Worksheet Solutions: Mahatma Gandhi & The Nationalist Movement | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in January 1915 after successfully leading a struggle against discriminatory British policies in ____________.
Ans: South Africa
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in January 1915 after successfully leading a struggle against discriminatory British policies in South Africa, where he honed his principles of nonviolent resistance.

Q2: Gandhi's non-violent protest in South Africa was known as ____________.
Ans: Satyagraha
Gandhi's non-violent protest in South Africa was known as Satyagraha, a term he coined to signify the power of truth and nonviolence in resisting oppression.

Q3: During his speech at the opening of Banaras Hindu University in 1916, Gandhi criticized the Indian elite for their lack of concern for ____________.
Ans: the laboring poor
During his speech at the opening of Banaras Hindu University in 1916, Gandhi criticized the Indian elite for their lack of concern for the laboring poor, highlighting his focus on social justice and economic equity.

Q4: Gandhi encouraged the use of ____________ in communication within provincial Congress Committees.
Ans: mother tongue
Gandhi encouraged the use of mother tongue in communication within provincial Congress Committees to make political activities more accessible and inclusive for the masses.

Q5: In 1917, Gandhi successfully led the ____________ Movement to secure the rights of peasants.
Ans: Champaran
In 1917, Gandhi successfully led the Champaran Movement to secure the rights of peasants, marking his entry into the Indian freedom struggle.

Q6: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in the city of ____________.
Ans: Amritsar
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in the city of Amritsar in 1919, where British troops indiscriminately killed hundreds of unarmed Indian civilians.

Q7: The non-cooperation movement led by Gandhi was named ____________ by an American biographer.
Ans: an epoch in the life of India
The non-cooperation movement led by Gandhi was named "an epoch in the life of India" by an American biographer, emphasizing its historical significance in the Indian freedom struggle.

Q8: The ____________ Movement, led by Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, aimed to restore the respect of the Caliphate.
Ans: Khilafat
The Khilafat Movement, led by Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, aimed to restore the respect of the Caliphate and garnered support from Indian Muslims.

Q9: The Dandi March started on ____________ and was a protest against the British monopoly on salt production and sale.
Ans: March 12, 1930
The Dandi March started on March 12, 1930, and was a protest against the British monopoly on salt production and sale, symbolizing resistance through civil disobedience.

Q10: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact resulted in the suspension of the ____________ Movement in 1931.
Ans: Civil Disobedience
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact resulted in the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1931, reflecting a temporary truce between Gandhi and the British government.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Gandhi's return to India in 1915 marked the beginning of a more politically active period.
Reason: Congress had gained popularity in major towns and cities during this time.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Gandhi's return to India in 1915 indeed marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence. He provided effective leadership and mobilized the masses through non-violent civil disobedience movements. The popularity of Congress in major towns and cities was a result of these active political campaigns led by Gandhi, which validates both the assertion and the reason. The reason explains why Gandhi's return led to a politically active period.

Q2: Assertion: The Salt Satyagraha played a significant role in India's struggle for independence.
Reason: The salt laws were widely disliked by the Indian population.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The Salt Satyagraha, initiated by Gandhi in 1930, was a major civil disobedience movement against the salt taxes and monopoly imposed by the British government. The widespread dislike for the salt laws was a driving force behind this movement. The assertion is true because the Salt Satyagraha indeed played a significant role in India's struggle for independence, and the reason explains why it was so impactful.

Q3: Assertion: The Cabinet Mission of 1946 successfully resolved the differences between the Congress and the Muslim League.
Reason: The Cabinet Mission proposed a federal system to keep India united.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (b)
The assertion is true in the sense that the Cabinet Mission of 1946 was an attempt to find a solution to the constitutional deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League. However, the reason is not the correct explanation because although the Cabinet Mission proposed a federal system, it did not lead to the resolution of differences between the two parties. The differences persisted, eventually leading to the partition of India.

