All questions of National Movement (1905-1918) for UPSC CSE Exam

Vasudev Balavant Phadke was one of the first persons to start the revolutionary activity in India. He was born in 1845 in Maharashtra. He was a social reformer and a freedom fighter who played an important role in the Indian independence movement.

Early Life and Education
Vasudev Balavant Phadke was born in a small village in Maharashtra. He was the son of a farmer and had a simple upbringing. He received his education in a local school and later went on to study at the Deccan College in Pune.

Revolutionary Activities
Phadke was deeply influenced by the ideas of Swami Vivekananda and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He became involved in the freedom struggle and started organizing secret meetings and rallies to spread awareness among the people.

In 1875, he formed the 'Ranangan Sabha' in Pune, which was a secret society aimed at overthrowing the British rule in India. He also formed a private army of about 200 men, which he called the 'Pandavas'.

In 1879, he launched an armed rebellion against the British in Maharashtra. He attacked several British targets and even managed to capture a small town called Dhamari. However, his rebellion was short-lived as he was arrested by the British and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Legacy
Vasudev Balavant Phadke's contribution to the Indian freedom struggle was immense. He was one of the first persons to start the revolutionary activity in India. His fearless attitude and dedication to the cause of freedom inspired many others to follow in his footsteps.

Today, he is remembered as a hero who fought for the freedom of his country. His legacy continues to inspire people to fight against oppression and injustice.

The president of the Indian National Congress annual session in 1905 was Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale:
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale was an Indian liberal political leader and a social reformer.
- He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and the founder of the Servants of India Society.
- Gokhale was known for his moderate views and his belief in gradual reform through constitutional means.
- He was a mentor to many Indian leaders including Mahatma Gandhi.

Indian National Congress Annual Session 1905:
- The Indian National Congress annual session in 1905 was held in Banaras (now Varanasi).
- The session was presided over by Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
- The session was significant as it marked the beginning of the Swadeshi movement in India.
- The Swadeshi movement was a nationalist movement that aimed to promote Indian goods and boycott British goods as a means of economic protest against British colonial rule.

Conclusion:
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was the president of the Indian National Congress annual session in 1905 held in Banaras, which marked the beginning of the Swadeshi movement in India.

The Prevention of seditious meetings Act (1907) The Explosives Substances Act (1908) The Press Act (1910) Annulment of the partition (1911).

India House and its founders

India House was a student hostel and center for Indian nationalist activities in London, established in 1905. It played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and was a gathering place for Indian students and intellectuals studying in Britain.

Founder of India House

The founder of India House was Shyamji Krishna Varma. He was a lawyer, scholar, and journalist who strongly advocated for India's independence from British rule. Shyamji Krishna Varma was born in 1857 in Gujarat, India and studied law in the United Kingdom.

Objectives of India House

The main objective of India House was to promote the cause of Indian nationalism and independence. The students and intellectuals who resided at India House aimed to mobilize support for the cause of Indian self-rule through various means such as publications, public speeches, and organizing political events.

Activities of India House

The residents of India House, including Shyamji Krishna Varma, organized lectures, debates, and discussions on topics related to Indian nationalism and independence. They also published journals and pamphlets to disseminate their ideas and create awareness among the Indian diaspora in Britain and back in India.

Contribution of India House

India House became a hub of revolutionary activities and a platform for Indian students to voice their concerns and aspirations for their homeland. It provided a space for young Indian intellectuals to network, exchange ideas, and develop a sense of national consciousness.

Key members of India House

Some of the prominent members of India House included Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Virendranath Chattopadhyaya, Madan Lal Dhingra, and Har Dayal. These individuals played crucial roles in the Indian independence movement and later went on to contribute significantly to India's struggle for freedom.

Conclusion

India House, founded by Shyamji Krishna Varma in London in 1905, served as a center for Indian nationalist activities and played a vital role in mobilizing support for India's independence. It provided a platform for Indian students and intellectuals to come together, discuss ideas, and work towards the goal of self-rule.

The correct answer is option 'A' - 1 Only.

Explanation:
1. From now onwards, the demand by Nationalists for self-government for home rule could not be termed as seditious:
The August Declaration of 1917, also known as the Montagu Declaration, was a significant statement made by the British government regarding its policy towards India. The declaration was made by Edwin Montagu, the Secretary of State for India, and Lord Chelmsford, the Viceroy of India, in response to growing demands for self-governance and home rule by Indian nationalists.

The declaration acknowledged that the demand for self-government by Indian nationalists was no longer considered seditious or anti-national. It recognized the nationalist movement led by the Indian National Congress and expressed a willingness to grant more political rights and self-governance to Indians.

This statement is correct because the August Declaration marked a significant shift in the British government's approach towards Indian nationalism. It recognized the legitimacy of the demand for self-government and home rule, indicating that the nationalist movement was no longer considered seditious or anti-national.

2. It was clear that now the British had the intention of handing over power to the predominantly elected legislature within Indian majority:
This statement is incorrect. While the August Declaration expressed a willingness to grant more political rights and self-governance to Indians, it did not clearly indicate an intention to hand over power to a predominantly elected legislature within an Indian majority. The declaration mentioned the principle of responsible government, but the specifics of how power would be transferred or the composition of the legislature were not clearly outlined.

