Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement

Mahatma Gandhi was married to Kasturba at the age of

1. 10 years
2. 18 years
3. 15 years
4. 13 years

Answer

13 years

The principal leaders of the Congress, Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew were arrested and deported to

1. Lucknow
2. Dharamsala
3. Kanpur
4. Shimla

Answer

Dharamsala

The All India Khilafat Committee in May 1920 adopted its ............... programme to fight against the British.

1. Satyagraha
2. Non-Cooperation
3. Quit India
4. Civil disobedience

Answer

Non-Cooperation

The Jamia Millia Islamia was established as a national university during the

1. Non-Cooperation Movement
2. Civil Disobedience Movement
3. Quit India Movement
4. Swadeshi and Boycott Movement

Answer

Non-Cooperation Movement

The angry crowd attacked and burnt the police station at Chauri Chaura, killing

1. 16 policemen
2. 18 policemen
3. 14 policemen
4. 22 policemen

Answer

22 policemen

According to Mahatma Gandhi, Harijans are

1. Deprived people
2. Wandering people
3. Children of God
4. None of these

Answer

Children of God

Which among the following, according to Mahatma Gandhi is an essential principle of Satyagraha?

1. Non-Violence
2. Truth
3. Infinite capacity of suffering
4. All of these

Answer

All of these

On 24 September 1932, the Poona Pact was signed between

1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi
2. CPI and CPI (M)
3. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Muslim League
4. Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru

Answer

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi

Which of the following revolutionaries was hanged in 1931?

1. Bhagat Singh
2. Sukhdev
3. Rajguru
4. All of these

Answer

All of these

Read the two statements given below about the political strategy of M.K. Gandhi and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B)

(A) Gandhi's political strategy was based on Ahimsa and Satyagraha

(B) He never believed that non-violence was a weapon of the weak

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other

Answer

(B) is the reason for (A)

Which of the following policies or principles of M.K. Gandhi is depicted by the given picture?

1. Non-violence
2. Satyagraha
3. Charkha
4. Swadeshi

Answer

Swadeshi

What was Satyagraha according to Mahatma Gandhi?

Answer

According to Mahatma Gandhi, Satyagraha was a peaceful way to fight against injustice. It was based on truth and non-violence. Gandhi believed that a person should be fearless and honest, and should not hurt others, even while fighting for what is right. A true Satyagrahi should be ready to suffer without using violence and should never hate the person doing wrong.

Name two leaders of the Khilafat Movement. Why is the Khilafat Movement significant in the history of the National Movement?

Answer

The Khilafat Movement was led by the Ali brothers — Mohammed Ali and Shaukat Ali. It is significant because it was later merged with the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Gandhiji. The movement helped to create a strong sense of Hindu-Muslim unity. It played an important role in strengthening nationalist feelings and led to political awakening among the Indian people.

Name two causes for starting the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer

Two causes for starting the Non-Cooperation Movement were:

1. The Rowlatt Act, 1919
2. The Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy, 1919

Why did the people oppose the Rowlatt Act?

Answer

The Rowlatt Act gave powers to the Government to arrest and to detain suspected persons, to search them without a warrant and to imprison them without a trial. Under this Act, a person had no right to appeal, no vakil (lawyer), and no dalil (defence).

This Act was a blow to the self-respect of Indians and their national honour. It went against all principles of justice and liberty. Therefore, the people strongly opposed the Rowlatt Act.

When did the Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy take place? Who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy?

Answer

The Jallianwala bagh Tragedy took place on April 13, 1919. General Dyer was responsible for this tragedy.

What was the main objective of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Answer

The main objective of the Non-Cooperation Movement was to attain self-government within the British Empire if possible and outside it if necessary.

Name the two methods adopted in the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer

Two methods adopted in the Non-Cooperation Movement are given below:

1. Mahatma Gandhi returned all the titles and honours bestowed by the British Government. Many educated Indians also returned their degrees, titles, awards, and honours as a form of protest.
2. Khadi became a symbol of freedom. The takli and charkha were adopted in many Indian households, and by July 1921, they were commonly seen across the country.

Why did Mahatma Gandhi withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?

Answer

The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn by Mahatma Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident, where a violent mob set a police station on fire, leading to the death of 22 policemen. Gandhiji felt that the movement was becoming violent in many places. He strongly believed in peaceful and non-violent protest, and the violent turn of events deeply distressed him.

What was the main impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Answer

With the launching of the Non-Cooperation Movement, the National Movement became a mass movement, and the Indian National Congress transformed into a mass organisation. Its aims and objectives closely resembled those of agitational nationalism, though its methods were non-violent and open, rather than violent and secret.

How did the Non-Cooperation Movement make the National Movement a mass movement?

Answer

The Non-Cooperation Movement transformed the National Movement into a mass movement by engaging diverse groups such as peasants, students, and women. It promoted nonviolent resistance and self-reliance, thereby uniting a large segment of the Indian population against British rule.

How did the Non-Cooperation Movement add to Hindu-Muslim unity?

Answer

The amalgamation of the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement led to a level of Hindu-Muslim unity that had not been witnessed before. Urban Muslims were brought into the nationalist movement, and they were, to an extent, responsible for the widespread enthusiasm and excitement in the country during those days.

How did the Non-Cooperation Movement promote the Swaraj cult?

Answer

Swaraj, or self-rule, was one of the main aims of the Non-Cooperation Movement. When the British Government was openly exposed as an instrument of foreign imperialism, the only alternative left was self-rule — whether within or outside the British Empire. The Non-Cooperation Movement further popularised the idea of Swaraj among the masses.

Give the names of three revolutionaries who were hanged in 1931.

Answer

The three revolutionaries who were hanged in 1931 were Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.

When and why was the Simon Commission appointed? Why was the Simon Commission boycotted everywhere or why was Simon Commission rejected by the Congress?

Answer

The Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928 to assess how far the reforms introduced by the Government of India Act of 1919 had been successful.

However, since the commission did not include any Indian member, it was boycotted across the country and strongly rejected by the Indian National Congress.

Why is the Congress Session held at Lahore in 1929 significant in the history of India's Freedom Movement?

Answer

The Congress Session held at Lahore in 1929 was significant because at this session Complete Independence or Poorna Swaraj was declared as the goal of the Congress by the Congress President Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.

On which date did Mahatma Gandhi start his historic march to Dandi? Why was the Dandi March undertaken by Gandhiji?

Answer

Mahatma Gandhi started the Civil Disobedience Movement on March 12, 1930 with the famous Dandi March. On that day Gandhiji set out on the march from the Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, a village on the sea coast of Gujarat to break the Salt Law.

Give two reasons why the Civil Disobedience Movement was started.

Answer

The Civil Disobedience Movement was started due to the following two reasons:

1. To break the Salt law.
2. Desire for Poorna Swaraj or Complete Independence.

When was the Second Round Table Conference held?

Answer

The Second Round Table Conference was held from September 7 to December 1, 1931.

Why did Mahatma Gandhi attend the Second Round Table Conference?

Answer

Mahatma Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference to put up the question of responsible government.

When was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed?

Answer

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, in March 1931.

Why was Gandhiji disgusted with the Second Round Table Conference?

Answer

Gandhiji was disgusted with the Second Round Table Conference because it soon became deadlocked over the issue of minorities, with separate electorates being demanded not only by Muslims, but also by the Depressed Classes, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans. As a result, the issue of establishing a responsible government was sidelined. Moreover, the British Government refused to grant immediate Dominion Status, which further disappointed Gandhiji.

What was the Communal Award?

Answer

In order to create a gulf between the upper caste Hindus and the Harijans, the Government announced the famous Communal Award in 1932 and gave separate electorates to the Harijans.

