Nationalism in India
Important Question and Answers
1. Who was the leader of the peasants in the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh?
Ans.Alluri Sitaram Raju
2. Which pact reserved seats for Dalits in the provincial and central legislative
assembly?
Ans.Poona Pact
3. Which political party formed within the congress to argue for return to council
elections?
Ans.Swaraj Party
4. Why did Gandhiji begin fast unto death when Dr B. R. Ambedkar demanded
separate electorate for Dalits?
Ans.Separate Party
5.Name the leaders that formed the Swaraj Party?
Ans.Motilal Nehru And C.R Das
6 In which year did Gandhiji decided to launch a nationwide Satyagraha against the
Rowlatt Act?
Ans.1919
7. In which year was kheda Satyagraha organized?
Ans.1917
8. Name the object which was found to be a powerful symbol according to Gandhiji
that could unite the nation.
Ans.Salt
9.Name the place where Non Cooperation movement was called off?
Ans.Chauri Chaura
10. When was police fired in united province at peasants near Rae Bareli?
Ans.on 6th january 1921
11. In which year Ahmedabad mill worker’s Satyagraha was organized?
Ans.1918
12. Name the rebel leader of tribal people of Andhra Pradesh?
Ans.Alluri Sitaram Raju
13.When and where second round table conference was held?
Ans.The second round table conference was held at London in December 1931
14. Name the party which was formed by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru?
Ans.Swaraj party
15. Name the flag which was designed by Gandhiji in 1921?
Ans.Swaraj Flag
16. Give a major factor for the emergence of nationalism in India?
Ans.Anti colonial Movement
17.Who was M.R. Jayakar?
Ans.He was member of Hindu Mahasahba, who strongly opposed the efforts of compromise
during all Parties Conference in 1928.
18. What is Begar?
Ans.Begar is a type of labour that villagers were forced to contribute without any payment
19. Which name was given by Gandhiji to the Dalits?
Ans.Harijans or the children of God.
20. When and where was the second round Table conference held?
Ans.The second round table conference was held at London in December 1931.
Short Question and Answers
1.
Which political solutions were adopted by Dalits leaders to the problems of their
community?
Ans.A. Many Dalits leaders were keen on different political solutions to the problems of
the community.
B. They began organizing themselves and demanding reserved seats in electoral
institutions.
C. They also asked for separate electorate that would choose Dalits members for
legislative councils.
D. They believed, Political empowerment would resolve the problems of their social
disabilities.
E. Dr B R Ambedkar organized the Dalits and formed a Depressed classes Association
in 1930s.
F. These voluntary organizations also receive financial support from the government
for creating awareness among people.
2.
Why did the growth of nationalism in the colonies linked to anti colonial
movement?
Ans.By the end of Nineteenth century anti-colonial Movement in most of the colonies led to
the growth of nationalism. The colonial exploitation led to poverty and caused miseries
to the people. The shared a common hatred against the colonial rule. In colonies the
people began to discover their unity in the process of their struggle against
colonialism. Each section of the society felt the effects of colonialism. The British policy
of racialism and that of divide and rule exposed the nature of their rule and created the
feeling of oneness among Indians. They felt the sense of common hatred against
colonial rule.
3.
Why did the Rich peasant communities become active in the Civil Disobedience
Movement?
Ans.A. Rich peasant communities –like Patidars of Gujarat and the Jatts of Uttar Pradeshwere
active in the movement.
B. Being producers of cash crops, they were very hard hit by the trade depression and
falling prices.
C. As their cash income disappeared, they found it impossible to pay the government’s
revenue demand. And the refusal of the government to reduce the revenue demand
led to widespread resentment.
D. Due to this reason rich peasants become enthusiastic supporters of the civil
Disobedience Movement.
4.
What was the impact of Infamous Jallianwalla Bhag incident over Society and
British Government?
Ans.A. As the news of Jallianwalla Bagh spread, crowds took to the streets in many north
Indian towns.
B. There were strikes, classes with the police and attacks on government buildings.
C. The government responded with brutal repression, seeking to humiliate and
terrorize people.
