Worksheet Solutions: Independence and Post-Independence Period | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1: Which year did India gain independence from British rule?
(a) 1945
(b) 1947
(c) 1950
(d) 1960

Ans: (b)
Explanation: India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. This day is celebrated annually as India's Independence Day.

Q2: Who was the first Prime Minister of India?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(d) Subhash Chandra Bose

Ans: (b)
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, became the first Prime Minister of independent India.

Q3: The Indian National Congress (INC) played a significant role in the independence movement. Who was its first president?
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(c) Dadabhai Naoroji
(d) Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee

Ans: (d)
Explanation: Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee was the first president of the Indian National Congress. He served as the president during its foundation in 1885.

Q4: Which famous leader is known for his nonviolent civil disobedience movements during the struggle for independence?
(a) Subhash Chandra Bose
(b) Bhagat Singh
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Lal Bahadur Shastri

Ans: (c)
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi, also known as the Father of the Nation, led nonviolent civil disobedience movements like the Salt March, Quit India Movement, etc., which played a crucial role in India's independence.

Q5: The partition of India resulted in the creation of which country?
(a) Bangladesh
(b) Pakistan
(c) Nepal
(d) Sri Lanka

Ans: (b)
Explanation: The partition of India in 1947 resulted in the creation of two separate nations - India and Pakistan. Pakistan was created as a separate state for Muslims.

Section B: Short Questions

Q1: What were the main reasons for India's struggle for independence?

Ans: The main reasons for India's struggle for independence were the exploitation and oppression by British colonial rule, economic exploitation, political suppression, denial of basic human rights, and cultural and social discrimination.

Q2: Explain the significance of the Dandi Salt March during the independence movement.

Ans: The Dandi Salt March, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a significant act of civil disobedience against the British salt tax. It sparked widespread civil disobedience across India and gained international attention, putting pressure on the British government to grant India more autonomy.

Q3: Who was Bhagat Singh, and what was his contribution to India's freedom struggle?

Ans: Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary freedom fighter who advocated for complete independence from British rule. He was involved in the Lahore Conspiracy Case and was executed for his role in the killing of John Saunders, a British police officer.

Q4: Describe the role of women in the independence movement.

Ans: Women played a crucial role in India's independence movement, participating in various protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience movements. Prominent women leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, and Aruna Asaf Ali were at the forefront of the struggle.

Q5: What was the impact of partition on India's society and politics?

Ans: The partition of India resulted in communal violence and large-scale migrations of people between India and Pakistan. It led to the displacement of millions and created long-lasting impacts on the social and political fabric of both countries.

Section C: Fill in the Blanks

Q1: The Indian Independence Movement was led by ________________.

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi.
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role in leading the non-violent civil disobedience movement against British rule in India.

Q2: India gained independence from British rule on ________________.

Ans: 15th August 1947.
Explanation: After years of struggle and sacrifices, India finally gained independence on this historic day.

Q3: The first Prime Minister of India was ________________.

Ans: Jawaharlal Nehru.
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India and played a crucial role in shaping the nation's early years.

Q4: The Indian Constitution was adopted on ________________.

Ans: 26th January 1950.
Explanation: On this day, India's Constitution came into effect, marking the country's transition to a republic.

Q5: The Indian National Congress was founded in the year ________________.

Ans: 1885.
Explanation: The Indian National Congress was established to voice the demands of the Indian people and played a significant role in the freedom movement.

Section D: True or False

Q1: India's independence day is celebrated on 15th August. 

Ans: True
Explanation: Yes, India's Independence Day is celebrated on 15th August to commemorate the day when India gained freedom from British rule.

Q2: Mahatma Gandhi was born in South Africa.

Ans: False
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. However, he did spend a considerable part of his life in South Africa, where he fought against racial discrimination.

Q3: Jawaharlal Nehru was the last Viceroy of India.

Ans: False
Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru was not a Viceroy but an important leader of the Indian National Congress and the first Prime Minister of independent India.

Q4: The Indian National Congress played a crucial role in the freedom struggle.

Ans: True
Explanation: The Indian National Congress was at the forefront of the freedom movement and organized various movements and protests against British rule.

Q5: India's first general elections were held in 1947.

Ans: False
Explanation: India's first general elections were held in 1951-1952, after the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950.

Section E: Match the Column

Ans: