Morning Star Textbook Solutions: Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement | History and Civics Class 10 ICSE PDF Download

Very Short Questions

• Gandhiji was born on October 2, 1869.
• His birthplace is Porbandar, located in Kathiawar, which is part of Gujarat.
• His complete name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

Q2: Name the movement and its purpose, which he started in South Africa.
Ans: Gandhiji started the ‘National Indian Congress’ in South Africa against racial discrimination.

Q3: Why did Gandhiji appeal to the people to help the British Empire with men and money during the First World War?
Ans: He had a strong faith that India would be free only when the people helped the British Empire at such a critical juncture.

Q4: When and where did Gandhiji set-up his Ashram?
Ans: Gandhiji set-up his ashram in Ahmedabad in May 1915 on the bank of the river Sabarmati.

Q5: What was the code of conduct set by Gandhiji for the inmates of the Ashram?
Ans: 

• People living in the ashram had to follow a strict code of conduct.
• They were expected to be truthful in their words and actions.
• It was important for them to practice non-stealing, meaning they should not take what does not belong to them.
• They were to live a life of non-possessing, avoiding attachment to material things.
• They were committed to being non-violent, following the principle of Ahimsa.
• Using swadeshi goods was encouraged, and they should do so without fear.

Q6: Mention the reason, why Gandhiji in his struggle for freedom evolve the method of non-violence?
Ans: Gandhiji knew that Indians were not strong enough to get freedom by any physical force. Only non-violence was the weapon to defeat the British imperialism.

Q7: Name the title that was awarded to Gandhiji for his services to the British Empire during World War I.
Ans: Kaiser-i-Hind.

Q8: Name two important methods adopted by Gandhiji in the freedom struggle.
Ans: Satyagraha and Non-Cooperation.

Q9: What is meant by Satyagraha?
Ans: Satyagraha means the force born out of truth and non-violence.

Q10: When and why did Gandhiji organise the Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar?
Ans: Gandhiji organised the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 in Bihar to fight for the right of the farmers against indigo planters.

Q11: What is meant by Swadeshi?
Or
What does the word ‘Swadeshi’ as used by Gandhiji imply?
Ans: Swadeshi means use of the goods produced within one’s country and by one’s countrymen.

Q12: Why did Gandhiji put emphasis on manual labour and Charkha?
Ans: 

• Gandhiji's Swadeshi program focused on improving the lives of people, particularly in rural areas.
• He believed in the importance of manual labor to support this initiative.
• The use of the Charkha (spinning wheel) was a key part of his strategy.
• This approach aimed to encourage self-reliance and promote local industries.
• By emphasizing manual work, he wanted to uplift the communities and create jobs.

Q13: Name the two greatest Movements organised by Gandhiji during the freedom struggle.
Ans: The two great Movements organised by Gandhiji during the freedom struggle were:
(i) Non-Cooperation Movement. (ii) Civil Disobedience Movement.

Q14: When did the Congress decide to start the Non-Cooperation Movement? Who was the leader of this movement?
Ans: Congress decided to start the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920. Gandhiji was the leader of that movement.

Q15: Why was the Rowlatt Act (1919) passed?
Ans: The Rowlatt Act (1919) was passed to counter all political unrest, which manifested itself in many situations.

Q16: Name the Act by the British Government in the year 1919, which gave them the authority to arrest and detain suspected Indians.
Ans: Rowlatt Act.

Q17: Who was the British General, responsible for ‘The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’?
Ans: General Dyer.

Q18: Which was the tragic incident that prompted Gandhiji to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Ans: The inhuman act of the British Government at Jallianwala Bagh shattered the faith of Mahatma Gandhi and promoted him to launch the Non-cooperation Movement.

Q19: What do you understand by the term Non-Cooperation?
Ans:

• For a government to work well, it is important that the people are willing to help and cooperate.
• The idea of not giving this cooperation to the government, in order to benefit the people of the country, is known as the Non-Cooperation movement.

