Moderate means the members of congress (Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozshah Mehta, W.C. Bonnerjee) who worked within the framework of law and always placed their demands before the Government in the form of Prayer, protest and petitions.
Prepared a Base for Wider Freedom Movement:
1. Economic Critique of British Imperialism: The early nationalists analysed the political economy of British rule in India, and put forward the drain theory to explain British exploitation of India.
2. Rise of National Consciousness: They laid the foundation for the growth of feeling of India as a nation. They were able to create political awakening and consciousness among the public.
3. Constitutional Reforms: Britishers had established Imperial legislative councils under the Indian Councils Act 1861, to increase the number of Indians in the councils.
4. Administrative Reforms: Demand for increasing the number of Indians in the government services.
5. Contribution in Civil Rights: The moderates demanded protection of rights like right to free speech and liberty, right to association, freedom for free press etc. They demanded the removal of Preventive Detention Acts.
6. Issues of the National Interests: They demanded for the separation of Executive and Judiciary to avoid the arbitrary actions.
However, their role is not free from limitations:
1. Moderates came from homogenous background of professionals like lawyers.
2. They neither provided substantive nor descriptive representation of masses.
3. Many of the moderates were convinced about the fundamentally good nature of British rule, unaware of its stark repercussions for the common poor.
4. The cause of mass politics was harmed due to moderates’ intransigence which led to Surat split in congress and years of inactivity in national politics.
Moderates were like shields and Extremists were like swords. Despite the positive role played by moderates in furthering the cause of India’s independence, their role in providing a mass base to freedom struggle was limited.