Keywords To Remember
- Nationalist Movement – A political movement aimed at gaining independence from foreign rule and promoting national identity.
- East India Company – A British trading company that established political and military control over large parts of India before 1858.
- Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858) – The declaration that transferred the control of India from the East India Company to the British Crown.
- Indian Association (1876) – One of the earliest political organizations in India, founded by Surendranath Banerjee to represent Indian interests.
- Indian National Congress (INC) – A political party formed in 1885 to demand more rights and representation for Indians under British rule.
- Moderates – Early INC leaders (1885–1905) who believed in peaceful methods like petitions, speeches, and discussions to gain reforms.
- Radicals/Extremists – Leaders like Lal-Bal-Pal who believed in direct action, protests, and boycotts against British rule.
- Swadeshi – The practice of using goods made in one’s own country to promote local industries and reject foreign products.
- Boycott – The refusal to buy or use British goods and services as a form of protest.
- Partition of Bengal (1905) – The division of Bengal by the British, seen as a tactic to divide Hindus and Muslims and weaken the nationalist movement.
- Lal-Bal-Pal – Refers to three radical leaders: Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal.
- Swaraj – A Hindi term meaning ‘self-rule’ or ‘self-governance’.
- Muslim League (1906) – A political organization formed to represent the interests of the Muslim community in India.
- Divide and Rule – A British policy used to keep control over India by encouraging divisions among Indians, especially religious groups.
- Morley-Minto Reforms (1909) – British constitutional reforms that introduced separate electorates for Muslims, increasing communal divisions.
- Home Rule League (1916) – Organizations founded by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak to demand self-rule for India.
- Lucknow Pact (1916) – An agreement between the INC and the Muslim League to work together for common political goals.
- Mahatma Gandhi – Leader of the Indian freedom movement who introduced non-violent resistance as a method of protest.
- Satyagraha – Gandhiji’s philosophy of non-violent protest based on truth and moral courage.
- Sabarmati Ashram – Gandhiji’s residence and center of social reform and political training near Ahmedabad.
- Rowlatt Act (1919) – A law that allowed the British to arrest and detain people without trial, seen as a violation of civil liberties.
- Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) – A brutal killing of hundreds of peaceful Indian protestors by British troops under General Dyer.
- Khilafat Movement – A movement by Indian Muslims to support the Turkish Caliphate; later aligned with the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) – A mass protest led by Gandhiji urging Indians not to cooperate with British institutions.
- Chauri Chaura Incident (1922) – A violent episode where protesters set fire to a police station; led Gandhiji to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Swaraj Party (1923) – Formed by Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das to enter legislative councils and fight the British from within.
- Simon Commission (1927) – A British committee sent to suggest reforms in India without including any Indian members.
- Lahore Session (1929) – A meeting of the INC where the demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) was formally declared.
- Purna Swaraj – The goal of complete independence from British rule, declared by the Congress in 1929.
- January 26, 1930 – Celebrated as India’s first Independence Day; later chosen as the date for the enforcement of the Indian Constitution in 1950.
Something to Know
Tick (✔️) the correct option.
- Montague Chemsford reforms introduced—
(a) the system of Dual government.
(b) a strong Central Government.
(c) autonomy to the provinces of British India.
(d) separate electorate for the Muslims.
Answer – (c) autonomy to the provinces of British India.
- Gandhiji started the historic Dandi March from Sabarmati Asharam to Dandi on
(a) March 12,1930
(b) February 12,1930
(c) March 13,1930
(d) April 13,1930
Answer – (a) March 12,1930
- What was the British motive behind the partition of Bengal in July, 1905?
(a) It was difficult to govern such a big province.
(b) It was difficult to collect revenue in a large state like Bengal.
(c) The Britishers wanted to weaken the Hindu-Muslim unity.
(d) The Britishers wanted to win over the Muslims.
Answer – (c) The Britishers wanted to weaken the Hindu-Muslim unity.
- Who amongst the following was not a moderate?
(a) W.C. Bonnerjee
(b) Pherozshah Mehta
(c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
(d) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer – (d) Lala Lajpat Rai
- The slogan “Do or Die” was given during the—
(a) Non-Cooperation Movement
(b) Quit India Movement
(c) Civil Disobedience Movement
(d) Peasants and Workers’ Movement
Answer – (b) Quit India Movement
B. Fill in the blanks.
- The rule of East India Company ended on _________.
Answer – 1858
- _________was organised by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Answer – Indian National Army (INA)
- Early phase of Congress was under _________leaders.
Answer – moderate
- Home Rule League was started by _________ in Madras.
Answer – Annie Besant
- Rowlatt Act empowered the British to put people in jail without _________ .
Answer – trial
C. Match the following.
- Formation of Indian National Congress (a) 1906
- Morley Minto Reforms (b) 1919
- Formation of Muslim League (c) 1927
- Montague Chemsford Reforms (d) 1885
- Simon Commission to India (e) 1909
Answer –
Column A | Column B |
1. Formation of Indian National Congress | (d) 1885 |
2. Morley Minto Reforms | (e) 1909 |
3. Formation of Muslim League | (a) 1906 |
4. Montague Chemsford Reforms | (b) 1919 |
5. Simon Commission to India | (c) 1927 |
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Mention the main demands of the radical group of the Congress.