D. Satyagrahis were forced to rub their noses on the ground, crawl on the streets, and
do salute to all sahibs.
E. People were flogged and village around Gujranwala in Punjab now in Pakistan were
bombed.
5.
Who gave the slogan “Inquilab – Zindabad”? What do you understand by this
slogan?
Ans.A. The famous slogan Inquilab Zindabad was given by Hasrat Mohani. This famous
slogan inspired the activities of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association
particularly Ashfaqulla Khan, Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad.
B. It is a Hindustani phrase taken from Persian which translates to "Long Live
Revolution".
C. It was a common phrase used by revolutionaries during the British rule over India.
D. It was popularized in the activities of the Hindustan Socialist Republican
Association by revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad,
who used it to urge future generations to endorse, and support the party’s
rebellious actions.
6.Read the passage and write down the answers of given questions:
It is said of “passive resistance” that it is the weapon of the weak but the power
which is the subject of this article can be used only by the strong. This power is not
passive resistance. Indeed it calls for intense activity. The movement in South
Africa was not passive but active……..Satyagraha is not physical force. A Satyagrahi
does not inflict pain on the adversary; he does not seek his destruction…..in the use
of Satyagraha, there is no ill-will whatever.
A. Who is this great man who spoke these words?
B. Name two methods used by him during the struggle for independence?
C. What is Satyagraha?
D. For what purpose the Satyagraha was used by the person named by you
in South Africa?
E. What is difference between physical force and soul-force?
Ans.A. Mahatma Gandhi
B. Satyagraha and Non-Violence
C. It was a non-violence method of mass agitation against the oppressor. The method
suggested that if the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, there is no
need for physical force to fight the oppressor.
D. Against injustice and apartheid system in South Africa,
E. Satyagraha is a soul force whereas arms force is a physical force. Physical force
depends upon ill-will while in the use of Satyagraha there is no ill-will.
7.Identify the reasons that why Muslim Political organizations in India were
lukewarm in their response to the civil disobedience Movement.
Ans.A. Some of the Muslim political organizations in India were also lukewarm in their
response to the Civil Disobedience Movement.
B. After the decline of the Non- Cooperation–Khilafat movement, a large section of
Muslims felt alienated from the congress.
C. From the mid-1920s the congress came to be more visibly associated with openly
Hindu religious nationalist group like the Hindu Mahasabha.
D. As relation between Hindus and Muslims worsened, each community organized
religious processions with militant fervor, provoking Hindu-Muslim communal
clashes and riots in various cities.
E. Every riot deepened the distance between the two communities.
8.What is separate electorate? Why do you think Gandhiji was against the demand of
separate electorate by B R Ambedkar?
Ans.Separate electorates are usually demanded by minorities who feel it would otherwise
be difficult for them to get fair representation in government. Separate electorate for
Dalits means that Dalits will choose their separate leader by separate elections for
Dalits.
Gandhiji was against the demand of separate electorate of Dr B R Ambedkar because
he believes that separate electorates for Dalits would slow down the process of their
integration into society
9.Why martial law was imposed in Punjab during the month of April in 1919?
Ans.The martial law was imposed in Punjab because Rowlatt Act was introduced by the
British Government. Against this act rallies were organized in various cities, workers
went on strike in railway workshops and shops closed down. British Government
decided to clamp down on the nationalist leaders. Local leader were picked up from
Amritsar. Mahatma Gandhi was barred from entering Delhi. On 10 April, the police in
Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession, provoke widespread attacks on banks post
offices and railway stations. Due to this martial law was imposed and General Dyer
took command.
10.Why were Indians against Rowlat Act?
Ans.A. This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council
despite the united opposition of Indian Members.
B. It gave the government enormous power to repress political activities, and allowed
detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
C. The Rowlett Act acted as an instrument of suppression of civil rights of the Indians
hence produced widespread discontent among masses.
11.Mention the features of the flag which was designed by Gandhiji?
Ans.A. In 1921 Gandhiji had designed the swaraj flag.
B. It was a tricolor flag and had a spinning wheel in the centre representing the
Gandhian ideal of self-help.
