NCERT Solutions for Class 12 History - (Part - 1) - Mahatma Gandhi & The Nationalist Movement

Answer in 100-150 words

• He adopted a simple lifestyle, wearing clothes typical of poor Indians, such as a dhoti.
• Gandhi communicated in the local language, making his ideas accessible to everyone.
• He opposed the caste system and lived among the Harijans, promoting equality.
• Gandhi valued dignity in labour, engaging in manual work like spinning on the charkha and cleaning toilets.
• He challenged the notion of social hierarchy, advocating for the equality of all individuals.

His efforts made him relatable and respected among the masses, as he embodied their struggles and aspirations.

Q2. How was Mahatma Gandhi perceived by the peasants?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi was perceived by the peasants of India as a saviour and a champion of their rights. His connection with them was profound due to several factors:

• Gandhi dressed like a farmer, which helped him relate to their struggles.
• He began his political involvement in Champaran, addressing farmers' issues directly.
• He fought against the British government's oppressive taxes and unfair practices.
• Many peasants believed he possessed supernatural powers, leading to stories of misfortune for those who spoke ill of him.

His simple lifestyle and dedication to the cause made him a respected figure among the rural population. They viewed him as someone who could restore their dignity and autonomy.

Q3. Why did the salt laws become an important issue of struggle?
Ans: The salt laws became a significant issue of struggle for several reasons:

• The poorest Indians relied on salt as a key ingredient in their food.
• The British government imposed a tax on salt and prohibited its local production, placing a heavy burden on the poor.
• Key points regarding the salt law include:
  • The law created a monopoly on salt production and distribution, driving up prices.
  • Access to natural salt was restricted, leading to the destruction of large quantities.
  • The law negatively impacted local industries in villages.
• Due to these factors, the salt law was extremely unpopular and became a focal point in the struggle against British rule.

Q4. Why are newspapers an important source for the study of national movement?
Ans: Contemporary newspapers are vital for studying national movements, particularly the Indian Freedom Movement. Their significance can be summarised as follows:

• Voices of the Movement: Many newspapers were published by key figures in the freedom struggle, such as the National Herald by Motilal Nehru and Dawn by Mr Jinnah. These publications served as important platforms for the movement.
• Detailed Reporting: Newspapers provide daily updates, offering more detailed accounts than other sources. Their focus on recent events reduces the likelihood of misreporting, and reading various newspapers helps create a balanced perspective.
• Local Perspectives: Many newspapers were published in local Indian languages, catering to specific communities. This local focus provided insights that may not be covered by mainstream historical sources.
• Public Sentiment: Newspapers reflect the mood of the populace. They shaped narratives and influenced how events were reported, with accounts differing significantly between Indian nationalist papers and those published in London.

In summary, while newspapers are a rich source of information, they should be interpreted with caution due to potential biases influenced by the political views of their publishers.

Q5. Why was the charkha chosen as a symbol of nationalism?
Ans: The charkha was chosen as a symbol of nationalism for several reasons:

• Manual labour: It represented the value of working with one's hands.
• Respect for labour: Gandhi aimed to elevate the status of manual work.
• Affordability: The charkha required little investment, making it accessible to everyone.
• Small-scale industry: It supported local industries and promoted self-sufficiency.
• Dignity of work: The charkha encouraged people to take pride in their own efforts and challenged the caste system.
• Opposition to British goods: It was a tool to boycott British textiles, reinforcing Indian nationalism.

Thus, the charkha became a powerful emblem of India's struggle for independence.

Write a short essay (About 250-300 words) on the following

• Unity Across Communities: The non-cooperation movement coincided with the Khilafat Movement, showcasing unprecedented unity between Hindus and Muslims. This collective action was a powerful statement against colonial rule.
• Boycotting British Institutions: People actively boycotted symbols of British authority, including courts, colleges, and government offices. Lawyers refrained from attending court, while students stayed away from government-run educational institutions. Alternative arrangements for resolving disputes were created, leading to the establishment of institutions like Jamia Millia University in Delhi.
• Tax Resistance: Many individuals refused to pay taxes, further demonstrating their non-cooperation with the British government. This act of defiance was a clear form of protest against colonial taxation policies.

