Unit Test (Solutions): Nationalism in India | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour

M.M. 30

Attempt all questions.

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
• Question numbers  9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
• Question number 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each

Q1: Which movement in India was based on the principles of non-violence and civil disobedience?  (1 Mark)
(a) Non-Cooperation Movement
(b) Civil Disobedience Movement
(c) Swadeshi Movement
(d) Quit India Movement
Ans: (b)
The Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was based on the principles of non-violence and civil disobedience. It aimed at challenging British colonial rule through non-cooperation and peaceful protest.

Q2: Who was the leader of the Indian National Congress when India gained independence?  (1 Mark)
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Subhash Chandra Bose
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Ans: (a)
Jawaharlal Nehru was the leader of the Indian National Congress and became the first Prime Minister of independent India after it gained independence on August 15, 1947.

Q3: In which year did the Jallianwala Bagh massacre take place?  (1 Mark)
(a) 1918
(b) 1919
(c) 1920
(d) 1921
Ans: (b)
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, where British troops fired on a peaceful gathering of Indians, resulting in the death of hundreds of people.

Q4: Who coined the term "Swaraj"?  (1 Mark)
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(c) Lala Lajpat Rai
(d) Bipin Chandra Pal
Ans: (b)
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter, and leader of the Indian National Congress coined the term "Swaraj," which means self-rule or self-governance.

Q5: What was the aim of the Non-Cooperation Movement launched in 1920?  (1 Mark) 
(a) Complete independence from British rule
(b) Partial autonomy within the British Empire
(c) Establishment of a constitutional monarchy
(d) Removal of discriminatory laws against Indians
Ans: (a)
The aim of the Non-Cooperation Movement, launched in 1920, was to achieve complete independence from British rule and not just partial autonomy or reforms.

Q6: Why did Mahatma Gandhi call off the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?  (2 Marks) 
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident. On February 5, 1922, violence broke out in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, where a group of protesters clashed with the police, resulting in the death of several police officers. Gandhi was deeply upset by this violent turn of events, as he believed in non-violent civil disobedience. He felt that the movement had lost its non-violent character, and to prevent further bloodshed, he decided to suspend it.

Q7: Explain the effects of ‘worldwide economic depression’ on India, towards late 1920s. (2 marks)
Ans: In 19th century, colonial India had become an exporter of agricultural goods and an importer of manufactures. The worldwide economic depression immediately affected Indian trade. India’s exports and imports nearly halved between 1928 and 1934. As international prices crashed, prices in India also plunged. Peasants producing for the world market were worst hit. Though agricultural prices fell, the colonial government refused to reduce revenue demands. Peasants indebtedness increased. For example, Jute producers of Bengal. 

Q8: How did the participation of women change the course of the Indian independence movement?  (2 Marks) 
Ans: The participation of women in the Indian independence movement was transformative. They actively engaged in various movements, from non-cooperation to civil disobedience, and played pivotal roles in protests, demonstrations, and underground activities. Their involvement challenged traditional gender roles, demonstrated the unity of Indian society, and brought international attention to India's struggle.

Q9: Evaluate the role of Mahatma Gandhi in India's struggle for independence.  (3 Marks) 
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi, often referred to as the "Father of the Nation," played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha) became the cornerstone of the freedom movement. Gandhi's leadership and principles had a profound impact:

• Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi's use of nonviolent protest methods like strikes, boycotts, and civil disobedience showcased the power of peaceful resistance against oppressive regimes. This approach mobilized masses and highlighted British atrocities.
• Mass Mobilization: Gandhi was instrumental in mobilizing people from all sections of society, including peasants, workers, and women. His movements like the Salt March and Non-Cooperation Movement brought millions together.
• Socio-Economic Reforms: Gandhi focused on issues beyond political freedom, advocating for economic self-sufficiency through activities like spinning khadi (hand-spun cloth) and promoting rural industries.
• Unity among Diversity: He worked to bridge gaps between religions and communities, promoting Hindu-Muslim unity and fostering a sense of shared Indian identity.
• International Attention: Gandhi's principles drew global attention, gaining sympathy and support from international communities.