Gandhiji introduced new ideals in politics and adopted novel methods to give a different direction to the National Movement. In this context, answer the following :

(a) Any two social reforms advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.

(b) His doctrine of Swadeshi.

(c) His doctrine of Non-violence.

Answer

(a) Two social reforms advocated by Mahatma Gandhi are:

1. Eradication of Untouchability — Gandhiji called the untouchables 'Harijans' and launched movements to remove all restrictions imposed on them. Under his guidance the Congress adopted the programme for the upliftment of the Harijans and enlisted their support for the National Movement.
2. Promotion of Women's Welfare — Gandhiji advocated the rights of women and stood for giving them equal rights and status with men. He inspired them to play an important role in the National Movement and take an active part in the political affairs of the country.

(b) Gandhiji devised the weapon of the Swadeshi to drive the British out of India. Swadeshi movement was to promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on British goods. It aimed to revive traditional crafts and promote local industries. By supporting Indian products, people could strengthen their own economy. Gandhiji emphasised the use of Charkha and Khadi to improve the life of the poor in India. He advocated the establishment of cottage industries to remove unemployment and poverty in the countryside. He launched the Swadeshi Movement because he was of the view that political freedom is meaningless without economic freedom.

(c) Gandhiji believed in the principle of Non-violence or Ahimsa. He never believed that non-violence was a weapon of the strong, powerful and mighty individuals. According to Gandhiji, true love, dauntlessness, inner purity and feeling of selflessness form the basis of non-violence (Ahimsa). It is not a negative but a positive and active force. He maintained that it is the lack of power that makes a person coward as he hits others out of fear. But a non-violent person armed with moral strength can walk on a sword's edge. He inspired the unarmed people of India to fight against the mighty British Empire and win freedom.

With reference to the Rowlatt Act, describe briefly the following points :

(a) What was the Rowlatt Act?

(b) One cause of its passage.

(c) Reaction of the people to it.

Answer

(a) The British Government passed the Rowlatt Act in March, 1919 to crush any popular or revolutionary movement. It gave powers to the Government to arrest and to detain suspected persons and to search them without a warrant and to imprison them without a trial. Any person under this Act had no right to Appeal, Vakil and Dalil.

(b) The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 failed to satisfy Indian aspirations. The concessions granted were far below expectations. At the annual session in Amritsar, the Indian National Congress described these reforms as inadequate, unsatisfactory, and disappointing.

Fearing a mass agitation due to growing unrest, the British Government passed the Rowlatt Act as a preventive measure to suppress any future revolutionary movements.

(c) This Act was a blot on the self-respect of the Indians and their national honour. It was against all principles of justice and liberty, and it sent a wave of anger and unrest throughout the country. Gandhiji emerged as a prominent leader and launched a Satyagraha Movement against the Act. A new wave of enthusiasm gripped the nation. There were strikes everywhere, meetings were held, and processions were taken out. The people rose unitedly against this unjust law. A hartal was observed all over India on 6th April 1919. Gandhiji soon became an all-India leader. Although efforts were made to observe hartals peacefully, incidents of police brutality, rioting, violence, and firing occurred in Delhi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and other places, as a wave of anger engulfed the entire country.

The Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy still remains a great blot on the fair name of the British Government in India. In this context, explain the following points :

(a) Its impact on the British Government.

(b) Its impact on launching the Non-Cooperation Movement by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

Answer

(a) The inhuman atrocities committed on the people at Jallianwala Bagh dealt a severe blow to the honour, dignity, and prestige of the British Government. It permanently marred the Government's relations with its Indian subjects. This tragedy intensified anti-British sentiment among Indians.

(b) The massacre deeply affected Mahatma Gandhi and convinced him that British rule was based on violence and injustice. Gandhiji realized that cooperation with the British government was morally wrong after such brutality. The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) was launched by the Indian National Congress under Gandhiji’s leadership as a direct response to the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy and the Rowlatt Act. It aimed to boycott British goods, titles, institutions, and courts, and to promote Swaraj (self-rule) through peaceful non-cooperation.

