Short Answer Questions: Freedom Struggle

Q1: What was the impact of the revolt of 1857 on the Indian people?
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 created a new awakening among the Indian people. It made many Indians realise that they could protest against unjust British policies and that unity among different groups was important. The revolt also sowed the seeds of national spirit and inspired later leaders and movements for freedom. After the uprising, the British changed the way India was governed and the rule of the East India Company ended, with the Crown taking direct control.

Q2: Who were some of the social reformers who worked to remove social evils in India?
Ans: Social reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Narayan Guru, and Swami Dayananda worked to remove social evils in India. They spoke against practices such as sati and child marriage, fought for the education of girls and disadvantaged groups, and tried to bring about social justice and change through education and reform.

Q3: What did the social reformers do to promote education and fight social evils?
Ans: They set up schools and colleges, started societies and reading rooms, and published books and newspapers to spread modern ideas. They campaigned against harmful customs, supported widow remarriage and girls' education, and encouraged people to accept new, fairer social practices so that society could progress.

Q4: How did newspapers and magazines help in the freedom struggle?
Ans: Newspapers and magazines in Indian languages reported the problems caused by British rule and explained them to ordinary people. They helped leaders to share ideas, organise opinion, and keep people informed about events and protests. Examples of influential papers include Kesari and Amrita Bazar Patrika, which played important roles in spreading national feelings.

Q5: Who set up the Indian National Congress, and when was it established?
Ans: A.O. Hume, a British civil servant, helped set up the Indian National Congress in 1885. The Congress provided a platform for Indians to discuss common problems and to ask the government for reforms in a peaceful and constitutional way.

Q6: What were the early demands of the Indian National Congress, and who were some of its early presidents?
Ans: At first, Congress leaders had moderate demands. They asked for more Indians to be included in government services, for fair laws and justice, and for gradual reforms rather than sudden changes. Early presidents of the Congress included Dadabhai Naoroji, S.N. Banerjee, G. Subramaniya Aiyer, and others who believed in peaceful negotiation with the British.

Q7: Who were the trio known as "BAL-PAL-LAL," and why were they called "Extremists"?
Ans: The trio consisted of Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Maharashtra), Bipin Chandra Pal (Bengal), and Lala Lajpat Rai (Punjab). They were called "Extremists" because they wanted stronger and more direct action against British rule than the moderates did. They supported mass protests, boycotts and a more forceful demand for self-rule.

Q8: What was the British strategy of "Divide and Rule," and when was it first attempted?
Ans: The British strategy of "Divide and Rule" meant trying to create differences between communities so Indians would find it harder to unite against them. This policy was first tried on a large scale in 1905 when the British proposed to partition Bengal, a move that aimed to split people on religious lines and weaken the national movement.

Q9: What was the Swadeshi Movement, and how did it affect British interests?
Ans: The Swadeshi Movement encouraged Indians to boycott British-made goods and to use Indian-made products instead. This reduced sales of British goods in India and harmed British business interests. The movement also helped Indian industries grow and made people more proud of local goods and skills.

Q10: Who were the revolutionaries, and what actions did they take in the freedom struggle?
Ans: The revolutionaries were young people who believed in using force to end British rule. They formed secret groups, planned attacks and sometimes assassinated British officials. Although their activities were often stopped by the strong power of the British government, their bravery and sacrifice inspired others and kept the spirit of resistance alive.