Nationalism In India -Olympiad Level MCQ, Class 10 SST - Class 10 MCQ

Many people were collecting ballads, folktales, and myths, etc. to revive Indian folklore. In Madras, Natesa Sastri published a massive four-volume collection of Tamil folk tales, The Folklore of Southern India. He believed that folklore was national literature; it was ‘the most trustworthy manifestation of people’s real thoughts and characteristics’.

Main Features of the Poona Pact:
The Poona Pact, signed on September 24, 1932, was an agreement between leaders of the Dalit community and the British government. It sought to address the issue of political representation for Dalits in India. The main features of the Poona Pact were as follows:
1. No Separate Electorates for Dalits:
- Dalits were no longer to have separate electorates.
- They were to be included in the general electorates and would be voted in by the general population.
2. Depressed Classes:
- The term "Depressed Classes" was used to refer to the Dalit community instead of "Harijans" which was a term coined by Mahatma Gandhi.
- The use of the term "Depressed Classes" aimed to highlight the socio-economic challenges faced by the community.
3. Reserved Seats:
- Reserved seats were provided for the Depressed Classes in both provincial and central legislative councils.
- This ensured that the Dalit community had representation in the political decision-making process.
4. Representation:
- The Poona Pact aimed to provide fair representation to the Depressed Classes in the political system.
- It recognized the need for their inclusion and participation in the governance of the country.
Overall, the Poona Pact was a significant development in the struggle for Dalit rights in India. It provided a platform for the community's political representation and fought against the practice of untouchability. The agreement aimed to uplift the status and improve the socio-economic conditions of the Dalit community.

The reason for Mahatma Gandhiji's fast unto death in 1932 was:
A: The failure of the Civil Disobedience Movement
- This was not the reason for Gandhiji's fast unto death in 1932.
B: The public resort to violence during the Civil Disobedience Movement
- This was not the reason for Gandhiji's fast unto death in 1932.
C: The clash with Dr Ambedkar over his demand for a separate electorate for Dalits which he thought would halt their integration into society
- This was the main reason for Gandhiji's fast unto death in 1932.
- Gandhiji believed in the integration of all castes and communities into society, and he opposed the idea of separate electorates which he thought would perpetuate divisions.
- He wanted to show his commitment to the cause and put pressure on Dr Ambedkar to reconsider his demand.
D: The failure of the Second Round Table Conference
- The failure of the Second Round Table Conference was not the reason for Gandhiji's fast unto death in 1932.
Conclusion:
The reason for Mahatma Gandhiji's fast unto death in 1932 was the clash with Dr Ambedkar over his demand for a separate electorate for Dalits, which Gandhiji believed would halt their integration into society.

The correct answer is option C: Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Depressed Classes Association in 1930.
Explanation:
Dr B.R. Ambedkar was a prominent leader of the Dalits, who fought for their rights and worked towards their upliftment. He played a key role in the formation of various associations to advocate for the rights and welfare of the Dalit community. One of the associations formed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar was the Depressed Classes Association in 1930.
Key Points:
- Dr B.R. Ambedkar was a leader of the Dalits.
- He formed the Depressed Classes Association in 1930.
- The association aimed to address the issues faced by the Dalit community and work towards their empowerment.
- Dr B.R. Ambedkar's efforts and leadership had a significant impact on the Dalit community and their struggle for social equality and justice.

Answer:
The two great writers of Bengal and Madras who contributed to nationalism in the late nineteenth century through folklore were Rabindranath Tagore and Natesa Sastri. Here is a detailed explanation:
Rabindranath Tagore:
- Rabindranath Tagore was a Bengali polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music.
- He is best known for his work in poetry, but he was also a playwright, philosopher, composer, and painter.
- Tagore's works focused on themes of nationalism, love, and spirituality, and he played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement.
- His collection of poems, songs, and plays, collectively known as "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
- Through his writings, Tagore sought to promote a sense of national identity and pride among the Indian people.
Natesa Sastri:
- Natesa Sastri was a Tamil writer and scholar who made significant contributions to Tamil literature and folklore.
- He collected and documented traditional Tamil folk songs, stories, and proverbs, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Tamil people.
- Sastri's work played a crucial role in fostering a sense of pride in Tamil language and culture, which in turn contributed to the nationalist movement in Madras (now Chennai).
- His efforts in documenting and promoting Tamil folklore helped in creating a shared identity among the Tamil-speaking people and contributed to the overall nationalist sentiment.
Therefore, the correct answer is B: Rabindranath Tagore and Natesa Sastri.

On 13 April the Jallianwalla Bagh incident took place. On that day a large crowd gathered in the enclosed ground of Jallianwalla Bagh, unaware of the martial law that had been imposed. Dyer entered the area, blocked the exit points, and opened fire on the crowd, killing hundreds.

How did history help in creating a feeling of nationalism in India by the end of the 19th century?

