Class 5 SST HOTS Questions - India Wins Freedom

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1: What was the significance of the Quit India Movement in India's struggle for freedom?
(a) It aimed to gain support from the British government.
(b) It focused on peacefully negotiating with the British rulers.
(c) It demanded complete independence from British rule.
(d) It aimed to establish a new British-controlled government.
Ans:  (c)
The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, was a significant event in India's struggle for freedom. It was led by Mahatma Gandhi and aimed to demand the British to leave India completely and grant India its independence. The movement emphasized nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as a means to achieve this goal.

Q2: Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(d) Dadabhai Naoroji
Ans: (d)
Dadabhai Naoroji was the first President of the Indian National Congress. He played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence and was a prominent leader of the early nationalist movement.

Q3: What role did Rani Lakshmibai play during the Indian Rebellion of 1857?
(a) She was a British supporter.
(b) She led the rebellion in Delhi.
(c) She fought against the British in Jhansi.
(d) She negotiated a peace treaty with the British.
Ans: (c)
Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the Queen of Jhansi, played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She led the forces of Jhansi against the British during the rebellion and became a symbol of resistance against colonial rule.

Q4: What did the Salt March, led by Mahatma Gandhi, symbolize?
(a) A protest against the use of salt in India.
(b) A demand for cheaper salt prices.
(c) A peaceful protest against British salt taxes.
(d) A call for a complete boycott of British goods.
Ans: (c)
The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, was a 240-mile journey led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. It symbolized a peaceful protest against the British monopoly on salt production and the unfair salt taxes imposed on Indians. The march aimed to challenge British economic control and promote civil disobedience.

Q5: Who was Bhagat Singh, and what was his contribution to India's freedom struggle?
(a) A British politician who supported Indian independence.
(b) A poet who wrote revolutionary songs.
(c) A freedom fighter who led the Quit India Movement.
(d) A revolutionary who protested against British rule through acts of violence.
Ans: (d)
Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary freedom fighter who actively protested against British colonial rule. He believed in using direct action and acts of violence to draw attention to the cause of independence. He is remembered for his involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case and his sacrifice for the nation.

Short Answer Questions

Q6: How did the idea of "Ahimsa" (nonviolence) influence India's struggle for freedom, and how did it impact the relationship between Indians and the British?
Ans: The idea of "Ahimsa," or nonviolence, was a cornerstone of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy during India's struggle for freedom. It influenced the movement in several ways:

• Nonviolence was used as a tool to expose the unjust actions of the British government and to win the sympathy of the international community.
• Nonviolent protests, like the Salt March, demonstrated the moral strength of Indians and their commitment to justice.
• Nonviolence challenged the British notion of superiority and control, as they were forced to respond to nonviolent resistance without using excessive force.

Q7: Discuss the role of Indian artists and writers in the freedom movement. How did they contribute to the cause of independence?
Ans: Indian artists and writers played a crucial role in the freedom movement:

• Through their literary works, they spread awareness about the injustices of British rule and motivated people to join the struggle.
• Poems, songs, and plays inspired unity and a sense of nationalism among Indians.
• Artists used their skills to create posters, cartoons, and illustrations that conveyed the message of resistance and freedom.
• By capturing the spirit of the movement through their creative expressions, they provided a cultural foundation for the fight for independence.

Q8: Explain the concept of "Swaraj" as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and its significance in India's freedom movement.
Ans: "Swaraj," a term coined by Mahatma Gandhi, means self-rule or self-governance:

• Gandhi's idea of Swaraj extended beyond political independence and included the idea of self-sufficiency, self-discipline, and social harmony.
• He believed that Swaraj could only be achieved through nonviolent means and by empowering individuals and communities to take control of their own lives.
• The concept of Swaraj emphasized self-reliance and the importance of economic independence, advocating for local production and self-sustaining communities.

Q9: Analyze the impact of the partition of India in 1947 on the social and political fabric of the nation.
Ans: The partition of India in 1947 had profound social and political consequences:

• Socially, the partition led to massive migrations and communal violence, causing loss of life and property. It created a deep-seated sense of mistrust and hatred between religious communities.
• Politically, it resulted in the creation of two new nations, India and Pakistan, each with its own political challenges. The partition also highlighted the importance of religious and cultural diversity in the Indian subcontinent.

Q10: Compare and contrast the approaches of Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose toward India's struggle for freedom. How did their ideologies differ and how did they contribute to the movement?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose had different approaches to the freedom movement:

• Gandhi believed in nonviolence and civil disobedience as means to achieve freedom, focusing on moral and spiritual principles. He aimed for the reconciliation of all communities.
• Bose, on the other hand, believed in a more assertive approach. He advocated for armed struggle and sought external help to free India, aligning with Axis powers during World War II.
• Despite their differences, both leaders contributed significantly to the movement. Gandhi's nonviolent resistance gained global attention, while Bose's efforts through the INA and international alliances demonstrated alternative strategies.