The Making Of The National Movement: 1870s–1947, History, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

The book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India is authored by Dadabhai Naoroji.
Dadabhai Naoroji, also known as the Grand Old Man of India, was a prominent Indian political leader, educator, and social reformer. He was one of the earliest leaders of the Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. Naoroji was the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament.
Here are some key points about Dadabhai Naoroji and his book:
1. Author: Dadabhai Naoroji authored the book "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India."
2. Publication Year: The book was published in 1901.
3. Content: In the book, Naoroji critically analyzed the economic impact of British colonial rule in India. He argued that British policies and exploitation were responsible for the impoverishment of the Indian people.
4. Poverty: Naoroji highlighted the poverty and backwardness prevailing in India due to the drain of wealth caused by the British administration. He emphasized the need for economic and political reforms to uplift the Indian population.
5. Drain of Wealth: Naoroji popularized the concept of the "Drain of Wealth," which referred to the economic exploitation of India by the British through excessive taxation, unequal trade policies, and the export of raw materials.
6. Nationalism and Self-Government: The book also advocated for Indian nationalism and self-government. Naoroji believed that Indians should have control over their own affairs and resources to eradicate poverty and improve living conditions.
7. Influence: "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India" had a significant impact on the Indian nationalist movement. It inspired future leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru in their fight against colonialism.
In conclusion, Dadabhai Naoroji's book "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India" is a seminal work that exposes the economic exploitation of India by the British and advocates for Indian self-governance and the eradication of poverty.

Marathi Newspaper Editor:

• Balgangadhar Tilak: He was one of the prominent leaders in the Indian independence movement and a renowned Marathi writer. Tilak played a crucial role in the establishment of the Marathi newspaper.

Other Options:

• Bepin Chandra Pal: He was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement but was not associated with the editing of the Marathi newspaper.


• Lala Lajpat Rai: He was also a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement but was not associated with the editing of the Marathi newspaper.


• Dadabhai Naoroji: He was an influential leader in the Indian National Congress and the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament. However, he was not associated with the editing of the Marathi newspaper.

Therefore, the correct answer is A: Balgangadhar Tilak who edited the Marathi newspaper.

Slogan: "Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it"

The slogan "Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it" was raised by Balgangadhar Tilak.

Explanation:

Here are the details explaining why Balgangadhar Tilak raised the slogan:

• Balgangadhar Tilak: He was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and a strong advocate for freedom.


• Birthright: Tilak believed that freedom was the birthright of every Indian.


• Slogan: "Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it" became Tilak's rallying cry to inspire and unite the people of India in their fight for independence.


• Importance: This slogan emphasized the importance of freedom and the determination of the Indian people to achieve it.


• Influence: Tilak's slogan had a significant impact on the Indian freedom movement and played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses.

Therefore, Balgangadhar Tilak is credited with raising the slogan "Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it."

Answer:
The Indian who renounced his knighthood after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre was Rabindranath Tagore.
Here is a detailed explanation:
Background:
- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, during the British Raj in India.
- General Reginald Dyer ordered the British Indian Army to open fire on a crowd of unarmed Indian protesters who had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh to peacefully protest against the repressive Rowlatt Act.
Rabindranath Tagore:
- Rabindranath Tagore was a prominent Indian poet, philosopher, musician, and artist.
- He was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems, Gitanjali.
- Tagore was deeply affected by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and saw it as a betrayal of humanity and justice.
Renunciation of Knighthood:
- In protest against the massacre, Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood, which he had received in 1915.
- He sent a letter to the British government expressing his anguish and stating that he could not accept the honor from a government that perpetrated such atrocities.
- His act of renunciation was a powerful statement against British colonial rule and garnered international attention.
Impact:
- Tagore's renunciation of knighthood became a symbol of resistance against British oppression.
- It inspired many Indians to join the freedom movement and fight for independence.
- Tagore continued to be a strong advocate for Indian nationalism and played a significant role in shaping the cultural and intellectual discourse during the freedom struggle.
Therefore, the correct answer is B: Rabindranath Tagore.

