshah Mehta}} \]