Q4: Assertion: The Quit India Movement led to a significant polarization between the Congress and the Muslim League.
Reason: The Quit India Movement called for immediate British withdrawal from India.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the Quit India Movement in 1942 did lead to a significant polarization between the Congress and the Muslim League. The reason is also true as the movement called for immediate British withdrawal from India, which intensified the political differences between the two parties regarding India's future after independence. The reason explains why the Quit India Movement led to the polarization between the Congress and the Muslim League.

Q5: Assertion: The freedom struggle ended with the division of India into two separate nations.
Reason: The division was desired by all religious communities in India.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is true because the freedom struggle did culminate in the partition of India in 1947, leading to the creation of India and Pakistan as separate nations. However, the reason is false. The partition was not desired by all religious communities in India; it was a complex political process driven by the demands of certain leaders and political groups. Religious tensions and political disagreements between various communities were significant factors leading to the partition, but it was not a unanimous desire of all religious communities in India.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What did Gandhi's non-violent protest in South Africa involve?
Ans: Gandhi's non-violent protest in South Africa involved civil disobedience, boycotts, and peaceful demonstrations against discriminatory laws.

Q2: Why did Gandhi criticize the Indian elite during his speech at Banaras Hindu University?
Ans: Gandhi criticized the Indian elite at Banaras Hindu University because he believed they were disconnected from the struggles of the common people and focused on material gain.

Q3: What was the primary goal of the Khilafat Movement?
Ans: The primary goal of the Khilafat Movement was to protect the caliphate of the Ottoman Empire and support the rights of Muslims in India.

Q4: What did the Salt March protest against, and when did it begin?
Ans: The Salt March protested against the British salt monopoly and unfair taxes. It began on March 12, 1930.

Q5: What happened during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919?
Ans: During the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering of Indians, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people.

Q6: How did the Cabinet Mission of 1946 attempt to resolve differences between the Congress and the Muslim League?
Ans: The Cabinet Mission of 1946 proposed a plan for a united and independent India with provisions for religious representation and regional autonomy to address the differences between the Congress and the Muslim League.

Q7: Why did the Quit India Movement lead to polarization between the Congress and the Muslim League?
Ans: The Quit India Movement led to polarization between the Congress and the Muslim League because the Congress demanded immediate independence, while the Muslim League saw it as a threat to the interests of Muslims and their demand for a separate homeland.

Q8: What event marked the end of the freedom struggle for India?
Ans: The independence of India from British rule on August 15, 1947, marked the end of the freedom struggle.

Q9: How did Gandhi respond to the division of India into two separate nations?
Ans: Gandhi was deeply saddened by the division of India into two separate nations (India and Pakistan). He opposed the idea and fasted in an attempt to promote peace and unity.

Q10: Who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, and why?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, on January 30, 1948. Godse disagreed with Gandhi's views on partition and believed that Gandhi favored Muslims over Hindus.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the significance of the Salt Satyagraha in the Indian freedom struggle.
Ans: The Salt Satyagraha, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a significant event in the Indian freedom struggle. It involved the non-violent protest against the British salt monopoly, as Indians were prohibited from producing or selling salt. The act of making salt from seawater by Gandhi and his followers symbolized the defiance of British colonial rule and the assertion of Indian self-reliance. The Salt Satyagraha sparked widespread civil disobedience and mass participation, uniting people from different regions and backgrounds. It brought international attention to the Indian independence movement and demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance as a tool for achieving freedom.

Q2: Describe the impact of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on the Indian population and their attitude towards British rule.
Ans: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indians, deeply scarred the Indian population. It intensified resentment towards British rule, fostering a sense of unity and nationalism among Indians. The incident highlighted the brutality of colonial oppression, fueling the demand for independence. Indians became more determined to overthrow British rule, leading to increased participation in the freedom movement and a shift in public sentiment against the British.

Q3: What were the key terms of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, and why was it criticized by some radical nationalists?
Ans: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed in 1931, marked a truce between Mahatma Gandhi and the British government. Gandhi agreed to suspend the civil disobedience movement, and in return, the government released political prisoners and allowed Indians to make salt for personal use. Some radical nationalists criticized the pact because it did not address the larger issues of complete independence. They viewed it as a compromise and believed it undermined the momentum of the freedom struggle, leading to internal divisions among nationalist leaders.