The first Indian woman to become President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
- Sarojini Naidu, also known as the Nightingale of India, was a prominent political activist and poet.
- She was born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, India.
- Sarojini Naidu played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and was one of the key leaders of the Indian National Congress.
- In 1925, she became the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress.
- This was a remarkable achievement at a time when women's participation in politics was limited.
- Sarojini Naidu was a strong advocate for women's rights and fought for their empowerment and education.
- She actively participated in civil disobedience movements and was even arrested multiple times for her involvement in the freedom struggle.
- Sarojini Naidu's contribution to the Indian independence movement and her role in the Indian National Congress paved the way for future generations of women leaders in India.
- She remains an inspirational figure and is remembered for her poetry, activism, and dedication to the cause of Indian independence.
In conclusion, Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress. Her leadership and contributions to the independence movement have left a lasting impact on the history of India.

Answer:
Background:
India became independent from British rule on August 15, 1947. After independence, India adopted a parliamentary system of government and established the position of Governor General to represent the British monarch. The Governor General was the head of state and exercised executive powers on behalf of the monarch.
Explanation:
The correct answer is C: C. Rajagopalachari. Here is a detailed explanation:
- Lala Lajpat Rai: Lala Lajpat Rai, also known as Punjab Kesari, was a prominent freedom fighter and a leader of the Indian National Congress. However, he did not serve as India's Governor General.
- Motilal Nehru: Motilal Nehru was a lawyer and a leader of the Indian National Congress. He played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. However, he did not serve as India's Governor General.
- C. Rajagopalachari: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, was a lawyer, writer, and politician. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and served as the first Indian Governor General of India from 1948 to 1950. He was appointed by the Indian National Congress government led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union. However, he did not serve as India's Governor General.
Conclusion:
C. Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, was India's first Indian Governor General. He served from 1948 to 1950 and played a significant role in the early years of independent India.

Subhas Chandra Bose was a moderate nationalist.
False
Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Introduction:
- Subhas Chandra Bose was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.
- He played a significant role in the fight against British colonial rule in India.
2. Subhas Chandra Bose's ideology:
- Subhas Chandra Bose was not a moderate nationalist but a radical one.
- He believed in more aggressive and direct methods to achieve independence for India.
- Bose was influenced by revolutionary leaders like Bhagat Singh and sought to use armed resistance against British rule.
3. Formation of Forward Bloc:
- Bose formed the Forward Bloc in 1939 after being expelled from the Indian National Congress.
- The Forward Bloc was a political organization that aimed to unite all anti-British forces.
- It advocated for complete independence from British rule and rejected the moderate approach of the Congress.
4. Role in World War II:
- During World War II, Bose sought support from Axis powers like Germany and Japan to fight against British rule.
- He formed the Indian National Army (INA) with the help of Japanese forces.
- The INA fought alongside Japanese forces against the British in Burma and Northeast India.
5. Conclusion:
- Subhas Chandra Bose's ideology and actions clearly indicate that he was not a moderate nationalist.
- He believed in more radical and aggressive methods to achieve independence for India.
- Bose's role in the formation of the Forward Bloc and the INA reflects his radical approach towards the liberation struggle.

Simon Commission and Indian Representatives

The statement given is False. The Simon Commission did not have two Indian representatives.

Explanation:

• The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was appointed in 1927 by the British government.


• The purpose of the commission was to assess the working of the Government of India Act 1919 and to recommend further constitutional reforms.


• The commission consisted of seven members, all of whom were British.


• The chairman of the commission was Sir John Simon, a British politician.


• Although the Simon Commission did not include any Indian representatives, its recommendations had a significant impact on the Indian political scene.


• The commission's report, known as the Simon Report, was published in 1930 and recommended limited constitutional reforms.


• However, the report was widely criticized in India as it did not propose full self-government or dominion status for India.


• The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, launched the Civil Disobedience Movement in response to the Simon Report.

Therefore, the Simon Commission did not have two Indian representatives, making the statement false.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar on Baisakhi day. Here's a detailed explanation:
Background:
- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, India.
- It was a public garden, which was enclosed by walls on all sides, with only one narrow entrance.
- The garden was a popular gathering place for political meetings, protests, and social events.
Incident:
- On that fateful day, a large crowd consisting of men, women, and children had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the repressive Rowlatt Act, which allowed for the arrest and detention of Indians without trial.
- The crowd was unarmed and peaceful, unaware of the brutal action that was about to unfold.
Actions of General Dyer:
- General Reginald Dyer, an officer in the British Indian Army, received intelligence about the gathering and decided to take action.
- Dyer arrived at Jallianwala Bagh with a contingent of fifty soldiers and ordered them to block the only entrance, effectively trapping the crowd inside.
The Massacre:
- Without any warning or provocation, Dyer ordered his soldiers to open fire on the crowd for about ten minutes.
- The soldiers continued firing even when the crowd started dispersing and running for cover.
- The indiscriminate firing resulted in the deaths of at least 379 people, while hundreds were injured.
Aftermath and Impact:
- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, both in India and internationally.
- It led to a wave of protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience across India.
- The incident played a significant role in mobilizing public support for the Indian independence movement.
- It also led to the formation of the Hunter Commission, which investigated the incident and held Dyer responsible for his actions.
In conclusion, the statement that the Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar on Baisakhi day is true. The tragic event had a profound impact on the Indian independence movement and remains a dark chapter in the history of British colonial rule in India.

