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All questions of National Movement (1905-1918) for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Which of the following sections of the society participated in the Swadeshi Movement? 
1. Zamindars 
2. Labours 
3. Students 
4. Muslims 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1, 2 and 4 Only
  • b)
    1,2 and 3 Only
  • c)
    2, 3 and 4 Only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Extent of mass participation - students, women, certain sections of zamindari, labour, some lower-middle and middle classes in towns and cities participated for the first time while the Muslims generally kept away.

Who was the president of the Indian National Congress annual session in 1905?
  • a)
    Dadabhai Naoroji
  • b)
    Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  • c)
    Rashbihari Ghosh
  • d)
    Madan Mohan Malviya
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

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.

Consider the following statements:
1. The clones of Casuarina plant genus are suitable for salt-affected soils.
2. The Casuarina have a role in nitrogen fixation in symbiotic association with bacteria Frankia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Preethi Ahuja answered
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.

Consider the following statements. 
1. Tilak setup his Home Rule League Before Annie Besant's League 
2. Tilak's League covered the rest of India (excluding the Bombay city) 
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    2 Only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepa Iyer answered
  • Tilak setup his Home Rule League in April 1916 and it was restricted to Maharashtra (excluding Bombay city), Karnataka, Central provinces and Berar. 
  • It had six branches, and the demands included swarajya, the formation of linguistic states and education in the vernacular. 
  • Besant's League: Annie Besant set up her league in September 1916 in Madras and covered India's rest (including Bombay city). 
  • It had 200 branches and was loosely organized compared to Tilak's League and had George Arundale as the organizing secretary. Besides Arundale, the main work was done by B.W. Wadia and C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar.

Komagata Maru was the name of the ship which was carrying 370 passengers. Which eventually lead to Komagata Maru Incident. The ship was going from 
  • a)
    Singapore to Vancouver
  • b)
    Berlin to Vancouver
  • c)
    Mumbai to Singapore
  • d)
    Singapore to Berlin
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ujwal Unni answered
Komagata Maru Incident

The Komagata Maru incident refers to a significant event in the history of Indian immigration to Canada. It took place in 1914 and is named after the ship called Komagata Maru, which was carrying 370 passengers from India. The incident had far-reaching consequences and became a symbol of racial discrimination and exclusionary immigration policies.

The Ship's Journey
The Komagata Maru set sail from Singapore with the intention of reaching Vancouver, Canada. The passengers on board were predominantly Sikh immigrants who hoped to settle in Canada for various reasons, including economic opportunities and escaping political unrest in India. However, their journey was met with numerous challenges and ultimately led to the infamous Komagata Maru incident.

Racial Discrimination and Exclusionary Immigration Policies
At the time, Canada had implemented strict immigration laws aimed at restricting the entry of non-European immigrants. The Continuous Journey Regulation was one such policy that required immigrants to arrive in Canada via a continuous journey from their country of origin without any stops. This regulation was primarily intended to discourage immigration from India.

Denial of Entry and Forced Return
When the Komagata Maru reached Vancouver on May 23, 1914, it was not allowed to dock. The Canadian authorities cited the Continuous Journey Regulation as the reason for denying entry to the passengers. The ship was forced to remain anchored in the harbor for two months, during which the passengers faced dire conditions, including limited food and water supplies.

Legal Battle and Tragic Outcome
The passengers on board the Komagata Maru fought a legal battle to challenge their denial of entry. However, their efforts were in vain, and on July 23, 1914, the ship was escorted out of Canadian waters by the authorities. Upon their return to India, the passengers faced further persecution and many were arrested.

Legacy and Significance
The Komagata Maru incident is considered a watershed moment in the history of Indian immigration to Canada. It highlighted the racial discrimination and exclusionary immigration policies that prevailed at the time. The incident sparked protests, both in Canada and India, and played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and eventually leading to changes in immigration policies.

Conclusion
The correct answer is option 'A' - the ship was going from Singapore to Vancouver. The Komagata Maru incident serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by early Indian immigrants and the fight against racial discrimination. It is an integral part of the immigration history of both Canada and India.