Q4: Discuss the role of the Quit India Movement in the final stages of the struggle for Indian independence.
Ans: The Quit India Movement in 1942 was a mass protest against British rule, demanding an immediate end to colonial occupation. It led to widespread civil disobedience, strikes, and demonstrations. Although suppressed by the British, the movement demonstrated the unity and determination of the Indian people. It severely strained British resources during World War II and played a crucial role in hastening India's independence. The movement also inspired future generations and political leaders in the struggle against colonialism.

Q5: How did the division of India into two nations affect religious communities and the idea of secularism in India?
Ans: The division of India in 1947 into India and Pakistan led to communal violence and mass migrations between religious communities, primarily Hindus and Muslims. It resulted in widespread loss of life and displacement, creating deep-seated animosities. The idea of secularism faced challenges, as religious identities became more pronounced. Despite efforts to establish secular governance, religious tensions persisted, shaping the socio-political landscape of both nations.

Q6: Explain the role of newspapers during the Indian freedom struggle, including their limitations.
Ans: Newspapers played a crucial role in disseminating nationalist ideas, mobilizing public opinion, and unifying diverse communities during the freedom struggle. They provided a platform for leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and others to communicate their vision to the masses. However, due to limited literacy rates, their reach was confined to urban areas and educated elites. Additionally, censorship and repression imposed by the British government restricted the freedom of the press, limiting the effectiveness of newspapers in certain regions.

Q7: Describe the events that led to the division of India into India and Pakistan in 1947.
Ans: The partition of India in 1947 was a culmination of religious and political tensions between Hindus and Muslims. The demand for a separate Muslim nation, Pakistan, grew due to perceived religious differences and political disputes. The failure to reach a consensus on power-sharing between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, coupled with communal violence and the influence of British policies, led to the decision to divide India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, on August 15, 1947.

Q8: How did Mahatma Gandhi's assassination impact India and the international community, and why was he compared to Abraham Lincoln by Time magazine?
Ans: Gandhi's assassination in 1948 deeply shocked India and the international community. His death created a void in the leadership of the freedom movement and left an indelible impact on the nation's psyche. Internationally, Gandhi's nonviolent philosophy influenced civil rights movements across the world. Time magazine compared him to Abraham Lincoln due to his significant role in securing independence through nonviolent means, emphasizing their shared legacy in advocating for social justice and human rights. Both leaders were seen as champions of freedom and equality in their respective nations.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss Mahatma Gandhi's role in transforming the Indian National Movement from an elite phenomenon to a mass movement, including his strategies and the impact of his efforts.
Ans:

• Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian National Movement from an elite phenomenon to a mass movement. He employed several strategies that resonated with the masses and had a profound impact on the freedom struggle. One of Gandhi's key strategies was the principle of non-violent resistance, also known as Satyagraha. He believed in the power of truth and non-violence as a means to achieve social and political change. 
• By promoting non-violent protests, civil disobedience, and boycotts, Gandhi was able to mobilize large numbers of people from all sections of society, including peasants, workers, and women. This approach appealed to the masses as it provided them with a peaceful and inclusive means to express their grievances against the British rule.
• Gandhi also emphasized the importance of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. He encouraged the use of indigenous goods and the revival of cottage industries to reduce dependence on British imports. This resonated with the common people who were suffering from poverty and unemployment due to British policies. Gandhi's promotion of spinning and weaving as a symbol of self-reliance, famously known as the charkha movement, gained widespread support and participation from the masses. Furthermore, Gandhi recognized the significance of cultural and religious symbols in mobilizing the masses. He incorporated elements of Indian culture and spirituality into the freedom struggle, making it relatable and meaningful to the people.
• His emphasis on traditional practices like prayer, fasting, and folk songs created a sense of unity and identity among the masses, transcending caste, class, and religious barriers. The impact of Gandhi's efforts in transforming the Indian National Movement into a mass movement was significant. By mobilizing the masses, he gave a voice and a sense of agency to millions of Indians who were previously marginalized. Gandhi's strategies led to widespread participation in protests, strikes, and boycotts, making it increasingly difficult for the British government to suppress the freedom movement. The mass support garnered by Gandhi also brought international attention and sympathy to the Indian cause, strengthening the nationalist movement and pressuring the British to consider granting independence.
• In conclusion, Mahatma Gandhi played a monumental role in transforming the Indian National Movement from an elite phenomenon to a mass movement. Through his strategies of non-violent resistance, self-reliance, and cultural mobilization, he empowered the masses and united them in their struggle for freedom. His efforts had a profound impact on the course of the Indian freedom struggle and continue to inspire movements for social and political change around the world.

