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.
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- 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.