The August Declaration did lead to some limited political reforms in India, such as the introduction of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms in 1919. These reforms expanded the role of Indians in the legislative process and introduced a partial system of self-government, but ultimate power still remained with the British government.

In conclusion, the correct statement is that the demand by Nationalists for self-government for home rule could not be termed as seditious. The August Declaration marked a significant shift in the British government's approach towards Indian nationalism, acknowledging the legitimacy of the demand for self-government. However, the declaration did not clearly indicate an intention to hand over power to a predominantly elected legislature within an Indian majority.

The Correct answer is option 'D' i.e. neither of them.

Explanation:

The given statements are incorrect. The correct statements are:

1. The moderates wanted to use constitutional methods to achieve their goals and did not support the Swadeshi movement as it involved boycott of British goods and institutions.
2. The extremists, on the other hand, wanted to use direct revolutionary methods to overthrow the British rule and did not limit their actions to Bengal alone.

Therefore, both the given statements are incorrect.

Ramosi Peasant Force operated in Maharashtra
The Ramosi Peasant Force was a group that operated in Maharashtra during the British colonial period. Here is some more detailed information about this group:

Origin and Activities
- The Ramosi Peasant Force was formed by the Ramosi tribe, a marginalized community in Maharashtra.
- They were known for their rebellious activities against the British colonial government, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The group primarily targeted British officials, landlords, and other symbols of authority in the region.

Causes of Rebellion
- The Ramosi tribe faced oppression and exploitation at the hands of the British and local landlords.
- Land grabbing, forced labor, and high taxes were some of the grievances that led to the formation of the Ramosi Peasant Force.
- The group sought to resist these injustices and fight for their rights and autonomy.

Role in Indian Freedom Struggle
- The Ramosi Peasant Force played a significant role in the Indian freedom struggle in Maharashtra.
- Their rebellious activities inspired other marginalized communities to rise up against British rule.
- The group's actions were part of the larger anti-colonial movement that eventually led to India's independence in 1947.

Legacy
- The Ramosi Peasant Force is remembered as a symbol of resistance and defiance against colonial oppression.
- Their struggle for justice and equality continues to inspire movements for social justice and empowerment in Maharashtra and beyond.
- The group's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and fighting for a more equitable society.

Swadeshi Movement was a movement started by Indian nationalists to oppose the British rule and promote Indian goods and industries. It was launched on August 7, 1905, in response to the British government's decision to partition Bengal.

The following events happened during the Swadeshi Movement:

1. Bengal National College was set up: The Bengal National College was established in 1906 by Aurobindo Ghosh and other nationalist leaders. The college aimed to provide education to Indians in their own language and promote national consciousness among them.

2. National Council of Education was set up: The National Council of Education was established in 1906 by Aurobindo Ghosh and other nationalist leaders. The council aimed to promote education in India and to develop a national system of education.

3. A Bengal Institute of Technology was set up: The Bengal Institute of Technology was established in 1906 by nationalist leaders to promote technical education among Indians.

Therefore, the correct option is D, i.e., all of them. These events were significant in promoting the Swadeshi movement and creating a sense of national consciousness among Indians. They also played a crucial role in promoting education and technical skills among Indians, which was essential for the growth of Indian industries and economy.

It was presided by a moderate, Ambika Charan Majumdar

Explanation:

The Swadeshi movement was a significant phase of India's freedom struggle, which started in 1905 and lasted for several years. The movement aimed to boycott British goods and promote Indian-made products to create a self-reliant economy.

The reasons why the Swadeshi movement fizzled out are as follows:

Severe government repression: The British government responded harshly to the Swadeshi movement, using brutal force to crush the protests. The government arrested many leaders, imposed restrictions on public gatherings, and enacted laws to suppress nationalist activities.

Lack of effective organization and disciplined focus: The Swadeshi movement lacked a well-organized structure and a disciplined focus. The movement lacked a clear leadership, and the direction was not uniform, leading to confusion among the people.

Split in Nationalist ranks: The Swadeshi movement was divided into two factions - the Moderates and the Extremists. The Moderates believed in peaceful protests and gradual reforms, while the Extremists advocated for more radical measures, including violent protests. The split weakened the movement's effectiveness, and the British government used it to their advantage.

Narrow social base: The Swadeshi movement had limited appeal among the masses. It was primarily supported by the middle class and the intelligentsia, while the peasants, workers, and the rural population were not actively involved in the movement.

Leaderless movement: The movement lacked a charismatic leader who could inspire and unite the people. The absence of a leader made it challenging to sustain the momentum of the movement, and it gradually lost its appeal.

Conclusion:

The Swadeshi movement was a significant milestone in India's freedom struggle, but it fizzled out due to various reasons. The movement lacked effective organization, a clear direction, and a broad social base. The British government's severe repression, the split in Nationalist ranks, and the absence of a charismatic leader were also significant factors that contributed to the movement's decline. Despite the movement's failure, it played a crucial role in awakening India's national consciousness and paved the way for future struggles for independence.