C. Tricolors were-red, green and white.
D. Carrying the flag, holding it aloft, during marches became a symbol of defiance.
12.What were three proposals regarding Non- Cooperation movement, as suggested
by Mahatma Gandhi?
Ans.A. The movement was to be unfolded in stages.
B. It should begin with the surrender of titles awarded by the government and boycott
of civil services, army, police, courts, legislative council, schools and foreign goods.
C. Then, In case the government used repression, a civil disobedience movement
would be launched.
13..Explain the issue behind the Khilafat Movement
Ans.A. The First World War had ended with the defeated of Ottoman Turkey.
B. There were rumors that a harsh peace treaty was going to be imposed on the
Ottoman emperor –the spiritual head of the Islamic world.
C. To defend the Rowllat Act, Mahatma Gandhi felt, to take the Khilafat issue.
D. To bring the Hindus and Muslims closer, he felt, to take the Khilafat issue.
E. Muslim leaders Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali began discussing with Gandhiji the
possibilities of a united mass action on the issue.
F. Later at Calcutta Session in 1920, Gandhiji convinced the leaders in congress, to
start a non cooperation movement in support of khilafat.
14.Read the passage and write down the answers
On 6 January 1921, the police in United Provinces fired at peasants near Rae
Bareli. Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to go to the Place of firing, but was stopped by the
police. Agitated and angry, Nehru addressed the peasants who gathered around
him. This is how later described the meeting: “they behaved as brave men, clam an
unruffled in the face of danger. I do not know how they felt but I know what my
feelings were. For a moment my blood was up, non-violence was almost forgottenbut
for a moment only. The thought of the great leader, who by God’s goodness has
been sent to lead us to victory, came to me, and I saw the kisans seated and
standing near me, less excited, more peaceful than I was-and the moment of
weakness passed, I spoke to them in all humanity on non-violence-I needed the
lesson more than they heeded me and peacefully dispersed.”
Quoted in Sarvapalli Gopal, Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography, Vol.1.
A. Name the Movement during which the police in the united province fired at the
peasants.
B. Name the leader about which Jawaharlal Nehru is talking about.
C. Name the weapons used by the leaders during National Movement for
independence.
D. What was Nehru’s feeling and how did he change them?
E. What is source of the above passage?
Ans.A. Non-Cooperation Khilafat Movement.
B. Mahatma Gandhi.
C. Satyagraha and Non Violence.
D. He was very angry but the thought of Mahatma Gandhi changed his feelings.
E. Quoted in Sarvapalli Gopal, Jawaharlal Nehru:
15.Can you explain why some congress leaders were reluctant to boycott the council
elections of November 1920?
Ans.Many within the congress were, however concerned about the proposals given by
Gandhiji. They were reluctant to boycott the council elections of November 1920
because the feared that the Movement might lead to popular violence. In the months
between September and December there was instance tussle within the congress. For a
while there seemed no meeting point between the supporters and the opponents of the
movement. Finally at the Congress session at Nagpur in December 1920, a compromise
was worked out and the Non cooperation program was adopted.
16.Highlight the effects of Non Cooperation movement on the economy of India.
Ans.The effect of non co-operation on the economic front was more dramatic. Foreign
goods were boycotted, liquor shops picketed, and foreign cloth burnt in huge bonfire.
The import of foreign cloths halved between 1921 and 1922 its value dropping from Rs
102 crore to Rs 57 crore. In many places merchants and traders refused to trade in
foreign goods or finance foreign trade. As the boycott movement spread, and people
began discarding imported clothes and wearing only Indian ones, production of Indian
textiles mills and handlooms went up.
17.What were the methods used by peasants of Awadh to achieve their goal? Explain
Ans.A. In many places nai-dhobi bandhs were organized by panchayats to deprive
landlords of the service of even barbers and washer men.
B. The peasant movement demanded reduction of revenue, abolition of beggar and
social boycott of oppressive landlords.
C. Some peasants denied doing beggar-work without at landlords’ farms without any
payment.
D. As the movement spread in 1921, the houses of talukdars and merchants were
attacked, bazaars were looted.
18.Why was the Non Cooperation movement withdrawn by Gandhiji?
