Test: Gandhian Era (1919-1947) - Class 8 MCQ

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in 1931 to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement in exchange for the release of political prisoners and the permission for Indians to make salt for their own use. This agreement represented a strategic compromise to allow Congress to participate in the Second Round Table Conference while highlighting Gandhi’s commitment to non-violent resistance and negotiation.

Subhas Chandra Bose played a crucial role in the formation and leadership of the Indian National Army (INA), which sought to liberate India from British rule through armed struggle. Bose’s leadership inspired many Indians, and the INA's rallying cries of "Dilli Chalo" and "Jai Hind" became symbols of the struggle for independence. Bose's vision of a free India was marked by his willingness to seek international support, including from Axis powers during World War II.

The Direct Action Day declared by the Muslim League on August 16, 1946, aimed to assert the demand for Pakistan but resulted in severe communal riots in Calcutta and other regions. This violence underscored the growing tensions between Hindus and Muslims and foreshadowed the tragic events of partition, revealing the deep divisions within Indian society at that time.

Gandhi led the Dandi March in 1930 as a direct action against the Salt Law, which imposed a tax on salt, an essential commodity. The march from Sabarmati to Dandi symbolized the fight against unjust laws and galvanized widespread participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement. This peaceful act of defiance became a pivotal moment in the struggle for Indian independence.

The Lahore Resolution, presented by the Muslim League in 1940, called for the establishment of a separate nation for Muslims, which later became Pakistan. This resolution marked the formal introduction of the Two-Nation Theory, asserting that Muslims and Hindus were distinct nations, and significantly influenced the trajectory of India's independence movement and subsequent partition.

Gandhi developed the concept of Satyagraha, which means "truth force" or "soul force," while in South Africa as a means to resist oppression through non-violent protests. This philosophy emphasized the power of truth and moral integrity as a way to bring about social and political change, influencing future movements for civil rights around the world. An interesting fact is that Satyagraha became a foundational principle for various global leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was largely initiated in support of the Khilafat Movement, which sought to protect the rights of Muslims in India following the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire. Gandhi called for a nationwide movement encouraging Indians to withdraw their cooperation from the British government, promoting the idea of self-reliance and unity among Hindus and Muslims.

After World War II, the British government began to engage in negotiations with Indian leaders, including Congress and the Muslim League, in response to the rising demands for independence. However, these negotiations were complicated by the increasing tensions between communal groups and ultimately led to the partition of India. The Labour Party's decision to grant independence was influenced by the changing political landscape and the costs of maintaining control over India post-war.

The Simon Commission was introduced in 1927 and faced widespread opposition primarily because it had no Indian members, which angered many Indians who believed that any reforms should include their representation. The protests against the Commission were significant and included the rallying cry "Simon Go Back," highlighting the demand for self-governance and inclusion in the constitutional process.

At the Lahore Session in 1929, the Indian National Congress resolved to demand complete independence, termed Purna Swaraj. This resolution marked a significant turning point in the freedom struggle, symbolized by the hoisting of the tricolor flag, and set the stage for intensified resistance against British colonial rule.

The British involvement of India in World War II was primarily driven by the need to secure resources and manpower for the war effort. This decision was made without consulting the Indian National Congress or the local ministries, which led to widespread anger and protests, ultimately resulting in the resignation of Congress ministries in protest.

The Khilafat Movement was led by the Ali brothers, Mohammad and Shaukat Ali, who sought to protest against the treatment of the Ottoman Sultan after World War I. They aimed to mobilize Muslims in India to support the Khalifa, which reflected a significant pan-Islamic sentiment and aimed to strengthen Hindu-Muslim unity. This movement also marked Gandhi's active involvement in Hindu-Muslim collaboration during the freedom struggle.

The Quit India Movement led to widespread arrests of Congress leaders, including Gandhi, who was taken into custody on August 9, 1942. The movement called for immediate British withdrawal from India and saw significant public participation in protests. The government's repressive response highlighted the urgency of the Indian demand for independence and marked a crucial phase in the struggle.

The Indian Independence Act of 1947 formally partitioned India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. This act marked the culmination of the Indian independence movement but also led to widespread communal violence and mass displacement. The partition was a traumatic event in the subcontinent's history and significantly shaped the region's socio-political landscape for decades to come.

The Rowlatt Act aimed to suppress dissent by allowing the British government to arrest individuals without warrants and imprison them without trial. This draconian measure led to widespread outrage among Indians, as it was seen as a violation of civil liberties. The Act catalyzed the Rowlatt Satyagraha, marking one of the first large-scale movements against British rule.

The First Round Table Conference in 1930 was boycotted by the Indian National Congress as they sought to negotiate from a position of strength following Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement. The Congress's absence reflected their dissatisfaction with British proposals and their desire for more substantial negotiations towards complete independence rather than mere constitutional reforms.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a horrific event where General Dyer ordered troops to fire upon a large, unarmed crowd, resulting in hundreds of deaths and many more injuries. This incident profoundly shocked the Indian populace and galvanized anti-British sentiment across the country. It also led to significant changes in British policy in India, emphasizing the need for reform.

Kwame Nkrumah was a key figure in Ghana's struggle for independence, leading the Convention People’s Party (CPP) in its efforts against British colonial rule. His leadership and advocacy for self-governance resulted in Ghana becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957. Nkrumah's vision of Pan-Africanism and his subsequent presidency played a significant role in shaping post-colonial Africa.

Subhas Chandra Bose formed the All India Forward Bloc after leaving the Indian National Congress due to ideological differences, particularly regarding the approach towards achieving independence. This group aimed to consolidate the forces of Indian nationalism and offered a more radical approach in contrast to Gandhi's non-violent philosophy.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was suspended by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters clashed with police, resulting in the burning of a police station and the deaths of policemen. Gandhi, committed to the principle of non-violence, believed that the movement could no longer remain peaceful and called for its cessation. This decision emphasized Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to non-violent resistance.