Swadeshi Movement and the Partition of Bengal
The statement given is True. The Swadeshi Movement did indeed start after the partition of Bengal. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Partition of Bengal:
- The partition of Bengal was announced on July 19, 1905, by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India.
- The province of Bengal was divided into two separate entities - Bengal and Eastern Bengal and Assam.
- The partition was done along religious lines, with the predominantly Hindu western region and predominantly Muslim eastern region being separated.
2. Reasons for Partition:
- Lord Curzon claimed that the partition was done for administrative convenience and to improve governance in the region.
- However, the partition was seen by many as a divide-and-rule policy of the British, aimed at weakening the growing nationalist movement in Bengal.
3. Swadeshi Movement:
- The Swadeshi Movement was a widespread campaign of boycotts, protests, and acts of self-reliance initiated in response to the partition of Bengal.
- It aimed at promoting Indian-made goods and opposing British goods.
- The movement gained momentum under the leadership of prominent figures like Surendranath Banerjee, Aurobindo Ghosh, and Rabindranath Tagore.
4. Objectives of the Swadeshi Movement:
- To protest against the unjust partition of Bengal and demand its annulment.
- To promote the use of Indian-made goods and boycott British goods.
- To create a sense of national pride and unity among Indians.
- To encourage self-reliance and develop indigenous industries.
5. Impact of the Swadeshi Movement:
- The Swadeshi Movement had a significant impact on the Indian nationalist movement and played a crucial role in shaping the future struggle for independence.
- It fostered a sense of national consciousness, unity, and pride among Indians.
- It led to the growth of indigenous industries and the establishment of national educational institutions.
In conclusion, the Swadeshi Movement did indeed start after the partition of Bengal. It was a response to the partition and aimed at promoting Indian-made goods, boycotting British goods, and demanding the annulment of the partition. The movement had a profound impact on the Indian nationalist movement and contributed to the growth of national consciousness and self-reliance.

Answer:
False
Explanation:
Maulana Azad did not become the major spokesperson for the demand for Pakistan. Here is a detailed explanation:
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, also known as Maulana Azad, was a prominent Indian nationalist leader and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress.
- He played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement and served as the President of the Indian National Congress from 1940 to 1946.
- Maulana Azad was known for his support for a united and independent India, where people of all religions could coexist.
- He opposed the idea of dividing India on religious lines and did not support the demand for a separate country for Muslims, which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan.
- Maulana Azad advocated for a secular and inclusive India and worked towards promoting Hindu-Muslim unity.
- His efforts were focused on preserving the unity and integrity of India, rather than supporting the demand for Pakistan.
- Maulana Azad was a strong advocate for Indian nationalism and worked towards achieving an independent India, but he did not become the major spokesperson for the demand for Pakistan.
In conclusion, the statement that Maulana Azad became the major spokesperson for the demand for Pakistan is false.

Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and the Khudai Khidmatgars
- Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Badshah Khan, was a prominent political and spiritual leader in British India.
- He was a Pashtun independence activist and a follower of the nonviolent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan founded the Khudai Khidmatgars, also known as the Red Shirts or Servants of God.
- The Khudai Khidmatgars were a nonviolent resistance movement that aimed to achieve independence from British rule through peaceful means.
- The members of the Khudai Khidmatgars were known for their dedication and commitment to nonviolence.
- They organized protests, strikes, and boycotts against British rule and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.
- Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and the Khudai Khidmatgars faced severe repression and violence from the British authorities.
- Despite this, they remained steadfast in their commitment to nonviolence and continued their struggle for independence.
- Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and the Khudai Khidmatgars are remembered for their courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of nonviolence.