Ans.A. The movement was turning violent.
B. At Chauri-Chaura in Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, a peaceful demonstration in
bazaar turned into a violent clash in which more than 20 policemen were killed.
C. Gandhiji also felt that Satyagraha is needed to be properly trained before they
would be ready for mass movement.
19.How was the Civil obedience Movement different from Non Cooperation
Movement? State any three points of difference.
Ans.A. Non-cooperation Movement was launched in1920 to 1922, while the Civil
Disobedience Movement continued 1929 to 1934.
B. The Non-cooperation Movement was launched because of the anger of Jallianwala
Bagh and against Rowlett Act, while Civil Disobedience movement was launched
against the arrival of Simon Commission.
C. The Idea of Non Cooperation include that if the Indians refused to cooperate
British rule in India will would collapse within a year and swaraj would come. But
the idea of Civil Disobedience Movement includes breaking colonial rules and
disobeying the rules.
20.Why was Gandhiji decided to call off the Rowlett Satyagraha?
Ans.A. Gandhiji in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide satyagraha against Rowlett Act
(1919)
B. On 13 April the famous Jallianwala Bagh incident took place. As the news of
Jallianwalla Bagh spread, crowd took to the streets in many north Indian towns.
C. There were strikes, classes with the police and attacks on government buildings.
D. The government responded with brutal repression, seeking to humiliate and
terrorize people.
E. Satyagrahis were forced to rub their noses on the ground, crawl on the streets, and
do salute to all sahibs.
F. People were flogged and village around Gujranwala in Punjab now in Pakistan
were bombed.
G. Seeing violence spread, Mahatma Gandhi called of the movement
21.
How did the revival of Indians folklore develop the ideas of Nationalism among
Indians? Explain.
Ans.A. Idea of nationalism also developed through a movement to revive Indian folklore.
B. In late nineteenth century India, nationalists began recording folk tales sung by
bards and they toured villages to gather folk songs and legends.
C. These tales they believed gave a true picture of traditional culture that had been
corrupted and damaged by outside forces.
D. It was essential to preserve this folk tradition in order to discover one’s national
identity and restore a sense of pride in one’s past.
E. In Bengal, Rabindernath Tagore himself began collecting ballades, nursery rhymes
and myths and the movement for folk revival.
22.Highlight the major facts about the new economic situation created by First World
War in India?
Ans. A. First World War led to a huge increase in defense expenditure which was financed
war loans and increase in Taxes.
B. Custom duties were raised and new income taxes were introduced.
C. Through war years prices increased-doubling between 1913 and 1918.
D. Villagers were called upon to supply soldiers.
E. Forced recruitment in rural areas caused widespread anger
23.“Gandhiji saw this as an opportunity to bring Muslims under the umbrella of
unified national movement” Can you explain that opportunity
Ans.That opportunity was ‘Khilafat Issue’. The First World War ended with the defeat of
Ottoman Turkey. And there were rumours that a harsh peace treaty was going to be
imposed on the ottoman emperor-the spiritual head of the Islamic world (the Khailifa).
To defend the khalifa’s temporal power, a khilafat committee was formed in Bombay in
March 1919. A young generation of Muslims leaders likes the brothers Muhammad Ali
and Shaukat Ali, Began discussing with Mahatma Gandhi about the possibility of a
united mass action on the issue. Gandhiji saw this as an opportunity to bring Muslims
under the umbrella of unified national movement.
24.Can you identify the different limitations of Civil Disobedience Movement?
Ans.. Limited participation of Dalits: Dalits participation in the civil Disobedience
movement was very limited, particularly in Maharashtra and Nagpur region where
their organization was quite strong.
B. No Participation of Muslims: Some of the Muslim political organizations in India
were also Lukewarm in their response to the Civil Disobedience Movement. After
Non-Cooperation-Khilafat movement Muslims felt alienated from the congress.
C. Dominant role of Sanatanis and Hindu Mahasabha: The role of Sanatanis and Hindu
Mahasabha was very dominant. Due to the fear of Sanatanis the conservative high
class Hindus, congress ignored the Dalits. Congress was very close to Hindu
Mahasbha. Hindus Mahasabha strongly opposed the efforts of compromise
between Congress and Muslim League.