Answer – The radical group of the Congress, also called the extremists, demanded:
Immediate self-rule (Swaraj) for Indians.
Direct action against the British instead of petitions and prayers.
Boycott of British goods and institutions and promotion of Swadeshi movement.
- State the major achievements of Lucknow Pact of 1916.
Answer – The major achievements of the Lucknow Pact were:
Unity between the Moderates and Extremists in the Congress.
Hindu-Muslim unity, as the Congress and the Muslim League agreed to work together for common political goals.
It marked a joint demand for greater self-governance from the British.
- Describe the contribution of Subash Chandra Bose in the freedom struggle of India.
Answer – Subhash Chandra Bose played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle by:
Leading the Indian National Army (INA) to fight the British militarily.
Inspiring Indians with slogans like “Give me blood and I will give you freedom”.
Establishing the Provisional Government of Free India in exile.
Reviving patriotism among Indians during World War II.
- List the main features of the Lahore session of Congress in 1929.
Answer – The main features of the Lahore session were:
Demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) was declared.
26th January was fixed to be celebrated as Independence Day.
A resolution was passed to launch the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Explain any three main provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer – Three main provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935 were:
It provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation.
Introduced provincial autonomy, giving more powers to elected provincial governments.
Established a bicameral legislature at the Centre (Federal Assembly and Council of States).
E. Answer the following questions.
- Who were the moderates? What were their main demands?
Answer – The Moderates were the early leaders of the Indian National Congress who believed in peaceful and constitutional methods to achieve reforms. Key leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and W.C. Bonnerjee.
Their main demands were:
Greater participation of Indians in the legislative councils.
Reduction of taxes and military expenditure.
Protection of Indian industries through economic reforms.
Freedom of speech and press.
Holding of civil services exams in India.
- Describe the role played by any two mass movements towards intensifying the struggle for freedom.
Answer – Two important mass movements that intensified the freedom struggle were:
(i) Non-Cooperation Movement (1920):
Led by Mahatma Gandhi, it involved boycotting British goods, schools, law courts, and titles.
It encouraged self-reliance and Swadeshi, creating nationwide unity.
(ii) Civil Disobedience Movement (1930):
Started with the Dandi March, this movement involved breaking British laws, especially the salt law.
It united people across regions, classes, and genders against British rule.
- Why did Gandhiji give a call to start Non-Cooperation Movement? Which activities gave momentum to this Movement?
Answer – Gandhiji launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in response to:
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) and the Rowlatt Act.
The British failure to grant self-rule even after Indian support in World War I.
The Khilafat Movement, which aimed to support the Caliph of Turkey.
Activities that gave momentum:
Boycott of British goods, schools, colleges, and courts.
Promotion of Khadi and Swadeshi products.
Resignation of Indians from government posts and British titles.
Widespread peaceful protests and public meetings.
- Describe two main features of each of Morley Minto Reforms of 1909 and Government of India Act of 1919 as well as 1935.
Answer – Morley-Minto Reforms (1909):
Introduced separate electorates for Muslims, dividing Indian unity.
Increased the number of Indians in legislative councils, though with limited powers.
Government of India Act (1919):
Introduced the system of Dyarchy in provinces (subjects divided into transferred and reserved).
Expanded provincial legislative councils and increased Indian participation.
Government of India Act (1935):
Proposed an All-India Federation (though never implemented).
Introduced provincial autonomy, allowing Indian ministers to control provincial affairs.
- “Quit India Movement was the last blow to the British rule in India.” Give arguments in support this statement.
Answer – The Quit India Movement (1942) was indeed the final major mass protest against British rule. Arguments in support:
It was a nationwide revolt demanding immediate independence.
British authorities responded with mass arrests, but the movement continued underground.
It showed the determination of Indians to end colonial rule at any cost.
The movement weakened British control, especially during World War II.
It convinced the British that governing India without Indian cooperation was impossible, leading to the decision to leave India in 1947.
Value Based Question
‘
Ever since the freedom struggle under the British in India, there had constant disagreements between the ways of the moderates, the extremists and various reactionary leaders, such as Gandhiji, Chandrashekhar Azad, Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru. All of them contributed to the freedom struggle in their own ways.
- Whose way, do you feel, was more effective and why?
Answer – In my opinion, Mahatma Gandhi’s way of non-violence and mass mobilization was the most effective in uniting the people of India across regions, religions, and social classes.
His method of Satyagraha inspired millions to participate in the freedom movement.
Movements like the Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India showed the power of peaceful resistance.
Gandhi’s ideology also earned international sympathy for India’s cause and weakened the moral authority of the British Empire.
While leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad took a bold militant path, and Nehru focused on planning and modernization, it was Gandhi’s inclusive and peaceful approach that created a nationwide awakening.