With reference to the Non-Cooperation Movement started by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, explain the following :

(a) Resentment against the Rowlatt Act of 1919.

(b) Widespread agitations against the Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy.

Answer

(a) The British Government passed the Rowlatt Act in March, 1919. It gave powers to the Government to arrest and to detain suspected persons and to search them without a warrant and to imprison them without a trial. Any person under this Act had no right to Appeal, Vakil and Dalil. The Indians resented this Act.

1. It was a blot on their self-respect and national honour. It was against all the principles of justice and liberty.
2. Gandhiji launched a Satyagraha Movement against this Act. A new enthusiasm gripped the whole country.
3. Strikes and Hartals were observed everywhere. Meetings were held and processions were taken out.
4. Efforts were made to observe hartals in a peaceful manner but incidents of police atrocity, rioting, violence and shooting took place in Delhi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, etc. as wave of anger engulfed the whole country.

(b) The Jallianwala massacre (13 April, 1919), where General Dyer ordered troops to be fire on unarmed civilians, killing thousands of people caused national outrage.

1. The massacre led to widespread agitations, strikes, and protests across the country.
2. It made Gandhiji realize that the British government could not be trusted and that the path of non-cooperation was the only way forward. The tragedy directly inspired the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, uniting people from all walks of life against British rule.
3. Many educated Indians returned degrees, titles, awards and honours.
4. This incident taught the Indians that justice and fairplay can never be expected from the British.

Using the following points, briefly describe the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22:

(a) Objective of this movement.

(b) Suspension of the movement in 1922.

(c) Any two far-reaching effects of this movement.

Answer

(a) The objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement are given below:

1. To attain self-government within the British Empire if possible and outside if necessary.
2. Annulment of the Rowlatt Act and remedying the Punjab wrongs [express regret over Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy.]
3. Remedying the Khilafat Wrong [Restore the old status of the Caliph]
4. To cripple the government and to create hindfances that would make it difficult to function without the cooperation of the Indians.

(b) The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn by Mahatma Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident (February 4, 1922), where a violent mob set a police station on fire, leading to the death of 22 policemen. Gandhiji felt that the movement was turning violent in many places. He believed in peaceful and non-violent protests, and the violent turn of events deeply distressed him.

(c) Two far-reaching effects of the Non-Cooperation movement are given below:

1. The national movement became a mass movement as common people, peasants, workers, students, and women, all participated on a large scale.
2. The movement promoted the use of Swadeshi goods, and urged Indians to boycott the British-made products. Khadi became a symbol of freedom. Takli and Charkha appeared in every house.

Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920. Briefly describe the following :

(a) The Programme of the Movement

(b) The Chauri Chaura incident and its consequences

Answer

(a) The Methods and Programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement are given below:

1. Gandhiji, Ali Brothers and other leaders toured the country. They roused the people's enthusiasm, and laid stress on Hindu-Muslim unity.
2. Many educated Indians along with Mahatma Gandhi returned degrees, titles, awards and honours.
3. National Colleges like the Jamia Millia Islamia and the Kashi, Bihar and Gujarat Vidyapeeths were set up.
4. Common people, women, peasants, students, and workers, all participated on a large scale.
5. Strikes were observed. The people of the rural areas refused to pay taxes and obey Government orders.
6. Khadi became a symbol of freedom. Takli and Charkha appeared in every house by July, 1921.

(b) About 3,000 peasants organised a procession at Chauri Chaura, a village in the Gorakhpur district of UP. The police opened fire on this procession. The angry crowd attacked and burnt the police station, killing 22 policemen. This incident, which took place on February 4, 1922, shocked Gandhiji so much that he at once suspended the movement. Gandhiji could hardly tolerate that his followers should indulge in violence.

Gandhiji was a guiding force during India's struggle for freedom. In the light of this statement, explain:

(a) Gandhiji and the mass movements.