Q20: When and where was the resolution to start the Non-Cooperation Movement launched?
Ans: The resolution to start the Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in its Nagpur session on August 15 1920.

Q21: Mention one item each of the positive and negative programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Ans: (i) Positive Programme—Hindu-Muslim Unity.
(ii) Negative Programme—Boycott of British goods.

Q22: How did the Khilafat Movement come to an end?
Ans: The Khilafat Movement came to an end when Mustafa Kamal Pasha dethroned the Turkish Sultan and declared Turkey a secular republic

Q23: Why is the Khilafat Movement significant in the history of the National Movement?
Ans: Khilafat Movement is significant in the history of the National Movement because it contained vast possibilities of achieving Hindu-Muslim unity and of putting up a joint front against British Imperialism.

Q24: Why was ‘Swaraj Party’ organised and by whom?
Or
Name the two leaders of the Swaraj Party. Why were they said to be Pro Changers?
Ans: Motilal Nehru and C. R. Das organised the Swaraj Party. They were of the opinion that the Congressmen should stand for election to the Legislative Councils.

Q25: Give two offshoots of the political excitement created by protests against the Simon Commission.
Ans: The Nehru Report and the Demand for Poorna Swaraj were the two offshoots of the political excitement created by protests against this commission.

Q26: Name the national leader who succumbed to the lathi charge during the protest Movement against the Simon commission.
Ans: Lala Lajpat Rai.

Q27: Why is the Congress session, held at Lahore, in 1929, significant in the history of India’s freedom Movement?
Ans: Because it passed the important resolution of India’s Poorna Swaraj (Complete Independence).

Q28: When and where was resolution of complete independence (Poorna Swaraj) passed?
Ans: The resolution of complete independence (Poorna Swaraj) was passed at the annual session of the Congress held at Lahore in December 1929.

Q29: What is the historical importance of 26th January 1930?
Ans: The historical importance of 26th January 1930 is that on this day the first ‘Independence Day’ was celebrated in Calcutta.

Q30: What did the programme of Civil Disobedience consist of?
Ans: 

• Civil Disobedience was a program that included peaceful protests known as satyagraha.
• Participants would boycott schools, colleges, and courts.
• They also avoided buying foreign goods.
• One of the key actions involved breaking salt laws.
• There were campaigns where people refused to pay taxes.

Q31: When and by whom w as the Civil Disobedience Movement launched?
Ans: Gandhiji started the Civil Disobedience Movement on 12th March 1930 with his famous Dandi March.

Q32: Why was the Dandi March undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi?
Ans: The Dandi March was undertaken to violate the salt laws, which forbade anyone to manufacture salt and to start the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Q33: Why was the Dandi March important in the history of the National Movement?
Ans: The Dandi March was important in the history of the National Movement because as a result of this Movement the British administration was put out of gear in many places.

Q34: How did the British Government react to the Dandi March?
Ans: The British Government tried to suppress the movement. A large number of leaders and volunteers were beaten and imprisoned.

Q35: Who is popularly known as the Frontier Gandhi?
Ans: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan is popularly called Frontier Gandhi.

Q36: What was Irwin’s declaration on Dominion Status for India?
Ans: Lord Irwin made an announcement that India will be provided self-Government as an integral part of the British Empire.

Q37: Why was the British Government eager to have the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?
Ans: The British Government was eager to have the Gandhi-Irwin Pact because they wanted Gandhiji to call off the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Q38: When was the Second Round Table Conference held?
Ans: The Second Round Table Conference was held from 7th September to 2nd December 1931 in London.

Q39: Why was Gandhiji disgusted at the Second Round Table Conference?
Ans: Gandhiji was disgusted at the Second Round Table Conference because nobody paid any attention to his demands for immediate and full responsible Government for India.

