Freedom Movements in Bihar - 1 - BPSC (Bihar) MCQ

The Boys' Association, founded by Suryadev Narayan Sharma and chaired by Afak Khan, was primarily focused on engaging the youth in political activities and promoting nationalism. It became a key center for political discourse in Bihar and played an important role in early nationalistic movements until 1920, inspiring the youth to actively participate in the independence struggle.

The Rakhi Bandhan Divas was observed on October 16, 1905, in Darbhanga as a symbolic protest against the Partition of Bengal. The youth in Bihar, inspired by nationalist sentiments, celebrated the day by tying rakhi on each other's wrists to symbolize unity against British policies that aimed to divide Bengal along communal lines.

The Champaran Satyagraha, initiated in 1917, was led by Mahatma Gandhi. It was a major movement in Bihar that aimed to address the exploitation of indigo farmers under the Tinkathia system. Gandhi's involvement marked the beginning of his leadership in India's freedom struggle and the use of non-violent resistance.

Rajkumar Shukla was a key figure in the Champaran Satyagraha. He was an indigo farmer from Bihar who played a pivotal role in bringing the issue of farmer exploitation to Gandhi’s attention. Shukla invited Gandhi to Champaran, convincing him to visit the region and understand the plight of the peasants, which eventually led to the successful Satyagraha.

The Khilafat Movement was initiated by the Ali brothers in 1919 to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I, as the Allied Powers imposed harsh terms on Turkey. The movement received significant support from Indian Muslims and was backed by the Indian National Congress as part of the broader struggle for Indian independence. The statement that the movement did not gain support from Indian Muslims is incorrect, as it was primarily a Muslim-led initiative. The Congress's support highlighted the unity between the Hindu and Muslim communities in the fight against British rule.

March 19, 1920, was observed as Second Khilafat Day in Bihar. This day marked national mourning and protests throughout Bihar to demand fair treatment for the Ottoman Empire and to show solidarity with the Muslim community in the Khilafat Movement.

The Rowlatt Act, passed in 1919, aimed to curtail civil liberties and gave the British government the authority to imprison anyone without trial, severely restricting freedom of expression and assembly. The act was met with strong resistance and led to nationwide protests, including the Rowlatt Agitation.

Rajendra Prasad, a prominent leader in the Non-Cooperation Movement, played a vital role in the establishment of Bihar National College. This college was founded as a response to the British educational system and aimed to promote nationalist education that aligned with Gandhian ideals. It encouraged self-reliance and aimed to provide an alternative to British-run institutions, rejecting the emphasis on Western education. Therefore, the third statement is incorrect, as the college did not solely promote Western-style education. Instead, it focused on fostering nationalistic sentiments and self-sufficiency.

The success of the Champaran Satyagraha was primarily due to the strong participation of the peasantry, who were exploited under the Tinkathia system. Gandhi's non-violent approach, his leadership, and the moral support from other leaders made the movement effective, forcing the British government to reform the policies related to indigo farming.

Following the recommendations of the Champaran Agrarian Committee, the British government passed the Champaran Agrarian Act on May 1, 1918. This act addressed the issues raised by the peasants, including the abolition of the Tinkathia system and the reduction of rents.

The Motherland newspaper, founded by Mazhar-ul-Haque in 1921, was instrumental in spreading Gandhian ideology and promoting Hindu-Muslim unity during the Indian freedom struggle. It aligned with Gandhiji's ideals of non-violence, self-reliance, and national unity, and was a platform for rallying support for the Non-Cooperation Movement. The newspaper emphasized the need for collaboration between Hindus and Muslims in their shared struggle against British colonial rule, helping to bridge communal divides and create a united front for India's independence.

Mahendra Prasad, the brother of Rajendra Prasad, returned the title of ‘Ray Sahab’ in protest against British rule during the Non-Cooperation Movement. This symbolic gesture reflected the widespread discontent with British honors and recognition.

The Non-Cooperation Movement in Bihar primarily focused on the boycott of foreign goods, British institutions, and British-imposed policies. It was a part of a larger nationwide movement led by Gandhi to demand self-rule (Swaraj) and to reject British authority.

The Swarajist Movement emerged in 1922 as a result of the division within the Indian National Congress after Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement. The Swarajists, led by Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru, disagreed with Gandhi's strategy of complete non-cooperation with the British. Instead, they advocated for participating in the British legislative councils to push for self-rule and reforms from within the British system. They believed that engaging with these institutions would help in advancing the cause of India's independence in a more practical manner, unlike the complete boycott advocated by Gandhi’s faction.

Mazhar-ul-Haq, a prominent leader in Bihar during the Non-Cooperation Movement, played a crucial role in organizing the police strike in 1921. The strike was a direct response to the British colonial rule and an act of protest against the oppressive police forces that were used to suppress the freedom movement. This strike was part of a broader strategy by Indian nationalists to challenge British authority. Haq was also known for his efforts in promoting Hindu-Muslim unity and Gandhian ideology through his newspaper, "The Motherland". His involvement in the police strike highlighted his commitment to non-violent resistance and his significant contribution to the national movement in Bihar.