Q2: Examine the significance of the Dandi March in the Indian freedom struggle, considering its impact on a global scale and the role of women in the movement.
Ans:

• The Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, holds immense significance in the Indian freedom struggle. It was a pivotal event that not only had a profound impact on a global scale but also highlighted the crucial role of women in the movement. The Dandi March was a non-violent protest led by Mahatma Gandhi against the British monopoly on salt production and the imposition of the salt tax. On March 12, 1930, Gandhi and a group of followers embarked on a 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi. The march lasted for 24 days, during which thousands of people joined Gandhi in civil disobedience by making their own salt from seawater and defying the British salt laws.
• The significance of the Dandi March lies in its symbolism and the message it conveyed. By choosing salt as the focal point of the protest, Gandhi tapped into a universal symbol of everyday life and highlighted the unjust British control over a basic necessity. The march captured the imagination of people not only in India but also across the world, as it showcased the power of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience against colonial oppression.
  On a global scale, the Dandi March brought international attention to the cause of Indian independence. News of Gandhi's march spread rapidly, inspiring people in various countries to question their own oppressive regimes and fight for their rights. The march also led to a surge in support and solidarity for the Indian freedom struggle from individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. It served as a catalyst for the international recognition of India's quest for independence and strengthened the anti-colonial movements globally. Women played a crucial role in the Dandi March and the broader Indian freedom struggle.
• Gandhi actively encouraged women's participation and made their involvement integral to the movement. Women marched side by side with men, defying societal norms and demonstrating their commitment to the cause. Their presence challenged traditional gender roles and gave women a platform to assert their rights and demand equality. The participation of women in the Dandi March and other civil disobedience campaigns had a transformative impact on Indian society. It empowered women, instilled a sense of self-confidence, and paved the way for their increased involvement in the nationalist movement. Women's participation in the Dandi March showcased their strength, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity, inspiring generations of Indian women to actively participate in the struggle for independence and subsequent nation-building efforts.
• In conclusion, the Dandi March holds immense significance in the Indian freedom struggle. Its impact on a global scale brought international attention, support, and solidarity to the Indian cause. Additionally, the Dandi March exemplified the pivotal role of women in the movement, empowering them and challenging societal norms. The march remains an iconic event in history, symbolizing the power of non-violent resistance and the indomitable spirit of the Indian people in their quest for freedom.

Q3: Analyze the complex relationship between the Congress, the Muslim League, and the British government in the years leading up to India's independence, including key events and their consequences.
Ans:

