Introduction

Nationalism in Europe was linked to the formation of nation-states and a new sense of identity. In India too, nationalism grew as part of the struggle against colonial rule. People from different regions, classes, and communities came together, though their experiences of colonialism and ideas of freedom were not always the same. Under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, the Congress tried to unite these groups into a common movement.

I. Modern Nationalism in Europe:

Formation of Nation-States: Associated with creating new nation-states.
Identity and Belonging: Changed people's understanding of their identity and sense of belonging.
New Symbols and Icons: Introduction of new symbols, icons, songs, and ideas that forged new links and redefined community boundaries.
Long Process: The creation of national identity was a gradual process in most countries.

II. Growth of Nationalism in India:

Anti-Colonial Movement: The rise of modern nationalism in India was closely linked to the anti-colonial struggle.
Unity Through Struggle: People began to discover a shared unity through their fight against colonial rule.
Shared Oppression: The experience of oppression under colonialism created a common bond among various groups.
Varied Experiences: Different classes and groups experienced colonialism in diverse ways and had differing ideas about freedom.

III. Congress and Mahatma Gandhi:

Forging Unity: The Indian National Congress, under Mahatma Gandhi, attempted to unite these diverse groups into one movement.
Challenges: The process of creating unity was not without conflicts.

IV. Historical Focus:

1920s and Beyond: The chapter continues the narrative from the 1920s, focusing on the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements.
Congress's Role: Examination of how the Congress sought to develop the national movement.
Social Group Participation: Analysis of how various social groups participated in the movement.
Capturing Imagination: Exploration of how nationalism captured the imagination of the Indian people.

V. Nationalism Capturing the Imagination of People

New symbols, icons, songs, and ideas created links and redefined community boundaries.
People's understanding of their identity and sense of belonging changed as nationalism grew.
The making of a new national identity was a long and complex process.
Nationalism in India was shaped by the anti-colonial movement and the experiences of different social groups.

6 April 1919. Mass processions on the streets became a common feature during the national movement.

The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation

In the years after 1919, the national movement in India witnessed significant developments, with the movement spreading to new areas, incorporating new social groups, and adopting new modes of struggle. These developments can be understood by examining the following factors and their implications:

I. Economic and Political Situation Post-War

The war led to a massive increase in defense expenditure, financed by war loans and increased taxes, including raised customs duties and the introduction of income tax.
Prices doubled between 1913 and 1918, causing extreme hardship for the common people.
Forced recruitment in rural areas led to widespread anger.

II. Crop Failures and Famine

In 1918-19 and 1920-21, crops failed in many parts of India, resulting in severe food shortages.
An influenza epidemic accompanied these famines.
According to the 1921 census, 12 to 13 million people died due to famines and the epidemic.
People hoped that their hardships would end after the war, but this did not happen.
At this stage, a new leader appeared and suggested a new mode of struggle for the national movement.

Pandemic and Hunger

These developments had significant implications for the national movement, as they led to the expansion of the movement to new areas and the involvement of new social groups. Additionally, the new modes of struggle adopted during this period contributed to the evolution of the movement and its eventual success in achieving independence for India.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

Try yourself: What was the impact of the war on the Indian economy?

Increase in defense expenditure and reduced taxes

Decrease in defense expenditure and raised customs duties

CORRECT ANSWER

Increase in defense expenditure and raised taxes

Decrease in defense expenditure and reduced taxes

Correct Answer: C

The war caused a significant increase in defense expenditure for India. To meet these expenses, the government raised taxes, including customs duties and introduced income tax. Therefore, the correct impact of the war on the Indian economy was an increase in defense expenditure and raised taxes.

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The Idea of Satyagraha

I. Concept of Satyagraha:

Satyagraha, a method pioneered by Mahatma Gandhi, is based on the power of truth and the principle of non-violence.
It advocates that if the cause is just, then one can confront injustice without physical force.
Instead of using violence or seeking revenge, a satyagrahi (one who practices satyagraha) aims to appeal to the oppressor's conscience, convincing them of the truth of the cause.
Gandhi believed that this approach could unite all Indians and lead to the triumph of truth.

Satyagraha Movement

II. Satyagraha Movements in India

Gandhi organized various satyagraha movements across India after his return to India in January 1915.
He aimed to inspire people to struggle against oppression without using violence.

1. Champaran Movement (1917)

Gandhi's first significant satyagraha in India was in Champaran, Bihar.
He addressed the plight of the peasants under the oppressive plantation system imposed by British planters.
The movement was successful in compelling the planters to agree to some reforms and better conditions for the peasants.

2. Kheda Satyagraha (1917)

In 1917, Gandhi organized a satyagraha for the peasants of the Kheda district in Gujarat.
The peasants were affected by crop failure and a plague epidemic.
They were unable to pay the revenue due to these hardships.
The peasants were demanding a relaxation in revenue collection.

3. Ahmedabad Cotton Mill Workers Satyagraha (1918)

In Ahmedabad, Gandhi led a satyagraha among cotton mill workers who were protesting against poor working conditions and low wages.
The movement aimed to secure fair wages and better working conditions for the workers.
Gandhi's approach helped to resolve the dispute with a compromise that benefited the workers.

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The Rowlatt Act

I. Launching the Nationwide Satyagraha Against the Rowlatt Act (1919)

Gandhiji initiated the nationwide satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act, which granted the government extensive powers to suppress political activities.
The Act allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for up to two years.
Non-violent civil disobedience was planned against the unjust laws, starting with a hartal on 6 April.

Resistance against Rowlatt Act

II. Protests, Strikes, and the British Administration's Response

Rallies and strikes were organized in various cities, with workers going on strike and shops closing down, instilling fear in the British administration.
Local leaders were arrested, and Mahatma Gandhi was barred from entering Delhi.
On 10 April, the police fired upon a peaceful procession in Amritsar, resulting in widespread attacks on government buildings and the imposition of martial law.

III. Jallianwalla Bagh Incident (13 April 1919)

On April 13th, the Jallianwala Bagh incident took place.
A large crowd gathered at the enclosed Jallianwalla Bagh ground, some to protest against the government's repressive measures, while others were attending the Baisakhi fair.
General Dyer entered the area, blocked the exits, and opened fire on the crowd, killing hundreds to create a feeling of terror and awe among satyagrahis.
After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, people became furious and went on strikes, clashes with police and attacks on government buildings.

IV. Aftermath and the Need for a Broader Movement

Protests erupted in various north Indian towns, with strikes and clashes with the police.
The government responded with brutal repression, humiliating and terrorizing people with actions such as forcing satyagrahis to crawl on the streets and flogging them.
Mahatma Gandhi called off the movement and realized the need for a more broad-based movement, which required bringing Hindus and Muslims together.

V. Uniting Hindus and Muslims Through the Khilafat Issue

Gandhiji saw an opportunity to unite Muslims and Hindus through the Khilafat issue.
The First World War ended with the defeat of Ottoman Turkey, raising concerns about a harsh peace treaty being imposed on the Ottoman emperor, the Khalifa, who was also the spiritual head of the Islamic world.
The Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay in March 1919, and Muslim leaders like Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali began discussing the possibility of united mass action with Mahatma Gandhi.
At the Calcutta session of the Congress in September 1920, Gandhiji convinced other leaders of the need to start a non-cooperation movement in support of Khilafat and swaraj.

Why Non-Cooperation?

I. Establishment of British Rule in India

Mahatma Gandhi stated in Hind Swaraj (1909) that British rule in India was established and survived due to the cooperation of Indians.
He believed that if Indians refused to cooperate, British rule would collapse within a year, leading to swaraj (self-rule).

II. Gandhi's Proposal for a Non-Cooperation Movement

Gandhi suggested a staged approach to the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Stage 1: Surrender government-awarded titles, boycott civil services, army, police, courts, legislative councils, schools, and foreign goods.
Stage 2: Launch a full civil disobedience campaign if the government used repression.

Throughout the summer of 1920, Gandhi and Shaukat Ali traveled extensively to mobilize support for the movement.Mahatma Gandhi leading the Non-Cooperation movement

III. Concerns and Opposition within the Congress

Many Congress members were concerned about the proposals, fearing potential violence and being reluctant to boycott the council elections scheduled for November 1920.
From September to December 1920, there was an intense debate within the Congress regarding the movement.

IV. Resolution and Adoption

At the Congress session in Nagpur in December 1920, a compromise was reached, and the Non-Cooperation Programme was officially adopted.

V. Participation and Perceptions

The movement saw widespread participation across various social groups, though the way different groups conceived of non-cooperation varied.
Gandhi's approach aimed to unite diverse segments of Indian society in the struggle for independence.

Differing Strands within the Movement

In January 1921, the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement began.
In this movement, various social groups participated, but the term meant different things to different people.

Also read: Long Answer Questions: Nationalism in India

The Movement in the Towns

I. Initial Phase of the Movement

The Non-Cooperation Movement began with the involvement of the middle class in urban areas.
Thousands of students left government-controlled schools and colleges, while headmasters and teachers resigned.
Lawyers also gave up their legal practices in support of the movement.
Council elections were boycotted in most provinces, except Madras, where the Justice Party saw this as an opportunity to gain power.

II. Economic Effects

Foreign goods were boycotted, and foreign cloth was burned in large bonfires.
The import of foreign cloth halved from Rs 102 crore in 1921 to Rs 57 crore in 1922.
Many merchants and traders refused to deal in foreign goods or finance foreign trade.
The production of Indian textile mills and handlooms increased as people started wearing only Indian clothes.

III. Challenges and Slowdown

The movement faced several challenges, causing it to slow down eventually.
Khadi cloth was more expensive than mass-produced mill cloth, making it difficult for the poor to continue boycotting mill cloth.
The boycott of British institutions required alternative Indian institutions, which were slow to come up.
As a result, students and teachers started returning to government schools, and lawyers resumed their work in government courts.

Rebellion in the Countryside

I. Non-Cooperation Movement in the Countryside

The Non-Cooperation Movement extended from urban areas to rural regions, incorporating the struggles of peasants and tribals.
Awadh's peasant movement led by Baba Ramchandra, a former indentured laborer in Fiji.
Protests against high rents, various cesses, and forced labor (begar) by landlords.
Demand for reduced revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycott of oppressive landlords.
The Oudh Kisan Sabha was established in October 1920, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, Baba Ramchandra, and others. Within a month, over 300 branches were set up in the region.
Congress aimed to integrate Awadh peasant struggle into the Non-Cooperation Movement.

II. Peasant Movement and Congress Leadership

The peasant movement took forms that were not approved by the Congress leadership, including attacks on landlords' houses, looting bazaars, and seizure of grain hoards.
Rumors spread that Gandhi had sanctioned tax avoidance and land redistribution.
The Congress leadership struggled with these radical actions and the invocation of Gandhi's name to justify them.

III. Tribal Peasants and Swaraj Interpretation

In the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh, a guerrilla movement emerged in the early 1920s, which was not aligned with the Congress's non-violent approach.
Colonial government restricted access to forest resources, affecting livelihoods and traditional rights.
Hill people revolted against forced labor (begar) for road building.
Alluri Sitaram Raju emerged as a leader, claiming special powers and invoking Gandhi's influence to encourage khadi wear and abstinence from alcohol.
Raju advocated for the use of force rather than non-violence to achieve independence. His movement included attacks on police stations and British officials.
Encouraged wearing khadi and giving up drinking, but advocated for use of force to achieve swaraj.
Guerrilla warfare against British officials and police stations to achieve independence.
Raju captured and executed in 1924, becoming a folk hero.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

Try yourself: What did the peasants demand from the talukdars and landlords?

Reduction of revenue

Abolition of begar

Social boycott of oppressive landlords

CORRECT ANSWER

All of the above

Correct Answer: D

The peasant movement in Awadh demanded three things - the reduction of revenue, the abolition of begar, and a social boycott of oppressive landlords. Begar was a system of forced labour done by the villagers without any payment. They were also exploited by the talukdars and landlords and had to pay very high rents.

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Swaraj in the Plantations

Workers' Understanding of Mahatma Gandhi and Swaraj

Plantation workers in Assam saw freedom as the right to move freely and maintain a connection with their villages.
The Inland Emigration Act of 1859 restricted their movement, keeping them confined to tea gardens.

Non-Cooperation Movement and Plantation Workers

Thousands of workers defied authorities, left plantations, and attempted to return to their villages, believing Gandhi Rai would give them land.
They believed in the promise of 'Gandhi Raj,' expecting land distribution in their villages.
These workers never reached their destinations due to a railway and steamer strike, and were caught and beaten by the police.

Visions of Swaraj

Movements were not defined by Congress programmes, but workers interpreted swaraj in their own ways.
Their actions and aspirations reflected a broader vision of freedom, despite not being fully informed by Congress directives.

Emotional Connection to All-India Agitation

Tribals chanting Gandhi's name and demanding 'Swatantra Bharat' showed their emotional connection to a larger movement.
They identified with a movement beyond their immediate locality when acting in Gandhi's name or linking their actions to the Congress.

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Towards Civil Disobedience

Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement

In February 1922, Mahatma Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement due to increasing violence.
Gandhi believed that satyagrahis needed proper training before participating in mass struggles.

Swaraj Party Formation and Internal Debates

Some Congress leaders, like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, wanted to participate in provincial council elections and formed the Swaraj Party.
Younger leaders, such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, pushed for more radical mass agitation and full independence.

Impact of Worldwide Economic Depression

Agricultural prices fell from 1926, leading to a decline in exports and difficulty for peasants to pay their revenue.
By 1930, the Indian countryside was in turmoil due to the economic depression.

Simon Commission and Opposition

The Tory government in Britain set up a Statutory Commission under Sir John Simon to review the constitutional system in India.
The commission faced opposition in India as it had no Indian members, leading to protests with the slogan 'Go back Simon'.
All parties, including the Congress and the Muslim League, took part in the demonstrations against the commission.

Viceroy's Offer and Demand for Purna Swaraj

Viceroy Lord Irwin announced a vague offer of 'dominion status' for India and a Round Table Conference to discuss a future constitution in October 1929.
This offer did not satisfy Congress leaders, and the radicals, led by Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, became more assertive.
In December 1929, the Lahore Congress, under Nehru's presidency, formalized the demand for 'Purna Swaraj' or full independence for India.
26 January 1930 was declared as Independence Day, but celebrations received little attention.
To make the concept of freedom more relatable, Mahatma Gandhi sought to connect it to concrete issues of everyday life.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

Try yourself: What was the main problem with the Simon Commission?

CORRECT ANSWER

It was an all British commission

It was formed in India

It was set up in response to the nationalist movement

All of the above

Correct Answer: A

The Simon Commission was opposed primarily because it did not have any Indian representation in the assemblage. The government of Britain had appointed this Commission in 1927. The goal of the Simon Commission was to give an account of how the Indian constitution was working.

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The Salt March & the Civil Disobedience Movement

Demands Letter and Ultimatum to Viceroy Irwin

Gandhi sent a letter on 31 January 1930, stating eleven demands to unite the Indian society.
The most significant demand was the abolition of the salt tax, which affected both rich and poor.
If demands were not met by 11 March, the Congress would launch a civil disobedience campaign.
Irwin refused to negotiate, leading to the start of the Salt March.

The Salt March

Gandhi and 78 volunteers marched 240 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi.
The march lasted 24 days, with the participants walking about 10 miles a day.
Thousands gathered to listen to Gandhi's speeches on swaraj and peaceful defiance.
On 6 April, Gandhi reached Dandi and broke the law by making salt from sea water.

Depiction of Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi and his followers

The Civil Disobedience Movement

Different from Non-Cooperation Movement as people were asked to break colonial laws.
Thousands broke the salt law, boycotted foreign cloth, and picketed liquor shops.
Peasants refused to pay taxes, village officials resigned, and forest people violated forest laws.
Colonial government arrested Congress leaders, leading to violent clashes and repressive measures.

