Class 8 History Chapter 8 Important Question Answers - The Making of National Movement : 1870s-1947

Q1. Define nationalism?

Ans: Nationalism is the feeling of unity and belonging among the people of a nation.  

It includes:

• A strong sense of patriotism.
• Principles that support national independence.
• The belief that a nation's resources and governance should benefit all its people, regardless of class, colour, caste, creed, language, or gender.

Q2. What were the factors that led to the rise of national consciousness among the people of India?

Ans: The rise of national consciousness among the people of India was influenced by several key factors: Political Associations: In the 1870s and 1880s, various political groups emerged, primarily led by English-educated professionals, such as lawyers. Notable associations included:

• Poona Sarvajanik Sabha
• Indian Association
• Madras Mahajan Sabha
• Bombay Presidency Association
• Indian National Congress
  

Dissatisfaction with British Rule: Growing discontent was evident due to several laws that angered the Indian populace:

• The Arms Act of 1878 prohibited Indians from possessing arms.
• The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 aimed to silence critics by allowing the government to seize the assets of newspapers deemed "objectionable."
• The Ilbert Bill controversy in 1883, which proposed that Indian judges could try British individuals, was withdrawn after strong opposition from the British, highlighting racial discrimination.
• Emerging National Identity: These developments prompted people to question the nature of India and who it belonged to, leading to the belief that India should be for all its people, regardless of class, caste, or gender.

Q3. When was Indian National Congress formed?

Ans: The Indian National Congress was formed in December 1885. This significant event took place during a meeting of 72 delegates in Bombay.

Q4. Mention the early leaders of Indian National Congress?

Ans: The early leaders of the Indian National Congress were:

• Dadabhai Naoroji
• Pherozeshah Mehta
• Badruddin Tyabji
• W.C. Bonnerji
• Surendranath Banerji
• Romesh Chandra Dutt
• S. Subramania Iyer

Most of these leaders were from Bombay and Calcutta.

Q5. Which British officer helped in the formation of Indian National Congress?

Ans: A retired British official, A.O. Hume, significantly contributed to the formation of the Indian National Congress. His efforts included:

• Bringing together educated Indians from various regions.
• Facilitating discussions on national issues.
• Encouraging the establishment of a unified political platform.

Hume's role was pivotal in shaping the early structure of the Congress, which aimed to represent the interests of all Indians.

Q6. Why were the early years of the Indian National Congress referred to as the moderate phase?

Ans: The early years of the Indian National Congress are known as the moderate phase due to the approach and goals of its leaders during this time. Key aspects of this phase include:

• The Congress aimed for a greater voice for Indians in government and administration.
• It sought to make Legislative Councils more representative and powerful, and to establish them in provinces without any.
• There was a demand for Indians to hold high positions in government, including calls for civil service examinations to be conducted in India.
• This movement aimed to address racism, as many important roles were held by British officials, who believed Indians were unfit for responsibility.
• Other significant demands included the separation of the judiciary from the executive, the repeal of the Arms Act, and the right to freedom of speech and expression.

Moderate leaders also focused on raising public awareness about the injustices of British rule through:

• Publishing newspapers and articles.
• Criticising British policies in speeches.
• Mobilising public opinion across different regions of India.

Despite being a body of educated elites, the Congress aimed to represent the interests of all Indians, not just specific groups.

Q7. What were the economic issues that were raised by the Indian National Congress in its moderate phase?

Ans: The early Indian National Congress raised several important economic issues during its moderate phase: 

• It argued that British rule caused widespread poverty and famines.
• Increased land revenue led to the impoverishment of peasants and zamindars.
• Exports of grains to Europe resulted in food shortages in India.
• The Congress demanded a reduction in land revenue and military expenditure.
• It called for increased funding for irrigation projects.
• Resolutions were passed addressing the salt tax, treatment of Indian labourers abroad, and the struggles of forest dwellers.

These actions demonstrated that the Congress aimed to represent the interests of all Indians, not just the elite.

Q8. Why was Bengal partitioned?

Ans: In 1905, Viceroy Curzon partitioned Bengal, which was then the largest province of British India, including Bihar and parts of Orissa. The British claimed the division was for administrative convenience, but this primarily served the interests of British officials and businessmen.

Key points regarding the partition:

• The government separated East Bengal and merged it with Assam.
• One of the main motives was to reduce the influence of Bengali politicians.
• The British aimed to divide the Bengali population, particularly separating Hindus from Muslims.

The partition sparked widespread anger across India, leading to:

• Opposition from all sections of the Indian National Congress.
• Large public meetings and demonstrations.
• The emergence of the Swadeshi movement, particularly strong in Bengal.

Q9. What was the result of the partition of Bengal?