- Keeping in mind the present-day problems of our country, what should be the role of citizens?
Answer – Today, the role of citizens is crucial in building a strong and united nation. They should:
Respect the Constitution and uphold democratic values.
Be aware and responsible voters to ensure good governance.
Actively participate in community development and social service.
Promote tolerance, unity, and harmony in a diverse society.
Follow the principles of truth, non-violence, and honesty in daily life.
Support environmental protection, gender equality, and education for all.
Responsible citizenship is the foundation of a progressive, corruption-free, and inclusive India.
(Map Skill)
On an outline political map of India, locate and label the places/states associated with the following:
(a) Formation of Indian National Congress
(b) Home Rule League
(c) Jalliawanwala Bagh Massacre
(d) The Congress session of 1920
(e) Division of Congress 1907
(f) Terminal point of the Salt March 1930
(g) Place associated with the calling off of Non-Cooperation Movement
Answer –
Event/Movement | Place/State | Explanation |
(a) Formation of Indian National Congress (1885) | Mumbai (then Bombay), Maharashtra | The first session of INC was held in Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay. |
(b) Home Rule League | Chennai (then Madras), Tamil Nadu | Started by Annie Besant in Madras in 1916. |
(c) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) | Amritsar, Punjab | Site of the tragic massacre on 13 April 1919. |
(d) Congress Session of 1920 | Nagpur, Maharashtra | The Congress session where the Non-Cooperation Movement was adopted. |
(e) Division of Congress (1907) | Surat, Gujarat | The Congress split into Moderates and Extremists at the Surat session. |
(f) Terminal Point of the Salt March (1930) | Dandi, Gujarat | Gandhiji completed the Salt March at Dandi on April 6, 1930. |
(g) Place associated with calling off the Non-Cooperation Movement (1922) | Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh | Violent incident led Gandhiji to call off the movement. |
Something To Do
- Conduct a street play to show, any one of these—
- demonstrations against the Partition of Bengal,
- protest against the Simon Commission at Lahore led by Lala Lajpat Rai
- the Dandi March led by Gandhiji to start the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Answer – We chose to enact a street play based on the Dandi March led by Gandhiji to start the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930.
Title of the Play: “Salt of Freedom”
Plot:
The play opens with scenes showing oppressive British salt laws.
Gandhiji announces the Salt March at Sabarmati Ashram.
Volunteers including Sarojini Naidu and others join the march.
The march proceeds through Gujarat, gaining public support.
Finally, Gandhiji breaks the salt law at Dandi on April 6, 1930.
The play ends with a powerful message about civil disobedience and unity in the fight for independence.
Message:
Non-violence and mass participation can bring about great change.
- Complete the given flowchart showing the years and events related to them.
Answer –
Year | Event |
1885 | Formation of Indian National Congress |
1905 | Partition of Bengal |
1916 | Lucknow Pact signed between INC and Muslim League |
1919 | Jallianwala Bagh Massacre; Montague-Chelmsford Reforms |
1920 | Beginning of Non-Cooperation Movement |
1930 | Dandi March and Civil Disobedience Movement |
1942 | Quit India Movement launched |
1947 | India gained Independence |
- Visit Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi at Rajghat. Collect information about Gandhiji from the museum located nearby called Gandhi Smriti.
Answer – I visited Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi. It is a peaceful black marble platform marking the spot of his cremation on 31st January 1948.
At Gandhi Smriti Museum, I learned:
Gandhiji was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar.
He led movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India.
He believed in truth, non-violence (Ahimsa), and Satyagraha.
His simple lifestyle and principles inspired millions.
Personal items like his spectacles, charkha (spinning wheel), and letters are displayed.
The museum also has a multimedia gallery and a replica of Gandhiji’s room.
Reflection:
The visit helped me understand Gandhiji not just as a freedom fighter but as a moral leader who transformed society through non-violence.
Additional Questions and Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
- The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in the year _________ .
Answer: 1920
- The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place in _________ under General Dyer.
Answer: 1919
- The Rowlatt Act was passed in the year _________ .
Answer: 1919
- Subhash Chandra Bose formed the Indian National Army in _________ .
Answer: 1943
- The slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it” was given by _________ .
Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- The Quit India Movement began on _________.
Answer: 8 August 1942
- The _________ was appointed in 1927 without any Indian member.
Answer: Simon Commission
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Who was the Viceroy of India at the time of the Quit India Movement?
(a) Lord Irwin
(b) Lord Mountbatten
(c) Lord Linlithgow
(d) Lord Curzon
Answer: (c) Lord Linlithgow
- Which session of Congress declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ as its goal?
(a) Bombay Session
(b) Lucknow Session
(c) Lahore Session
(d) Surat Session
Answer: (c) Lahore Session
- The slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” was popularised by—
(a) Bhagat Singh
(b) Subhash Chandra Bose
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: (a) Bhagat Singh
- When was the Indian National Army formed?
(a) 1920
(b) 1939
(c) 1942
(d) 1945
Answer: (c) 1942
- Who was the first president of the Indian National Congress?
(a) Dadabhai Naoroji
(b) W.C. Bonnerjee
(c) A.O. Hume
(d) Badruddin Tyabji
Answer: (b) W.C. Bonnerjee
True or False (with Answers)
- The Simon Commission was opposed because it had no Indian member.
Answer: True
- Gandhiji supported the British in World War II from the very beginning.
Answer: False
- The Moderates used constitutional methods to achieve reforms.
Answer: True
- The Swadeshi Movement was started in 1942.
Answer: False
- The Congress split in 1907 took place at Lahore.
Answer: False
Competency-Based Questions and Answers
- Question: Imagine you are a young Indian in 1930. How would the Salt March inspire you to join the freedom movement?
Answer: The Salt March was a symbol of breaking unjust British laws through non-violence. It would inspire me as it showed that even a simple act like making salt could challenge colonial authority and bring people together for a national cause.
- Question: Why did the Indian National Congress refuse to support the Simon Commission?
Answer: The Commission did not include any Indian members, and Indians felt that laws for their country should not be made without their representation.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions
- Why do you think Gandhiji chose salt as the symbol for civil disobedience?
Answer: Salt was a basic necessity used by all, rich and poor. The British imposed a tax on it, affecting everyone. By breaking the salt law, Gandhiji chose a symbol that united people across classes and showed how unjust laws could be peacefully challenged.
- How would India’s freedom struggle have been different without the involvement of youth leaders like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad?
Answer: The participation of revolutionary youth leaders added a sense of urgency and militancy to the movement. They inspired young people and brought national attention to the cause through bold acts, balancing Gandhiji’s non-violence with more direct action.
Short Answer Questions
- Name any two important revolutionaries and mention one contribution of each.
Answer: Bhagat Singh – involved in the Assembly Bombing Case; Chandrashekhar Azad – fought bravely against the British and never got captured alive.
- What was the purpose of forming the Indian National Congress?
Answer: To bring together educated Indians on a common platform to present demands and reforms to the British Government peacefully.
Long Answer Questions
- Describe the causes, events, and outcomes of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer: Causes: Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Rowlatt Act, and dissatisfaction with British policies.
Events: Boycott of British goods, schools, and colleges; return of titles; peaceful protests.
Outcome: Widespread participation, but called off after Chauri Chaura incident due to violence. It marked a new era of mass mobilization in the freedom struggle.
- Discuss the role of Subhash Chandra Bose and the INA in India’s freedom movement.
Answer: Bose believed in armed struggle and formed the INA to fight the British militarily. His slogan “Give me blood and I shall give you freedom” inspired many. Although the INA failed militarily, it sparked patriotic sentiments and influenced the British decision to leave India.
Additional Questions and Answer – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The Rule of the East India Company ended with Queen Victoria’s Proclamation on ________, 1858.
Answer: November 1
- The Indian National Congress was formed in December 1885 by ________, a retired British official.
Answer: A.O. Hume
- The first meeting of the Indian National Congress was held in ________ under W.C. Bonnerjee’s presidentship.
Answer: Bombay
- The Moderates followed a policy of ________, Petition, and Protest to achieve their goals.
Answer: Prayer
- Lord ________ issued an order in 1905 to partition Bengal to weaken the National Movement.
Answer: Curzon
- The ________ Movement adopted Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education as tools for Swaraj.
Answer: Swadeshi
- The ________ League was formed in 1906 by Aga Khan and Nawab Salimulla of Dhaka.
Answer: Muslim
- The ________ Reforms of 1909 granted separate electorates to Muslims, threatening Hindu-Muslim unity.
Answer: Morley-Minto
- In 1916, ________ Besant established the Home Rule League in Madras.
Answer: Annie
- Mahatma Gandhi’s first movement in India was in ________, Bihar, in 1917, supporting peasants.
Answer: Champaran
- The ________ Act of 1919 introduced Dyarchy in provincial governance.
Answer: Montague-Chelmsford
- The ________ Act of 1919 allowed the British to arrest people without a warrant.
Answer: Rowlatt
- The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in ________, Punjab.
Answer: Amritsar
- The ________ Movement, launched in 1920, aimed to end British rule through non-cooperation.
Answer: Non-Cooperation
- The ________ incident in 1922 led Gandhi to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer: Chauri Chaura
- The ________ Commission of 1927 was boycotted for lacking Indian representation.
Answer: Simon
- The Lahore Session of 1929, presided by ________, passed the resolution for Purna Swaraj.
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru
- Mahatma Gandhi’s ________ March in 1930 was a protest against the British salt monopoly.
Answer: Dandi
- The ________ Mission of 1942 failed to grant India’s demand for complete independence.
Answer: Cripps
- Subhash Chandra Bose reorganized the ________ to overthrow British rule.
Answer: Indian National Army
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- When did the Rule of the East India Company end?
- a) 1857
- b) 1858
- c) 1860
- d) 1865
Answer: b) 1858
- Who founded the Indian National Congress in 1885?
- a) W.C. Bonnerjee
- b) A.O. Hume
- c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- d) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: b) A.O. Hume
- Who was the president of the first Indian National Congress meeting?
- a) Surendranath Banerjee
- b) W.C. Bonnerjee
- c) Pheroz Shah Mehta
- d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer: b) W.C. Bonnerjee
- What was the Moderates’ main method to achieve their goals?
- a) Violent protests
- b) Prayer, Petition, Protest
- c) Armed rebellion
- d) Economic boycott
Answer: b) Prayer, Petition, Protest
- Why did Lord Curzon partition Bengal in 1905?
- a) Administrative efficiency
- b) Economic development
- c) To weaken Hindu-Muslim unity
- d) To promote Swaraj
Answer: c) To weaken Hindu-Muslim unity
- Which slogan was associated with Bal Gangadhar Tilak?
- a) Do or Die
- b) Swaraj is my birthright
- c) Vande Mataram
- d) Quit India
Answer: b) Swaraj is my birthright
- Who founded the Muslim League in 1906?
- a) Aga Khan
- b) Jawaharlal Nehru
- c) Annie Besant
- d) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: a) Aga Khan
- What was a key feature of the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909?
- a) Complete independence
- b) Separate electorates for Muslims
- c) Universal suffrage
- d) Abolition of Dyarchy
Answer: b) Separate electorates for Muslims
- Where did Annie Besant establish the Home Rule League in 1916?
- a) Bombay
- b) Madras
- c) Calcutta
- d) Delhi
Answer: b) Madras
- What was Mahatma Gandhi’s first movement in India?
- a) Non-Cooperation Movement
- b) Dandi March
- c) Champaran Movement
- d) Quit India Movement
Answer: c) Champaran Movement
- What was introduced by the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919?
- a) Separate electorates
- b) Dyarchy
- c) Federal Court
- d) Complete independence
Answer: b) Dyarchy
- Why was the Rowlatt Act of 1919 called the Black Law?
- a) It banned foreign goods
- b) It allowed arrests without appeal or lawyer
- c) It imposed high taxes
- d) It restricted press freedom
Answer: b) It allowed arrests without appeal or lawyer
- Where did the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occur?
- a) Lahore
- b) Amritsar
- c) Delhi
- d) Calcutta
Answer: b) Amritsar
- What was the main goal of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
- a) Economic reform
- b) End British rule through non-cooperation
- c) Promote British goods
- d) Establish a separate Muslim state
Answer: b) End British rule through non-cooperation
- Why did Gandhi withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement?
- a) British concessions
- b) Chauri Chaura incident
- c) Lack of support
- d) World War II
Answer: b) Chauri Chaura incident
- Why was the Simon Commission boycotted in 1927?
- a) It proposed partition
- b) It lacked Indian representation
- c) It imposed taxes
- d) It banned Congress
Answer: b) It lacked Indian representation
- What resolution was passed at the Lahore Session of 1929?
- a) Non-Cooperation
- b) Purna Swaraj
- c) Swadeshi
- d) Quit India
Answer: b) Purna Swaraj
- What was the Dandi March protesting against?
- a) High taxes
- b) Salt monopoly
- c) Press censorship
- d) Land revenue
Answer: b) Salt monopoly
- Who led the Indian National Army to overthrow British rule?
- a) Jawaharlal Nehru
- b) Subhash Chandra Bose
- c) Bhagat Singh
- d) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: b) Subhash Chandra Bose
- What did the Cabinet Mission of 1946 propose?
- a) Complete independence
- b) Interim Government and Constituent Assembly
- c) Partition of India
- d) Continuation of British rule
Answer: b) Interim Government and Constituent Assembly
True/False Questions and Answers
- The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 by A.O. Hume.
Answer: True
- The Moderates believed in violent protests to achieve their goals.
Answer: False (They followed Prayer, Petition, Protest.)
- The partition of Bengal in 1905 was officially justified as an administrative necessity.
Answer: True
- The Swadeshi Movement encouraged the use of foreign goods.
Answer: False (It promoted Swadeshi goods and boycotted foreign goods.)
- The Muslim League was formed in 1906 to support the Indian National Congress.
Answer: False (It was formed as a separate Muslim organization.)
- The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 granted India complete independence.
Answer: False (They granted separate electorates but not independence.)
- Annie Besant established the Home Rule League in Maharashtra.
Answer: False (She established it in Madras.)
- The Lucknow Pact of 1916 reunited the Moderates and Radicals.
Answer: True
- The Rowlatt Act allowed arrests without a warrant or trial.
Answer: True
- The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred in Lahore.
Answer: False (It occurred in Amritsar.)
- The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched to protest injustices in Punjab and Turkey.
Answer: True
- Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement due to British concessions.
Answer: False (It was due to the Chauri Chaura incident.)
- The Simon Commission included Indian representatives.
Answer: False (It lacked Indian representation.)