Q10: Describe the main objectives of the Civil Disobedience Movement.  (3 Marks) 
Ans: The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, aimed to challenge British authority and demand significant political and economic concessions. The main objectives were:

• Break Salt Monopoly: Gandhi's march to Dandi was a protest against the British salt tax and monopoly. This symbolic act aimed to empower Indians to make their own salt.
• Non-Payment of Taxes: Indians were encouraged to refuse payment of taxes to the British government, undermining their revenue sources and authority.
• Boycott of British Goods: The movement promoted the use of khadi (hand-spun cloth) and local goods instead of British products, weakening the British economy's hold on India.
• Promotion of National Unity: Gandhi aimed to unite diverse groups across religions, regions, and classes in a common struggle against colonial rule.
• Empowerment of Masses: The movement empowered ordinary citizens by involving them in political protests and nonviolent actions.

Q11: Analyze the role of the Indian National Congress (INC) in India's struggle for independence.  (3 Marks)
Ans: The Indian National Congress (INC) played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. Founded in 1885, it became the primary political organization representing Indian aspirations. Its role can be analyzed in the following ways:

• Early Demands: In its initial years, the INC aimed to seek constitutional reforms from the British government, including greater representation for Indians in administrative matters.
• Moderate Phase: In the early 20th century, under leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji, the INC followed a moderate approach, seeking cooperation with the British while articulating Indian grievances.
• Extremist Phase: The INC saw a shift towards more radical methods and demands with leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai advocating for swaraj (self-rule) and more assertive nationalist goals.
• Gandhian Era: Mahatma Gandhi's leadership brought mass mobilization and nonviolent resistance to the forefront. The INC became the epicenter of major movements like the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movement.

Q12: How did the participation of women change during India's freedom movement?   (5 Marks)
Ans: The participation of women in India's freedom movement underwent significant changes during the struggle for independence:

• From Passive Supporters to Active Participants: In the early stages of the freedom movement, women were mostly confined to supporting roles, providing financial aid, and participating in non-political activities. However, as the movement progressed, women started taking more active roles, joining protests, and actively participating in civil disobedience movements.
• Women's Organizations: Women began forming their own organizations, such as the All India Women's Conference (AIWC) in 1927, which played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and contributing to the larger freedom struggle.
• Leading Protests: Women leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, Kamala Nehru, and Aruna Asaf Ali emerged as prominent figures in the freedom movement. They fearlessly led protests, delivered speeches, and worked towards raising political awareness among women.
• Participation in Non-Cooperation Movement: During the Non-Cooperation Movement, women took an active part in picketing foreign cloth shops and liquor shops, and they encouraged the use of khadi (indigenous cloth) as a symbol of resistance against British goods.
• Salt March and Quit India Movement: Women actively participated in events like the Dandi March and the Quit India Movement, making significant contributions to the non-violent resistance and civil disobedience campaigns.

Overall, the participation of women evolved from passive supporters to active participants, and they played an indispensable role in the fight for India's independence. Their involvement in the freedom movement also contributed to the subsequent women's rights movement in post-independent India.

Q13: Explain the causes and consequences of the partition of Bengal in 1905. (5 Marks)
Ans: Causes of the Partition of Bengal (1905):

• Divide and Rule Policy: The British administration, under Lord Curzon, devised the plan of partitioning Bengal as a part of their "Divide and Rule" policy. By dividing Bengal, the British sought to weaken the nationalistic fervor and unity that was growing among the Bengali-speaking population.
• Administrative Convenience: Bengal was a vast province, and the British believed that dividing it into smaller provinces would make administration more manageable and efficient.
• Hindu-Muslim Divide: The British believed that by creating a Muslim-majority province (East Bengal and Assam) and a Hindu-majority province (Bengal), they could create a religious divide and weaken the nationalist movement that was uniting Hindus and Muslims against British rule.

Consequences of the Partition of Bengal:

• Widespread Protests: The partition was met with widespread protests and opposition from the people of Bengal. Both Hindus and Muslims united in their opposition to the partition and participated in large-scale demonstrations.
• Swadeshi Movement: The partition of Bengal gave birth to the Swadeshi Movement, where people boycotted British goods and promoted the use of Indian-made products as a mark of protest. The movement aimed to promote self-reliance and economic independence.
• Growth of Nationalism: The partition of Bengal served as a catalyst for the growth of nationalism in India. It intensified the struggle for independence and brought people from different regions and communities together in their fight against British rule.
• Annulment of Partition: Due to the widespread protests and nationalist fervor, the British government was forced to annul the partition in 1911. Bengal was reunited, but the province of Bihar and Orissa was carved out as a separate province.

The partition of Bengal and its subsequent annulment marked a significant phase in India's nationalist movement and demonstrated the power of mass protests in influencing British policies.