Ans: The partition of Bengal sparked widespread anger across India. Key points include:

• All factions of the Indian National Congress, both Moderates and Radicals, opposed the partition.
• Large public meetings and demonstrations were organised, leading to new forms of mass protest.
• This struggle became known as the Swadeshi movement, which was strongest in Bengal and also resonated in other regions, such as Andhra, where it was called the Vandemataram Movement.

The British government justified the partition for reasons of administrative convenience, primarily benefiting British officials and businessmen. Instead of removing non-Bengali areas, they separated East Bengal and merged it with Assam, aiming to diminish the influence of Bengali politicians and divide the Bengali populace.

Q10. What do you understand by the term – ‘Swadeshi Movement’?

Ans: The term Swadeshi comes from two words: swa meaning 'self' and desh meaning 'country'.  The Swadeshi Movement aimed to oppose British rule and promote:

• Self-help and local enterprises
• National education
• Use of Indian languages

To achieve swaraj (self-rule), radicals called for:

• Mass mobilisation
• Boycotting British institutions and goods

Some suggested that revolutionary violence might be necessary to overthrow British control. The movement was particularly strong in Bengal and inspired similar efforts in other regions, such as the Vandemataram Movement in Andhra.

Q11. Who were the revolutionaries?

Ans: The revolutionaries were a group of individuals who believed that violence was essential for achieving major changes in society and for ending British rule. They aimed to:

• Overthrow British authority through direct action.
• Encourage mass mobilisation against colonial rule.
• Promote the use of Indian languages and self-help initiatives.

These revolutionaries sought to inspire others to join their cause, believing that significant change required bold and sometimes violent measures.

Q12. When was the Muslim league formed and what were its demands?

Ans: A group of Muslim landlords and Nawabs established the All India Muslim League in Dacca in 1906. The League had several important demands:

• Support for the partition of Bengal.
• Separate electorates for Muslims, accepted by the government in 1906.
• Reservation of seats in councils for Muslims, elected by Muslim voters.

This setup encouraged politicians to gain support by focusing on their own religious groups.

Q13. How did the Ist World War affect the economical condition of India?

Ans: The First World War had a profound effect on India's economy and politics: 

• Increased Defence Expenditure: The Government of India raised its defence spending, resulting in higher taxes on individual incomes and business profits.
• Rising Prices: Military demands led to a sharp increase in prices, causing hardship for ordinary people.
• Business Profits: While many struggled, business groups profited significantly from the war.
• Industrial Growth: The war created a demand for industrial goods such as jute bags, cloth, and rails, leading to the expansion of Indian industries.
• Decline in Imports: There was a reduction in imports, which further boosted local industries.
• Military Recruitment: The British expanded their army, pressuring villages to supply soldiers for the war effort.
• Political Awareness: Many returning soldiers gained insights into imperialism, fostering a desire to oppose colonial rule.
• Influence of Global Events: The 1917 Russian Revolution inspired Indian nationalists with ideas of socialism and workers' struggles.

These factors contributed to a growing demand for development opportunities among Indian business groups and set the stage for increased political activism.

Q14. What was Rowlatt Act?

Ans: The Rowlatt Act was enacted by the British in 1919, allowing the arrest of any Indian without a trial. This law severely limited fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression, and increased police powers.

• It was viewed as a violation of basic freedoms by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
• Gandhi labelled the Act as "devilish" and called for a day of non-violent protest on 6 April 1919.
• Protests led to the formation of Satyagraha Sabhas to rally support against the Act.
• The Rowlatt Satyagraha marked the first all-India struggle against British rule, mainly in urban areas.
• Demonstrations were met with severe government repression, notably the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Q15. Why did the nationalist leader oppose Rowlett Act?

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and other leaders opposed the Rowlatt Act for several reasons:

• They believed the government had no right to limit people's basic freedoms.
• The Act was seen as tyrannical and unjust.
• Gandhi called for a day of non-violent protest on 6 April 1919, urging people to observe it as a day of humiliation and prayer.
• He established Satyagraha Sabhas to mobilise support against the Act.

Q16. What were the effects of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

Ans: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre had significant effects on India's fight for independence:

• Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood, expressing national pain and anger.
• The massacre intensified the Rowlatt Satyagraha, uniting Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
• Mahatma Gandhi called for unity among all communities in India to fight for justice.
• Public demonstrations and strikes, known as hartals, erupted nationwide, facing brutal government suppression.
• The incident sparked widespread outrage, encouraging many to join the independence movement.

The atrocities committed by General Dyer on Baisakhi day (13 April) marked a pivotal moment in India's quest for freedom.

Q17. When was Non –Cooperation & Khilafat Movement launched?

Ans: In 1920, the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Khilafat Movement were launched in India. This was a reaction to the British government's harsh treaty imposed on the Turkish Sultan, or Khalifa, which angered many.

