Class 8 History Chapter 8 Practice Question Answers - The Making of the National Movement: 1870s

Q1: What event marked the beginning of the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement during the Indian National Movement?
(a) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
(b) Champaran Satyagraha
(c) Quit India Movement
(d) Non-Cooperation Movement
Ans: (b)
The Champaran Satyagraha in 1917, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was one of the first instances of widespread civil disobedience during the Indian National Movement. It marked the beginning of the use of nonviolent resistance on a larger scale.

Q2: Who founded the Indian National Congress in 1885?
(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Jawaharlal Nehru
(d) Allan Octavian Hume
Ans: (d)
Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, played a significant role in the founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885, with the goal of bringing together Indians from different regions and communities to work towards political reform.

Q3: The Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, was a protest against which British policy?
(a) Partition of Bengal
(b) Rowlatt Act
(c) Salt Tax
(d) Vernacular Press Act
Ans: (c)
The Dandi March, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a protest against the British-imposed Salt Tax. It was a symbolic act of civil disobedience that gained significant attention and support.

Q4: Who among the following leaders was known as the "Lal Bal Pal" trio during the freedom struggle?
(a) Bipin Chandra Pal, Subhas Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Lal Bahadur Shastri, Bhagat Singh, Rajendra Prasad
(d) Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Ans: (d)
The "Lal Bal Pal" trio consisted of Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. These leaders were known for their strong nationalist views and contributions to the Indian freedom movement.

Q5: Which event led to the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi?
(a) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
(b) Chauri Chaura Incident
(c) Dandi March
(d) Quit India Movement
Ans: (b)
The Non-Cooperation Movement was suspended after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where protesters clashed with the police and set a police station on fire. Mahatma Gandhi felt that the movement had taken a violent turn and called it off to maintain nonviolent principles.

Q6: Explain the significance of the Khilafat Movement in the Indian National Movement.
Ans: The Khilafat Movement was launched in 1919 by Indian Muslims to protest against the mistreatment of the Ottoman Caliphate by the British after World War I. It gained support from Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress, leading to a merger of the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements. The movement aimed to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule and was a significant step towards Hindu-Muslim unity in the struggle for independence.

Q7: Describe the role of women in the Indian National Movement.
Ans: Women played a crucial role in the Indian National Movement. They participated in various activities such as protests, boycotts, and picketing, highlighting their determination for freedom. Prominent women leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, and Kamala Nehru contributed significantly to the movement. The formation of organizations like the All India Women's Conference and the Women's India Association provided a platform for women's voices and concerns in the struggle for independence.

Q8: What were the main objectives of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Ans: The Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, aimed to challenge British authority through nonviolent resistance. Its main objectives were to demand complete independence, protest against unjust laws and taxes, and achieve social and economic justice for Indians. The movement included actions like nonpayment of taxes, salt marches, and boycotts of British goods.

Q9: Explain the significance of the Simon Commission in the context of the Indian National Movement.
Ans: The Simon Commission was a British parliamentary committee sent to India in 1928 to propose constitutional reforms. However, it faced strong opposition as it consisted entirely of British members and had no Indian representation. This led to widespread protests and the famous "Simon Go Back" slogan. The rejection of the Simon Commission's recommendations by Indians highlighted the demand for Indian involvement in creating constitutional reforms and laid the groundwork for increased political mobilization.

Q10: What role did Bhagat Singh play in the Indian freedom struggle?
Ans: Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary and a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle. He became a symbol of resistance against British oppression and inequality. He is best known for his participation in the Assembly Bombing in 1929 and the Lahore Conspiracy Case. His execution at a young age galvanized the youth and inspired many to join the fight for independence with renewed zeal.

Q11: Explain the factors that led to the rise of the National Movement in India during the 1870s-1947 period.
Ans: The National Movement in India emerged during the late 19th century to mid-20th century due to various factors. Firstly, the British colonial rule led to economic exploitation and political subjugation, causing widespread discontent. Secondly, the formation of organizations like the Indian National Congress (INC) provided a platform for Indians to express their grievances and demands. Thirdly, ideas of nationalism, propagated by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, inspired unity among Indians against foreign rule. Additionally, events like the Partition of Bengal (1905) and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) triggered mass protests and strengthened the movement. Lastly, Mahatma Gandhi's leadership introduced nonviolent methods, significantly amplifying the struggle for independence.

Q12: How did the Non-Cooperation Movement contribute to the Indian National Movement?
Ans: The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, played a pivotal role in the Indian National Movement. It aimed to boycott British institutions, products, and practices, causing significant economic and political disruption. Indians refused to cooperate with the British authorities, leading to the abandonment of titles, resignations from government jobs, and withdrawal from schools and colleges. The movement also symbolized the unity and strength of the masses against foreign rule, sparking nationwide protests and civil disobedience. Although the movement was suspended in 1922 due to the Chauri Chaura incident, it marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence by showcasing the power of nonviolent resistance.

Q13: Analyze the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in the Civil Disobedience Movement, which aimed to challenge unjust laws and British authority through nonviolent protest. Gandhi's leadership and principles of satyagraha (truth force) and ahimsa (nonviolence) were central to the movement's success. He led the famous Salt March in 1930 to protest the Salt Act, a symbolic act that drew attention to the exploitation of salt resources by the British. Through peaceful acts of noncooperation, such as making salt and boycotting British goods, Gandhi and his followers exposed the oppressive nature of colonial rule. The movement prompted global attention, and although it faced violent suppression, it significantly contributed to India's eventual independence in 1947.

Q14: Assess the impact of World War II on the Indian National Movement.
Ans: World War II had a profound impact on the Indian National Movement. While the war diverted Britain's attention and resources, Indians saw an opportunity to demand immediate independence. The Quit India Movement of 1942 was a response to British reluctance to grant self-governance. The movement's slogan "Do or Die" reflected Indians' determination to gain freedom. However, the British responded with force, leading to arrests and repression. Nevertheless, the movement signaled India's unwavering commitment to ending colonial rule. Additionally, the post-war world order shifted towards decolonization, pressuring Britain to relinquish control. Thus, World War II expedited India's journey to independence.

Q15: Describe the significance of the Partition of India in 1947 and its consequences.
Ans: The Partition of India in 1947 marked a defining moment in the Indian National Movement. The decision to divide the country into India and Pakistan was a response to communal tensions and demands for separate nations based on religious identity. The partition led to widespread violence, displacement, and loss of lives as millions of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs migrated across newly drawn borders. The event left a lasting impact on India's social fabric, with lingering communal tensions. The creation of Pakistan highlighted the challenges of nation-building and governance. The partition's aftermath underscored the importance of unity and tolerance, reminding India of the need to uphold its diversity while striving for progress.