(b) Gandhiji's views on Satyagraha and Swadeshi.

Answer

(a) Gandhiji transformed the Indian freedom struggle from a movement led by the educated elite into a mass movement. He involved peasants, workers, women, students, and common people in the fight against the British rule. Two mass movements started and led by Gandhiji are given below:

1. Non-Cooperation Movement (1921-22) — Common people, women, peasants, students, and workers, all participated on a large scale.
2. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) — This movement started with the famous Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, a village on the sea coast of Gujarat, to break the Salt law. People were asked to defy the laws and orders of the British Government.

(b) Satyagraha — To Gandhiji, satyagraha was a moral force born of truth and non-violence. It meant to be fearless, truthful as well as peaceful, suffering willingly while refusing to submit to what is wrong. But even while resisting evil, it would not involve hatred towards the evil-doer.

Swadeshi — Swadeshi emphasized self-reliance and the use of local goods and industries. Gandhiji believed that Swadeshi was a crucial aspect of Satyagraha, fostering both economic and moral independence, and that both concepts were essential for achieving India's self-rule.

Using the following points, describe the main events leading to the Civil Disobedience Movement:

(a) The Simon Commission, 1928.

(b) Demand for Poorna Swaraj, 1929.

Answer

(a) The Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928 to find out how far the reforms introduced by the government of India Act of 1919 was successful. But as this commission did not have any Indian member so it was boycotted everywhere. When it reached Lahore Lala Lajpat Rai led a procession against it. But he was lathi-charged as a result of which he died in 1928. This very fact generated a feeling of distrust and anger against the British Government.

(b) The death of Lajpat Rai caused nationwide anger and in 1929 the Congress Session was held at Lahore under the Presidentship of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Complete Independence or Poorna Swaraj was declared as the goal of the Congress. There was huge upsurge of nationalist feelings. Tie public opinion was quite favourable and the nationalist forces were united in driving the British out.

The British Government sent the Simon Commission to India in 1928. In this connection, explain the following points :

(a) Purpose of its appointment.

(b) Recommendations of the Commission.

(c) Its impact on Indian political life.

Answer

(a) The Simon Commission was appointed in November, 1927 to report about the extent to which the Act of 1919 had worked successfully and to go into the question of further constitutional reforms.

(b) The recommendations made by the Simon Commission are given below:

1. Dyarchy should be abolished and there should be complete autonomy in the Provinces including the department of law and order, but the Governor should be given overriding powers in certain matters like the internal security.
2. Provincial Legislative Councils should be enlarged.
3. Federal government at the Centre, should embrace not only British India but also the Princely States.
4. The Governor-General should select and appoint members of his Cabinet.
5. British troops and British officers should stay on in Indian regiments for many more years.
6. High Courts should be under the administrative control of the Government of India.
7. The Communal representation was to continue.

(c) Simon Commission was boycotted by the Indians when it arrived in India in February 1928 because all its members were English and there was no Indian member in it.

1. The British action was seen as violation of the principle of self-determination and a deliberate insult to Indians. Lajpat Rai led the demonstration against the Commission at Lahore, and was fatally wounded due to lathi-charges.
2. The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched as a protest against this Commission.
3. The Nehru Report and the demand for Poorna Swaraj were also the off shoots of the political excitement created by the protests against Simon Commission.

Gandhiji launched the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930. In this context, answer the following questions :

(a) Policy of repression followed by the Government.

(b) Spread of the movement.

Answer

(a) To repress the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Government took the following measures:

1. The government resorted to firing, lathi charges, and large scale imprisonment. More than a lakh of Satyagrahis were put in jails. Innocent people were tortured cruelly.
2. Land, houses and property of the people were confiscated.
3. The government started negotiations with Gandhiji in jail. This resulted in signing of a pact by Gandhiji and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy, in March 1931. This is known as the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
4. Gandhiji and other nationalist leaders were arrested.
5. The Congress was declared an illegal organisation.
6. Press censorship was imposed.
7. The administration began to be carried through special ordinances.
8. The Government announced the famous Communal Award in 1932 and gave separate electorates to the Harijans. Due to efforts of Gandhiji, the Hindus and the Harijans agreed to have joint electorates.

(b) Mahatma Gandhi was arrested in hopes that it would suppress the movement. The whole country was shocked but inspired at the news of his arrest. Swiftly, a lawbreaking movement swept across the country. A National Week was celebrated from April 6 to 13. The people of Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), Bengal, UP and Central Provinces violated the Salt Law by making salt illegally. Where it was not possible to break the Salt Law, people violated other laws to oppose the Government. There was defiance of forest laws in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Central provinces and refusal to pay chawkidari tax in eastern India. In the North-West Frontier Province, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (the Frontier Gandhi) organised the red shirt volunteers (the Khudai Khidmatgars) and launched an intense but non-violent anti-government movement in various ways. All over the country the law and order stood suspended. The movement also reached the eastern parts of India where the people of Manipur came forward to join the movement.

The advent of Mahatma Gandhi on the Indian political scene gave a new impetus to the freedom struggle. With reference to the Non-Cooperation Movement under Mahatma Gandhi, answer the following questions :

(a) What were the causes which led to the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

(b) Describe the programme of the movement.

(c) State the importance of the movement and the reasons for its withdrawal.

Answer

(a) The causes which led to the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement are given below:

1. The Rowlatt Act, 1919 — The British Government passed the Rowlatt Act in March, 1919. It gave powers to the Government to arrest and to detain suspected persons and to search them without a warrant and to imprison them without a trial. Any person under this Act had no right to Appeal, Vakil and Dalil.
2. The Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy, 1919 — A peaceful meeting was held at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on April 13, 1919 to protest against the arrest of principal leaders of the Congress, Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew. General Dyer reached there and ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed people. Firing continued till all the ammunition was exhausted. About 1,000 persons were shot dead and several thousands were wounded. They could not escape because there was only one narrow exit to the Bagh. It was followed by a series of humiliating orders. Curfew was imposed in the city. The water and electricity supply were cut off. People were flogged and put in jails. People were made to crawl in lanes. Arrested persons were confined in cages, property was confiscated or destroyed.

(b) The programme of the movement included the following:

1. Popularisation of Swadeshi and Khadi by reviving hand spinning and hand weaving.
2. Hindu-Muslim unity.
3. Removal of untouchability.
4. Prohibition of intoxicating drinks.
5. Establishment of National Schools and Colleges.
6. Emancipation and upliftment of women.
7. Degrees, titles, awards and honours bestowed by the British government were returned.

(c) The Non-Cooperation Movements had its own importance in the history of the Freedom Movement of India.

1. Inspiring the People with New Confidence : The people showed a remarkable degree of courageousness, fearlessness and strength to face any difficulty for the freedom of their country.
2. The Indian National Congress Became a Mass Organisation : The movement transformed the Indian National Congress into an organisation for action. It became the organiser and leader of the masses in their national struggle.
3. Hindu-Muslim Unity : The amalgamation of the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement led to such Hindu-Muslim unity as was not witnessed before.
4. The Notion that the British Rule was for the Good of the Indians was shattered.
5. It Promoted Many Social Reforms : As a result of the Non-Cooperation Movement-
   1. many national schools and colleges were founded.
   2. boycott of the foreign goods led to the promotion of Indian industries and crafts.
   3. Khadi became the symbol of the National Movement.
   4. prohibition and removal of untouchability.
6. The Cult of Swaraj Became More Pronounced : Swaraj or self-rule was one of the aims of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
7. Instilled Confidence Among the People : A new sense of self-confidence and self-esteem was born to openly defy the foreign rulers and the British government. It generated a desire for freedom and inspired people to challenge the colonial rule.