Demands of Civil Disobedience Movement

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact and the Round Table Conference

Gandhi called off the movement and agreed to participate in the Round Table Conference in London.
The government released political prisoners in return. Negotiations in London broke down, and Gandhi returned disappointed.
Back in India, the government started a new cycle of repression, and Gandhi relaunched the movement.

The Movement's Decline

The Civil Disobedience Movement continued for over a year but lost momentum by 1934.
Gandhi's efforts, however, remained a significant part of India's struggle for independence.

How Participants saw the Movement

Participation of Different Social Groups in the Civil Disobedience Movement

1. Rich peasant communities (Patidars of Gujarat, Jats of Uttar Pradesh)

Hit hard by the trade depression and falling prices.
Supported the movement to fight high revenues.
Disappointed when movement called off without revenue rates revision.

2. Poorer peasantry

Struggled with rent payments to landlord.
Joined radical movements led by Socialists and Communists.
Uncertain relationship with Congress due to Congress' reluctance to support 'no rent' campaigns.

Role of the Business Classes- Indian merchants and industrialists

Made huge profits during World War I
Opposed colonial policies restricting business activities
Formed Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress (1920) and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) (1927)
Supported the Civil Disobedience Movement initially, but became apprehensive later.

Involvement of Industrial Working Class

Limited participation in the movement
Distanced themselves as industrialists came closer to Congress
Some workers participated in boycott of foreign goods, strikes, and protests
Congress reluctant to include workers' demands in its program

Participation of Women in the Movement

Large-scale participation in various activities
Listening to Gandhiji, protest marches, manufacturing salt, picketing liquor shops
Women from high-caste urban families and rich peasant rural households
Saw service to the nation as a sacred duty
Limited change in the position of women
Gandhiji believed women's primary duty was in the home
Congress reluctant to allow women in positions of authority within the organization

Also read: Long Answer Questions: Nationalism in India

The Limits of Civil Disobedience

Untouchables and the Concept of Swaraj

Untouchables, or dalits, felt ignored by the Congress due to fear of offending conservative high-caste Hindus.
Gandhi aimed to eliminate untouchability, calling them harijan (children of God) and advocating for their rights to public spaces and amenities.
However, many dalit leaders sought political solutions, such as reserved seats in educational institutions and separate electorates.
Despite Gandhi's efforts, dalit participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement remained limited.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Depressed Classes Association

Ambedkar organized the dalits into the Depressed Classes Association in 1930.
He clashed with Gandhi at the second Round Table Conference, demanding separate electorates for dalits.
Following Gandhi's fast unto death, Ambedkar agreed to the Poona Pact, which provided reserved seats for Depressed Classes but with a general electorate.
Dalit movement remained cautious of the Congress-led national movement.

Muslim Response to Civil Disobedience Movement

Many Muslim organizations felt alienated from the Congress after the decline of the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat movement.
Congress's association with Hindu nationalist groups and communal clashes further deepened the divide between Hindus and Muslims.
Efforts to forge unity between the Congress and the Muslim League failed due to disagreements over representation in future assemblies.
Jinnah was willing to give up separate electorates in exchange for reserved seats and proportional representation in Muslim-dominated provinces, but negotiations fell apart.

Atmosphere of Suspicion and Distrust

When the Civil Disobedience Movement started, there was already suspicion and distrust between Hindus and Muslims.
Many Muslims felt alienated from the Congress and were concerned about their status as a minority within India.
As a result, large sections of Muslims did not respond to the call for a united struggle during the Civil Disobedience Movement.

The Sense of Collective Belonging

Nationalism and Collective Belonging

Nationalism spreads when people believe they are part of the same nation
Unity develops through shared experiences and cultural processes
History, fiction, folklore, songs, popular prints, and symbols contribute to nationalism

Visual Symbols of National Identity

In the twentieth century, India's identity was associated with the image of Bharat Mata
Created by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s through the hymn 'Vande Mataram'
The image evolved over time and devotion to it signified nationalism

Bharat Mata

Revival of Indian Folklore

Nationalists recorded folk tales, songs, and legends to preserve traditional culture
Rabindranath Tagore and Natesa Sastri were prominent figures in the folk revival movement
Folklore was considered national literature and a representation of people's true thoughts and characteristics

Icons and Symbols in Unifying People

Nationalist leaders used icons and symbols to inspire unity and nationalism
Tricolour flags were designed during the Swadeshi movement and by Gandhiji
Carrying and displaying the flag became a symbol of defiance

Bharat Mata, Abanindranath Tagore, 1905

Reinterpretation of History

Indians sought to instill pride in the nation by reinterpreting history
They focused on the glorious achievements in ancient times, followed by a period of decline under colonization
Nationalist histories aimed to inspire pride and a desire for change

Issues in Unifying People

When the glorified past was predominantly Hindu, people of other communities felt excluded
The challenge was to create a sense of unity while maintaining the diverse cultural identity of India

Conclusion

In the first half of the twentieth century, various groups and classes of Indians came together for the struggle for independence.
The Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi attempted to resolve differences and ensure that the demands of one group did not alienate another.
In other words, what was emerging as a nation with many voices wanting freedom from colonial rule.

Quit India Movement (1942) - Key Points
Cause: Failure of Cripps Mission & WWII discontent.
14 Jul 1942 (Wardha): Congress passed Quit India resolution.
8 Aug 1942 (Bombay): Gandhi's "Do or Die" call.
Nature: Non-violent mass struggle with hartals, protests, slogans.
Leaders: Jayprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Ram Manohar Lohia.
Women: Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua, Rama Devi.
Result: Nationwide uprising; British repression; took over a year to crush.

Long Answer Questions: Nationalism in India

Q1. What what the main issue behind the Khilafat Movement? Why did Gandhiji support this?

Ans: Gandhiji's support for the Khilafat Movement was driven by his desire to broaden his Satyagraha movement. He believed that unity between Hindus and Muslims was essential for a successful national movement. The Khilafat issue presented an opportunity for this unity.

Background of the Khilafat Issue:

The First World War severely weakened the Ottoman Empire in Turkey.
The British had promised to treat the Khalifa, the spiritual leader of Muslims, generously but failed to fulfil this promise.
By 1920, the British had dismantled the Turkish Empire completely.

Gandhiji's support for the Khilafat Movement helped to strengthen it. The reasons for his support included:

The limitations of the Rowlatt Satyagraha, which was largely confined to urban areas, highlighted the need for a broader movement.
Gandhiji aimed to unite Hindus and Muslims, believing their collaboration would enhance the nationalist movement.
After the war, there were fears of a harsh peace treaty for Ottoman Turkey, threatening the Khalifa's powers.

Q2. Why did Gandhi choose "Non-Cooperation" as a method of fighting colonial rule? Explain his method.

Ans: The Non-Cooperation movement was initiated in 1920 and lasted for two years. Gandhi's core idea was that the British ruled India because the people cooperated with them. He believed that if Indians stopped cooperating, British rule would collapse, paving the way for Swaraj (self-rule).

The movement unfolded in several stages:

Surrender of Titles: Indians were to give up all titles and honours granted by the British.
Boycott of Government Services: This included civil services, police, and the army.
Boycott of Courts and Legislative Councils: Indians refused to participate in judicial and legislative functions under British rule.
Civil Disobedience: If the government repressed the movement, a full civil disobedience campaign would be launched.

Q3. Explain the term "Swaraj" and its changed meaning in this period.

Ans: Swaraj means "self-rule" or "self-governance." Its meaning evolved during the Indian freedom struggle:

Original Meaning: Initially, Swaraj referred to political independence from British rule.
Broader Meaning:Different groups interpreted Swaraj in various ways:
- For peasants, it meant lower taxes and fair treatment from landlords.
- For workers, it signified better pay and working conditions.
- For businessmen, it represented freedom from British economic control and opportunities for growth.
Symbol of Freedom: Swaraj came to symbolise liberation from all forms of oppression, including social and economic injustices.
Unity and Identity: It united various groups across India with a common goal, fostering a sense of national identity despite differing needs.

Overall, Swaraj transformed from a political demand into a broader concept encompassing the hopes and aspirations of many Indians.

Q4. Why did different social groups join the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Ans: Different social groups joined the Non-Cooperation Movement for various reasons, each reflecting their unique struggles:

Middle Class in Cities: Inspired by the call for Swaraj and discontent with British rule. Students left schools, teachers resigned, and lawyers stopped working, boycotting foreign goods and government services.
Peasants: Frustrated with high taxes and unfair land practices. Organised protests against landlords and refused to pay taxes.
Tribal Groups: Anger over restrictions on accessing forests for traditional activities. Some resorted to violence to protest these restrictions.
Workers: Faced low wages and poor working conditions. Boycotted foreign goods and organised strikes.
Business Class: Wanted fewer restrictions on businesses and opposed British economic policies. Funded the movement and refused to trade in British goods.

Economic Effects: The import of foreign cloth halved from Rs 102 crore to Rs 57 crore between 1921 and 1922. Increased demand for Indian textiles as foreign cloth was boycotted. Khadi was often more expensive than mass-produced cloth, making it hard for the poor to afford. Many students and workers returned to British-run institutions due to a lack of alternatives.

Q5. Why were the hill people of Andhra aggrieved by colonial rule?

Ans: The hill people of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Gudem Hills, were deeply aggrieved by colonial rule due to several oppressive policies imposed by the British:

Restrictions on Forest Access: The colonial government limited their access to forests, which hindered essential activities like grazing cattle, collecting firewood, and gathering fruits. This loss of traditional rights led to widespread discontent.
Forced Labour (Begar): The British compelled the hill people to provide unpaid labour for road construction.

Features of the Gudem Rebellion:

Militant Guerrilla Movement: The Gudem rebellion was a militant guerrilla movement against the British, employing hit-and-run tactics to attack police stations and government officials.
Leadership of Alluri Sitaram Raju: The rebellion was led by Alluri Sitaram Raju, a charismatic figure who claimed to have special powers, such as making accurate predictions and surviving bullet wounds. .
Inspiration from Non-Cooperation Movement: Although the rebellion involved armed struggle, it was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement.
Repression by the British: The British responded with severe repression, deploying military forces to suppress the rebellion.

Unity for Freedom

Q6. What is the importance of the Non-Cooperation Movement in India's struggle for independence?

Ans: The Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) marked the first all-India mass struggle against British rule and significantly transformed the national movement. It mobilized peasants, students, women, and the working class, bringing them into the fight for independence. The Indian National Congress (INC) evolved into a mass organization, shedding its elitist image. Fear of British rule diminished as people witnessed the British struggle against Gandhiji's leadership, emboldening Indians nationwide.

Women's active participation in the movement also advanced social change. The movement introduced new methods like boycotts, resignations, and peaceful arrests while spreading nationalism to both urban and rural areas. Gandhiji's call for Swaraj, defined as self-rule, inspired hope, transforming despair into excitement for freedom. The NCM unified Indians across regions, fostering a sense of pride and determination to end British rule.

Q7. How did the different social groups that participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement look at it? What was their attitude towards its aim?

Ans: Different social groups had varying perspectives on the Civil Disobedience Movement and its aims:

Rich Peasants: Communities like the Patidars of Gujarat and the Jats of Uttar Pradesh were heavily affected by the trade depression and falling prices.
Poor Peasants: Small tenants, who rented land from landlords, participated because they could not pay their rent due to the ongoing economic depression.
Merchants and Industrialists: This group protested against colonial policies that hindered their businesses. T
Industrial Workers: Workers joined the movement to advocate for better wages and working conditions.

Despite their initial enthusiasm, all four groups faced disappointment: They lost interest when the movement was suspended in 1931 without any changes to revenue rates, leading many to abstain from the resumed movement in 1932. They felt let down as the Congress did not support their 'no rent' campaigns. They grew disillusioned with the rise of militant activities and the increasing socialist influence within the Congress, which did not align with their business interests.

Q8. Compare the image of Bharat Mata with the image of Germania. Do you find any similarities? Why do you think these images of Bharat Mata will not appeal to all castes and communities?

Ans: Similarities:

Bharat Mata

The image of Bharat Mata was created by Abanindranath Tagore and represents India.
She is depicted as an ascetic figure, symbolising calmness, spirituality, and divinity.
In various portrayals, she embodies learning, food, and clothing, with a mala that highlights her aesthetic quality.
Some images include symbols of power, such as a trishul, lion, and elephant.

Germania

The image of Germania was painted by Philip Veit, representing Germany.
Initially depicted holding a sword in a feminine manner, she was later redrawn by Lorenz Clasen, wielding a sword and shield.
Germania embodies the strength of the German Empire.

While both images serve as national symbols, they may not appeal to all castes and communities due to:

The image of Bharat Mata was created by artists like Abanindranath Tagore to inspire nationalism. However, it also points out that different people interpreted the image differently, depending on their caste, class, region, and religion.
The idea of a motherland portrayed as a Hindu goddess-like figure (with divine symbols) could be more appealing to Hindus, but not necessarily to Muslims, Christians, or other religious communities.
People from different castes or regions might not feel equally connected to the same imagery, as their experiences of nationalism were linked to their own local struggles (like peasants against landlords, tribals against forest laws, etc.).
Thus, the same image could not evoke the same emotional response in all groups.

CBSE Class 10 > Class 10 Notes > Social Studies (SST) > Worksheet- Nationalism in India - 1

Worksheet- Nationalism in India - 1

Q.1. Describe the role of Alluri Sitaram Raju in Andhra Pradesh during 1920s. Marks 3
Ans. Role of Alluri Sitaram Raju in the Gudem hills of Andhra Pradesh:
(i) Alluri Sitaram Raju claimed that he had a variety of special powers like making astrological predictions, healing people and surviving bullet shots.
(ii) The rebels proclaimed him as an incarnation of God.
(iii) Raju was inspired by Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement.
(iv) Persuaded people to wear khadi and give up drinking.
(v) But at the same time he asserted that India could be liberated only by the use of force, not non-violence.
(vi) Used guerrilla warfare for achieving swaraj. (To be assessed as whole)
Q.2. Why did Gandhiji decide to launch a nationwide 'Satyagraha' against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919)? How was it opposed? Explain. Marks 5
Ans. Gandhi ji decided to launch a nation-wide Satyagraha:

(i) This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council.
(ii) Indian members opposed the Act.
(iii) It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities.
(iv) It allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. (Any two points to be explained)It opposed in the following ways: (i) Rallies were organised in various cities.
(ii) Workers went on strike.
(iii) Shops were closed.
(iv) Communication, railway, telegraphs lines were disrupted. (Any other relevant point) (Any three)

Q.3. "British rule in India would have collapsed if Indians had not cooperated." How did this statement help in starting a mass movement in India against the British rule?
Ans. (i) Mahatma Gandhi declared that British rule was established in India with the cooperation of Indian and if Indians had refused to cooperate, British rule in India would have collapsed within a year.
(ii) He proposed that the movement should unfold in stages.
(iii) It should begin with the surrendering of titles that the government had awarded to the Indians.
(iv) A boycott of civil services, army, police, courts and legislative assemblies, schools and foreign goods would show their non-cooperation to the British empire.
(v) Mahatma Gandhi felt that in case the government used repression, a full civil disobedience campaign would be launched. (Any three)

Q.4. Explain the effects of the First World War on India. Marks 5

OR
How did the 'First World War' create new economic and political situations in India? Explain with examples.
OR
Explain any five major problems posed by the First World War in India.
OR
Examine the effects of the First World War on the National Movement of India.
OR
Explain How the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India. [NCERT]
Ans. (i) The war created a new economic and political situation.

(ii) It led to a huge increase in defence expenditure which was financed by war loans.

(iii) To fulfil the loan demands taxes were increased, custom duties were raised. Not only this, a new tax in the form of income tax was also introduced.