D. Clash between BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi: In 1930 Dr B R Ambedkar
clashed with Mahatma Gandhi at the second round table conference by demanding
separate electorate for Dalits.
E. Participants have different aspirations: Participation had their own aspirations.
There was a contrast between the demands of industrialist and working class.
Contrast was also there in the demand of Rich peasants and poor peasants. United
struggle was not there.
25.What were the main ideas of Gandhiji behind ‘Non Co-operation’?
Ans.Gandhiji in his famous book Hind Sawraj declared that British Rule was established in
India with the cooperation of Indians, and successful only because of our cooperation.
If Indians refused to cooperate, British rule in India would collapse within a year and
swaraj would come. According to Gandhiji it should begin with the surrender of titles
that the British government awarded, and a boycott of civil services, army, police,
courts and legislative councils, schools and foreign.
26.Elaborate the contribution of Allaouri Sita Ram Raju in the nationalist movement
of India.
Ans.A. Alluri Sita Ram Raju claimed that he had a variety of special powers: he could make
correct astrological predictions and heal people, and he could survive even bullet
shots.
B. Captivated by Raju, the rebels proclaimed that he was an incarnation of God. Rajju
talked of the greatness of Mahatma Gandhi, said he was inspired by the Non
Cooperation Movement, and persuaded people to wear Khadhi and giving up
drinking.
C. But at the same time he asserted that India could be liberated only by the use of
force, not non-violence.
D. The Gudem rebels attacked police stations, attempted to kill British officials and
carried on guerrilla warfare for achieving swaraj. Raju was captured and executed
in 1924, and over the time became a folk hero.
27.Why martial law was imposed in Punjab during the month of April in 1919?
Ans.A. Gandhiji in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide Satyagraha against the proposed
Rowlett Act (1919).
B. Rallies were organized in various cities, workers went on strike in railway
workshops, and shops closed down.
C. On April, the police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession, provoke
widespread attacks on banks, post office and railway stations.
D. The British administration decided to clampdown on nationalists. Martial law was
imposed and General Dyer took command.
28.Can you explain why some congress leaders were reluctant to boycott the council
elections of November 1920?
Ans.A. Many within the congress were however, concerned about the proposal of Gandhiji
to start Non Cooperation Movement.
B. They were reluctant to boycott the council elections scheduled for November 1920.
C. They feared that the movement led to popular violence.
D. In the months between September and December there was intense tussle within
the congress.
29.What was the contribution of Natesa Shartri for the revival of folklore and folk
tales? What were his views?
Ans.In madras Natesa Shastri published a massive four-volume collection of Tamil folk
tales, the Folklore of Southern India.
A. He believed that folklore was national literature;
B. It was most trustworthy manifestation of people’s real thought and
characteristics
30.How the plantation workers of Assam interpret Mahatma Gandhiji and the
notion of swaraj?
Ans.Workers too had their own understanding of Mahatma Gandhi and the notion of
swaraj. For plantation workers in Assam, freedom meant the right to move freely in
and out of the confined space in which they were enclosed, and it meant retaining a
link with the village from which they had come. Under the Inland Emigration Act of
1859, plantation workers were not permitted to leave the tea gardens without permission, and in fact they were rarely given such permission. When they heard of
the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers defied the authorities, left the
plantations and headed home. They believed the Gandhi Raj was coming and everyone
would be given land in their own villages. They, however, never reached their
destination. Stranded on the way by a railway and steamer strike, they were caught by
the police and brutally beaten up.
31.Explain the contribution of Gandhiji to uplift the position of Untouchables in the
society?
Ans.A. Gandhiji declared that swaraj would not come for a hundred years if untouchability
was not eliminated.
B. He called the untouchables Harijans children of God,
C. He organized satyagraha to secure them entry into temples and to assess to public
wells, tanks, roads and schools,
D. He himself cleaned toilets to dignify the work of Bhangi (the Sweepers).
E. He persuaded the upper castes to change their heart and give up the sin of
untouchability.
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