Reasons for the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement — About 3,000 peasants organised a procession at Chauri Chaura, a village in the Gorakhpur district of UP. The police opened fire on this procession. The angry crowd attacked and burnt the police station, killing 22 policemen. This incident, which took place on February 4, 1922, shocked Gandhiji so much that he at once suspended the movement. Gandhiji could hardly tolerate that his followers should indulge in violence.

With reference to the following points, describe the events that led to the launching of the Non-Cooperation Movement by the Congress :

(a) The Rowlatt Act.

(b) The Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy.

(c) The Khilafat Movement.

Answer

(a) The British Government passed the Rowlatt Act in March, 1919. It gave powers to the Government to arrest and to detain suspected persons and to search them without a warrant and to imprison them without a trial. Any person under this Act had no right to Appeal, Vakil and Dalil.

(b) A peaceful meeting was held at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on April 13, 1919 to protest against the arrest of principal leaders of the Congress, Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew. General Dyer reached there and ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed people. Firing continued till all the ammunition was exhausted. About 1,000 persons were shot dead and several thousands were wounded. They could not escape because there was only one narrow exit to the Bagh. It was followed by a series of humiliating orders. Curfew was imposed in the city. The water and electricity supply were cut off. People were flogged and put in jails. People were made to crawl in lanes. Arrested persons were confined in cages, property was confiscated or destroyed.

(c) The Allies had divided the territories of the Turkish Empire among themselves. They also abolished the office of the Khalifa in Turkey. It aroused the anger of the Muslims in India. They started a powerful agitation known as the Khilafat Movement under the leadership of the Ali Brothers — Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali. Gandhiji supported this agitation. A Khilafat Committee was formed under the leadership of Hakim Ajmal Khan, Maulana Azad, the Ali Brothers and Hasrat Mohani. The All India Khilafat Committee in May 1920, adopted its non-cooperation programme to fight against the British and on 31 August 1920 launched a non-cooperation movement. People were requested to follow the policy of boycott of British goods, institutions, law courts, etc. They were requested not to pay taxes and to surrender their titles and distinctions.

However, the Khilafat Movement finally merged with the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Gandhiji, when Mustafa Kamal Pasha dethroned the Turkish Sultan and declared Turkey a secular republic. It left a strong sentiment of Hindu-Muslim unity. It played an important part in strengthening the nationalist feeling and led to political awakening.

Read the passage given below and answer the following questions.

Gandhiji came back and resumed the Civil Disobedience Movement. In January, 1932, Gandhiji and other leaders were arrested. The Government again adopted stern measures to crush this movement. The Congress was declared an illegal organisation. Press censorship was imposed. The administration began to be carried through special ordinances. More than a lakh of Satyagrahis were put in jails. Innocent people were tortured cruelly. Land, houses and property of the people were confiscated. Thousands of nationalist leaders were sent to jail while the communalists were given a wide scope to inflame communalism.

(a) From which city did Gandhiji come back and restart Civil Disobedience Movement? Why had you gone there?

(b) Why did Gandhiji resume the Civil Disobedience Movement?

(c) Describe the impact of the movement after resumption.

Answer

(a) Gandhiji came back to India from the city of London. He went there to attend the Second Round Table Conference (September 7 to December 1, 1931).

(b) Gandhiji resumed the Civil Disobedience Movement because of the following reasons:

1. The Second Round Table Conference, which took place in London from September to December 1931, did not yield any significant outcomes.
2. The British government did not fully honour the terms of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
3. After the failure of the Second Round Table Conference, the Congress discovered that the British government had begun a new cycle of repression. A series of measures had been imposed to prevent meetings and boycotts.
4. Indian farmers were affected by the Great Depression of 1930s for which Gandhiji sought an interview with Viceroy Willingdon. The interview was refused.