History played a significant role in creating a feeling of nationalism in India by the end of the 19th century. This can be attributed to the following factors:

1. Reinterpreting history and refuting British portrayal:
- Indians began to reinterpret their history and challenge the British portrayal of them as backward, primitive, and incapable of self-governance.
- Scholars and intellectuals emphasized the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of India, highlighting achievements in various fields such as science, philosophy, art, and literature.
- By bringing attention to the glorious past, Indians were able to counter British claims of superiority and assert their own nationalistic pride.
2. Writing about India's glorious past:
- Nationalist leaders and writers extensively wrote about India's glorious past, highlighting the achievements of ancient Indian civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization, Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, and others.
- These writings aimed to instill a sense of pride and identity among Indians, reminding them of their past greatness and fostering a collective national consciousness.
3. Urging struggle for change:
- History was also used to inspire and motivate Indians to struggle for change and liberation from British rule.
- Nationalist leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru drew upon historical examples of successful resistance movements and revolutions to encourage Indians to fight for their rights and freedom.
- By connecting the present struggle to the glorious history of resistance against foreign rule, a sense of nationalism was further strengthened.
4. All of the above:
- The correct answer is option D, as all of the mentioned factors played a role in creating a feeling of nationalism in India.
- The reinterpretation of history, emphasis on India's glorious past, and the call for struggle and change all contributed to the development of a strong nationalist sentiment among Indians by the end of the 19th century.
Overall, history served as a tool to challenge British narratives, inspire national pride, and mobilize Indians towards the goal of independence. It helped create a sense of unity, identity, and resilience, fostering the growth of nationalism in India.

Collective Belonging and Nationalism
Experiences of United Struggles:
- People belonging to different communities, regions, or language groups often come together to fight for a common cause.
- Through united struggles, such as protests, revolutions, or movements, people develop a sense of collective belonging.
- These experiences create a shared identity and a feeling of being part of a larger community.
A Variety of Cultural Processes:
- Nationalism captures people's imagination through various cultural processes.
- Cultural practices, traditions, and rituals play a significant role in fostering a sense of collective belonging.
- Language, literature, art, music, and dance are used to promote and strengthen nationalistic sentiments.
- Festivals, celebrations, and cultural events are often used as platforms to showcase and reinforce national identity.
History, Fiction, Folklore, Songs, Popular Prints, and Symbols:
- History and fiction play a crucial role in shaping nationalistic feelings.
- Historical events, heroes, and legends are often glorified and used as symbols of national pride.
- Folklore, songs, popular prints, and symbols are used to narrate stories and create a shared cultural heritage.
- These cultural elements help in promoting a sense of collective belonging and national identity.
Conclusion:
All the above factors contribute to the development of a sense of collective belonging and nationalism. Through experiences of united struggles, cultural processes, and the use of history, fiction, folklore, songs, and symbols, people from diverse communities develop a shared identity and a sense of belonging to a larger national community.

Concerns of Muslim leaders and intellectuals about the status of Muslims in India:

• Distrust and suspicion: Muslim leaders and intellectuals were concerned about the ongoing distrust and suspicion between the two communities, Hindu and Muslim, which created an atmosphere of tension and insecurity for Muslims.


• Fear of cultural submergence: They feared that the dominant Hindu majority would suppress their culture, traditions, and identity, leading to the marginalization and assimilation of Muslims into the larger Hindu society.


• Differences with Congress policies: Muslim leaders had disagreements with the policies of the Indian National Congress, which was seen as the leading political party representing the Indian independence movement. This led to concerns about the representation and protection of Muslim interests within a united India.


• Denial of separate electorate: The Congress was initially not ready to grant Muslims a separate electorate, which would have allowed them to elect their own representatives in the legislative bodies. This further fueled concerns among Muslim leaders about their political representation and safeguarding their rights and interests.

Overall, these concerns highlight the apprehensions of Muslim leaders and intellectuals regarding the minority status of Muslims within India, including issues related to cultural preservation, political representation, and communal harmony.

President of the Muslim League in 1930:

The President of the Muslim League in 1930 was Sir Muhammad Iqbal.

Explanation:

• In 1930, Sir Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned poet, philosopher, and politician, served as the President of the All India Muslim League.


• Sir Muhammad Iqbal played a significant role in shaping the concept of a separate Muslim state in the Indian subcontinent, which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan.


• He is also known for his famous address delivered at the All India Muslim League session in Allahabad in 1930, where he presented the idea of a separate Muslim state.


• This address, commonly known as the "Iqbal's Allahabad Address" or the "Iqbal's Presidential Address," laid the foundation for the demand of a separate homeland for Muslims in India.


• Sir Muhammad Iqbal's vision and leadership were instrumental in mobilizing the Muslim community and advocating for their political rights and aspirations.

Therefore, the correct answer is D: Sir Muhammad Iqbal.