Which of the following events happened during the Swadeshi Movement? 
1. Bengal National College was set up 
2. National Council of Education was set up 
3. A Bengal Institute of Technology was set up 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1 and 3 Only
  • b)
    2 and 3 Only
  • c)
    1 and 2 Only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Jhanvi Rane answered
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.

Which of the following leaders were the representatives of the militant school of thought?
1. Aurobindo Ghosh
2. Bipin Chandra Pal 
3. Vishnushastri chiplunkar 
4. Ashwini Kumar Dutta 
5. Raj Narayan Bos 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1, 2, 3 and 4 Only
  • b)
    1, 3, 4 and 5 only
  • c)
    1, 2, 4 and 5 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Kapoor answered
  • By the dawn of the twentieth century, a band of nationalist thinkers had emerged who advocated a more militant approach to political work. 
  • These included Raj Narain Bose, Ashwini Kumar Datta, Aurobindo Ghosh and Bipin Chandra Pal in Bengal; Vishnu Shastri Chiplunkar and Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra, and Lala Lajpat Rai in Punjab. Tilak emerged as the most outstanding representative of this school of thought.

Which of the following statements are correct? 
1. The moderates wanted the Swadeshi movement to be taken outside Bengal to other parts of the country 
2. The extremists wanted direct revolutionary action in the Bengal only 
Choose from the following options
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    2 Only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

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.

Which among the following factors facilitated the readmission of extremists to Congress? 
1. Both the moderates and extremists realized that the split had led to political inactivity 
2. Tilak had declared that he supported the process of the overthrow of the government. 
3. Tilak denounced acts of violence 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1 and 2 Only
  • b)
    2 and 3 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 Only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Abhay Malik answered
Factors facilitating the readmission of extremists to Congress:

1. Realization of political inactivity:
- Both the moderates and extremists realized that the split between the two factions had led to political inactivity.
- The division had weakened the Indian National Congress and hindered its effectiveness in achieving its goals.
- The moderates, who advocated for a gradual and constitutional approach towards achieving self-rule, recognized the need for unity within the Congress to counter the repressive policies of the British government.

2. Tilak's support for the overthrow of the government:
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the prominent leaders of the extremist faction, declared his support for the process of overthrowing the British government.
- Tilak believed that the use of militant and revolutionary means was necessary to achieve independence for India.
- This stance appealed to the growing dissatisfaction among the Indian masses, who were increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress under the moderate leadership.

3. Tilak's denouncement of violence:
- Despite advocating for revolutionary means, Tilak also denounced acts of violence.
- He emphasized the importance of peaceful and non-violent methods in the struggle for independence.
- This moderation in his approach helped bridge the gap between the extremist and moderate factions, as it aligned with the principles and values of the moderate leaders.

Conclusion:
The readmission of extremists to Congress was facilitated by a combination of factors. The realization of political inactivity, Tilak's support for the overthrow of the government, and his denouncement of violence played significant roles in bringing the two factions back together. The moderates recognized the need for unity and the extremists' willingness to engage in political activities within the Congress, while Tilak's moderate stance on violence helped bridge the ideological divide between the factions.

Which of the following are correctly matched?
Region of anti-partition movement and their leaders 
1. Pune and Bombay - Tilak 
2. Punjab - Lala Lajpat Rai 
3. Delhi - Ajit Singh 
4. Madras - Chidambaram Pillai 
Choose from the following options
  • a)
    1, 2 and 4 Only
  • b)
    2, 3 and 4 only
  • c)
    1 and 2 Only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Shah answered
  • The leader of the anti-partition Movement in Delhi was Syed Haider Raja. 
  • On October 16, 1905, the partition formally came into force, was observed as a day of mourning throughout Bengal. 
  • People fasted, bathed in the Ganga, and walked barefoot in processions singing Bande Mataram (which almost spontaneously became the movement's theme song). 
  • Amar Sonar Bangla', the national anthem of present-day Bangladesh, was composed by Rabindranath Tagore and was sung by huge crowds marching in the streets. 
  • People tied rakhis on each other's hands as a symbol of unity of the two halves of Bengal. Later in the day, Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose addressed huge gatherings (perhaps the largest till then under the nationalist banner). 
  • Within a few hours of the meeting, Rs 50,000 was raised for the movement. Soon, the movement spread to other parts of the country-in Poona and Bombay under Tilak, in Punjab under Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh, in Delhi under Syed Haider Kaza, and in Madras under Chidambaram Pillai.