(iv) Prices increased, doubling between 1913 and 1918. This hit the common people.

(v) Villagers were asked to supply soldiers and through force recruitment in rural areas.

(vi) During 1918-19, crops failed in many parts of India which created a shortage of food.

(vii) Spread of influenza epidemic and death of 12 to 13 million people. (Any five)

Q.5. Define the term 'Civil Disobedience Movement'. Describe the participation of rich and poor peasant communities in the 'Civil Disobedience Movement'. Marks 5
Ans. Civil Disobedience Movement: To disobey the rules of the British Government.

Participation of rich and poor peasants:
(i) In the countryside, rich peasant communities like patidars of Gujarat and Jats of U.P. were active inmovement.
(ii) Rich peasants participated in the movement as a struggle against high revenue demand.
(iii) Rich peasants organized their community to support the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(iv) The poor peasants participated as they wanted their unpaid rent to be remitted. (Any other relevant point)

Detailed Answer: Definition of Civil Disobedience Movement: Civil Disobedience Movement refers to the act by a group of people by refusing to obey laws or pay taxes, as a peaceful way of expressing their disapproval of those laws or taxes and in order to persuade the government to change them. Gandhiji and Martin Luther King both conducted Civil Disobedience Movements in their respective countries to get rid of the exploitation and oppression offered by their colonial rulers.
(i) Rich Peasants: Depression and fall in prices affected them badly. They demanded reduction in land revenue. Swaraj meant reduction of taxes for them. They were disappointed when the movement was called off.
(ii) Poor Peasants: Depression affected them badly. They demanded reduction in rent. Swaraj meant reduction of rent for them. They joined Communist and revolutionary movements.

Q.6. Explain in brief the 'Dandi March'. Marks 3
OR
Describe the main features of the 'Salt March'.
Ans. (i) Mahatma Gandhi started his famous 'Salt March' or 'Dandi March' on 11th March, 1930 accompanied by 78 of his trusted volunteers.
(ii) The march was to cover 240 miles from Gandhi's ashram in Sabarmati to the Gujarati Coastal town of Dandi.
(iii) On 6th April, 1930, he reached Dandi and ceremonially violated the law by manufacturing salt by boiling sea water.
(iv) This marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement. (Any three)
Correct the following statement and rewrite:
Q.7. The import of foreign cloth doubled between 1921 and 1922, its value increasing from ₹ 102 Crore to ₹ 200 Crore.
Ans. The import of foreign cloth halved between 1921 and 1922, its value dropping from ₹102 Crore to ₹57 Crore.

Q.8. In 1928, the Hindustan Socialist Republician Army (HSRA) was founded at a meeting in Ferozeshah Kotla ground in Kolkata.
Ans. In 1928, the Hindustan Socialist Republician Army (HSRA) was founded at a meeting in Ferozeshah Kotla ground in Delhi.

Find the incorrect option:
Q.9. (a) In 1928, Vallabhbhai Patel led the peasant movement in Bardoli, a taluka in Gujarat.
(b) It was against enhancement of land revenue, known as the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(c) This movement was a success under the able leadership of Vallabhbhai Patel.
(d) The struggle was widely publicized and generated immense sympathy in many parts of India.
Ans. The Incorrect option is (b): It was against enhancement of land revenue, known as the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Correct answer is: It was against enhancement of land revenue, known as Bardoli Satyagraha.

Q.10. What type of flag was designed during the 'Swadeshi Movement' in Bengal? Explain its main features. Marks 3
Ans. During the "Swadeshi Movement" in Bengal the flag was designed as a Tricolour Flag.
The two features of the flag were:
(i) The colour of the flag was Red, Green and Yellow.
(ii) It had eight lotuses representing eight provinces in British India.
(iii) It had a crescent moon representing Hindus and Muslims. (Any two)

Q.11. Explain any five factors which gave rise to the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. Marks 5
Ans. Factors that gave rise to the Civil Disobedience Movement were:

(i) The problem with the Simon Commission.
(ii) Irwin's vague offer of dominion status for India in an unspecified future.
(iii) Salt Law (iv) Negligence of eleven demands of Gandhiji by the British.
(v) Lahore Session of INC (1929)

Q.12. Explain the attitude of the Indian merchants and the industrialists towards the 'Civil Disobedience Movement'. Marks 5
Ans. The attitude of the Indian merchants and the industrialists towards the Civil Disobedience Movement:
(i) During the First World War, Indian merchants and industrialists had made huge profits and became powerful.
(ii) They wanted protection against imports of foreign goods and a Rupee-Sterling Foreign Exchange ratio that would discourage import.
(iii) To organise business interest they formed the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress (in 1920) and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries-FICCI ( in 1927).
(iv) They gave financial assistance and refused to buy or sell imported goods.
(v) Most businessmen came to see 'Swaraj' as a time when colonial restrictions on business would no longer exist and trade and industry would flourish without constraints.(vi) After the failure of the Round Table Conference business groups were no longer uniformly enthusiastic.

(vii) They were apprehensive of the spread of militant activities and worried about prolonged disruption of business. (Any five)

Q.13. How did the Civil Disobedience Movement come into force in various parts of the country? Explain with examples. Marks 5
Ans. The Civil Disobedience Movement came into force in various parts of the country :
(i) Gandhi led the Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi with his followers starting the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(ii) Thousands in different parts of the country broke the Salt Law, manufactured salt and demonstrated in front of government salt factories.
(iii) In the countryside like the rich Patidars of Gujarat and Jats of Uttar Pradesh were active in the movement.
(iv) As rich peasant communities were very hard hit by the trade depression and falling prices, they became enthusiastic supporters of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(v) As the depression continued and the cash invoice dwindled, the small tenants found it difficult to pay the rent. They wanted the unpaid rent to the landlords to be remitted and thus they joined the movement.
(vi) Merchants and industrialists supported the movement by giving financial assistance and refused to buy and sell the imported goods.
(vii) The industrial working class of Nagpur region participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).
(viii) Railway workers, dock workers, coal mine workers of Chhota Nagpur, etc. participated in protest rallies and boycott campaigns.
(ix) Women also participated in large numbers. (Any five)

Q.14. Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follows:
SOURCE A : Towards Civil Disobedience [NCERT History Ch. 2 Page 38] In February 1922, Mahatma Gandhi decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement. He felt the movement was turning violent in many places and satyagrahis needed to be properly trained before they would be ready for mass struggles. Within the Congress, some leaders were by now tired of mass struggles and wanted to participate in elections to the provincial councils that had been set up by the Government of India Act of 1919. They felt that it was important to oppose British policies within the councils, argue for reform and also demonstrate that these councils were not truly democratic. C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru formed the Swaraj Party within the Congress to argue for a return to council politics. But younger leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose pressed for more radical mass agitation and for full independence.
SOURCE B : The Independence Day Pledge, 26 January, 1930 [NCERT History Ch. 2 Page 39] 'We believe that it is the inalienable right of the Indian people, as of any other people, to have freedom and to enjoy the fruits of their toil and have the necessities of life, so that they may have full opportunities of growth. We believe also that if any government deprives a people of these rights and oppresses them, the people have a further right to alter it or to abolish it. The British Government in India has not only deprived the Indian people of their freedom but has based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and has ruined India economically, politically, culturally, and spiritually. We believe, therefore, that India must sever the British connection and attain Purna Swaraj or Complete Independence.'
SOURCE C : The Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement [NCERT History Ch. 2 Page 39] Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. On 31 January 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin starting eleven demands. Some of these were of general interest; others were specific demands of different classes, from industrialists to peasants. The idea was to make the demands wide-ranging, so that all classes within Indian society could identify with them and everyone could be brought together in a united campaign. The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax. Salt was something consumed by the rich and the poor alike, and it was one of the most essential items of food. The tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production, Mahatma Gandhi declared, revealed the most oppressive face of British rule. Marks 3
Question : SOURCE A : Towards Civil Disobedience
(i) What was the major reason behind the formation of the Swaraj Party?
SOURCE B : The Independence Day Pledge, 26 January, 1930
(ii) What was the negative impact of the British rule in India?
SOURCE C : The Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement
(iii) In Mahatma Gandhi's opinion, what revealed the true oppressive face of the British government?
Ans. (i) C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru formed the Swaraj Party within the Congress to argue for a return to council politics.
(ii) Negative impact of the British rule in India: The British Government in India had not only deprived the Indian people of their freedom but had also based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and had ruined India economically, politically, culturally, and spiritually.
(iii) Salt was something consumed by the rich and the poor alike, and it was one of the most essential items of food. The tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production, Mahatma Gandhi declared, revealed the most oppressive face of British rule.

Q.15. Why was the 'Salt March' considered an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism? Explain. Marks 5
Ans. Salt March:
(i) Salt was consumed by all the sections of the society.
(ii) It was the most essential item of food.
(iii) The tax on salt and the government monopoly over production.
(iv) Gandhiji found salt as a powerful symbol that could unite the nation.
(v) On 31st January 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin starting eleven demands.
(vi) The idea was to make the demands wide ranging, so that all classes within Indian society could identify with them and everyone could be brought together in a united campaign.
(vii) The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax. (Any five)

Key Concepts:

The First World War, Khilafat, and Non-Cooperation

National Movement was spreading in new areas in 1919 and incorporating new social groups and developing new modes of struggle.
Mahatma Gandhi came to India and The Idea of Satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and the need to search for truth.
He advocated that physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor.
In 1916, he travelled to Champaran in Bihar to inspire the peasants to struggle against the oppressive plantation system.

Mahatma Gandhi broke the Salt Law

The Idea of Satyagraha

Return to India: Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa in January 1915, bringing with him the method of satyagraha, which emphasized non-violent resistance based on truth.
Concept of Satyagraha: Focused on non-violence and moral persuasion to appeal to the oppressor's conscience, aiming for truth to ultimately prevail without the use of physical force.
Early Satyagraha Movements:
1. Champaran (1917): Led a struggle against the oppressive plantation system in Bihar.
2. Kheda (1917): Supported Gujarat peasants demanding relaxation of revenue collection due to crop failure and plague.
3. Ahmedabad (1918): Organized a satyagraha for cotton mill workers.

Mahatma Gandhi leading the salt march

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

Try yourself: In which of the following places Mahatma Gandhi organised satyagraha for the first time in India?

Dandi

Ahmedabad

Kheda

CORRECT ANSWER

Champaran

Correct Answer: D

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was the first Satyagraha movement led by Gandhi in India and is considered a historically important revolt in the Indian Independence Movement. It was a farmer's uprising that took place in Champaran district of Bihar, India, during the British colonial period.

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The Rowlatt act

Rowlatt Act (1919): Gave the government power to repress political activities and detain people without trial for two years; opposed by Indian leaders.
Nationwide Satyagraha: Gandhi launched a non-violent movement against the Act on 6 April 1919, organizing hartals (strikes), rallies, and protests.

Repression and Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre: British crackdown led to violence, culminating in the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre (13 April 1919) where General Dyer's troops fired on a crowd, killing hundreds.
Aftermath of the Massacre: Widespread protests and strikes followed; British repression intensified. Gandhi called off the movement due to increasing violence.
Need for a Broader Movement: Gandhi sought to unite Hindus and Muslims; he took up the Khilafat isse to defend the Ottoman Khalifa and build a unified national movement.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): At the Calcutta Congress session, Gandhi convinced leaders to launch the movement, combining the Khilafat cause with the fight for swaraj.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

Try yourself: When did the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre happen?

1917

1918

CORRECT ANSWER

1919

1920

Correct Answer: C

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also called Massacre of Amritsar, incident on April 13, 1919, in which British troops fired on a large crowd of unarmed Indians in an open space known as the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.

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Why Non-cooperation?

Gandhi's Belief: In Hind Swaraj (1909), Gandhi argued that British rule relied on the cooperation of Indians; non-cooperation could lead to the collapse of British rule within a year.
Plan for the Movement:
Unfold in stages:
- Surrender of titles and boycott of civil services, army, police, courts, legislative councils, schools, and foreign goods.
- If repressed, escalate to a full civil disobedience campaign.
Mobilization Efforts: Gandhi and Shaukat Ali toured to gather support in 1920.
Congress Debate:
- Concerns over boycotting council elections and potential violence caused internal divisions.
- A compromise was reached at the Nagpur Congress session in December 1920, adopting the Non-Cooperation programme.

Differing Strands Within The Movement

In January 1921, the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement began. In this movement, various social groups participated, but the term meant different things to different people.

The Movement in the Towns

Middle-Class Participation: Students left government schools, teachers and headmasters resigned, and lawyers stopped practicing. Council elections were boycotted, except in Madras where the Justice Party participated.
Economic Impact: Boycott of foreign goods, picketing of liquor shops, and burning of foreign cloth. Foreign cloth imports reduced by nearly half between 1921 and 1922, boosting Indian textile production.
Challenges and Slowdown: Khadi cloth was expensive; the poor found it hard to afford, making prolonged boycott difficult. Lack of alternative Indian institutions led many students, teachers, and lawyers to return to British institutions.

Also read: Practice Questions: Nationalism in India

Rebellion in the countryside

Awadh Peasant Movement: Led by Baba Ramchandra, aimed at addressing high rents, forced labor (begar), and eviction by landlords.
Demands of Peasants: The movement called for reduced revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycotts of oppressive landlords.
Nai-Dhobi Bandhs: Panchayats organized strikes by barbers and washermen to disrupt landlord services.
Growth of the Oudh Kisan Sabha: Jawaharlal Nehru helped establish the Oudh Kisan Sabha, which grew to over 300 branches by late 1920.
Violent Turn: In 1921, the movement saw violence with attacks on landlords' houses, bazaar looting, and grain seizures.
Gudem Hills Revolt: Led by Alluri Sitaram Raju, who used guerrilla warfare against British rule, despite Gandhi's non-violent principles.

Swaraj in the Plantations

For plantation workers in Assam, freedom meant the right to move freely in and out and 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.
After they heard of the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers left the plantations and headed home.
Unfortunately, they never reached their destination and were caught by the police.
They were brutally beaten up during this process.

Towards Civil Disobedience

Withdrawal: In February 1922, Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement due to increasing violence; believed satyagrahis needed training.
Internal Congress Debate:
- C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru formed the Swaraj Party to push for council politics.
- Younger leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose favored radical mass agitation and complete independence.
Economic Depression Impact: Falling agricultural prices from 1926, collapse after 1930, leading to rural distress.
Simon Commission (1928): All-British body, greeted with "Go back Simon" protests; opposed by Congress and Muslim League.
Dominion Status Offer (1929): Lord Irwin's vague offer rejected; radicals pushed for full independence.
Lahore Congress (1929): Led by Jawaharlal Nehru, formal demand for 'Purna Swaraj' (full independence); 26 January 1930 declared Independence Day, but gained little public attention. Gandhi aimed to connect freedom to daily issues.

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The Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement

Gandhiji gave the call for Civil Disobedience Movement.
He chose 'Salt' as the symbol of unity of the nation. Called the 'Salt Tax' as most inhuman. The movement started on 31 January 1930. He made eleven demands in a letter to the Viceroy Lord Irwin. His demands covered every class from industrialists to peasants.
Famous Dandi March began on March 12, 1930. On 6th April 1930, Gandhiji reached Dandi, a village in Gujarat and broke the Salt Law by boiling water and manufacturing salt. Thus began the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Gandhiji breaking the salt law

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) attempted to bring the government to a standstill by non-cooperating with the administration.
The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed at paralysing the government by performing illegal acts.
Boycott of foreign goods, non-payment of taxes, breaking forest laws were its main features.
The British Government followed a policy of brutal repression. Arrested all the leaders including Gandhiji and Nehru. Nearly 100,000 people were arrested.
Lord Irwin, the Viceroy, signed a pact with Gandhiji on 5 March 1931. Gandhiji agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference and the British agreed to release all political prisoners.
Gandhiji returned from the Second Round Table Conference disappointed in December 1931. Civil Disobedience started again.
By 1934 the Movement lost its momentum.