• The treaty upset people, similar to the outrage over the Jallianwala massacre.
• Indian Muslims wanted the Khalifa to maintain control over sacred places in the former Ottoman Empire.
• Leaders like Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali called for a full Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Gandhi supported their call, urging the Congress to address the injustices of the time.

The Non-Cooperation Movement gained momentum throughout 1921-22:

• Thousands of students left government schools and colleges.
• Many lawyers, including notable figures, gave up their practices.
• Nationalist leaders surrendered British titles in protest.

In various regions, people rallied around the movements:

• In Sind, Muslim traders and peasants embraced the Khilafat call.
• Bengal saw increased communal unity through the Khilafat-Non-Cooperation alliance.
• In Punjab, Sikh agitation aimed to remove corrupt leaders from gurdwaras.
• In Assam, tea garden labourers demanded higher wages, inspired by Gandhi.

Q18. What were the aims of NCM and Khilafat Movement?

Ans: The aims of the Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) and the Khilafat Movement included:

• Demanding swaraj (self-rule).
• Addressing injustices faced in Punjab and against Turkey.

Q19. What were the methods adopted in the Non – cooperation Movement?

Ans: The Non-Cooperation Movement gained traction between 1921 and 1922 through various methods:

• Thousands of students left government-controlled schools and colleges.
• Prominent lawyers, including Motilal Nehru, C.R. Das, C. Rajagopalachari, and Asaf Ali, abandoned their practices.
• Participants surrendered British titles and boycotted legislatures.
• Public bonfires were lit to burn foreign cloth.
• Imports of foreign cloth significantly decreased from 1920 to 1922.
• Many regions were on the verge of a major revolt.

People often resisted British rule non-violently, while others interpreted Gandhi's call differently, leading to various protests linked to local issues.

In Kheda, Gujarat, Patidar peasants organised non-violent campaigns against high land revenue. In coastal Andhra and Tamil Nadu, liquor shops were picketed, and tensions escalated in Guntur when police fired on peaceful demonstrators.

After the movement, Gandhi's followers emphasised constructive work in rural areas, while leaders like Chitta Ranjan Das and Motilal Nehru advocated for participation in council elections to influence policies.

During the mid-1920s, the formation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Communist Party of India marked significant developments, reflecting differing visions for India's future.

The Khilafat agitation also played a crucial role, as Indian Muslims sought to protect the Khalifa's authority over sacred places after a harsh treaty was imposed by the British in 1920. Gandhi supported this cause, linking it to the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Q20. When and why was the Non –cooperation Movement withdrawn?

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi was against violent movements. He decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922 due to a tragic incident in Chauri Chaura. Here are the key points:

• A group of peasants set fire to a police station.
• Twenty-two policemen were killed in the violence.
• This violence was sparked by police firing on a peaceful demonstration.

Gandhi's withdrawal aimed to maintain the principles of non-violence and peace in the movement.

Q21. Mention the two demands of the Indian National Congress that it adopted in 1929?

Ans: The Indian National Congress adopted two key demands in 1929:

• Purna Swaraj: The Congress aimed for complete independence from British rule, led by Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Independence Day: This resolution marked the observance of "Independence Day" as a significant event.

Q22. Why did Mahatma Gandhi organize a ‘dandi march’?

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi organised the Dandi March in 1930 to protest against the salt law, which allowed the government to control salt production and sales. He viewed the taxation of salt, a basic food item, as unfair.

The key objectives of the march included:

• Linking the widespread desire for freedom to a specific issue that impacted everyone, thus uniting both the rich and the poor.
• Walking over 240 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi, where they broke the law by collecting natural salt from the shore and boiling seawater.
• Demonstrating civil disobedience as a crucial step towards Purna Swaraj (complete independence).

Women played a vital role in this movement, despite initial resistance from Gandhi. Sarojini Naidu successfully advocated for their involvement, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of women participating in the struggle.

Q23. How did the British expand its army during the War period?

Ans: During the war, the British expanded their army through several means:

• Villages were pressured to provide soldiers for a foreign cause.
• A significant number of soldiers were sent overseas to fight.
• Many returning soldiers gained insight into how imperialist powers exploited people in Asia and Africa.
• This experience fostered a desire to oppose colonial rule in India.

Additionally, the 1917 Russian Revolution spread ideas of socialism, inspiring Indian nationalists.

Q24. Who was Mahatma Gandhi?

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader who played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. He arrived in India in 1915 from South Africa at the age of 46. His background included:

• Leading non-violent marches against racist restrictions in South Africa.
• Gaining respect and recognition as a leader, both nationally and internationally.
• Engaging with various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, and Christians.
• Understanding the diverse needs of the Indian population during his travels across the country.

During his first year in India, Gandhi focused on:

• Listening to the people and learning about their challenges.
• Building a foundation for future movements against colonial rule.

Q25. Discuss the people’s response about the Non –Cooperation Movement in different parts of the country.