(c) The impact of the Civil Disobedience Movement after its resumption are given below:

1. In January, 1932, Gandhiji and other leaders were arrested. The Government again adopted stern measures like firing, lathi charges, and large scale imprisonment to crush this movement.
2. More than a lakh of Satyagrahis were put in jails.
3. Innocent people were tortured cruelly.
4. The Congress was declared an illegal organisation.
5. Press censorship was imposed.
6. The administration began to be carried through special ordinances.
7. The Government announced the famous Communal Award in 1932 and gave separate electorates to the Harijans. Due to efforts of Gandhiji, the Hindus and the Harijans agreed to have joint electorates.

Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow -

In the words of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, "Never before in the History of India, since its connection with Britain, had popular indignation and popular enthusiasm been greater. Never before during this period had the country seen the loving and ungrudging services of so many of her sons. Never before had the faith of the people in themselves and the country's ability to solve its even difficulties seemed bright."

(a) Which national movement is being referred to? Name any two objectives of the movement being discussed above.

(b) Mention any three impacts of this movement.

(c) Why was the movement suddenly withdrawn? What was the reaction?

Answer

(a) The national movement being referred to in the given excerpt is Non-Cooperation Movement. Two objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement are given below:

1. To attain self-government within the British Empire if possible and outside if necessary.
2. Annulment of the Rowlatt Act and remedying the Punjab wrongs [express regret over Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy.]

(b) Three impacts of the Non-Cooperation Movement are given below:

1. The Indian National Congress Became a Mass Organisation : The movement transformed the Indian National Congress into an organisation for action. It became the organiser and leader of the masses in their national struggle.
2. Hindu-Muslim Unity : The amalgamation of the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement led to such Hindu-Muslim unity as was not witnessed before.
3. It Promoted Many Social Reforms : As a result of the Non-Cooperation Movement-
   1. Many national schools and colleges were founded.
   2. Boycott of the foreign goods led to the promotion of Indian industries and crafts.
   3. Khadi became the symbol of the National Movement.
   4. prohibition and removal of untouchability.

(c) The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn by Mahatma Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident (February 4, 1922), where a violent mob set a police station on fire, leading to the death of 22 policemen. Gandhiji felt that the movement was turning violent in many places. He believed in peaceful and non-violent protests, and the violent turn of events deeply distressed him.

The nationalist leaders resented Gandhiji's decision. The movement was at its zenith and almost all the leaders were stunned by its withdrawal at such a moment. But everybody kept silent in view of the great personal influence of Gandhiji. The British Government accused Gandhiji for this tragedy and sentenced him to six years imprisonment on March 10, 1922.

With reference to the given picture, answer the following questions :

(a) Identify the leader and the event.

(b) Name the national movement sparked off by this event.

(c) Explain the main points of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.

Answer

(a) The given picture depicts Mahatma Gandhi leading the Dandi March on March 12, 1930.

(b) Mahatma Gandhi started the Civil Disobedience Movement on March 12, 1930 with the famous Dandi March.

(c) The main points of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact are given below:

According to the Pact the government agreed to —

1. Withdraw all ordinances and end prosecutions.
2. Release all political prisoners, except those guilty of violence.
3. Permit peaceful picketing of liquor.
4. Not to press for investigation into police atrocities.

With reference to the given picture, answer the following questions :

(a) Where is the memorial located?

(b) This memorial reminds people of which event?

(c) Name the leader connected with this event.

(d) Why was this Movement withdrawn?

Answer

(a) The memorial in the given picture is located in Chauri-Chaura town in Uttar Pradesh.

(b) This memorial reminds people of the Chauri-Chaura incident (February 4, 1922) during the Non-cooperation movement.

(c) The leader connected with the Chauri-Chaura incident is Mahatma Gandhi.

(d) The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn by Mahatma Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident, where a violent mob set a police station on fire, leading to the death of 22 policemen. Gandhiji felt that the movement was turning violent in many places. He believed in peaceful and non-violent protests, and the violent turn of events deeply distressed him.