The Extremist Ideology Program and Methods
The extremist showed no belief in British sense of justice and generosity, they adapted extra constitutional means and methods. The extremist leaders did not use violence but they took a sympathetic view of the activities of revolutionaries. They emphasized upon mass organization and showed faith in strength and power of the masses. They planned to achieve Swaraj through mass action. They used the methods of mass demonstration, protestation and agitation. They placed emphasis upon accusive aggression of rights and fighting for rights. They called for boycott of the British goods, institution and services. This included avoiding British clothes, schools courts and other services. They promoted the establishment of national schools and colleges to provide education free from colonial influence. They also encourage people to settle dispute through indigenous arbitration instead of relying upon British courts. The extremist emphasized upon Swaraj which meant complete independence from British rule. They rejected idea of gradual reform and demanded immediate and completely independence. While largely non-violent extremist advocated for active resistance against British policies. They extensively use newspaper and journals to spread nationalist ideas and criticized colonial policies. The leaders like Tilak use publication such as Kesari and Maratha to reach a wider audience. The extremist sought to receive and promote Indian culture, tradition and religious practices. They believe that strong sense of homogeneity in culture is essential to build up a strong national identity e.g. Tilak popularize the celebration of Ganesh festival (1893) and Shivaji festival (1894) to unite people and develop in depth sense of pride and cultural unity. These festival become occasions for public meeting and nationalist speeches. There was a fundamental change in the nature of Indian nationalism under extremist leadership due to their forceful articulation for the demand of Swaraj and use of more radical methods than those of the moderate. In this context they aroused a sense of cultural nationalism identity shaped by cultural tradition but not on the concept of common ancestry or race.