How Participants saw the Movement

To the countryside: Rich peasant communities expected the revenue tax to be reduced, when the British refused to do so, they did not rejoin the movement in 1932.
The Poor were the peasants who rented the land from landlords: Depression made them unable to pay rent and wanted it to be reduced. Their relationship with the Congress became uncertain.
The rich peasants supported the movement to reduce revenue rates but were disappointed when the movement was called off in 1931 without changes to revenue policies.
The Business Classes: After the war, their huge profits were reduced, wanted protection against import of foreign goods. Thefailure of the Round Table Conference, curbed their enthusiasm for the Civil Disobedience Movement.
They formed organizations like the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) but became cautious after the Round Table Conference due to concerns about militant activities and the influence of socialism .
The industrial working class did not participate in a large number. They joined because of low wages and poor working conditions. Congress was reluctant to include workers' demands as it would alienate the industrialists.
Women and the Civil Disobedience Movement: 1930 was the year when women entered the struggle for Independence on a massive scale. During Gandhiji's Dandi March, they joined protest marches, picketed foreign clothes and shops. But Congress did not encourage them or gave them important posts in the organisation.

The Limits of Civil Disobedience

Dalit Movement: Many dalits (untouchables) were not drawn to the idea of swaraj. Gandhi promoted equality, but many dalit leaders sought political solutions, such as reserved seats and separate electorates.
Ambedkar-Gandhi Clash: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar demanded separate electorates for dalits at the Round Table Conference. After Gandhi's fast unto death, a compromise led to the Poona Pact (1932), granting reserved seats within a general electorate.
Muslim Response: After the decline of the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement, many Muslims felt alienated from the Congress. Conflicts arose over representation in assemblies, leading to distrust between communities and a lukewarm response to the Civil Disobedience Movement.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

Try yourself: Which movement aimed at paralysing the government by performing illegal acts like boycotting foreign goods and non-payment of taxes?

Khilafat Movement

Non-Cooperation Movement

Rowlatt Act Movement

CORRECT ANSWER

Civil Disobedience Movement

Correct Answer: D

- The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed at paralysing the government by performing illegal acts such as boycotting foreign goods, non-payment of taxes, and breaking forest laws. It sought to challenge British rule through non-violent resistance and disobedience to unjust laws.

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Also read: Practice Questions: Nationalism in India

The Sense of Collective Belonging

Collective belonging comes through experiences of common struggles. A common history and fiction, through folklore, songs and popular prints and symbols.
Bharat Mata became the symbol of India.

Bakim Chandra Chattopadhyay created the image in his song "Vande Mataram" in his novel 'Anand Math' (1870s). Abanindranath Tagore painted Bharat Mata as a calm, composed, divine and spiritual figure.
Rabindranath Tagore of Bengal and Natesa Sastri of Madras compiled songs, ballads, myths and folklore.
Reinterpretation of History: Indians delved into the past history and discovered India's greatness and achievements in mathematics, literature, religion, culture, philosophy, crafts, and trade.

Conclusion

In the early 1900s, many Indian groups united against colonial rule. Gandhi and the Congress worked to turn this anger into a unified independence movement. However, different groups had different goals and needs, which often led to disagreements and splits within the movement. So, the push for independence had both strong moments of unity and times of conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1: State one oppressive feature of Rowlatt Act ?
Ans: It allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.

Q.2: Why people could not afford Khadi ?
Ans: Khadi cloth was often more expensive than mass produced mill cloth and poor people could not afford to buy it.

Q.3: When did Simon Commission arrive in India and why was it boycotted ?
Ans: Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928. It was boycotted because no Indian was member of this Commission.

Short Answer Questions: Nationalism in India

Q.1. What is meant by the idea of Satyagraha?
OR
Gandhiji said 'Satyagraha' was active resistance. How?
OR
Explain the idea of Satyagraha.
Ans. Gandhiji said 'Satyagraha' was not passive resistance but it called for intensive activity. Physical force was not used against the oppressor, nor vengeance was sought. Only through the power of truth and non-violence, an appeal was made to the conscience of the oppressor. Persuasion, not force, would make the oppressor realise the truth. This 'dharma' of non-violence and truth united people against the oppressor and made them realise the truth.Satyagrah Movement

Q.2. Why were Indians outraged by the Rowlatt Act?
Ans. The Rowlatt Act was passed hurriedly by the Imperial Legislative Council in 1919. It was opposed by all its Indian members. The government assumed enormous powers through this Act as they could detain political prisoners without trial for two years. Gandhiji decided to launch a 'Hartal' on 6 April against the Rowlatt Act.

Q.3. Give one example to prove that Non-Cooperation Movement was more successful on the economic front.
Ans. One example is boycott of foreign goods. The import of foreign textile cloth became half of what it was, between 1921-1922. It fell from 102 crores to 57 crores.

Q.4. Which party did not support the boycott of council elections during the movement and why.
Ans. The Justice Party of Madras decided not to boycott Council elections. The Justice Party members were non-Brahmins and so far had not been able to win elections, as the Brahman candidates always won. They thought it was a golden opportunity for them to enter the Councils.

Q.5. Why did Gandhiji call off the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Ans. The Chauri Chaura incident near Gorakhpur made him to do so. A peaceful procession turned violent and burnt a police chowki at Chauri Chaura and 22 policemen were burnt alive. Gandhiji, an apostle of non-violence, was shocked and immediately called off the movement.

Q.6. What was the cause of disagreement between the Congress-led Non-Cooperation Movement and the peasants' and workers' movements?
Ans. The Congress under Gandhiji believed in achieving 'Swaraj' by peaceful means and total non-violence. The peasants and workers, though believers in Gandhi's Swaraj, khadi and boycott, did not believe in non-violence. They turned violent to gain their aims, which went against the Congress creed.

Q.7. What was the Inland Emigration Act of 1859?
Ans. The British government had passed this Act to prevent the plantation workers to leave the plantations and go back to their villages in Assam. They were forced to remain at the plantations and not leave them without permission. The permission to leave was seldom granted.

Q.8. Explain the two important factors that shaped Indian politics towards 1920's. [2011(T-2)]
OR
Mention two factors which influenced Indian politics in the late 1920s. [2011(T-2)]
Ans. (i) The first was the worldwide economic depression which brought the agricultural prices crashing down in India. Farmers could not sell their produces and the whole country-side was in turmoil.

(ii) The British constituted a statutes commission in 1927 under Sir John Simon. The aim was to diffuse nationalism aroused by the Non-Cooperation Movement. The Commission was to look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India. It was an all-white commission, with not a single Indian member in it. It set the political world in India on fire and led to Gandhiji starting the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Q.9. Explain the difference in the objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement.
OR
How was the civil disobedience movement different from the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Ans. Non-Coorporation Movement (1920-22) wanted to bring the Government to a standstill by refusing to cooperate with it; Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) wanted to paralyse the government by performing illegal acts like violating the laws.

Q.10. Why did Gandhiji choose 'Salt' as the symbol of his Civil Disobedience Movement?
Ans. Salt is consumed by both the poor and the rich, and is one of the most essential items of food everywhere in the world. The British government had the monopoly on the production of salt in India. By imposing a 'salt tax' the government hit both the rich and the poor, specially the poor. Gandhiji thought it was the most repressive Act of the British government and chose to defy it by breaking the "Salt Law".

Q.11. How did the British Government react to the "Salt March" of Gandhiji?
Ans. A frightened and shaken British government responded with a policy of brutal repression. About 100,000 people were arrested. Gandhiji was arrested on 4th May, 1930. The government also tried to diffuse the situation by releasing Gandhiji and making him sign the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (the then Viceroy of India) on 5th March, 1931. But the failure of the Second Round Table Conference in 1931 led the Government to begin its repressive measures in 1932 again. Congress was declared illegal and Nehru and Abdul Ghaffar Khan were arrested. All boycotts, meetings and demonstrations were banned by the British.

Q.12. Why did the industrialists and industrial workers lose interest in the Civil Disobedience Movement?
OR
Why did the initial enthusiasm of the merchants and industrialists fade away during the later stage of the civil disobedience movement?
Ans. The industrialists were perturbed by the increasing influence of socialism among the younger members of the Congress. They were also worried by the long-drawn militant activities and were worried about the harm done by it to their business interests.

Q.13. How and when nationalism captures the hearts and minds of the people ?
Ans. When people begin to believe strongly that they are part of the same nation. Also, when they discover common bonds that unite them, when they share the same struggles and have a common folklore, history and culture, then nationalism grips their hearts and minds.

Q14. What is the significance of 13th April, 1919?
Ans. April 13, 1919, is significant for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where British troops killed hundreds of people in a crowd in Amritsar. The massacre sparked widespread unrest and led Mahatma Gandhi to end the Satyagraha movement in response to the severe repression by the British government.

Flowcharts & Important Terms: Nationalism in India

Cheatsheet:

Timeline and Key Events

This timeline highlights the significant events in the Indian nationalist movement, focusing on how different groups and leaders contributed to India's struggle for independence from British rule.

Nationalism in India developed as a response to British rule, with various leaders and movements emerging to fight for independence. The struggle spanned decades, incorporating diverse groups and ideologies. Major events in Indian Nationalism as follows

Nationalism: Europe vs. India

Compares how nationalism developed in Europe through state formation and in India via anti-colonial unity.

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Congress & Gandhi's Role

Gandhi and Congress unified diverse groups for India's freedom struggle.

First World War & Khilafat

Details economic and social impacts of WWI and Gandhi's use of Khilafat for unity.

Also read: NCERT Solutions: Nationalism in India

Satyagraha

Explains Gandhi's non-violent Satyagraha and its application in key early movements.

Rowlatt Act (1919)

Opposition to Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and its aftermath.

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Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22)

Gandhi's strategy, urban/rural impacts, and reasons for the movement's end.

Civil Disobedience & Salt March

Details the Salt March, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Gandhi-Irwin Pact outcomes.

Also read: NCERT Solutions: Nationalism in India

Participation in Movements

Different social groups participated and faced challenges in the freedom struggle.

Key Takeaways

Nationalism in India was closely linked to the anti-colonial movement.
Gandhi played a crucial role in uniting people through non-violent struggles.
Different social groups had unique interpretations of nationalism, contributing in their own ways.
The independence movement witnessed major events like the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement.

Conclusion

The Indian nationalist movement evolved over decades, with contributions from diverse social and political groups. Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress played a crucial role in uniting people under a common vision for independence. The movement's success was shaped by various mass struggles, ultimately leading to India's freedom in 1947.

NCERT Solutions: Nationalism in India

Q1. Explain:
(a) Why the growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an anti-colonial movement?
Ans: The growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an anti-colonial movement as:

People began discovering their unity in the process of their struggle with colonialism.
The sense of being oppressed under colonialism provided a shared bond that tied many different groups together.
However, each class and group felt the effects of colonialism differently.
Their experiences were varied and their notions of freedom were not always the same.
The Congress under Mahatma Gandhi tried to forge these groups together within one movement. However, unity did not emerge without conflict.

(b) How the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India.

Ans: War created a new political and economic situation.

It led to a huge increase in defence expenditure, which was financed by war loans and increasing taxes: custom duties were increased, and income tax was introduced.
The forced recruitment in villages caused widespread anger.
Crops failed; this resulted in an acute shortage of food.
12 to 13 million people died due to famines and epidemics.

Ans: Indians had hoped that after the war, their hardships would be over and that the government would take steps to improve their condition.

On the other hand, the government passed the Rowlatt Act in the Imperial Legislative Council in 1919 against the united opposition of the Indian members.
The Act gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities. It allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
Its provisions meant the suspension of two principles of justice - trial by jury and habeas corpus.

(d) Why Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Ans: Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement because of the following reasons:

In February 1922, at Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur (UP), a group of peaceful Indian demonstrators turned violent. They burnt alive 22 policemen. When Mahatma Gandhi learned about it, he decided to withdraw from the Non-Cooperation Movement.
He felt that the movement was turning violent in many places and satyagrahis needed to be properly trained before they would be ready for mass struggles.
Within Congress, some leaders like C.R. Dass and Motilal Nehru were also tired of mass struggles and wanted to participate in elections for the provincial councils.

Q2. What is meant by the idea of satyagraha?

Ans: Satyagraha is pure soul-force. Truth is the very substance of the soul. That is why this force is called Satyagraha.

The idea of Satyagraha suggested that if the cause was true if the struggle was against injustice, then the physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor.
Without seeking vengeance or being aggressive, a satyagrahi could win the battle through non-violence. Thus non-violence is the supreme dharma.
In Satyagraha, oppressors - had to be persuaded to see the truth instead of being forced to accept the truth through the use of violence.

Q3. Write a newspaper report on:
(a) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre
(b) The Simon Commission

Ans:
(a) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre:
Amritsar: April 13 1919- Today is Baisakhi. A large crowd of people had gathered in the enclosed ground of Jallianwala Bagh. Some came to protest against the government's Rowlatt Act. Others had come to attend the annual Baisakhi fair. Being from outside the city, many villagers were unaware of the Martial Law that had been imposed. Gen. Dyer entered the area, blocked the exit points and opened fire on the crowd, killing hundreds.
His object was to 'produce a moral effect' to create in the minds of satyagrahis a feeling of terror and awe.
After the massacre, the wounded were left without medical help. The number of exact casualties is not known. It is an example of oppressive rule by the Imperialist Power.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre(b) The Simon Commission:

Lahore: 30th October 1928 - Today, the Simon Commission, to look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India and to submit a detailed report on reforms, reached Lahore. It is really strange that though the object of the Commission is to look into an Indian problem, no Indian has been appointed as its member. All the members were Britishers. This is a gross injustice. Indians must raise their voice against it and resist the Commission at all levels so that the British government may include Indians in the Commission.
Today, people gather at the station. Lala Lajpat Rai and others led the procession and raised slogans, "Simon Go Back". There was a clash between police and protesters. Lala Lajpat Rai was hit near his heart and felt pain.

Q4. Compare the images of Bharat Mata in this chapter with the image of Germania in Chapter 1.

Ans: There are two images of Bharat Mata one by Abanindranath Tagore and the second by another artist.

In the image by Tagore, Bharat Mata is portrayed as an ascetic figure. She has been shown as calm, composed, divine and spiritual. She is shown also as dispensing learning food and clothing. Abanindranath Tagore tried to develop a style of painting that could be seen as truly Indian.
In the second figure, Bharat Mata is shown with a Trishul standing beside a lion and an elephant, which are both symbols of power and authority. This figure contrasts with the one painted by Abanindranath Tagore.
On the other hand, the image of Germania by Philip Veet wears a crown of oak leaves, which stands for heroism. Thus, there is one similarity between Bharat Mata and Germania - both have an element of bravery, i.e., power, authority and heroism.

Q5. List all the different social groups which joined the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921. Then choose any three and write about their hopes and struggles to show why they joined the movement.

Ans: The different social groups which participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement are listed below:

Middle-class citizens in towns and cities
Students and teachers
Merchants and traders
Lawyers
Peasants
Tribal communities
Plantation workers
Artisans and craftsmen
Women

Three Social Groups and Their Hopes and Struggles:

1. Peasants

Hopes: The peasants joined the Non-Cooperation Movement hoping to end the oppressive taxation and the harsh policies imposed by the British landlords. They sought relief from the heavy taxes, reduced rents, and the abolition of the 'begar' system (forced labor without payment).
Struggles: Peasants faced severe economic hardships, including high taxes and the exploitation by landlords. Despite the risk of violence and repression from authorities, they participated in protests, boycotts, and no-tax campaigns, believing that the movement would improve their living conditions and free them from exploitation.