Q40: What was declared by the British by the Communal Award of 1932?
Ans: 

• The Communal Award set up different voting groups for Hindus, Harijans, and Muslims in the new Federal Legislature.
• It recognized Hindus and Harijans as two distinct political groups.
• This arrangement aimed to ensure that each community had its own representation in the legislative process.
• By treating these groups separately, the award aimed to acknowledge their unique needs and interests in governance.
• The separation in electorates was significant in shaping the political landscape of the time.

Q41: What change in the Communal Award was brought about by the Poona Pact? Who was responsible for bringing about this change?
Ans: According to the Poona Pact the system of separate electorates was replaced by reservation of seats for Harijans. Dr. Ambedkar was responsible for bringing about this change.

Q42: When did the Third Round Table Conference take place?
Ans: The Third Round Table Conference took place in London from 17th November to 24th December 1932.

Short Questions – I

Q2: Briefly state, how Gandhiji introduced moral values into politics?
Ans: Gandhiji introduced moral values into politics. He used human courage, patience and suffering as vehicles to achieve higher goals in life. He advocated legal and extra legal methods but not immoral and dishonest methods to achieve India’s freedom.

Q3: What would a satayagrahi do against injustice?
Or
How does the philosophy of Satyagraha affect the evil doer?
Ans: A Satyagrahi would refuse to submit to whatever he considers to be wrong and would remain peaceful under provocation. He would suffer but would not inflict sufferings on others. This attitude of the Satyagraha will arouse the conscience of the evil doer.

Q4: Give two examples to show that Gandhiji showed concern for the poor and the oppressed.
Ans: Following are the two example to show that Gandhiji showed concern for the poor and oppressed.
(i) He worked for the abolition of untouchability.
(ii) He set-up the Village Industries Association.

Q5: In what way did Gandhiji involve Indian masses in the National Movement? In this respect, how did he differ from the Moderates?
Ans: 

• Gandhiji engaged the general public, including women, workers, and farmers, in various key movements.
• He was actively involved in the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement.
• Unlike the Moderates, who believed that India could gain freedom with the support of foreign rulers, Gandhiji sought to empower the masses.
• He utilized extra-constitutional methods and mass action as part of the struggle for independence.

Q6: What was the Khilafat Movement? Name the leaders of the Khilafat Movement that was launched in India to Champion the cause of the Caliph of Turkey.
Or
Who were the leaders of the Khilafat Movement?
Ans: The harsh treatment meted out to the Khalifa of Turkey generated anti-British feelings among the Muslims. Under the leadership of the Ali brothers, Mohammed Ali and Shaukat Ali a powerful agitation was launched. This agitation was known as the Khilafat Movement.

Q7: What did the Khilafat Movement consist of?
Ans: The Khilafat Movement consisted of boycott of Legislative Councils, Foreign goods, Government schools and colleges, Government functions and surrendering of titles and distinctions.

Q8: Name any three leading figures who participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement:
Ans: The three leaders who participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement were:
(i) Dr. Zakir Hussain (ii) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (iii) Rabindranath Tagore.

Q9: Why did Gandhiji suspended the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Ans: Violence broke out at Chauri-Chaura, a village near Gorakhpur where a violent mob stormed and burnt a police station killing twenty-two policemen. Since Gandhiji believed in non-violence he decided to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Q10: How did the Non-Cooperation Movement instil confidence among the Indians?
Ans: The Non-Cooperation Movement instilled confidence among the Indians and made them bold- The Indians realized by experience that passive resistance was more powerful than weapon used by the British. The Indians also realized and came to understand that if they were united the road to freedom was not far away.

Q11: In what way did the Non-Cooperation Movement provide a national base to the Congress?
Ans: The Non-Cooperation Movement provided a national base to the Congress making it a genuine, revolutionary organisation. It followed the aims and objectives of the militant nationalism but tempered them with its creed of non-violence.

Q12: What were the main provisions of the Rowlatt Act?
Or
Mention any two provisions of the Rowlatt Act, by which people were shocked and enraged. 
Ans: According to the Rowlatt Act:
(i) The Government could use the extraordinary repressive powers it had during the war.
(ii) The British Government could arrest any person without assigning any reason for the arrest, search any place without a warrant and imprison anyone without trial.