- The Lahore Session of 1929 declared January 26 as Independence Day.
Answer: True
- The Dandi March was a protest against the British salt monopoly.
Answer: True
- The Cripps Mission of 1942 granted India complete independence.
Answer: False (It failed to meet independence demands.)
- Subhash Chandra Bose sought help from Germany and Japan to fight the British.
Answer: True
- The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942 with the slogan “Do or Die.”
Answer: True
- The Muslim League agreed to join the Interim Government in 1946.
Answer: False (They refused to participate.)
- The partition of India was accepted due to widespread riots.
Answer: True
Competency-Based Questions and Answers
- Question: Imagine you are a historian analyzing the role of the Indian National Congress in the Nationalist Movement. How would you use Congress session records and British reports to assess its impact?
Answer: As a historian, I would analyze Congress session records, such as those from Bombay (1885), Calcutta (1906), and Lahore (1929), to trace the evolution of demands from moderate reforms (e.g., Indian representation) to Purna Swaraj. These records highlight the shift from Moderates’ petitions to Radicals’ Swadeshi and mass movements like Non-Cooperation. British reports, such as those on the partition of Bengal or Jallianwala Bagh, would reveal colonial strategies to suppress Congress, like divide-and-rule tactics or martial law. By cross-referencing, I would conclude that Congress unified diverse groups, mobilized mass protests, and pressured British reforms, shaping India’s path to independence despite internal splits and colonial repression.
- Question: Evaluate the effectiveness of Gandhi’s non-violent strategies using movement records and British correspondence.
Answer: Gandhi’s non-violent strategies, like Satyagraha, were highly effective, as seen in movement records and British correspondence. Records of the Champaran (1917), Non-Cooperation (1920-22), and Dandi March (1930) show mass participation by peasants, students, and women, with actions like boycotts and hartals disrupting British administration. British correspondence, such as responses to the Rowlatt Act protests or Quit India Movement, reveals their alarm at the scale of unrest, leading to concessions like the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms. Despite setbacks, like the Chauri Chaura withdrawal, Gandhi’s strategies unified Indians and gained global sympathy, forcing negotiations like the Round Table Conferences, significantly advancing the freedom struggle.
- Question: Design a research plan to study the role of revolutionary movements in India’s independence using trial records and nationalist writings.
Answer: Research Plan:
– Objective: To analyze the role of revolutionary movements in India’s independence.
– Sources: Collect trial records (e.g., Kakori Conspiracy Case, Lahore Conspiracy Case) from British archives and nationalist writings (e.g., Bhagat Singh’s letters, Aurobindo Ghosh’s Jugantar publications) from Indian repositories.
– Methodology: Examine trial records for details on revolutionary actions, like the Kakori Train Robbery or Central Assembly bombing, to assess their impact on British administration. Analyze nationalist writings for ideological motivations, such as anti-colonialism and socialism, and their appeal to youth. Cross-reference with British responses to gauge colonial fear.
– Expected Outcome: The study will show that revolutionary movements, though limited in scale, inspired mass resistance, pressured British reforms, and complemented non-violent struggles, contributing to the momentum for independence.
- Question: How would you use the partition of Bengal to explain British divide-and-rule tactics and their impact on the Nationalist Movement?
Answer: The partition of Bengal (1905) exemplifies British divide-and-rule tactics, as seen in official orders and Indian responses. Lord Curzon’s order, claiming administrative necessity, aimed to weaken Hindu-Muslim unity, as British reports reveal intentions to isolate Bengal’s nationalist hub. Indian responses, like Swadeshi Movement records and Vande Mataram protests, show unified resistance, with boycotts and rallies spreading nationwide. The partition galvanized the Nationalist Movement, radicalizing leaders like Lal-Bal-Pal and prompting Congress’s Swaraj demand in 1906. By analyzing these sources, I would demonstrate that British tactics backfired, strengthening nationalist resolve and Hindu-Muslim cooperation, as seen in the Lucknow Pact (1916), advancing the freedom struggle.
- Question: Assess the impact of Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army on the British and the path to independence using INA trial records and British correspondence.
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) significantly impacted British rule, as evidenced by INA trial records and British correspondence. Trial records of INA officers, who hoisted the tricolor, highlight their military efforts to overthrow the British, inspiring widespread admiration. British correspondence, such as responses to INA’s collaboration with Japan, reveals colonial fears of losing military loyalty, especially post-World War II. The INA’s actions, coupled with public support during trials, pressured the British, as seen in the Cabinet Mission (1946). By analyzing these sources, I would conclude that the INA accelerated independence by weakening British morale and galvanizing nationalist sentiment, complementing Congress’s efforts.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why did the British introduce reforms like Morley-Minto and Montague-Chelmsford, and how did these reforms shape the Nationalist Movement?