2. Tribal Communities:

Hopes: Tribal communities joined the movement with the hope of reclaiming their traditional rights over forest lands, which had been restricted by British laws. They wanted to regain control over their resources and resist the colonial government's interference in their way of life.
Struggles: Tribals struggled against the British policies that curtailed their access to forests, which were essential for their livelihoods. They faced displacement and loss of land, leading to widespread poverty. The movement gave them a platform to resist these injustices and demand their rights.

3. Plantation Workers

Hopes: Plantation workers, particularly those working in tea estates in Assam, joined the Non-Cooperation Movement with the hope of improving their working conditions and gaining freedom to return to their homes. They believed the movement would help them escape the oppressive labor contracts that kept them bound to the plantations.
Struggles: The workers endured harsh living and working conditions, with little pay and no rights to leave the plantations. They were often trapped in contracts that prevented them from returning home. Their participation in the movement was driven by a desire to break free from these exploitative conditions and seek a better future.

Q6. Discuss the Salt March to make clear why it was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation.

The Salt March started from Gandhi's ashram in Sabarmati to Dandi, a coastal town located in the state of Gujarat.
The Salt March was over a distance of 240 miles.

Development of Events - Salt March and Civil Disobedience Movement

Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation as it was consumed by rich and poor alike.
He declared that the tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production was the most oppressive face of British rule.
Gandhiji sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands.
The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax.
Irwin was unwilling to negotiate, so Gandhiji started the Salt March with 78 volunteers.
He reached Dandi, violated the law and made salt.
This March developed the feeling of nationalism, people in different parts of the country broke the salt law and manufactured salt and demonstrated in front of government salt factories.
Thus, the Salt March was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.

Q7. Imagine you are a woman participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Explain what the experience meant to your life.
Ans: It was a time when women were kept inside the walls. A woman's role was considered to be that of a homemaker. Though I got a good education, I was not allowed to take part in social or political activities. However, I thought that by participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement, I could be a part of the nation-making process. So, at the call of Gandhiji, I couldn't resist myself. Revolting against my family traditions, and I became an active member of the movement. It was a proud moment for me to participate in Gandhi's Civil Disobedience Movement. It was a motivating experience for me when I tended to those injured in the lathi-charge. It was like taking care of my own brother. I was full of nationalistic fervour. It was the most memorable and proud phase of my life.

Q8. Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?
Ans: Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who organised the Dalits into the Depressed Classes Association in 1930, clashed with Mahatma Gandhi at the second Round Table Conference by demanding separate electorates for Dalits.

When the British government conceded Ambedkar's demand, Gandhiji began a fast unto death. He believed that separate electorates for Dalits would slow down the process of their integration into society.
Ambedkar ultimately accepted Gandhiji's position, and the result was the Poona Pact of September 1932.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was willing to give up the demand for separate electorates if Muslims were assured reserved seats in the Central Assembly and representation in proportion to population in the Muslim-dominated provinces (Bengal and Punjab).
Negotiations over the question of representation continued, but all hope of resolving the issue at the All Parties Conference in 1928 disappeared when M.R. Jayakar of the Hindu Mahasabha strongly opposed efforts at compromise.

Sure Shot:

Q1: Mention any two economic impacts of the First World War on India.

Solution:

Ans:

Rising prices: Shortages caused prices to double between 1913 and 1918, resulting in hardship for many.
Higher taxes: Customs duties and taxes were raised, contributing to the cost of living.

Q2: Explain the implications of the 'First World War' on the economic and political situation of India. (2023, Al 2019)

Solution:

Ans: The First World War had significant implications for India's economic and political landscape:

Increased defence budget: The war led to higher defence spending, which was financed through loans.
Rising prices: Shortages caused prices to double between 1913 and 1918, resulting in hardship for many.
Higher taxes: Customs duties and taxes were raised, contributing to the cost of living.
Forced recruitment: Many were compelled to join the army, leading to widespread discontent.
Food shortages: Crop failures resulted in acute shortages of food items.
Epidemic spread: An influenza epidemic caused the death of millions.

These factors fostered a sense of anger and frustration among the Indian populace, setting the stage for future movements for independence.

Q3: "Plantation workers had their own understanding of Mahatma Gandhi's ideas and the notion of 'Swaraj'." Support the statement.

Solution:

Ans: (i) Plantation workers had their own understanding of Mahatma Gandhi and the notion of Swaraj. For plantation workers, 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.

(ii) 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.

(iii) When they heard of the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers defied the authorities, left the plantations and headed home.

(iv) They believed that Gandhi Raj was coming and everyone would be given land in their own villages.

Q4: Arrange the following historical events in chronological order and choose the correct option:
I. Bardoli Satyagraha,
II. Rowlatt Satyagraha,
III. Champaran Satyagraha,
IV. Kheda Satyagraha.
(a) I, II, III, IV,
(b) III, II, I, IV,
(c) II, I, IV, III,
(d) III, IV, II, I

Solution:

Ans: (D) III, IV, II, I

Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Gandhi's protest against indigo planters' exploitation.
Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Supported peasants against high revenue demands.
Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919): Nationwide protest against the Rowlatt Act.
Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Led by Vallabhbhai Patel against revenue hikes.

Q5: Analyse the role of Alluri Sitaram Raju in the Indian National Movement.

Solution:

Ans: Alluri led tribal resistance against British rule.

Gudem Hills rebellion: Led armed resistance in Andhra Pradesh (1922-24) against British forest laws, inspired by Gandhi's ideas.
Tribal mobilization: United tribes using guerrilla tactics, challenging colonial authority.
Nationalist inspiration: His rebellion, though localized, symbolized broader anti-colonial resistance.

Q6: Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Modern nationalism in Europe came to be associated with the formation of nation-states. It also meant a change in people's understanding of who they were and what defined their identity and sense of belonging. New symbols and icons, new songs and ideas forged new links and redefined the boundaries of communities. In most countries, the making of this new national identity was a long process. How did this consciousness emerge in India?

In India and as in many other colonies, the growth of modern nationalism is intimately connected to the anti-colonial movement. People began discovering their unity in the process of their struggles with colonialism. The sense of being oppressed under colonialism provided a shared bond that tied many different groups together. But each class and group felt the effects of colonialism differently, their experiences were varied, and their notions of freedom were not always the same. The Congress under Mahatma Gandhi tried to forge these groups together within one movement. But the unity did not emerge without conflict.

(i) What was people's understanding of the nation?

Solution:

Ans: People's understanding of nation was of modern states, having centralized powers exercising sovereign control over their own territory.

(ii) How was the growth of modern nationalism intimately connected to the anti-colonial movement?
OR
Explain the role of the anti-colonial movement in the rise of 'modern nationalism' in India.

Solution:

Ans: The growth of modern nationalism in India was intimately connected to the anti-colonial movement. The sense of being oppressed under colonialism provided a shared bond that tied different groups together. The Congress under Mahatma Gandhi tried to unite these groups within one movement.
OR

Ans: Anti-colonial movements helped Indians feel united and gave birth to modern nationalism:

Common struggle against British: People opposed repressive laws like the Rowlatt Act (1919). Gandhi's Satyagraha brought people together across regions.
Mass movements: The Indian National Congress, under Gandhi, launched Non-Cooperation (1920-22) where millions boycotted schools, courts, and foreign goods.
Unity in diversity: Hindus, Muslims, peasants, workers, and students all participated, which created a collective Indian identity.
Idea of Swaraj: The movements spread the idea that Indians should rule themselves and not accept foreign domination.

(iii) How did people in India develop a sense of collective belonging? Explain.

Solution:

Ans: People in India developed a sense of collective belonging through their shared experiences and struggles with colonialism. The anti-colonial movement brought different groups together, despite their varied experiences and notions of freedom. The Congress under Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in forging these groups together within one movement, although there were conflicts along the way. Additionally, history, folklore, and new symbols and icons helped redefine the boundaries of communities and create a sense of collective belonging.

Q4: "Gandhiji's idea of Satyagraha emphasized the Power of truth and the need to search for truth." In light of this statement assess the contribution of Gandhiji towards Satyagraha.

Solution:

Ans:

Contribution of Gandhiji towards Satyagraha:

The concept of satyagraha highlighted the power of truth and the importance of seeking it.
It proposed that if a cause is just and the struggle is against injustice, physical force is unnecessary.
A satyagrahi could achieve victory through non-violence, appealing to the conscience of the oppressor.
Persuasion, rather than coercion, was key to making oppressors recognise the truth.
Gandhi believed that this principle of non-violence could unite all Indians.

After returning to India, Gandhi led several successful satyagraha movements:

In 1917, he inspired peasants in Champaran, Bihar, to resist oppressive plantation practices.
He organised a movement in Kheda, Gujarat, where peasants faced crop failure and were unable to pay taxes.
In 1918, he initiated a satyagraha among cotton mill workers in Ahmedabad.

Gandhi's approach was rooted in the belief that non-violence is the supreme duty, and he demonstrated this through his actions and teachings.

Q7: Arrange the following historical events in chronological order and choose the correct option:
I. Second Round Table Conference,
II. Simon Commission arrives in India,
III. Beginning of Dandi March,
IV. Incident of Chauri-Chaura.
(a) I, II, III, IV,
(b) IV, II, III, I,
(c) IV, II, I, III,
(d) I, II, IV, III

Solution:

Ans: (B) IV, II, III, I

Chauri-Chaura (1922): Violent incident led to Non-Cooperation's withdrawal.
Simon Commission (1928): Arrived to propose constitutional reforms, faced protests.
Dandi March (1930): Launched Civil Disobedience Movement.
Second Round Table Conference (1931): Gandhi attended to negotiate reforms.

Q8: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Source - Swaraj in the Plantations

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 that 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.

(i) Explain the understanding of Swaraj for plantation workers in Assam.

Solution:

Ans: For plantation workers in Assam, Swaraj (freedom) meant the right to move freely in and out of the confined space of the tea gardens where they were enclosed. It also meant retaining a link with their native village. These workers were restricted by the Inland Emigration Act of 1859, which prohibited them from leaving the tea gardens without permission. However, upon hearing about the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers defied the authorities, left the plantations, and headed home with the belief that Gandhi Raj (rule) was coming and everyone would be given land in their own villages.

(ii) Explain the Inland Emigration Act of 1859 as a barrier to the freedom of plantation workers.

Solution:

Ans: The Inland Emigration Act of 1859 served as a barrier to the freedom of plantation workers in Assam. This act prohibited them from leaving the tea gardens without permission, which was rarely granted. It confined the workers to the plantations and restricted their movement, denying them the freedom to return to their native villages or explore opportunities outside the gardens.

(iii) Explain the main outcome of the participation of workers in the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Solution:

Ans: The participation of workers in the Non-Cooperation Movement had a significant outcome:

Thousands of plantation workers in Assam defied colonial authorities.
They left the tea gardens, believing that Gandhi Raj would grant them land in their villages.
However, their journey was interrupted by a railway and steamer strike.
Many were arrested by the police and faced brutal beatings.
Despite not reaching their destination, their actions demonstrated their defiance against colonial rule.
This participation reflected their aspirations for a better future.

Q9: How did the reinterpretation of history become a means of creating a sense of nationalism by the end of the 19th century in India? Explain.

Solution:

Ans: (i) Reinterpretation of history was an important means to create a feeling of nationalism.

(ii) The British saw Indians as backward and primitive.

(iii) In response, Indians began looking into the past to discover India's great achievements.

(iv) They wrote about the glorious developments in ancient times when art and architecture, science and mathematics, religion and culture, law and philosophy, crafts and trade flourished.

(v) This glorious time, in their view, was followed by a history of decline when India was colonised.

(vi) These nationalist histories advocated the readers to be proud of India's great achievements in the past and struggle to change the miserable conditions of life under British rule.

(vii) A growing anger against the colonial government and hope of reviving the glorious past infused a strong sense of patriotism in Indians.

(viii) They fought back for their rights and finally, in 1947 achieved it in form of independence and freedom from British Raj.

Q10: Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement? Analyse any three reasons.

Solution:

Ans: The Non-Cooperation Movement saw some success. But ultimately, it had to be withdrawn because of several reasons:-

People who had left their jobs, colleges to support this movement had to come back because they had to support their families and themselves. So they came back to their jobs. People found the use of khadi to be expensive and so started buying British factory-made textiles again.
There was widespread violence too. Due to the incident known as Chaura-Chauri, Gandhiji was compelled to stop this movement.
Also, Gandhiji felt that the people of India are not ready for this type of mass satyagraha movement.

Q11: Why was Congress reluctant to allow women to hold any position of authority within the organisation? How did women participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement? Explain.

Solution:

Ans:

Congress's reluctance to allow women in authority:

For a long time, Congress believed that women's primary role was to care for the home and family.
Gandhiji viewed women as essential as mothers and wives, limiting their roles in leadership.
Congress was mainly interested in having women present for symbolic purposes.

Women's participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement:

During the Salt March, many women left their homes to listen to Gandhiji.
Women took part in protest marches, made salt, and picketed foreign cloth and liquor shops.
Some women even faced imprisonment for their involvement.

Q12: How did the Civil Disobedience Movement able to bring all communities together in India? Explain with examples.

How did the Civil Disobedience Movement become a mass movement? Explain with examples.

Solution:

Ans: In the Civil Disobedience Movement different social groups were involved. They were :

Industrial working class - They did not participate in large numbers. The workers who participated followed Gandhian strategy and boycotted foreign goods. They did not participate with the Congress.

Rich peasants - Rich peasants particularly the Patidars of Gujrat and the Jats of U.P. were active in the movement. They organized communities and also participated in the boycott movement of Gandhi. For them fight for Swaraj was a struggle against high revenues.

Poor peasants - Poor peasants were the small tenants who cultivated on rented lands. They participated in the movement to fight against the rich landlords. They joined the movement led by Socialists and Communists.

Business class - Businessmen joined the movement in order to get protection against import of foreign goods. However, the failure of Round Table Conference curbed their enthusiasm in the movement.

Muslims joined the movement to raise their demand of greater representation since they felt alienated from the Congress.

Q13: "Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation." Examine the statement in the context of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Solution:

Ans:

Mahatma Gandhi found salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. On 31st January 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating wide-ranging eleven demands.
All classes of Indian society identified with the broad-ranging demands. The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax.
Salt was something consumed by the rich and the poor alike, and it was one of the most essential items of food. The tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production revealed the most oppressive face of British rule.
In the Dandi march, the volunteers walked for 24 days, about 10 miles a day. Thousands came to hear Mahatma Gandhi wherever he stopped, and he told them what he meant by swaraj and urged them to peacefully defy the British.
On 6th April, he reached Dandi and ceremonially violated the law by manufacturing salt from boiling seawater. This marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
People were now asked not only to refuse cooperation with the British, as they had done in 1921-22, but also to break colonial laws.
Thousands of people broke the salt law in different parts of the country, manufactured salt, and demonstrated in front of government salt factories.
As the movement spread, foreign cloth was boycotted, and liquor shops were picketed. Peasants refused to pay revenue and chaukidari taxes, village officials resigned, and in many places, forest people violated forest laws.

Q14: Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follow:

A. The Salt March and The Civil Disobedience Movement Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. On 31st January 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands. Some of these were of general interest; while others were specific demands of different classes, from industrialists to peasants.

B. In the countryside, rich peasant communities - like the Patidars of Gujarat and Jats of Uttar Pradesh - were active in the movement. Being producers of commercial crops, they were very hard hit by the trade depression and falling prices.

C. The limits of Civil Disobedience Movement - When the Civil Disobedience Movement started there was an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust between communities.

(i) How did Gandhiji react to the Salt Law?

Solution:

Ans: Gandhiji opposed the British salt tax and its monopoly over its production. He demanded the abolition of the salt tax. To protest against this unjust law, he organized the famous Dandi March, where he and his followers marched to the Arabian Sea and made their own salt by evaporating seawater.