What were the basic tenets of the military school of thought? 
1. Hatred for foreign rule 
2. Swaraj to be the goal of a national movement 
3. Indirect political action 
4. Belief in the capacity of the masses 
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 Only
  • b)
    1, 2 and 4 Only
  • c)
    1, 3 and 4 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Kapoor answered
Direct political action was the feature of this Military School. The basic tenets of this school of thought were: 
  • hatred for foreign rule; since no hope could be derived from it, Indians should work out their own salvation; 
  • swaraj to be the goal of national movement; 
  • direct political action required; 
  • belief in the capacity of the masses to challenge the authority 
  • sacrifice is required and a true Nationalist to be always ready for it

Who organized a secret society covering far-flung areas of Punjab, Delhi and United provinces
  • a)
    Bhupendra Nath Dutta
  • b)
    Khudiram Bose
  • c)
    Sachin Sanyal
  • d)
    Barindra Kumar Ghosh
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Kapoor answered
  • Rashbehari Bose and Sachin Sanyal had organized a secret society covering far-flung areas of Punjab, Delhi and United Provinces. In contrast, some others like Hemachandra Kanungo went abroad for military and political training. 
  • In 1907, an abortive attempt was made by the Yugantar group on the life of a very unpopular British official, Sir Fuller (the first Lt. Governor of the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam, although he had resigned from the post on August 20, 1906).

Who started in London in 1905 an Indian home rule society - 'India House'?
  • a)
    Rash Behari Bose
  • b)
    Madan Lal Dhingra
  • c)
    Ajit Singh
  • d)
    Shyamji Krishna Varma
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Tejas Rane answered
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.

Consider the following statements about Lucknow Pact. 
1. In Lucknow Pact, the Congress accepted the Muslim League position on separate electorates 
2. The Muslims were also granted fix proportion of seats in the legislature at all India level but not at provincial levels 
3. The Muslim League agreed to present joint constitutional demands were the Congress to the government 
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 Only
  • b)
    2 and 3 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 Only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Saini answered
Overview of the Lucknow Pact
The Lucknow Pact, established in 1916, was a significant agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League. It aimed to unite the two major communities in their demands for constitutional reforms from the British government.
Statement Analysis
1. Congress Acceptance of Separate Electorates
- The first statement is incorrect. In the Lucknow Pact, the Congress did not fully accept the Muslim League's position on separate electorates. Instead, it recognized the need for some form of representation for Muslims but did not entirely endorse separate electorates.
2. Proportion of Seats in Legislature
- The second statement is correct. The Lucknow Pact provided that Muslims would be granted a fixed proportion of seats in the legislatures, but this was primarily applicable at the provincial levels, not at all-India levels.
3. Joint Constitutional Demands
- The third statement is correct. The Muslim League agreed to present joint constitutional demands with the Congress to the British government, emphasizing a united front for political representation and rights.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is option 'C': 1 and 3 Only. The Lucknow Pact is a historic example of collaboration between two significant political entities in India, highlighting the complexities of communal representation and unity during the freedom struggle.

The Ghadr program was to 
1. Organized assassinations of officials 
2. Published Revolutionary and anti-imperialistic literature 
3. Work among Indian troops station abroad 
4. procure arms 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1, 2 and 4 only
  • b)
    1, 2 and 3 only
  • c)
    2, 3 and 4 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Kumar answered
  • The Ghadr programme was to organize officials' assassinations to publish revolutionary and anti-imperialist Literature, work among Indian troops stationed abroad, procure arms, and bring about a simultaneous revolt in all British colonies. 
  • The moving spirits behind the Ghadr Party were Lala Hardayal, Ramchandra, Bhagwan Singh, Kartar Singh Saraba, Barkatullah, and Bhai Parmanand. 
  • The Ghadrites intended to bring about a revolt in India. Their plans were encouraged by two events in 1914the Komagata Maru incident and the First World War outbreak.