Answer: The British introduced reforms like Morley-Minto (1909) and Montague-Chelmsford (1919) to pacify Indian demands and maintain control amid growing unrest, as seen in British parliamentary debates. Morley-Minto’s separate electorates aimed to divide Hindus and Muslims, while Montague-Chelmsford’s Dyarchy offered limited power to Indians, retaining British dominance over key subjects. These reforms, documented in Congress resolutions, disillusioned Moderates, radicalized the movement, and fueled demands for Swaraj, as seen in the Lucknow Pact (1916) and Non-Cooperation Movement. By failing to grant true self-rule, the reforms united diverse groups against British rule, accelerating the Nationalist Movement’s momentum toward complete independence.
- Question: Analyze the role of mass movements like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience in uniting diverse Indian communities and challenging British rule.
Answer: Mass movements like Non-Cooperation (1920-22) and Civil Disobedience (1930-34) unified diverse Indian communities and challenged British rule, as seen in movement records and British responses. Non-Cooperation’s boycotts and hartals, involving peasants, students, and women, fostered Hindu-Muslim unity, as Khilafat Movement records show. The Dandi March, documented in Congress reports, mobilized nationwide protests against the salt monopoly, uniting regions and castes. British correspondence reveals their struggle to suppress these movements, resorting to arrests and violence. By transcending regional and social divides, these movements created a national identity, pressured reforms like the Government of India Act (1935), and laid the groundwork for Quit India, significantly weakening British control.
- Question: Evaluate the impact of revolutionary movements on the Nationalist Movement and their role in achieving independence.
Answer: Revolutionary movements, like the Kakori Train Robbery and Lahore Conspiracy Case, had a profound impact on the Nationalist Movement, as trial records and nationalist writings reveal. Actions by Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and groups like the Hindustani Socialist Republican Association inspired youth with their bravery, as seen in public support during trials. British correspondence shows colonial fears of revolutionary influence, prompting harsher laws like the Rowlatt Act. While limited in scale, these movements complemented non-violent struggles by radicalizing public sentiment and pressuring British concessions, as seen in the Cripps Mission’s failure. Their martyrdom fueled nationalist resolve, contributing to the momentum for independence by 1947.
- Question: How did Gandhi’s leadership transform the Nationalist Movement, and what were its limitations in achieving immediate independence?
Answer: Gandhi’s leadership transformed the Nationalist Movement by introducing Satyagraha, mobilizing masses, and fostering inclusivity, as seen in Champaran, Non-Cooperation, and Dandi March records. His non-violent strategies, emphasizing Swadeshi and Hindu-Muslim unity, united diverse groups, as Khilafat Movement alliances show, and gained global sympathy, pressuring British negotiations. However, limitations included premature withdrawals, like Chauri Chaura, which frustrated leaders like Nehru, as Congress records note, and his focus on social reforms sometimes diverted political momentum. British correspondence reveals their exploitation of these pauses to regroup. Despite delays, Gandhi’s mass-based approach created a national movement, paving the way for independence, though revolutionary and radical efforts supplemented his strategies for faster results.
- Question: Assess the reasons for the partition of India and its impact on the Nationalist Movement’s vision of a united India.
Answer: The partition of India, formalized in 1947, resulted from British divide-and-rule tactics, Muslim League’s demand for Pakistan, and communal riots, as seen in Cabinet Mission (1946) records and Mountbatten’s plan. British policies, like Morley-Minto’s separate electorates, sowed communal discord, while the League’s refusal to join the Interim Government escalated tensions, as Congress correspondence shows. Riots forced leaders like Gandhi to accept partition, despite their vision of a united India, as nationalist writings reveal. The partition fragmented the Nationalist Movement’s goal of unity, creating India and Pakistan, but it also galvanized post-independence efforts to foster secularism and integration, as seen in India’s Constitution, reflecting the movement’s enduring ideals despite the setback.
Short Questions and Answers
- Question: When did the Rule of the East India Company end?
Answer: November 1, 1858.
- Question: Who founded the Indian National Congress?
Answer: A.O. Hume.
- Question: Where was the first Indian National Congress meeting held?
Answer: Bombay.
- Question: What was the Moderates’ policy called?
Answer: Prayer, Petition, Protest.
- Question: Why was Bengal partitioned in 1905?
Answer: To weaken Hindu-Muslim unity.
- Question: What was Tilak’s famous slogan?
Answer: Swaraj is my birthright.
- Question: Who formed the Muslim League in 1906?
Answer: Aga Khan and Nawab Salimulla.
- Question: What did the Morley-Minto Reforms introduce?
Answer: Separate electorates for Muslims.
- Question: Where did Annie Besant establish the Home Rule League?
Answer: Madras.
- Question: What was Gandhi’s first movement in India?
Answer: Champaran Movement.
- Question: What was introduced by the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms?
Answer: Dyarchy.
- Question: What was the Rowlatt Act nicknamed?
Answer: Black Law.
- Question: Where did the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occur?
Answer: Amritsar.
- Question: What was the goal of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer: End British rule through non-cooperation.
- Question: Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn?
Answer: Chauri Chaura incident.
- Question: Why was the Simon Commission boycotted?
Answer: Lack of Indian representation.