• The relationship between the Indian National Congress, the All India Muslim League, and the British government in the years leading up to India's independence was complex and marked by shifting alliances, conflicts, and negotiations. Several key events and their consequences shaped this relationship and ultimately led to the partition of India.
• In the early years, both the Congress and the Muslim League shared a common goal of seeking self-rule for India within the framework of a united, independent nation. They collaborated on various issues and even had overlapping memberships. However, as time progressed, differences emerged between the two organizations, primarily centered around the question of representation and protection of Muslim interests. The Congress, with its predominantly Hindu leadership, pursued a vision of a secular, unified India where all communities would have equal rights. This approach, often referred to as the Congress's "majoritarian" stance, raised concerns among the Muslim League. The League, led by figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah, argued for separate electorates and greater autonomy for Muslims, fearing that their interests would be marginalized in a Hindu-majority India.
• The British government, as the colonial power, played a significant role in shaping this relationship. It initially encouraged the Congress-Muslim League collaboration as a means to achieve its own objectives of limited self-governance while maintaining British control. However, as the demands for independence grew, the British government adopted a policy of divide and rule, exploiting the differences between the Congress and the Muslim League to maintain its hold on power.
• Key events further strained the relationship between these entities. The Lucknow Pact of 1916, which aimed to bridge the divide between Hindus and Muslims, was an early attempt at cooperation. However, subsequent incidents such as the Khilafat Movement, the Non-Cooperation Movement, and the Simon Commission led to growing tensions. The British government's response to these movements, as well as its failure to address the concerns of the Muslim League, further alienated the Muslim community and fueled the demand for a separate Muslim state. The consequences of this complex relationship were far-reaching.
• The demand for a separate Muslim state eventually led to the partition of India in 1947, resulting in the creation of India and Pakistan. The Congress's majoritarian approach and the Muslim League's advocacy for a separate homeland for Muslims were instrumental in shaping the political landscape of the subcontinent. The partition, however, came at a great cost, with communal violence, mass migrations, and the loss of countless lives.
• In conclusion, the relationship between the Congress, the Muslim League, and the British government in the years leading up to India's independence was characterized by complex dynamics and shifting alliances. The differing visions and concerns of the Congress and the Muslim League, along with the British government's divide and rule policy, ultimately led to the partition of India. The consequences of this partition continue to shape the region's history, politics, and society.

Q4: Explain the circumstances and consequences of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, its impact on India, and the international recognition of his legacy.
Ans:

• Mahatma Gandhi's assassination on January 30, 1948, was a tragic event that had profound consequences for India and left an indelible impact on the world. The circumstances surrounding his assassination, the immediate aftermath, and the subsequent recognition of his legacy at the national and international levels all contribute to understanding the significance of this event. Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who held deep-seated ideological differences with Gandhi. Godse opposed Gandhi's inclusive vision of a secular, unified India and believed that his conciliatory stance towards Muslims compromised Hindu interests.
• On the fateful day, as Gandhi was heading towards a prayer meeting, Godse shot him three times at close range, leading to his death. The immediate aftermath of Gandhi's assassination was marked by shock, grief, and a profound sense of loss. The news of his death spread rapidly across India, triggering widespread mourning and spontaneous acts of violence. The country came to a standstill as millions of people paid their respects to the Mahatma, and his funeral procession became a symbol of national unity and solidarity.
  The consequences of Gandhi's assassination were far-reaching. It left a void in India's political landscape, as Gandhi was not only a leader but also an embodiment of moral values and principles. His assassination served as a wake-up call, exposing the deep-seated divisions and communal tensions that still plagued the newly independent nation. It also raised questions about the effectiveness of non-violence as a means of achieving social and political change. Despite his death, Gandhi's legacy continued to inspire and influence India and the world. His principles of non-violence, truth, and selflessness resonated with people across the globe, and his teachings became a beacon of hope for various civil rights and independence movements.
• Gandhi's assassination cemented his position as a martyr and a symbol of resistance against oppression, further strengthening his legacy. Internationally, Gandhi's assassination garnered widespread condemnation and recognition of his contributions. Leaders from around the world expressed their condolences and acknowledged Gandhi's role as a global figure of peace and justice. The United Nations observed a moment of silence in his honor, and his ideals continue to shape the work of various international organizations focused on conflict resolution, human rights, and social justice. In India, the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi remains deeply ingrained in the nation's consciousness. He is revered as the Father of the Nation and his teachings continue to guide the country's moral and political compass. Gandhi's assassination served as a reminder of the challenges faced by a diverse and divided nation, but it also reinforced the enduring power of his principles and the need for continued efforts towards peace, unity, and social justice.
• In conclusion, the circumstances and consequences of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination were significant and far-reaching. The event itself was a tragic loss for India, highlighting the deep-seated divisions within the nation. However, Gandhi's assassination also solidified his legacy as a symbol of resistance and a guiding light for future generations. His impact on India and the international recognition of his legacy continue to shape the pursuit of peace and justice around the world.