Spectrum Test: The Freedom Struggle- 3 - UPSC MCQ

The Muhammedan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association was established in 1893 primarily by Syed Ahmad Khan. This organisation aimed to address the social, educational, and political issues faced by Muslims in India during that period.

• Syed Ahmad Khan was a prominent reformer and educator.
• He advocated for modern education and social reforms.
• The association sought to promote the welfare of Muslims and ensure their rights.
• It played a crucial role in the socio-political landscape of India.

This initiative was significant in fostering a sense of identity and unity among Muslims in India.

Explanation:

• The term "Moderate" refers to a specific group in Indian politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• This group primarily aimed for gradual reforms within the British colonial framework.
• Key figures associated with the Moderates include:
• M.R. Jayakar - A prominent leader known for his moderate views.
• D.E. Wacha - Another influential member of the Moderate faction.
• R.M. Sayani - A significant supporter of moderate political strategies.
• However, Shri Aurobindo was not part of this group.
• He was known for his radical approach, advocating for more direct action and self-rule.

B is the correct option.The statement - “The only hope of India is from the masses. The upper classes are physically and morally dead.” - was made by Swami Vivekananda in the context of the need for mass action by the Indian people.

B.G. Tilak was a prominent nationalist leader in India who was arrested in 1897. His arrest was due to charges of spreading hatred and disaffection against the government.

He received a sentence of 18 months’ rigorous imprisonment, which highlighted the oppressive measures used by the colonial authorities to suppress dissent.

Tilak became a symbol of self-sacrifice and resilience in the fight for India's independence. His actions inspired many to pursue the cause of nationalism and advocate for the rights of Indian people.

• His imprisonment drew attention to the struggles faced by nationalists.
• Tilak's commitment to the cause made him a revered figure among Indians.
• He played a crucial role in mobilising public opinion against British rule.

Lord Curzon's partition of Bengal occurred on 16th October 1905. This decision was significant in the context of British India.

• The partition aimed to weaken the growing nationalist movement by dividing the population along religious lines.
• Bengal was split into two provinces: East Bengal (predominantly Muslim) and West Bengal (predominantly Hindu).
• This move led to widespread protests and opposition from Indian leaders, as it was seen as a strategy to divide and rule.
• The partition was reversed in 1911 due to sustained agitation and a strong backlash from the Indian population.

Overall, the partition of Bengal marked a crucial moment in the struggle for Indian independence, highlighting the tensions between colonial rule and the desire for self-governance.

- C. Vijiaraghavachariar was the first Indian leader to undergo imprisonment in 1882.
- He was an influential figure during the early phases of the Indian national movement.
- His imprisonment marked a significant moment in the struggle against British colonial rule, as it was one of the earliest instances of political imprisonment.
- This event signaled the growing resistance and the sacrifices leaders were willing to make for India’s freedom.

B.G. Tilak is widely acknowledged as the first nationalist leader who sought to engage closely with the masses in India. He played a pivotal role in the Indian independence movement through various means:

• Political Mobilisation: Tilak advocated for the inclusion of ordinary people in the political process, emphasising the need for their active participation.
• Social Reforms: He aimed to uplift Indian society by promoting education and addressing social issues, thereby inspiring a sense of nationalism among the populace.
• Mass Movements: Tilak initiated large-scale movements, such as the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, to foster unity and national pride among Indians.
• Advocacy for Self-Governance: He pushed for self-rule and was vocal against British colonial policies, which resonated with the masses.

His approach marked a significant shift in the Indian nationalist movement, making it more inclusive and grassroots-oriented.

• The disagreement between B.G. Tilak, G.K. Gokhale, and Agarkar primarily stemmed from differences in the control and direction of the Deccan Education Society.
• Originally founded by Tilak, Agarkar, and others to provide Western education, disputes arose over its administration and ideological approach.
• Though Gokhale was not directly involved in the initial disagreement, his later association with the society and his differing views from Tilak added to the friction. This led to a split, with Tilak parting ways from others in the society.

A systematic critique of Moderate politics was emerging in the 1890s in various regions of India. This period marked a significant shift in political discourse, particularly in the following areas:

• Maharashtra - A key region where moderate politics began to take root.
• Bengal - This area played a crucial role in the development of moderate political thought.
• Punjab - Contributed to the broader discussions surrounding moderate political ideologies.

These regions experienced a growing acknowledgment of moderate approaches, which aimed to balance reform with tradition, leading to a more inclusive political landscape.

Moderate politics were criticized in 1893-94 through a series of influential articles titled New Lamps for Old. These articles addressed the need for reform within the political landscape of the time, highlighting concerns over the effectiveness of moderate approaches.

• The articles argued for a more vigorous and dynamic approach to political activism.
• They emphasised the limitations of moderate politics in addressing the needs of the Indian population.
• The criticisms aimed to inspire a shift towards more assertive strategies for achieving political change.

The author of these articles was Aurobindo Ghosh, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. His writings played a crucial role in shaping political thought during this period.

B.G. Tilak was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement. He was known for his strong views on the necessity of active participation in the struggle for freedom. His statement, "we will not achieve any success in our labours if we croak once a year like a frog," reflects his belief in the importance of consistent and vigorous effort.