Q13: What was the reaction of the Indians to the Rowlatt Act?
Ans: The Indians opposed the Rowlatt Act like wild fire. An All-India hartal was observed on 8th April, 1919. Meetings were held all over the country to show people’s resentment to the inhuman repressive measures. The Indian press also gave full support to the mass agitation.

Q14: Name three Congressmen who were opposed to the principles of the Swaraj Party.
Ans: The three Congressmen who were opposed to the principles of the Swaraj Party were:
(i) Jawaharlal Nehru (ii) Sardar Patel (iii) Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Q15: Mention any two achievements of the Swaraj Party.
Ans:  The leaders had a chance to learn about the rules and procedures of the legislative assemblies.

• They highlighted important issues to the government, such as:
  • Providing protection for Indian industries.
  • The need to lower taxes and duties.
  • Reducing railway fares.

Q16: What did the Swaraj Party advocate?
Ans: The Swaraj Party advocated a new line of political activity and returned to Constitutional agitation. Its leaders held that the Congress should contest elections to the Legislatures and oppose the British Government from within the Council.

Q17: Why was the Simon Commission set-up? Why was the Commission so called?
Ans: The Simon Commission was set up in 1927 to assess the merits of the Government of India Act of 1919. It was known as the Simon Commission after its Chairman, Sir John Simon.

Q18: What was the reaction of the Indians to the Simon Commission?
Or
Why was the Simon commission boycotted by the Indians?
Ans: All the political parties including the Congress and Muslim League decided to boycott the Commission because it was an all-white Commission with no Indian was associated with it. The Simon Commission was received with black flags, mass demonstrations, hartals and slogans of ‘Simon Go Back’ all over the country.

Q19: What was the reaction of the Muslim League to the Nehru Report?
Ans: Jinnah opposed some provisions Of the Nehru Report on behalf of the Muslim League. In 1929, Jinnah put forward his famous Fourteen Points as the minimum conditions acceptable to the League for any political settlement.

Q20: Mention any two events which led to the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930.
Ans: (i) The congress declared the attainment of complete independence as its aim in Lahore session, and decided to laurich a Civil Disobedience Movement.
(ii) It was decided to celebrate 26th January 1930 as the Independence Day all over the country.

Q21: Why was the ‘Civil Disobedience Movement’ of March 1930, withdrawn?
Or
What assurance did Gandhiji withdraw the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Ans: The well-known Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in March 1931.

• Gandhiji agreed to pause the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• The British Government agreed to release all political prisoners, except those who had committed acts of violence.
• The government also decided to cancel the ordinances that were put in place during the movement.
• People were allowed to make salt for personal use.
• The government promised to return the properties that had been taken from the Congress members.

Q22: Trace the programme and progress of Civil Disobedience Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhiji with reference to the Dandi March, 1930.
Ans: Gandhiji started the Civil Disobedience Movement on 12th March, 1930 with his famous Dandi March. Many volunteers joined him forming a non-violent column. Gandhiji made salt from sea water and violated the salt-laws which forbade anyone to manufacture salt except the British Government.

Q23: Briefly state the outcome of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Ans: Although the Civil Disobedience Movement failed to achieve its set objective, but it succeeded in creating political awakening among the people. It exposed the true nature of the British rule in India. The Government crushed the movement with force, failed to subdue peoples spirit of revolt and their nationalism and patriotism.

Q24: Why did the Congress decide to boycott the First Round Table Conference?
Ans: The Congress decided to boycott the First Round Table Conference because it wanted the summoning of a Constituent Assembly to draft a Constitution for India which the British Government refused.

Q25: What was agreed upon by both sides in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?
Or
Mention any one provision each of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed in 1931.
Ans:  Gandhiji ended the Civil Disobedience Movement and decided to participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London.