(ii) Why did the rich peasants become supporters of the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Solution:

Ans: The rich peasants supported the Civil Disobedience Movement due to several key reasons:

They were hit hard by the trade depression and falling prices of commercial crops.
As producers, they faced significant economic hardships.
They viewed the movement as a way to combat the exploitation and oppression they experienced.
The refusal of the government to reduce revenue demands led to widespread resentment.

These factors motivated them to actively participate and organise their communities in support of the movement.

Q15: Arrange the following events of Indian National Movement in chronological order and choose the correct option.

(I) Formation of Swaraj Party

(II) Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress

(III) Gandhi-Irwin Pact

(IV) Formation of Depressed Class Association (CBSE 2024)

(a) (II), (III), (I) and (IV )

(b) (I), (II), (IV ) and (III)

(d) (IV ), (III), (II) and (I)

Solution:

Ans: (b)

(1) Formation of Swaraj Party: 1 January 1923

(2) Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress: 31 December 1929

(3) Formation of Depressed Class Association: August 1930

(4) Gandhi-Irwin Pact: 5 March 1931

(iii) Examine the limits of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Solution:

Ans: The Civil Disobedience Movement had certain limitations, including:

(a) Lack of industrialists' participation: The industrialists did not actively participate in the movement, which affected its economic impact.

(b) Limited demands of workers: The Congress was reluctant to include the demands of workers as part of its program of struggle, which limited the scope of the movement.

Q16: "It was essential to preserve folk tradition in order to discover one's national identity and restore a sense of pride in one's past." Support the statement in reference to India.

Solution:

Ans:

(i) The nationalist histories urged the readers to take pride in India's great achievements in the past and struggle to change the miserable conditions of life under British rule.

(ii) In the nineteenth century the Indian nationalists began recording folk songs sung by bards and they toured different villages to gather folk songs and legends.

(iii) They believe that tales give a true picture of traditional culture that has been corrupted and damaged by outsiders.

(iv) Indians began to look into the past to discover India's greatest achievements.

(v) They wrote about the glorious developments in ancient times when art and architecture, science and mathematics, religion and culture, law and philosophy, crafts and trade flourished.

Very Short Questions: Nationalism in India

Q1: Who financed the defense expenditure of World War I?
Ans: War was financed by war loans and increasing taxes. Customs duties were raised and income tax was introduced.

Q2: Why were people in rural areas angry with Britishers?
Ans: There was forced recruitment of soldiers in rural areas. Crops failed resulting in acute storage of food, accompanied by the influenza epidemic.

Q3: When did Mahatma Gandhi return to India?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in January 1915. He had come back from South Africa.

Q4: What is the meaning of 'Begar'?
Ans: Begar: Labour that villager was forced to contribute without any payment.

Q5: Name the writer of the novel 'Anandamath.'
Ans: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Q6: Explain the 'Idea of Satyagraha'.
OR
What is meant by Satyagraha?
Ans: The idea of Satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and the need to search for the truth.\

SatyagrahaQ7: How can battles be fought with Satyagraha?
Ans: The idea of Satyagraha suggested that if the cause is true if the struggle is against injustice, then physical force is not necessary to fight the oppressor. Without being aggressive, the battle could be won.

Q8: What was the 'Champaran Movement'?
Ans: It was the first satyagraha movement that took place in 1916, in which Mahatma Gandhi traveled to Champaran to inspire the indigo planters to struggle against the oppressive plantation system.

Q9: Why did Kheda farmers protest against the Britishers?
Ans: Affected by crop failure and a plague epidemic, the peasants of Kheda could not pay the revenue and demanded that revenue collection be released.

Kheda FarmersQ10: What was the Rowlatt Act of 1919?
Ans: It gave the British government enormous powers to repress political activities, and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.

Q11: What was Mahatma Gandhi's reaction to the 'Rowlatt Act'?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws, which would start with a hartal on the 6th of April.

Q12: How did people react to the Rowlatt Act?
Ans: Rallies were organized in various cities, workers went on strike in railway workshops and shops were closed down. Alarmed by the popular upsurge, the British started arresting the nationalists.

Q13: Why was Martial Law imposed in Amritsar?
Ans: Local leaders were picked up from Amritsar and Mahatma Gandhi was not allowed to enter Delhi. On 10th April, the police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession, provoking widespread attacks on banks, post offices, and railway stations, so Martial Law was imposed.

Q14: Why did General Dyer fire on innocent people gathered peacefully in Jallianwala Bagh?
Ans: His object was, as he declared, to 'produce a moral effect' and to create the feeling of terror and awe in the minds of Satyagrahis.

Jallianwala Bagh MassacreQ15: What did the British do to repress the Rowlatt Satyagrahis?
Ans: Satyagrahis were forced to rub their noses on the ground, crawl on the streets, and do Salam to all Sahibs. People were flogged and villages were bombed.

Q16: Why did Mahatma Gandhi join the Khilafat issue?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi now felt the need to launch a more broad-based movement in India. But he was certain that no such movement could be organized without bringing the Hindus and Muslims closer together. One way of doing this, he felt, was to take up the Khilafat issue.

Q17: Explain the Khilafat Movement.
Ans: Turkey was defeated in World War I and there were rumors that a harsh peace treaty was going to be imposed on the Ottoman Emperor-the spiritual head of the Islamic world. To defend the Khalifa's temporal powers, a Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay.

Q18: Who were the two main leaders of the Khilafat Movement?
Ans: Two young brothers Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali started the Khilafat Movement.

Q19: What resolution was passed at the Calcutta session of Congress in September 1920?
Ans: At the Calcutta session of the congress in September 1920, Gandhiji convinced other leaders of the need to start a Non-cooperation Movement in support of Khilafat as well as Swaraj.

Q20: Name the famous book written by Mahatma Gandhi.
Ans: A famous book written by Mahatma Gandhi is 'Hind Swaraj'.

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Analyse the circumstances that led Gandhiji to choose the abolition of the salt tax as the most important demand of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation.
Salt was consumed by all classes of people, by the rich and poor alike. It was one of the most essential items of food.
The tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production, revealed the most oppressive face of British rule.
Abolition of salt tax could affect the British economically as salt tax and monopoly over its production provided a large revenue to the government.

Q2: Describe any three features of the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930.

Ans: The three features of the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930 were:
(i) The first feature was that the Civil Disobedience Movement was different from the Non- Cooperation Movement of 1921-22. People were asked by Gandhiji not only to refuse cooperation but to break colonial laws. Thousands in the country broke the salt law, manufactured salt and demonstrated in front of government salt factories. Peasants refused to pay revenue taxes, village officials resigned and many forest people violated forest laws.
(ii) The second feature was that different social groups joined the movement for different reasons. The peasant communities in the countryside thought it was a fight against high revenues charged by the government. The poorer peasantry joined it in the hope that their unpaid rent would be remitted. The business class joined it as they wanted protection against the import of goods and to expand their own industries.
(iii) Another important feature was the large-scale participation of women in the movement. Thousands of women participated in the protest marches, manufactured salt, and picketed foreign cloth and liquor shops. Many went to jail. Women, moved by Gandhiji's call, began to see service to the nation as the sacred duty of women.

Q3: "Some icons and symbols were used for unifying the people and inspiring within them the feeling of nationalism." Give two pieces of evidence in support of the statement.

Ans:
(i) The image of Bharat Mata came to be identified with India, the motherland. She was first painted by Abanindranath Tagore as an ascetic figure-calm, composed, divine and spiritual. Later the image was painted by many other artists and acquired different forms. In one image Bharat Mata is shown with a trishul, standing beside a lion and behind an elephant, both symbols of power
(ii) The flag became a symbol of nationalism. During the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag was designed with eight lotus flowers representing eight provinces of British India and a crescent moon representing Hindus and Muslims. Gandhiji designed the Swaraj Flag.

Q4: Describe briefly the 'Salt March' undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi.

Ans:
Mahatma Gandhi chose 'Salt' as a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. After a warning, the Viceroy in his letter of 31 January 1930, that the tax on salt was the most oppressive Act of British rule, he launched a Civil Disobedience campaign in March 1930.
He started his famous 'Salt March' accompanied by 78 trusted volunteers. The distance to be covered was 240 miles from Gandhiji's Ashram in Sabarmati to Gujarat's coastal town of Dandi. The volunteers walked about 10 miles a day for 24 days.
On 6 April, he reached Dandi and ceremoniously violated the law and manufactured salt by boiling seawater. Thousands came to hear Mahatma Gandhi, wherever he stopped on his way, he urged them to defy the British peacefully for Swaraj.
His Civil Disobedience Movement, unlike the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22, asked people not only to refuse cooperation with the British but also to break colonial laws.

Q5: Describe briefly any three economic effects of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Ans: The effects of Non-Cooperation on the economic front were:
Foreign goods were boycotted
Liquor shops were picketed
Import of foreign cloth was halved as it was burnt in huge bonfires.
Production of Indian textile mills and handlooms went up.

Q6: Mention any three efforts made by Gandhiji to get Harijans their rights.

Ans: Gandhiji believed that Swaraj would not come for a hundred years if untouchability was not eliminated. He called the untouchables Harijans, as the children of God,
(i) He organised satyagraha to secure their entry into temples, access to public wells, tanks, roads, and schools.
(ii) He himself cleaned the toilets to dignify the work of the sweepers.
(iii) He persuaded upper castes to change their heart and give up the 'sin of untouchability.'

Q7: Explain the new economic and political situations created during the First World War in India.

Ans: India was forced to become a partner in the War, which was between England and Germany. There was forced recruitment in rural areas which caused widespread anger among the people. They turned against the government. They joined the national movement. In the economic field, the war led to huge expenditure on defense, so the British increased the taxes, customs duties and introduced the income tax. Prices of all articles increased which caused great hardships to the common people. The prices doubled between 1913-1918. In 1918-19, 1920-21 crops failed in many parts of India, leading to an extreme shortage of food. Famine was accompanied by influenza epidemic. It is estimated (according to the Census of 1921) that nearly 12 to 13 million people perished due to famine and disease.

Q8: Mention three main proposals concerning the Non-Cooperation Movement, as suggested by Mahatma Gandhi.
OR
What led to the spread of the Non-Cooperation movement to the countryside? Explain any three factors.

Ans: Gandhiji proposed that:
The movement should unfold in stages. It should begin with the surrender of titles awarded by the government.
Then a boycott of civil services, army, police, courts and legislative councils, schools and foreign goods.
Then, in case the government used repression, a full disobedience campaign would be launched.

Q9: Why did Gandhiji decide to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act 1919? Explain any three reasons.

Ans:
This Act had been passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the opposition of Indian members.
It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities, and allowed the imprisonment of leaders without trial for two years.
Mahatma Gandhi was emboldened with the success of Champaran Satyagraha, Kheda Satyagraha, and Ahmedabad Mills Satyagraha. He wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws.

Q10: Describe the three satyagraha movements organised by Gandhiji between 1916-18.

How did Mahatma Gandhi successfully organise satyagraha movements in various places just after arriving in India? Explain by giving three examples.

Ans: Gandhiji successfully organise satyagraha movements in various places just after arriving in India. The movement started in 1917 from Champaran Bihar, where Gandhiji inspire the peasants to struggle against the oppressive plantation system. The second satyagraha movement took place in the very next year of the Champaran movement.
In 1918, at kheda district of Gujarat, the second satyagraha completed successfully. Here the peasants were not able to pay the revenue, because of crop failure and a plague epidemic and demanding that revenue collection be relaxed.
The third movement was held in 1918. Gandhiji went to Ahmedabad to organise a satyagraha movement amongst cotton mill workers.

Q11: Explain the features of the boycott and the Swadeshi Movement.

Ans:The word "Swadeshi" is a Sanskrit word. The literal meaning of the word Swadeshi is: of one's own country.
(i) The movement encouraged the boycott of foreign goods, especially British-made goods, and people were urged to use only indigenous products. Foreign cloth was burnt in bonfires as a symbol of protest.
(ii) It promoted Indian industries and led to the revival of traditional crafts such as handloom weaving. The demand for Indian goods increased, which boosted local production.
(iii) Swadeshi became a symbol of national pride and self-reliance. People began to associate the use of Indian goods with patriotism and the struggle for independence.

Q12: Why did Gandhiji decide to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act 1919? Explain the reasons.

What was the Rowlatt Act? How did the Indians show their disapproval of this Act?

Ans: The Rowlatt Act was passed by the British government in 1919 despite strong opposition from Indian members. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for up to two years. Because of its repressive nature, it was called the 'Black Act' by Indians.
The reaction of the people was widespread:
(i) Mahatma Gandhi called for a nationwide hartal on 6 April 1919 to protest against the Act.
(ii) Rallies were organised in various cities, workers went on strike, and shops were closed.
(iii) The movement united different sections of society in protest against British injustice and repression.

Q13: Explain the immediate effects of the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress of December 1929.

Ans: The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress of December 1929 was held under the presidency of Pt. J.L. Nehru. The session formalized the demand for 'Purna Swaraj' or full independence for India. It was decided that the day of 26 January 1930 would be celebrated as the Day of Independence. But the decision of the Lahore Session celebrations attracted very little attention. By taking the idea from this Purna Swaraj agenda Gandhiji planned 'Dandi March' (to break salt the law) as the initial step for Civil Disobedience.

Q14: "Method of reinterpretation of history was followed to encourage a feeling of nationalism." Give any three arguments to support this statement.

Ans: To promote nationalism, Indians began reinterpreting their history in a way that created a sense of pride and unity among the people.
(i) Nationalist writers highlighted the glorious achievements of ancient India in fields like art, architecture, science, and culture to counter the British claim that Indians were backward.
(ii) Historical figures such as Shivaji and Maharana Pratap were presented as national heroes who fought bravely against foreign rule and inspired people to resist British domination.
(iii) This reinterpretation of history helped instil a sense of pride in the nation's past and motivated people to participate in the struggle for independence.

Q15: What was the limitation of the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Ans:The limitation of Civil Disobedience was that some different groups were not moved together with this concept.
The 'untouchables' or Dalits were not moved by the abstract concept of swaraj. From around the 1930s, they had begun to call themselves Dalits or oppressed. Many Dalit leaders were keen on a different political solution to the problems of the community. They began organising themselves, demanding reserved seats in the educational institutions and a separate electorate. They believed only political empowerment would resolve the problem of their social disabilities. Dalit participation in Civil Disobedience Movement was limited particularly in Maharashtra.
Some of the Muslim political organisations in India were also lukewarm in their response to the Civil Disobedience Movement. A large section of Muslims felt alienated from congress. From the mid-1920s, the congress had come to be associated with Hindu religious nationalist groups like the Hindu Maha-Sabha. Hindu Muslim riots became frequent. Every riot deepened the distance between the two communities. During the Civil Disobedience Movement, there was an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust between the two communities.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: What was Satyagraha Explain some of the Satyagrahas launched by Gandhiji.

Ans: Satyagraha was a non-violent 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.
(i) Gandhiji used the Satyagraha technique successfully against injustice in South Africa.
(ii) In 1916 A.D., he fought for justice for the tenants of Champaran, and the Government had to pass an Act for the welfare of the peasants of Champaran in 1918 A.D.
(iii) He started the Kheda Satyagraha in which Gandhiji asked the people not to pay the taxes due to the failure of crops. Ultimately, the Government had to bow, and the payment of taxes was deferred to the next year.
(iv) Again in 1918 A.D., Gandhiji intervened in the Mill Workrs' Strike at Ahmedabad, and helped them to get their pay raised, for which he had started a fast unto death.