• Active Engagement: Tilak stressed the need for continuous involvement rather than sporadic actions.
• Leadership Philosophy: His approach encouraged people to remain steadfast in their fight for independence.
• Motivation: The metaphor of a frog, which croaks only occasionally, serves to illustrate the futility of infrequent efforts.

Tilak's ideas were influential in motivating others to adopt a more proactive stance in the quest for freedom, making him a significant figure in the movement.

The correct option is C.
Factionalism was particularly acute in the Punjab, with three groups within the Lahore Brahmo Samaj, a major split within the Aryas, and a conflict between Lala Harkishan LaI and Lala Lajpat Rai. Washbrook has tried to analyse Madras politics in terms of a triangular conflict between the V. Bhashyam Iyengar and S. Subramania Iyer in the 1880s, followed by V. Krishnaswami Iyer-the 'in' group, according to him, its Iess succcssful 'Egmore' rivals. also Madras city based (C. Sankaran Nair, Kasturi Ranga Iyengar), and mofussil 'outs' Iike T. Prakasam and Krishna Rao in coastal Andhra or Chid- ambaram Pillai in Tuticorin who allied with some 'Egmore' politicians to constitute Madras Extremism after 1905.

The foundation of the Federation Hall in Calcutta, marking the enduring unity of Bengal, was laid by Ananda Mohan Bose on the day of Bengal's partition in 1905.

• Ananda Mohan Bose was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.
• The Federation Hall symbolised the solidarity of the people of Bengal.
• This event was significant during a time of political upheaval and division.
• The movement sought to unite Bengali-speaking people against colonial rule.

The construction of this hall was a response to the partition's impact on the cultural and social fabric of Bengal.

The Swadeshi and Boycott movement emerged as a response to the partition of Bengal. This movement played a crucial role in fostering a sense of national identity and economic independence among Indians.

Key actions taken during the movement included:

• Burning foreign cloth to protest against British imports.
• Establishing indigenous industries, such as soap and match factories, to promote local products.
• Opening insurance companies to encourage financial independence and support local businesses.

One significant figure in this movement was P.C. Ray, who was instrumental in organising the famous Bengal Chemical Swadeshi Stores. His efforts contributed to the promotion of indigenous products and the spirit of self-reliance among the Indian populace.

Aurobindo Ghosh (also known as Sri Aurobindo) was appointed as the first principal of the National College in Calcutta, which was established in 1906 as part of the Swadeshi Movement to promote national education in India.
Therefore, Correct Answer - Option B

The correct answer is D as all the given leaders  joined the Swadeshi movement

K.K. Mitra was the founder of the weekly publication Sanjivani, which played a significant role in promoting the idea of boycotting British goods during the Indian independence movement. His contributions included:

• Advocacy for Boycott: Mitra encouraged people to reject British products as a form of protest against colonial rule.
• Awareness Campaigns: Through the publication, he raised awareness about the economic impact of British goods on Indian industries.
• Mobilising Public Opinion: The Sanjivani served as a platform to unite public sentiment against British policies.

Overall, K.K. Mitra's efforts through Sanjivani significantly influenced the early phases of the boycott movement, fostering a sense of nationalism among the Indian public.

A. Bande Mataram – III. Aurobindo Ghosh
Bande Mataram was started by Aurobindo Ghosh in 1905. It was an English-language newspaper advocating militant nationalism.

B. New India – I. Bipin Chandra Pal
New India was a daily journal launched by Bipin Chandra Pal, promoting radical nationalist views.

C. Dawan – II. B. Upadhyaya
Dawan (or Dawn) was associated with B. Upadhyaya, supporting Swadeshi and nationalist thought.

D. Sandhya – IV. Brahmabandhav Upadhyay
Sandhya was a Bengali newspaper edited by Brahmabandhav Upadhyay, known for its anti-British tone.

Hence, the correct answer is Option D

Ras Behari Ghosh was not considered a militant nationalist in the context of the Indian independence movement. Here’s a brief overview of the prominent figures mentioned:

• Aurobindo Ghosh: A key revolutionary leader who advocated for armed struggle against British rule.
• B.C. Pal: A prominent nationalist who supported direct action and was associated with militant activities.
• B.G. Tilak: Often referred to as the 'Father of Indian Unrest', he championed the cause for self-rule through more aggressive methods.
• Ras Behari Ghosh: Although active in the nationalist movement, he did not engage in militant activities to the same extent as the others listed.

The distinction between these figures lies in their approaches to achieving India’s freedom:

• Some, like Aurobindo and Tilak, were more inclined towards direct action and revolutionary tactics.
• Others, like Ras Behari Ghosh, focused on political reform and legal methods rather than militant nationalism.

Therefore, while all were influential in the independence struggle, Ras Behari Ghosh's methods were less militant compared to his contemporaries.

In 1908, various nationalist leaders faced deportation, but one did not.

• Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, known for his strong opposition to British rule.

• K.K. Mitra was also active in nationalist activities, contributing to the struggle for freedom.

• A.K. Dutta played a significant role in advocating for Indian rights and reforms during this period.