Ans: In different parts of India, the response to the Non-Cooperation Movement varied significantly:

• Gujarat: Patidar peasants led non-violent campaigns against high land revenue demands from the British.
• Andhra Pradesh: In coastal areas and Tamil Nadu, people picketed liquor shops. In Guntur district, tribals and poor peasants staged forest Satyagrahas, protesting restrictions on forest resources. They believed that Gandhiji would help reduce their taxes and abolish forest regulations.
• Sind: Muslim traders and peasants showed strong support for the Khilafat call.
• Bengal: The Khilafat-Non-Cooperation alliance fostered communal unity and strengthened the national movement.
• Punjab: The Akali agitation aimed to remove corrupt mahants from gurdwaras, a movement closely linked to the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Assam: Tea garden labourers, chanting “Gandhi Maharaj Ki Jai,” demanded higher wages and left British-owned plantations, claiming they were following Gandhiji’s wishes.

Overall, the movement united various groups across India, each interpreting Gandhiji's call in their own way while addressing local grievances.

Q26. Mention the people who participated in the Dandi March and what was the British response towards this movement?

Ans: Participants in the Dandi March:

• Peasants
• Tribals
• Women from various backgrounds

British Response:

• The government attempted to suppress the movement through brutal actions against peaceful protestors.
• Thousands of participants were arrested.

Q27. What was the most important feature of the government of India act of 1935 introduced by British?

Ans: The Government of India Act of 1935 introduced key changes, focusing on:

• Provincial autonomy: This allowed provinces to govern themselves with greater independence.
• Elections: The act led to elections for provincial legislatures in 1937, where the Congress formed governments in 7 out of 11 provinces.

Q28. What was the Congress demand after having won the elections?

Ans: In September 1939, after two years of Congress rule in the provinces, the Second World War began. The Congress leaders, who were critical of Hitler, were willing to support the British war effort. However, they had a key demand:

• India should be granted independence after the war.

The British government refused this demand, which led to the resignation of the Congress ministries in protest.

Q29. How did Gandhi organize Quit India Movement?

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Quit India Movement during the Second World War, demanding that the British quit India immediately. He urged the people to adopt a "do or die" approach in their struggle against British rule, emphasising non-violence.

• Gandhi and other leaders were quickly jailed, yet the movement gained momentum.
• It attracted many peasants and youth, who abandoned their studies to participate.
• Across the country, people attacked symbols of state authority and established their own governments.
• The British responded with severe repression, arresting over 90,000 individuals and killing around 1,000.
• In some regions, orders were given to machine-gun crowds from airplanes.

Despite the violence, the rebellion significantly weakened British control, paving the way for India's eventual independence.

Q30. How did the British try to control the Quit India Movement?

Ans: The British response to the Quit India Movement was marked by severe repression:

• By the end of 1943, over 90,000 people were arrested.
• Approximately 1,000 individuals were killed due to police firing.

• In some regions, orders were issued to machine-gun crowds from airplanes.
• Despite these harsh measures, the rebellion significantly weakened the British Raj.

Q31. What were the demands of the Muslim league in 1946?

Ans: In 1940, the Muslim League passed a resolution demanding independent states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern regions of India. This resolution did not explicitly mention partition or the creation of Pakistan.

Key points regarding the League's demands in 1946 include:

• From the late 1930s, the League began to view Muslims as a separate nation distinct from Hindus.
• This shift was influenced by historical tensions between Hindu and Muslim groups during the 1920s and 1930s.
• The League's perception of Muslims as a minority led to fears of political marginalisation.
• In 1946, the League continued to push for Pakistan amid rising tensions and political negotiations.

Q32. Why is the Indian National Congress (1919 – 1947) referred to as Gandhian Era?

Ans: The period from 1919 to 1947 is known as the Gandhian Era due to Mahatma Gandhi's profound impact on the Indian National Movement. Key points include:

• Gandhi led three major mass movements:
  • Non-Cooperation Movement
  • Civil Disobedience Movement
  • Quit India Movement
• He was instrumental in mobilising the Indian populace towards independence.
• Gandhi's leadership inspired many, turning the struggle for freedom into a collective effort.

Ultimately, his efforts culminated in India's independence in 1947.

Q33. Write a short note on Jallianwala Bagh?

Ans: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on Baisakhi Day, 13 April 1919, in Amritsar. General Dyer ordered troops to fire on a large crowd of unarmed civilians, marking a brutal response to protests against the oppressive Rowlatt Act.

• The massacre was a reaction to widespread protests against the Rowlatt Act.
• Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest, voicing national pain and anger.
• The incident underscored the need for unity among Hindus and Muslims in the fight against British rule, as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.

During the Rowlatt Satyagraha, participants aimed to unite all communities against colonial oppression, marking a significant moment in India's struggle for independence.