Q2: What were the circumstances which led to the Khilafat and the Non-Cooperation Movement

Ans:
(i) Conditions Created by the First World War: The First World War was fought from 1914 to 1918.
• It led to huge increase in defence expenditure which was financed by taxes.
• Due to war prices increased many times leading to extreme hardship for common people.
• Crops failed in 1918-19 resulting in acute shortage of food.
• Many people lost their lives in the war and due to epidemic.
• Forced recruitment in the army caused widespread anger.
(ii) Gandhiji's Return and Satyagraha:
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915 where he had successfully fought against the racist regime with his new method of mass agitation and nonviolence known as Satyagraha. In India he launched satyagraha movements at various places. These satyagrahas provided base to the Non-Cooperation Movement.
(iii) The Rowlatt Act: The Act was passed by the Imperial Legislative Assembly. The act provided enormous powers to police. The police got the power to arrest anyone without any trial. The aim of the act was to repress political activities.
(iv) Jallianwalla Bagh: The Jallianwala Bagh added fuel to the fire. People were already agitating against the Rowlatt Act. People had gathered to protest against the new act in the Jallianwala Bagh. General Dyer entered the park and ordered fire killing many people. As the news spread, crowds took to the streets.
(v) United Struggle: The fear of harsh treaty on the Ottoman emperor (the Khalifa) brought the Muslims close to Gandhiji. A young generation of Muslim leaders like Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali was in favour of a united mass action against the Britishers.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Q3: What was the reaction of the people against the Rowlatt Act.

Ans:
(i) Gandhiji called for a country-wide Hartal on 6th April, 1919. Local leaders were arrested and Gandhiji was barred from entering Delhi.
(ii) There were disturbances in Delhi, Ahmedabad and Punjab. In Amritsar, two popular leaders, Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saif- ud-din Kitchlew, were arrested. The people took out a procession in Amritsar to protest against these arrests, and demanded the release of their leaders.
(iii) A public meeting was announced for the 13th April, 1919, at the Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar against the arrest of the leaders.
(iv) General Dyer marched there and killed hundreds of people.
(v) As the news of the Jallianwalla Bagh spread, crowds took to the streets in many North Indian towns. There were strikes, clashes with the police and attacks on government buildings.

Q4: Explain the course of the Non- Cooperation Movement in the towns.

Ans:
(i) The movement in the cities: The Movement started with middle-class participation in the cities. Thousands of students left government-controlled schools and colleges, headmasters and teachers resigned, and lawyers gave up their legal practices.
(ii) Boycott of council elections: The Council elections were boycotted in most provinces except Madras (Chennai), where the Justice Party, the party of the nonBrahmans, felt that entering the council was one way of gaining some power, something that usually only Brahmans had an access to.
(iii) Swadeshi: The Non-Cooperation Movement had a great impact on the Indian textile industry. Swadeshi goods, especially cloth got a great impetus. Foreign goods were boycotted, liquor shops picketed, and foreign cloth burnt in huge bonfires.
(iv) Impact on industry: In many places, merchants and traders refused to trade in foreign goods or finance foreign trade. Due to this, the demand of Indian textile mills and handlooms went up. The increase in demand provided a big relief to the vanishing textile industry of India.
(v) Movement in the countryside: Though people in the countryside interpreted the idea of 'Swaraj' in their own way but they participated in the movement on large scale. In Awadh, peasants launched the movement against the talukdars and landlords. Whereas the plantation workers launched the movement against the tea estate owners.

Q5: Explain the course of the Non-Cooperation Movement in the countryside.

Ans:
(i) Participants: In the countryside, the movement was led by peasants, tribals, and local leaders. For example, in Awadh, it was Baba Ramchandra a sanyasi, who had earlier been to Fiji as an indentured labour.
(ii) Why the rural people participated: The movement here was not against the Britishers but against talukdars and landlords. The problems of the rural people were different from those of the urban people:
The talukdars and landlords were demanding very high rents and a variety of other taxes.
Peasants had to do begar and work at the landlord's farms without any payment.
The peasants had no security of tenure. They were regularly evicted so that they could acquire no security of tenure.
As the problems of the people were different, their demands were also different. The peasant movement demanded :
- Reduction of revenue
-Abolition of begar
-Redistribution of land
-Social boycott of oppressive landlords.
(iii) Ways of protests: The Movement in the countryside had a different angle. In many places, Nai-dhobi bandhs were organized by the Panchayats to deprive the landlords of the services of barbers, cobblers, washermen, etc. Even national leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru went to villages in Awadh to know the grievances of the people. By October, the Awadh Kissan Sabhas were set up headed by Jawaharlal Nehru, Baba Ramchandra, and a few others.
When the movement spread in 1921, the houses of talukdars and merchants were attacked. The movement turned violent which was not liked by some of the Congress leaders.

Q6: Describe the events leading to the Salt March and Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930.

Ans:
(i) Failure of the Simon Commission: The Simon Commission was constituted in response to the nationalist movement. But the Commission failed to satisfy the Indian people and the leaders. All the parties, including the Congress and the Muslim League, participated in the demonstrations. In an effort to win them over the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, announced in October 1929, a vague offer of dominion status. But even this failed to satisfy the leaders.
(ii) Purna Swaraj: In December 1929, under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Lahore Congress formalised the demand of 'Purna Swaraj' or full independence for India. It was declared that 26th January, 1930, would be celebrated as the Independence Day when people were to take a pledge to struggle for complete independence. But the celebrations attracted very little attention. So Mahatma Gandhi had to find a way to relate this abstract idea of freedom to more concrete issues of everyday life.
(iii) Rejection of Gandhi's Eleven Demands: On 31st January, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi, in a statement, put forward Eleven Demands to correct the wrongs done to the Indians. He assured the Viceroy that he would withdraw the Civil Disobedience on British Government's acceptance of these demands. However, Gandhi's demands were declared to be unrealistic by the Viceroy.
(iv) Economic Causes: The Great Depression of 1929 had a deep impact on the Indian economy, especially on agriculture. Prices of agricultural produce began to fall from 1926, and collapsed after 1930. As the demand for agricultural goods fell and export declined, peasants found it difficult to sell their harvest, and to pay their revenue. The government refused to lower the taxes. So by 1930, the farmers were in poor condition.
(v) Support from business class: The business class was keen on expanding their business and were against the colonial policies that restricted business activities. They decided to provide financial support to the Civil Disobedience Movement when it was launched.

Q7: 'Large sections of Muslims did not respond to the call for a united struggle during the Civil Disobedience Movement.' Explain.

Ans:
(i) Association of Congress with Hindu Mahasabha: After the decline of the Non-Cooperation - Khilafat movement, a large section of Muslims felt alienated from the Congress. From the mid-1920s, the Congress came to be more visibly associated with openly Hindu religious nationalist groups like the Hindu Mahasabha.
(ii) Communal Clashes: As relations between the Hindus and the Muslims worsened, each community organised religious processions with militant fervour, provoking Hindu- Muslim communal clashes and riots in various cities. Every riot deepened the distance between the two communities.
(iii) Issue of demand for separate electorates: Some of the Muslim leaders demanded a separate electorate for the Muslims which was not supported by the Congress leaders.
(iv) Status of Muslims in Hindu majority state: Many Muslim leaders and intellectuals expressed their concern about the status of Muslims as a minority within India. They feared that the culture and identity of minorities would be submerged under the domination of a Hindu majority.
(v) Issue of reserved seats in the Central Assembly: Muslim League leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah demanded reservation of seats for the Muslims in the Central Assembly but this was not acceptable to the Congress leaders. So Muslims could not respond to the call for a united struggle.

Q8: Explain the progress of the Civil Disobedience Movement in the countryside.

Ans:
(i) In the countryside, rich peasant communities-like the Patidars of Gujarat and the Jats of Uttar Pradesh-were active participants.
(ii) They participated in the Movement because they suffered the most due to the economic depression. As their cash income disappeared, they found it impossible to pay the government's revenue demand.
(iii) They demanded a reduction in revenue but the government refused to do so. This led to a widespread resentment. These rich landlords participated in the boycott programmes, and refused to pay revenues. For them, the fight for Swaraj was a struggle against high revenues.
(iv) But they were deeply disappointed when the movement was called off in 1931 without the revenue rates being revised. So when the movement was restarted in 1932, many of them did not participate.
(v) The poor peasantry also participated on a large scale in a hope that their unpaid rent to the landlords will be remitted.

Unit Test (Solutions): Nationalism in India

Time: 1 hour

M.M. 30

Attempt all questions.

Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question number 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each

Q1: Which movement in India was based on the principles of non-violence and civil disobedience? (1 Mark)
(a) Non-Cooperation Movement
(b) Civil Disobedience Movement
(c) Swadeshi Movement
(d) Quit India Movement

Ans: (b)

Explanation: The Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi from 1930 onwards, was founded on the principles of non-violence (ahimsa) and civil disobedience. It used peaceful methods such as marches, refusal to obey unjust laws and non-payment of taxes - the Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) being its most famous act of protest - to challenge British authority and win popular support.

Q2. Read the following statements.

Assertion (A): Mahatma Gandhi believed that people could oppose British rule without using violence.
Reason (R): Gandhi believed that peaceful protest could unite people and put moral pressure on the British government.
Choose the correct option.

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

Ans: (a)
Explanation:Gandhi believed that non-violent protests could unite people and peacefully challenge British rule. Therefore, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Q3: In which year did the Jallianwala Bagh massacre take place? (1 Mark)
(a) 1918
(b) 1919
(c) 1920
(d) 1921

Ans: (b)

Explanation: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, when British troops under General Dyer fired on a peaceful gathering, killing and wounding many people. The incident caused widespread anger across India and strengthened the demand for freedom from British rule.

Q4. A school plans to celebrate Independence Day by encouraging students to buy locally made products and avoid imported goods.
This activity reflects which idea promoted during India's freedom struggle?(1 Mark)

(a) Doctrine of Lapse
(b) Swadeshi Movement
(c) Subsidiary Alliance
(d) Divide and Rule

Ans: (b)

Explanation: Swadeshi Movement, because it promoted the use of Indian-made goods and boycott of foreign products.

Q5. A group of citizens peacefully refuses to participate in an unfair government policy and follows non-violent methods to demand change. Which freedom movement does this situation most closely resemble?(1 Mark)

(a) Revolt of 1857
(b) Non-Cooperation Movement
(c) Partition of Bengal
(d) Home Rule Movement

Ans: (a)

Explanation:Non-Cooperation Movement, as it encouraged peaceful non-cooperation against unjust British policies.

Q6: Why did Mahatma Gandhi call off the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922? (2 Marks)

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident of 5 February 1922. A local clash in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, turned violent and a police station was set on fire, causing the death of several police officers. Gandhi believed that the movement had lost its non-violent character and, to prevent further violence and bloodshed, he withdrew the movement so that its principles of ahimsa could be restored.

Q7. The British passed the Rowlatt Act in 1919 despite strong opposition from Indian leaders.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to launch a nationwide Satyagraha against this Act? Give two reasons. (2 marks)
Ans:

The Rowlatt Act allowed the British government to arrest people without trial and suppress political activities.
Gandhi believed that such an unjust law should be opposed through peaceful Satyagraha to protect people's rights.

Q8: How did the participation of women change the course of the Indian independence movement? (2 Marks)
Ans: The growing participation of women altered the independence movement in these ways:

Active Participation: Women moved from supportive roles to active participation - they joined mass protests, picketed shops, and took part in civil disobedience campaigns.
Leadership: Prominent women leaders such as Sarojini Naidu, Kamala Nehru and Aruna Asaf Ali led demonstrations and inspired others to join.
Organising Role: Women organised volunteer work, relief, political meetings and helped spread nationalist ideas at the local level.
Social Change: Their visible involvement challenged traditional gender roles and showed that the struggle for freedom included the whole of society.

Q9: Different social groups joined the Non-Cooperation Movement with different expectations.
Analyse why the idea of Swaraj meant different things to different groups. Give three reasons.(3 Marks)

Ans: The idea of Swaraj was understood differently because each social group faced different problems under British rule. Therefore, each group expected freedom to improve its own situation.

Peasants wanted lower taxes, protection from landlords and relief from heavy revenue demands.
Plantation workers wanted the freedom to leave plantations and return to their villages without restrictions.
Tribal communities hoped to regain their traditional rights over forests and end British forest restrictions.

Q10. Mahatma Gandhi chose salt as the symbol of the Civil Disobedience Movement instead of any other issue.
Why do you think this decision helped unite people across India? Give three reasons. (3 Marks)

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi selected salt because it was connected with the daily lives of all Indians. This made the movement easy for everyone to understand and support.

Common necessity: Salt was used by every person, whether rich or poor.
Unfair tax: The British monopoly and tax on salt affected all sections of society.
National unity: Breaking the Salt Law inspired people from different regions and communities to join the Civil Disobedience Movement peacefully.

Q11: Analyze the role of the Indian National Congress (INC) in India's struggle for independence. (3 Marks)
Ans: The Indian National Congress (INC) played a central and evolving role in the freedom movement:

Early Demands: Initially the INC sought constitutional reforms and greater Indian representation in government through petitions and dialogue.
Moderate Phase: Under leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji the party used moderate methods - persuasion and constitutional means - to press Indian grievances.
Extremist Phase: Leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduced more assertive politics, calling for swaraj and agitation to mobilise public opinion.
Gandhian Era: Under Gandhi the Congress became the platform for mass movements (Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience) and direct action by millions, ultimately negotiating and leading India to independence.

Q12: How did the participation of women change during India's freedom movement? (5 Marks)
Ans: The participation of women in the freedom movement grew significantly and in several ways:

From Support to Leadership: Initially women provided moral and financial support; over time they took active political roles and leadership positions.
Organisations: Women formed and joined organisations such as the All India Women's Conference (1927) to work on social reform and political awareness.
Public Protest: Women participated in picketing, marches and civil disobedience - for example, they joined pickets of foreign cloth and the Salt Satyagraha.
Prominent Women Leaders: Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, Kamala Nehru and Aruna Asaf Ali led rallies, organised campaigns and were arrested for their activities.
Prison and Sacrifice: Many women courted arrest and imprisonment, which increased the moral force of the movement and inspired more women to join.
Long-term Impact: Their involvement challenged social norms, widened the base of the national movement and later strengthened campaigns for women's rights in independent India.

Q13. The Salt March became one of the most powerful events of India's freedom struggle. Explain the factors that made the Salt March a successful national movement. How did it encourage people from different sections of society to participate? (5 Marks)
Ans: The Salt March became a successful national movement because it connected the freedom struggle with the daily lives of ordinary people. Salt was an essential item used by everyone, making the movement easy to understand and support.

Salt was a common necessity: Every person, whether rich or poor, used salt. The British salt tax affected all sections of society.
Peaceful challenge to British rule: Gandhi broke the Salt Law through non-violent civil disobedience, inspiring people to protest peacefully.
Participation of different groups: Peasants refused to pay taxes, village officials resigned, women joined protests, and people boycotted foreign goods and picketed liquor shops.
Spread of the movement: The Salt March encouraged people across the country to break unjust laws, making the Civil Disobedience Movement a nationwide struggle for freedom.

NCERT Summary:

Introduction

Modern nationalism developed alongside the emergence of nation-states. In colonies such as India, the growth of modern nationalism was closely linked to the anti-colonial movement and to social, economic and political changes that affected large sections of Indian society.

The First World War, Economic Distress and Social Strains

The First World War (1914-1918) created a new political and economic situation in India. The war affected people directly and indirectly and contributed to the growth of political awareness and unrest.

War expenditure and economic strain: Defence spending rose greatly, which increased the financial burden on the administration and contributed to higher taxes and public expenditure.
Rising prices: Prices of essential commodities increased through the war years, reducing real incomes for peasants, artisans and urban wage-earners.
Forced recruitment: Recruitment for war and related services placed burdens on rural families.
Crop failures: During 1918-19 and again in 1920-21 many regions suffered crop failures, adding to rural distress.
Continued hardships: The hardships created during the war did not end with the Armistice; economic and social problems persisted and fuelled political discontent.