• However, not all leaders faced deportation in this year, highlighting the complexities of the political landscape at the time.

Thus, it is important to note that while many leaders were deported, Lala Lajpat Rai was not among them in 1908.

B.G. Tilak was a prominent nationalist leader in India who played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence. In 1908, he was arrested for his involvement in revolutionary activities and was sentenced to six years in prison.

• Background: Tilak was known for his advocacy of self-rule and was a key figure in the Indian National Congress.
• Activities: He was involved in promoting nationalist sentiments and was critical of British colonial rule.
• Impact of Arrest: His imprisonment drew widespread attention and support for the nationalist movement, highlighting the repressive measures of the British government.

The sentence was part of a broader crackdown on dissenting voices during a time of rising nationalism in India.

Political freedom is the life breath of a nation.

This quote highlights the essential role of political freedom in a country’s growth and vitality. Here are some key points to understand its significance:

• Political Freedom: Refers to the rights and liberties that allow individuals to participate in political processes.
• Life Breath: This metaphor indicates that just as breathing is vital for life, political freedom is crucial for a nation’s health and progress.
• Impact on Society: Societies that embrace political freedoms often experience greater innovation, economic growth, and social stability.
• Historical Context: Many leaders and thinkers throughout history have advocated for political freedom as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy.

In essence, the statement underscores that without political freedom, a nation cannot truly flourish or develop.

Militant nationalists encouraged the public to refrain from cooperating with the government. They called for a boycott of various services and institutions, including:

• Government services
• Courts
• Schools
• Colleges

This movement is often described as a form of passive resistance, where individuals choose not to engage with state institutions as a means of protest. This approach aims to challenge authority without resorting to violence.

The militant nationalists employed swadeshi and antipartition agitation to:

• Arouse the people politically.

• Strengthen their bases in Calcutta and Chittagong.

• Encourage indigenous industrial production.

• None of these.

The primary aim of these movements was to:

• Mobilise public support by raising awareness about national issues.
• Foster a sense of pride in local industries and products.
• Build a strong community base to challenge colonial rule.

In summary, the use of swadeshi and antipartition agitation significantly contributed to the political and economic awakening of the masses.

Reasons for the failure of the militant nationalist movement (1905-1919):

• The movement lacked effective leadership, which hindered its progress.
• Despite holding radical nationalist beliefs, the movement operated within a constitutional framework.
• It was unable to connect with the broader population, particularly the peasant community, which limited its impact.

After the partition of Bengal in 1905, it became clear that actions needed to be supported by determination and readiness to endure.

• Mahatma Gandhi believed that political petitions were only effective when accompanied by a willingness to suffer.
• Rabindranath Tagore expressed concerns about the impact of partition on cultural unity.
• Subhash Chandra Bose advocated for more direct action and resistance.
• Lala Lajpat Rai highlighted the importance of social reform in the face of political challenges.

In essence, Gandhi's view emphasised the need for active engagement and resilience in the struggle for rights and justice.

The growth of revolutionary terrorism was influenced by several key factors:

• Government repression: The harsh actions taken by authorities led to widespread frustration among the populace.
• Failure of political struggle: Many individuals felt disillusioned due to the lack of success in political movements, pushing them towards more extreme measures.
• The Jallianwala Bagh massacre: This tragic event heightened anger and resentment, serving as a catalyst for revolutionary thoughts.
• Cult of the bomb: The belief that violent acts would yield immediate results attracted those seeking quick change.

These elements combined fostered an environment where revolutionary terrorism could thrive, as individuals sought alternative ways to express their discontent and push for change.

In 1904, V.D. Savarkar established the Abhinav Bharat, a secret society of revolutionaries.

Key points about the Abhinav Bharat:

• Founded by V.D. Savarkar: He played a pivotal role in promoting revolutionary activities against British rule.
• Objective: The society aimed to liberate India through armed struggle and revolutionary methods.
• Membership: It attracted young nationalists eager to fight against colonial oppression.
• Legacy: The organisation inspired many later freedom fighters and contributed to the broader Indian independence movement.

B is the correct option.On 22 June 1897, brothers Damodar Hari Chapekar and Balkrishna Hari Chapekar assassinated a British official Walter Charles Rand and his military escort Lieutenant Ayerst at Pune, Maharashtra. This was the first case of militant nationalism in India after the 1857 Revolt.

In 1897, Chapekar brothers assassinated the W. A. Rand and his military Lieutenant Ayerst at Pune, Maharashtra.
 

The correct answer is: a) The Kesari (Maharashtra)

• The Kesari (edited by Bal Gangadhar Tilak) was a nationalist newspaper that promoted moderate and later extremist nationalist ideas, but it did not advocate revolutionary terrorism. Instead, it focused on promoting swadeshi, self-rule, and constitutional methods for achieving independence.

• The Kal (Maharashtra), The Yugantar (Bengal), and The Sandhya (Bengal) were known for their revolutionary and militant approach after 1905. These newspapers supported revolutionary terrorism as a means to overthrow British rule, particularly after the Partition of Bengal in 1905, which intensified the nationalist struggle.