Who organized the extremist Anjuman-i-Mohisban-i-watan in Lahore with its journal Bharat Mata?
  • a)
    Lala Lajpat Rai
  • b)
    Ajit Singh
  • c)
    Bhagat Singh
  • d)
    Raj Behari Ghosh
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Singh answered
  • The Punjab extremism was fuelled by frequent famines coupled with a rise inland revenue and irrigation tax, the practice of 'begar' by zamindars, and Bengal events. 
  • Among those active here were Lala Lajpat Rai who brought out Punjabi (with its motto of self-help at any cost) and Ajit Singh (Bhagat Singh's uncle) who organized the extremist Anjuman-i-Mohisban-i-Watan in Lahore with its journal, Bharat Mata. 
  • Before Ajit Singh's group turned to extremism, it urges non-payment of revenue and water rates among Chenab colonists and Bari Doab peasants.

In 1909 A.M.T Jackson, the collector of Nashik, was killed by
  • a)
    Vasudev Balwant Phadke
  • b)
    Chaphekar brothers
  • c)
    Anant Lakshman kanhere
  • d)
    Pulin Das
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kabir Verma answered
  • Savarkar and his brother organized Mitra Mela, a secret society, in 1899 which merged with Abhinav Bharat (after Mazzini's Young Italy') in 1904. 
  • Soon Nasik, Poona and Bombay emerged as centres of bomb manufacture. In 1909, A.M.T. Jackson, the Collector of Nasik, a well-known Indologist, was killed by Anant Lakshman Kanhere, a member of Abhinav Bharat.

Consider the following statements about Revolutionary activity in Bengal. 
1. In the end, revolutionary activity emerged as the most substantial legacy of swadeshi Bengal, but, an overemphasis on Hindu religion kept the Muslims aloof
2. No involvement of the masses was envisaged, which, coupled with the narrow upper-caste social base of the movement in Bengal, severely limited the scope of the revolutionary activity 
3. In the end, it failed to withstand the weight of State repression
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    1 and 3 Only
  • c)
    3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sleepy Classes answered
  • In the end, revolutionary activity emerged as the most substantial legacy of swadeshi Bengal, which impacted educated youth for a generation or more. But, an overemphasis on Hindu religion kept the Muslims aloof. Moreover, it encouraged quixotic heroism. 
  • No involvement of the masses was envisaged, which, coupled with the narrow upper-caste social base of the movement in Bengal, severely limited the scope of the revolutionary activity. In the end, it failed to withstand the weight of State repression.

Ramosi Peasant Force operated in?
  • a)
    Punjab
  • b)
    Maharashtra
  • c)
    Bengal
  • d)
    Madras
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

  • The first of Maharashtra's revolutionary activities was the Ramos Peasant Force's organization by Vasudev Balwant Phadke in 1879, which aimed to rid the British's country by instigating an armed revolt by disrupting communication lines. 
  • It had to raise funds for its activities through dacoities. 
  • It was surprised prematurely.

Arrange the events, chronologically. 
1. Yugantar, the Revolutionary weekly started 
2. Attempts on the life of the former Lieutenant Governor of East Bengal and Assam 
3. Burada dacoity by Dhacca Anushilan 
4. Bomb thrown at Viceroy Hardinge by Rash Behari Bose and Sachin Sanyal 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    2-1-4-3
  • b)
    1-4-2-3
  • c)
    1-2-4-3
  • d)
    1-2-3-4
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ravi Sharma answered
  • 1902-First revolutionary groups in Midnapore and Calcutta (The Anushilan Samiti) 1906-Yugantar, the revolutionary weekly started By 1905-06-Several newspapers started advocating revolutionary terrorism. 
  • 1907-Attempt on a life of the former Lt. Governor of East Bengal and Assam. 1908--Prafulla Chaki and Khudiram Bose attempt to murder Muzaffarpur Magistrate, Kingsford. 
  • Alipore conspiracy case involving Aurobindo Ghosh, Barindra Kumar Ghosh and others. 1908-Burrah dacoity by Dacca Anushilan. 1912--Bomb is thrown at Viceroy Hardinge by Rashbehari Bose and Sachin Sanyal. Sandhya, Yugantar--newspapers advocating revolutionary activity. Jatin Das and Yugantar, the German Plot during World War I.