• He also agreed to stop boycotting British goods.
• The Viceroy consented to:
  • Withdraw the ordinances that were put in place against the Civil Disobedience Movement.
  • Release individuals who had been imprisoned due to their involvement in the movement.
  • Return the seized property that had been taken during the movement.

Q26: With the coming of Gandhiji the National Movement started witnessing major and minor eventful happenings that made history. On the basis of this statement, describe about Champaran Satyagrahas in brief.
Ans: Champaran (Bihar) Satyagrahas was organised by Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi fought for the rights of indigo cultivators, who were subjected to illegal collection by British planters. The uprising later led to setting up a Commission which finally ruled in favour of the planters. This was one of the early successes of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent campaign.

Short Questions – II

• Gandhiji's time in South Africa was significant for his struggle for freedom in India.
• While traveling in a coach, he was made to sit on the foot-board instead of a proper seat.
• There was an empty seat available, but the conductor did not allow him to take it and even beat him because Indians were not permitted to sit in seats reserved for Europeans.
• Despite facing such insults and pain, Gandhiji did not fight back.
• Other passengers felt sorry for him and came to help.
• This experience taught Gandhiji the method of Satyagraha, which is a form of passive resistance.

Q2: Gandhiji introduced new ideas in politics and adopted new methods to give a new direction of The political movement. In this context, discuss Gandhiji doctrine of Satyagraha.
Ans: Gandhiji’s philosophy was based on non-violence. Satyagraha was one of his great weapons. Satyagraha means to “disobey the law without restoring to violence.” According to him passive resistance was the weapon of the weak while satyagraha was the weapon of the strong. He believed that a satyagrahi must be morally and spiritually strong so that he could fight injustice with non violence. He laid stress upon peaceful talks, non-cooperation, picketing, strike, social boycott, hunger strike, civil disobedience etc. to realize him aim of satyagraha.

Q3: Explain briefly the tragedy at the Jallianwala Bagh.
Ans:

• Peaceful protests took place in Amritsar against the Rowlatt Act.
• Two well-known Congress leaders, Dr. Kitchlu and Dr. Satyapal, were taken into custody.
• The public demanded that the Deputy Commissioner release the arrested leaders.
• In response, the British forces opened fire on the crowd.
• Following this, the crowd became angry and harmed some officers.
• On April 13, 1919, people gathered for a peaceful meeting in a small park in Amritsar.
• On April 12, General Dyer prohibited public gatherings and marches, a decision the people were unaware of.
• General Dyer and his soldiers blocked the only way out of the park.
• He commanded his troops to fire on the crowd, resulting in many casualties.

Q4: What did the Non-Cooperation Movement consist of?
Ans: The Non-Cooperation Movement consisted of the following:
(i) Surrendering of titles of offices and resignation from nominated posts in the local bodies.
(ii) Boycott of Government schools, colleges and law courts.
(iii) Boycott of Foreign goods and adoption of Swadeshi.
(iv) Boycott of election and other Government functions.

Q5: Explain the new method of Non-Cooperation advocated by the party member after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation movement by Gandhiji.
Ans: The Swaraj party advocated a new line of political activity and returned to Constitutional agitations. When they were elected to the Legislative Council, they found opportunity to criticise the Government. The Swaraj party opposed the Government and on many occassions the Viceroy and the Governors had to use their special powers to keep up the administration. This party continued its struggle for self-Govemment from within the Legislature from 1923 to 1927.

Q6: Give one example each to show that the following participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, (i) Gandhiji (ii) Educated Indians and (iii) Indian masses.
Ans: (i) In order to give an example from his own life, Gandhiji returned the medals, he had been awarded from his work in South Africa.
(ii) Many educated Indians also returned their degrees, titles and honours.
(iii) People boycotted Government functions. The lawyers gave up their legal practice, students left their schools and colleges, teachers submitted their resignation and worked for the Movement.