The Idea of Satyagraha

Satyagraha was a new method of political action introduced and popularised by Mahatma Gandhi. It combined moral appeal with disciplined mass action.

Meaning: Satyagraha literally means 'holding firmly to the truth'. It was conceived as a moral force rather than as mere passive resistance.
Method: It emphasised non-violent, peaceful agitation against oppression and unjust laws, demanding the conversion of the wrongdoer through moral appeal and suffering rather than physical force.
Early campaigns: After his return to India in January 1915, Gandhi organised satyagraha movements in Champaran (Bihar, 1916), Kheda (Gujarat, 1917) and among cotton mill workers in Ahmedabad (1918).

The Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh

Rowlatt Act (1919): This law gave the colonial government sweeping powers to suppress political activities, including detention without trial for up to two years and in effect curtailed civil liberties.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre (13 April 1919): A large crowd had assembled in the enclosed area of Jallianwala Bagh. Brigadier General Dyer entered, blocked exits and ordered his troops to open fire, killing and wounding hundreds. The massacre created national outrage, leading to strikes, clashes and widespread protests, and intensified demands for political change.
Aftermath: The government used brutal repression to restore order. Widespread anger at the massacre influenced subsequent political movements and Gandhi called off the Rowlatt Satyagraha as violence spread in parts of the country.

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The Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Campaign

The Khilafat Movement arose from concerns among many Indian Muslims about the future of the Ottoman Caliphate after the First World War. For a period it created a basis for Hindu-Muslim cooperation in the anti-colonial struggle.

Leaders and organisation: The movement was led by the brothers Shaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali. A Khilafat Committee was set up in Bombay in March 1919 to defend the Khalifa's temporal powers.
Congress alliance: Gandhi persuaded the Indian National Congress to support the Khilafat cause and to launch a joint Non-Cooperation Campaign for Swaraj.
Adoption by Congress: At the Congress session in Nagpur in December 1920 the programme of Non-Cooperation was formally adopted and mobilisation began in January 1921.

Differing Strands within the Movement

The Non-Cooperation-Khilafat movement brought together different social groups whose aims and methods sometimes differed. The campaign spread rapidly but developed different character in towns and countryside.

The Movement in the Towns

Initially it attracted middle-class people in urban areas: students, teachers and lawyers gave up studies, jobs and legal practice to join the movement.
People boycotted council elections and foreign goods, and organised protests against liquor shops and other symbols of colonial rule.

The Movement in the Countryside

In many rural areas peasants and tribal communities took part; in some places the struggle became violent as local grievances against landlords, moneylenders and colonial officials merged with the political movement.

Also read: Mnemonics: Nationalism in India

Peasant and Tribal Mobilisations

Peasant movement in Awadh: Peasants in Awadh were led by Baba Ramchandra against landlords and taluqdars. In 1920 the Oudh Kisan Sabha was formed, with leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Baba Ramchandra.
Tribal rebellion in Andhra: Alluri Sitarama Raju led guerrilla warfare in the Gudem Hills, attacking police stations and colonial outposts; he was captured and executed in 1924.
Swaraj in the plantations: Plantation workers interpreted swaraj as freedom of movement and protested the Inland Emigration Act (1859), which restricted labourers from leaving plantations without permission.

Towards Civil Disobedience and the Swaraj Party

Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation: In February 1922 Gandhi decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement. This decision was taken in the changing political situation as the movement developed.
Swaraj Party: Leaders such as C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru formed the Swaraj Party within the Congress to contest council elections and to obstruct colonial rule from within legislatures.
Radical voices: Younger leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose advocated more radical mass agitation and demanded full independence rather than limited constitutional reforms.

Factors that Shaped Indian Politics towards the Late 1920s

The Worldwide Economic Depression

After 1930 the world economic depression reduced demand for agricultural products and exports. Agricultural prices fell, worsening the conditions of peasants and cultivators.

Simon Commission and the Demand for Purna Swaraj

Simon Commission: Appointed by the British government to review constitutional reforms, the Commission arrived in India in 1928. It contained no Indian members, which provoked widespread protest throughout the country.
Purna Swaraj: In December 1929, under Jawaharlal Nehru's presidency, the Lahore session of the Congress proclaimed the demand for Purna Swaraj or complete independence.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

Try yourself: Which movement was led by Shaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali to defend the Khalifa's temporal powers?

Non-Cooperation Movement

CORRECT ANSWER

Khilafat Movement

Civil Disobedience Movement

Swadeshi Movement

Correct Answer: B

- The Khilafat Movement was led by Shaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali to defend the Khalifa's temporal powers.
- This movement was a significant part of the larger Non-Cooperation Movement in India.
- The Khilafat Movement aimed to bring together both Hindus and Muslims in the fight against British colonial rule.

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The Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement

Gandhi selected salt as the focus of a campaign because it was a commodity used by every household and hence could mobilise broad public participation across classes.

Salt March (Dandi March) and Civil Disobedience

Salt March began: 12 March 1930.
Reaching Dandi: On 6 April 1930 Gandhi reached Dandi (Gujarat) and deliberately broke the colonial Salt Law by making salt from seawater, symbolically violating an unjust law.
Nature of Civil Disobedience: Civil disobedience asked people not only to refuse cooperation but also to deliberately break certain colonial laws. Actions included non-payment of taxes, boycotts of foreign goods and breaking forest laws.
Government response: The British authorities responded with arrests and repression; many leaders, including Gandhi and Nehru, were jailed. The movement was periodically called off or suspended and restarted; by 1934 it had largely lost momentum.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact and Round Table Conference

Gandhi-Irwin Pact: On 5 March 1931 Lord Irwin, the Viceroy, signed a pact with Gandhi in which some concessions were made and Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference in London.
Round Table Conference: Gandhi attended the conference in London in December 1931 but returned disappointed with its outcomes. Civil disobedience was later relaunched but lacked the earlier momentum.

How Different Sections Viewed the Movement

Rich peasants: They expected reductions in revenue rates. When the British refused and the movement did not deliver immediate relief, many withdrew support.
Poor peasants: They demanded remission of rents and relief from indebtedness. The Congress was cautious about "no rent" campaigns for fear of alienating wealthier peasants and landlords.
Business classes: Businesses wanted protection from foreign imports after wartime losses, and many hesitated to support prolonged militant agitation because of disruptions to trade and growing socialist influence among younger activists.
Women: Women participated actively in protests, salt production and picketing foreign cloth and liquor shops, although the Congress was initially reluctant to allow women to hold positions of authority within the organisation.

Also read: Mnemonics: Nationalism in India

Limits of the Civil Disobedience Movement

Dalits (Untouchables): Many Dalits did not actively participate in the movement; they demanded political safeguards such as reservations and separate electorates to protect their interests.
Dr B. R. Ambedkar: In 1930 Ambedkar formed the Depressed Classes Association and entered into a disagreement with Gandhi over political representation for the depressed classes.
Poona Pact (1932): Negotiated between Gandhi and Ambedkar, it provided reserved seats for depressed classes in provincial and central councils but those seats would be voted for by the general electorate rather than through separate electorates.
Muslim League and Jinnah: The Muslim League, led by M. A. Jinnah, demanded reserved seats for Muslims in the Central Assembly. Many Muslims did not participate in the civil disobedience movement.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

Try yourself: Which of the following was not a main feature of the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Boycott of foreign goods

Non-payment of taxes

Breaking forest laws

CORRECT ANSWER

Acceptance of colonial laws

Correct Answer: D

- The Civil Disobedience Movement involved boycotting foreign goods, non-payment of taxes, and breaking colonial laws, but it did not involve the acceptance of colonial laws.

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The Sense of Collective Belonging and Cultural Symbols

Nationalism in India drew strength from shared experiences of united struggles and from cultural forms that helped create a sense of collective belonging.

Shared experiences: United political actions and campaigns, ceremonies and moments of mass participation helped build a feeling of common identity among diverse communities.
Cultural sources: History, fiction, folklore, songs, popular prints and public symbols played a role in shaping national imagination and mobilising people.
Swaraj flag (1921): By 1921 Gandhi had designed a Swaraj flag - a tricolour of red, green and white with a spinning wheel (charkha) in the centre - which became a visible symbol of the movement and of self-reliance.

Conclusion

The period from the First World War to the early 1930s saw the consolidation of a mass national movement in India. Economic hardship, repressive laws such as the Rowlatt Act, events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the imaginative political strategies of leaders such as Gandhi combined to broaden participation. Different social groups interpreted swaraj in their own ways, leading to both cooperation and conflict within the independence movement. Cultural symbols and collective struggles helped develop a sense of national belonging that sustained the long struggle for independence.

Map Based Questions: Nationalism in India

Q.1: Locate and label the following Indian National Congress Sessions on the given political outline map of India with appropriate symbols:
1. Calcutta Session (Sept. 1920)
2. Nagpur Session (Dec. 1920)
3. Madras Session (1927)

Ans: Indian National Congress Sessions

1. Calcutta Session (Sept. 1920) - Kolkata, West Bengal: This session supported Mahatma Gandhi's proposal to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement and marked increased acceptance of mass-based, non-violent protest.
2. Nagpur Session (Dec. 1920) - Nagpur, Maharashtra: At this session the Congress formally adopted the Non-Cooperation Movement as its main programme and committed to boycotting British institutions and goods.
3. Madras Session (1927) - Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu: The session condemned repressive British policies and asked for a stronger struggle for self-government. (The formal declaration of Purna Swaraj - complete independence - was passed later, at the Lahore session in 1929.)

Q.2: Locate and level the following important centres of Indian National Movement.
1. Champaran - Movement of Indigo Planters.
2. Kheda related to Peasant Satvagraha.
3. Ahmedabad centre of Cotton Mill Workers Satyagraha
4. Amritsar related place to Jallianwala Bagh Incident
5. Dandi Starting place of Civil Disobedience Movement.

Ans: Important Centres of Indian National Movement

1. Champaran - Bihar: Site of Gandhi's first mass Satyagraha in India (1917) where indigo cultivators protested against unfair plantation practices.
2. Kheda - Gujarat: In 1918, peasants organised under Gandhi's guidance to demand relief from land tax after crop failure and economic distress.
3. Ahmedabad - Gujarat: In 1918 Gandhi supported a strike by cotton-mill workers who demanded better wages and working conditions; this was an early example of labour Satyagraha.
4. Amritsar - Punjab: Location of Jallianwala Bagh where, in 1919, British troops fired on a peaceful gathering, killing and injuring many people; the incident intensified the freedom movement.
5. Dandi - Gujarat: Starting point of the Salt March (1930), Gandhi's march to break the British salt monopoly and launch the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Q.3: On the given political map of India, name and locate the following.
1. The place where the first Session of Indian National Congress was held in 1885
2. The place where the Indian National Congress Session was held in 1929.

Ans: INC Sessions - Locations

1. Bombay (Mumbai) - Maharashtra: Venue of the first session of the Indian National Congress held in 1885, which marked the formal start of the organised national movement.
2. Lahore - Now in Pakistan: Venue of the 1929 session presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, where the Congress adopted the resolution for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) and set 26 January 1930 as the day to observe as Independence Day.

Q.4: On the given political map of India, name and locate the following:
1. The state to which the Gudem rebels belonged.
2. The place where the session of the Indian National Congress was held in December 1920.
3. The place where Gandhiji started Satyagraha in favour of cotton mill workers.

Ans: Located as below:

1. Gudem Rebels - Andhra Pradesh: Tribal uprising in the Gudem Hills led by Alluri Sitarama Raju against British forest and land policies.
2. Nagpur - Maharashtra: Venue of the December 1920 Congress session where the Non-Cooperation Movement was adopted.
3. Ahmedabad - Gujarat: Place where Gandhi led and supported the cotton-mill workers' Satyagraha demanding fair wages and better working conditions.

Q.5: Features are marked by numbers in the given political map of India. Identify these features with the help of the following information and write their correct names on the lines marked in the map.
1. The centre/place of calling off/withdrawing of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
2. The place is known for the movement of Indigo peasants during the British Period.
3. The place where Gandhiji started the Satyagraha in favour of cotton mill workers.

Ans: Features by Number as below:

1. Chauri Chaura - Uttar Pradesh: In 1922 a violent clash between protestors and the police at Chauri Chaura led Gandhi to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement, since he insisted on non-violence.
2. Champaran - Bihar: Known for Gandhi's first major Satyagraha in India (1917) where indigo cultivators protested against forced plantation conditions.
3. Ahmedabad - Gujarat: Site of the labour Satyagraha in support of cotton-mill workers, led and organised with Gandhi's involvement.

Q.6: On the given political map of India, name and locate the following.
1. The place where Gandhiji started the Satyagraha in support of the peasants of Gujarat in 1917.
2. A place associated with the 'No Tax Campaign'.
3. The place from where the Civil Disobedience Movement/ Salt Satyagraha was started.

Ans:Locations of Key Movements

1. Champaran - Bihar: Site of the 1917 Indigo Satyagraha, Gandhi's first major campaign in India, where he acted on behalf of oppressed peasants to challenge unjust plantation practices.
2. Bardoli - Gujarat: Centre of the No Tax Campaign (Bardoli Satyagraha) led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1928, where peasants successfully resisted increased land revenue demands.
3. Dandi - Gujarat: Starting point of the Salt Satyagraha (1930). Gandhi's march to Dandi protested the British salt laws and launched the Civil Disobedience Movement; the march covered about 240 miles.

Nationalism in India:

1. Mahatma Gandhi's Role and Satyagraha

Q1: Describe any two Satyagraha movements launched by Gandhiji just after his return to India from South Africa.

Q2: Why did Gandhiji support the 'Khilafat' issue?Ans:

Q3: Why did Mahatma Gandhi organise Satyagraha in the Kheda district of Gujarat in 1917?

Q4: Assess the contribution of Gandhiji towards Satyagraha in light of the statement, "Gandhiji's idea of Satyagraha emphasized the Power of truth and the need to search for truth."

Q5: Evaluate the 'Satyagraha Movement' of Gandhiji against the proposed Rowlatt Act, 1919.

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2. Non-Cooperation Movement

Q1: Explain the statement, "Mahatma Gandhi launched a more broad-based movement in India by joining Khilafat Andolan," with three arguments in the context of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Q2: Support the statement, "The effects of the Non-Cooperation Movement on the economic front were more dramatic," with examples.

Q3: Describe the spread of the Non-Cooperation Movement in the countryside.

Q4: Name the two main leaders of the 'Khilafat Committee' formed in 1919.

Q5: What was the weapon of Gandhiji to fight against the British Empire in India?

Q6: How did the British survive in India?

Q7: Explain Gandhiji's idea for making non-cooperation a movement.

Q8: Support the statement, "Plantation workers had their own understanding of Mahatma Gandhi's ideas and the notion of 'Swaraj'."

Q9: How did Non-Cooperation Movement start with the participation of middle-class people in the cities? Explain its impact on the economic front.

Q10: By what means does hand-spun khadi provide large-scale employment to weavers?

Also read: Flashcards: Nationalism in India- 1

3. Civil Disobedience Movement

Q1: Examine the statement, "Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation," in the context of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Q2: Examine the progress of the Civil Disobedience Movement among different strata of society.

Q3: Mention any two causes that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Q4: Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to call off the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1931

Q5: How did Gandhiji react to the Salt Law?

Q6: Why did the rich peasants become supporters of the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Q7: Explain the limitations of the 'Civil Disobedience Movement'.

Q8: Why was Congress reluctant to allow women to hold any position of authority within the organisation? How did women participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Q9: How did the salt Satyagraha become an effective tool of resistance against British colonialism in India during 1930?

Infographics: Nationalism in India