- Question: What was declared at the Lahore Session of 1929?
Answer: Purna Swaraj.
- Question: What did the Dandi March protest?
Answer: Salt monopoly.
- Question: Who led the Indian National Army?
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose.
- Question: What did the Cabinet Mission propose in 1946?
Answer: Interim Government and Constituent Assembly.
Long Questions and Answers
- Question: Discuss the formation and evolution of the Indian National Congress and its role in the Nationalist Movement from 1885 to 1947.
Answer: The Indian National Congress (INC), formed in 1885 by A.O. Hume in Bombay, evolved from a moderate platform to the backbone of the Nationalist Movement. Initially, Moderates like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji, as session records show, used petitions for reforms like Indian representation and Swaraj, believing in British goodwill. By 1905, Radicals like Lal-Bal-Pal, radicalized by Bengal’s partition, pushed Swadeshi and boycotts, as seen in the 1906 Calcutta session’s Swaraj call. The 1907 Surat split highlighted ideological divides, but the 1916 Lucknow Pact reunited them. Under Gandhi’s leadership post-1919, INC launched mass movements like Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India, mobilizing diverse groups, as Congress reports note. British responses, like the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh, fueled its resolve. Despite challenges like partition, INC’s unified resistance forced British concessions, culminating in independence in 1947, shaping modern India’s democratic ethos.
- Question: Explain the significance of Gandhi’s non-violent movements (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India) in the Indian freedom struggle.
Answer: Gandhi’s non-violent movements—Non-Cooperation (1920-22), Civil Disobedience (1930-34), and Quit India (1942)—were pivotal in the Indian freedom struggle, as movement records and British correspondence reveal. Non-Cooperation, launched against Punjab and Turkey injustices, involved boycotts and hartals, uniting Hindus and Muslims, as Khilafat Movement records show, but was withdrawn after Chauri Chaura. The Civil Disobedience Movement, sparked by the Dandi March against the salt monopoly, saw nationwide protests, with peasants and women joining, as Congress reports note, challenging British economic control. Quit India’s “Do or Die” call, despite mass arrests, as British records confirm, crippled administration. These movements mobilized millions, gained global sympathy, and pressured reforms like the Government of India Act (1935). Though paused by setbacks, they fostered national unity and eroded British legitimacy, paving the way for independence in 1947.
- Question: Analyze the causes and consequences of the partition of Bengal and its impact on the Nationalist Movement.
Answer: The partition of Bengal in 1905, ordered by Lord Curzon, was caused by British intent to weaken Hindu-Muslim unity and curb Bengal’s nationalist influence, as British reports reveal, despite claims of administrative necessity. Consequences included widespread protests, with the Swadeshi Movement promoting Indian goods and boycotting British ones, as Congress records show. The Day of Mourning and Vande Mataram rallies, led by Radicals like Lal-Bal-Pal, radicalized the movement, leading to the 1906 Swaraj demand. The partition’s reversal in 1911, due to protests, marked a nationalist victory but deepened communal divides, as Morley-Minto Reforms’ separate electorates indicate. It galvanized the Nationalist Movement, fostering mass participation and unity, as seen in the Lucknow Pact, but set a precedent for communal politics, culminating in the 1947 partition.
- Question: Evaluate the role of revolutionary movements and their interplay with non-violent struggles in achieving India’s independence.
Answer: Revolutionary movements, like the Kakori Train Robbery (1925) and Lahore Conspiracy Case (1928), played a crucial role in India’s independence, complementing non-violent struggles, as trial records and nationalist writings show. Groups like the Hindustani Socialist Republican Association and Jugantar, led by Bhagat Singh and Aurobindo Ghosh, used armed actions to inspire youth and disrupt British administration, as seen in public support during trials. British correspondence reveals their fear of revolutionary influence, prompting repressive laws like the Rowlatt Act. While limited in scale, these actions radicalized public sentiment, amplifying the impact of Gandhi’s non-violent movements, like Non-Cooperation and Quit India, as Congress records note. The interplay pressured British concessions, like the Cripps Mission, and sustained nationalist momentum, ensuring independence in 1947 through a dual strategy of resistance.
- Question: Discuss the factors leading to the partition of India and how the Nationalist Movement adapted to this challenge.
Answer: The partition of India in 1947 resulted from multiple factors, as seen in British records and nationalist correspondence. British divide-and-rule tactics, like Morley-Minto’s separate electorates and encouragement of the Muslim League (1906), sowed communal discord. The League’s demand for Pakistan, intensified by riots and their refusal to join the 1946 Interim Government, as Cabinet Mission records show, forced partition. Widespread communal violence, noted in Mountbatten’s plan, left leaders like Gandhi with no choice but to accept it, despite their vision of unity, as Congress resolutions reveal. The Nationalist Movement adapted by focusing on secular governance post-independence, as seen in the Constitution’s adoption on January 26, 1950, honoring the Lahore Session’s legacy. Partition challenged the movement’s unity but strengthened its commitment to inclusivity, shaping modern India’s democratic framework.