Q7: Why was the Simon Commission appointed by the British Government? Why did the Congress boycott the Commission.
Ans: The Simon Commission was appointed by the Government to look into the working of the Government of India Act 1919 and suggest further reforms.
The Congress decided to Boycott it because:
(i) It was an ‘all white’ Commission. No Indian was included in it.
(ii) It refused to accept the demand for Swaraj.

Q8: How did the people of India react of the appointment of Simon Commission.
Ans:

• The Simon Commission released its report on May 27, 1930.
• The national leaders were quite unhappy with the report.
• The Commission suggested only a limited transfer of power to the provinces, and it came with many restrictions.
• Major political parties completely rejected the Commission's proposals.
• The nationalists called for the immediate establishment of fully responsible governments at both the Centre and in the Provinces.
• This report from the Commission became a turning point in India’s fight for freedom.
• In response to their dissatisfaction, the Indians started the Civil Disobedience Movement, which was another method to oppose British imperialism, similar to the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• The Nehru Report emerged as a reaction to this situation, where Indians demanded Poorna Swaraj, or complete self-rule.

Q9: State any three recommendations of the Simon Commission.
Or
Mention any two recommendations of the Simon Commission.
Ans: Three recommendations of the Simon Commission were:
(i) There should be complete autonomy in the provinces including the department of law and order but the Governor should be given over-riding power in certain matters like internal security.
(ii) There should be a federal Government at the Centre, consisting of British India and the Princely states.
(iii) Provincial Legislative Councils should be enlarged.

Q10: State four recommendations of the Nehru Report.
Ans: Four recommendations of the Nehru Report were:
(i) Attainment of Dominion status to India at an early date.
(ii) Safeguarding the interests of religious minorities and giving them full protection.
(iii) Executive to be made responsible to the Legislature.
(iv) Indian to be a federation, built on the basis of linguistic provinces and provision of provincial autonomy.

Q11: How successful was the second round table conference? What was Gandhi’s response?
Ans: The Second Round Table conference was held in London from September to December 1931. Gandhiji was the sole representative of the Congress. The Sikh, Muslim, Christians representative wanted to safeguard their interests. Gandhiji presented some of his demands but no attention was paid to it. Nothing could be achieved from the Second Round Table Conference. Gandhiji was disappointed, he came back and started the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Long Questions

• Satyagraha: The term Satyagraha is made us of two words Satya – truth and Agraha (insistence to hold). Thus, Satyagraha means insisting on to uphold the truth. Here, truth means righteousness. It means moral force bom out of truth and non-violence. A Satyagrahi was to be fearless, truthful as well as peaceful, suffering willingly while refusing to submit to what is wrong. But while resisting evil, he would not hate the evil door.
• Swadeshi: It means producing necessary items indegeneosuly for our own use without being dependent on imported goods. Gandhiji emphasized manual labour and use of the Charkha and Khadi. The programme was directed towards social and economic upliftment.
• Mass Movement: Gandhiji has sympathy as well as understanding for the Indian peasants. Therefore, he was able to them and bring them into the mainstream of freedom movement. He united all sections of society.
• Rights of Women and other Reforms: He adovcated rights of women and wanted them to have rights equal to men. He opposed purdah system.

Q2: How did Gandhiji display his concern for the downtrodden and the weak people.
Ans:

• Gandhiji was an important social reformer.
• He opposed the caste system and viewed untouchability as a serious problem for Hindu society.
• He referred to the untouchables as ‘Harijans’ and urged everyone to treat them with respect.
• Gandhiji lived among the Harijans in their communities.
• With his guidance, the Congress party created programs aimed at improving the lives of the untouchables.
• He advocated for equal rights and status for women, encouraging them to take on significant roles in the National Movement.
• Gandhiji introduced a new kind of Basic Education where children could learn practical skills while earning.
• He placed great importance on character development and acquiring skills.
• He emphasized living a simple and moral life.