Overall, non-cooperation served as a peaceful yet impactful method for Indians to express their discontent and strive for independence.

Q7. Why were the dialogues at the Round Table Conference inconclusive?
Ans: The British Government aimed to review the progress of self-rule in India every ten years, starting with the Morley-Minto Reforms in 1910 and followed by the Montague-Chelmsford Report in 1920. A decade later, the first Round Table Conference was held in London in November 1930. This conference was inconclusive because the Indian National Congress, a key player in the freedom movement, was absent. Its leaders were imprisoned due to the civil disobedience movement. The second conference took place in February 1931, shortly after Mahatma Gandhi was released from jail. During this meeting, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed, which led to partial withdrawal of the salt law. However, the agreement faced criticism for not addressing India's complete independence. The third and most significant conference occurred later in 1931. Here, disagreements arose over new constitutional developments. Participants argued that the Congress represented only a small group of Indians, not the entire population. Key dissenting voices included:

• The Muslim League, claiming to represent Muslims in India.
• Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who asserted that the Congress did not represent the lower castes.
• Native rulers, who insisted on dealing with the British independently, excluding Congress from negotiations.

Therefore,  the divisive politics of the Muslim League, Dr Ambedkar's stance, and the attitudes of the princely states were major factors contributing to the failure of the Round Table Conferences.

Q8. In what way did Mahatma Gandhi transform the nature of the national movement?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi significantly transformed the Indian national movement in several ways:

• Inclusive Participation: When Gandhi entered Indian politics in 1915, the freedom movement mainly involved the educated middle class. He broadened this base, encouraging participation from villagers, the poor, labourers, and students.
• Women's Empowerment: Gandhi played a crucial role in the emancipation of women, leading to their active involvement in the movement. Women like Sarojini Naidu and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur emerged as prominent leaders.
• Social Reforms: For Gandhi, the freedom struggle was also about social change. He advocated for the dignity of depressed classes and aimed to eradicate untouchability, making these issues central to his philosophy.

Despite his achievements, some critics argue that Gandhi's use of religious symbols and mass mobilisation tactics contributed to communal tensions, particularly with the rise of the Muslim League during his time.

Q9. What do private letters and autobiographies tell us about an individual? How are these sources different from official accounts?
Ans: Private letters and autobiographies provide valuable insights into an individual's life and perspectives. Many leaders from the freedom struggle documented their thoughts through these mediums, creating significant historical records. Here are some key aspects they reveal:

• Personal Interests: Autobiographies and letters often highlight an individual's interests. For example, Jawaharlal Nehru's letters to his daughter Indira, later compiled into Glimpses of World History, showcase his passion for history.
• Social Context: These writings offer a glimpse into the social life of their time. Dr Rajendra Prasad vividly described his childhood experiences in village life, providing context to the era.
• Historical Insights: Autobiographies serve as important historical documents. Nehru's autobiography discusses the challenges posed by the Muslim League regarding minority issues in India.

In contrast, official accounts often lack the personal touch found in private letters and autobiographies. They may present a more polished or biased view, shaped by the author's intent to convey a specific message to the public.

Map work

Ans: The Dandi March began at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The route taken was:

• From Ahmedabad to Vadodara
• Then from Vadodara to Surat

This march was a significant event in India's struggle for independence, symbolising resistance against the British salt tax. The route can be plotted on a map of Gujarat, marking the major towns and villages along the way.

Project (Choose one)

• The movement began with the Dandi March, where Gandhiji led a march to the sea to make salt, defying British laws.
• Local leaders played a crucial role in mobilising communities and spreading the message of resistance.
• Secret reports from the British government reveal their attempts to monitor and suppress these activities.
• These reports often reflected a biased perspective, as they were written by high-ranking officials.
• Despite the bias, they provide insights into the actions and impacts of nationalist leaders.

The British government was highly vigilant, constantly observing the activities of Indian leaders to protect their interests. This movement highlighted the growing unity among Indians against colonial rule.