Consider the following statements about August declaration of 1917. 
1. From now onwards, the demand by Nationalists for self-government for home rule could not be termed as seditious 
2. It was clear that now the British had the intention of handing over power to the predominantly elected legislature within Indian majority 
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    2 Only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Megha Sarkar answered
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 Berlin Committee for Indian Independence was established in 1915 by
1. Lala Hardayal 
2. Virendranath Chattopadhyay 
3. Bhupendranath Dutta 
4. Ajit Singh 
5. Rash Behari Ghosh 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1, 2, 3 and 4 only
  • b)
    2, 3 and 5 only
  • c)
    1, 2 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sakshi Joshi answered
  • The Berlin Committee for Indian Independence was established in 1915 by Virendranath Chattopadhy, Bhupendranath Dutta, Lala Hardayal and others with the German foreign office Zimmerman Plan'. 
  • These revolutionaries aimed to mobilize the Indian settlers abroad to send volunteers and arms to India to incite rebellion among Indian troops and even organize an armed invasion of British India to liberate the country.

Consider the following statements. 
1. The league Campaign aimed to convey to the common man the message of home rule as self-government.
2. It carried a much wider appeal than the earlier mobilizations, but it failed to attract politically backward regions of Gujarat and Sindh. 
3. Anglo Indians did not join the movement. 
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 Only
  • b)
    2 and 3 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 Only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Poonam Reddy answered
  • It carried a much wider appeal than the earlier mobilizations and also attracted the political backward regions of Gujarat and Sindh. So statement 2nd is incorrect. 
  • Rest of the statements are correct. The League campaign aimed to convey to the common man the message of home rule as self-government. 
  • It carried a much wider appeal than the earlier mobilizations had and attracted the hitherto 'politically backward' regions of Gujarat and Sindh. 
  • The Russian Revolution of 1917 proved to be an added advantage for the Home Rule campaign. The Home Rule agitation was later joined by Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhulabhai Desai, Chittaranjan Das, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Tej Bahadur Sapru and Lala Lajpat Rai. Some of these leaders became heads of local branches. 
  • Many of the Moderate Congressmen who were disillusioned with Congress inactivity and some Gokhale's Servants of India Society also joined the agitation. However. 
  • Anglo-Indians, most of the Muslims non-brahmins from the South did not join as they felt Home Rule would mean the Hindu majority rule, and that too mainly by the high caste.

Why Swadeshi movement fizzled out? 
1. Severe government repression
2. Lack of effective organization and disciplined focus 
3. Split in Nationalist ranks 
4. Narrow social base 
5. Leaderless movement 
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1, 2, 3 and 4 only
  • b)
    1, 3, 4 and 5 only
  • c)
    1, 2, 4 and 5 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Anagha Iyer answered
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.

Why the Home Rule agitation proved to be short-lived? 
1. There was a lack of effective organization 
2. Besant was unable to give a positive lead 
3. Communal riots were witnessed 
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 3 Only
  • b)
    1 and 2 Only
  • c)
    2 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepa Iyer answered
The decline's reasons were as follows 
(i) There was a lack of effective organization. 
(ii) Communal riots were witnessed during 1917-18. 
(iii) The Moderates who had joined the Congress after Annie Besant's arrest were pacified by talk of reforms (contained in Montagu's statement of August 1917 which held self-government long-term goal of the British rule in India) and Besant's release. 
(iv) Talk of passive resistance by the Extremists kept the Moderates away from an activity from September 1918 onwards. 
(v) The Montagu-Chelmsford reforms which became known in July 1918 further divided the nationalist ranks 
(vi) Tilak had to go abroad (September 1918) in connection with a case while Annie Besant vacillated on her response to the reforms and passive resistance techniques. 
With Besant unable to give a positive lead and Tilak away in England, the movement was left leaderless.

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