Q3: Which mass struggle was launched by Gandhiji on non-violence lines in 1920? Explain in brief the programmes of such a campaign.
Ans: In 1920 Gandhiji launched the Non-Cooperation Movement. Non-Cooperation means withdrawal of all support and co-operation. The target of this programme was the British Government. It had only one objectives, and that was to cripple the Government and to create such problems of the administration that would make it difficult to function without the willing cooperation of the Indian people. Another objective was to make it known to the British that they could not run the administration of India even for a day unless the Indians cooperated with them. The people returned all titles, honours, award, degrees given by the government. They boycotted government functions, lawyers gave up their practice, student left school and colleges, teachers resigned from their post. People started boycotting Assembly and provincial elections and gave up their seats. People observed strikes and refused to pay taxes. Khadi became the symbol of freedom.

Q4: In 1919 Gandhiji plunged into India’s struggle for freedom. He guided the affairs of the Indian National Congress with new techniques. Through various national movements he got the public support to win freedom for India. In this context explain, the reasons leading to the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Ans: The Reasons leading to Non-cooperation Movement: The Non-cooperation Movement (1920-22) was launched under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Following are the main reasons leading to the launching of this movement.

• Local movement of Champaran, Kheda and Ahmedabad: The Champaran movement of 1917 was launched for the rights of indigo planeters in Bihar. Gandhiji fought for the rights of peasants in Kheda agitation in Gujarat in 1918. In the same year Gandhiji supported the cause of Ahmedabad mill workers in Gujarat. These Movements, launched by Gandhiji brought him closer to people and prepared him for National Movement.
• Reaction to the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms: Against the expectations of the Indian leaders and masses, these reforms could not promise, self-government to India. Indian people supported British during the World War I in the hope that they would grant self-government to them. Therefore, people felt dejected and cheated by these reforms.
• The Rowlatt Act, 1919: This act known as ‘Black Bill’ gave sample powers to the police to search a place and arrest any person without warrant. The Act was described as a measure of ‘No Dalil’, No ‘Wakil’ and ‘No appeal’. The act was vehemently opposed by Indians.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: One the day of Baisakhi festival 13 April, 1919, the people organised a peaceful meeting at Jallianwala Bagh to protest the arrest of Dr. Satpal and Dr. Kitchlew, arrested by the police. However, British forced led by General Dyer, without warning massacred nearly 400 people, attending this meeting, thousands were wounded. This incident hardened the feeling of bitterness among Indian people.
• Khilafat Movement: This movement was launched in 1919 to oppose the abolition of post of Caliph in Turkey by British Government after the World War I. Gandhiji supported Khilafat Movement, which brought the unity of Hindus and Muslims against the British rule.

Q5: Discuss the impact of Non-Cooperation Movement in Indian struggle for freedom.
Ans: The impact of Non-Cooperation Movement in India’s struggle for freedom: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) was the first major national movement launched under the leadership of Gandhiji The impact on the movement was far reaching which can be described under the following points:

• Broadening the base of Congress and National Movement: Through Non-Co-operation for the case of national movement. The Congress, which was hitherto a middle class organisation, became for the first, a mass based organisation. All section of society like- peasants, workers, women, students etc. participated in this movement.
• It undermined the power and prestige of British Government: The movement intensified Anti-British feeling among the people. There was total loss of faith in the present system of government. The people wanted to get rid of their rulers.
• The movement enforced Hindu-Muslim unity: For the first time during the course of this movement. Hindus and Muslim came together to oppose the British Government under the leadership of Congress. The base of this unity was created during the Khilafa movement is 1919.
• It proved the viability of Gandhian techniques: This movement proved that the Gandhian technique of non-violet agitation were largely successful in mobilising masses. Boycott of foreign goods and services and promotion of Khadi and native gods became part of national movement. The idea of Swadeshi became a national during this movement.

Q6: Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn? How did this decision lead to the formation of the Swaraj Party?
Ans: 

• On February 5, 1922, a tragic event took place in Chauri Chaura, a village located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
• Around 3,000 peasants gathered to march towards the local police station to protest against a police officer who had attacked some volunteers who were picketing a liquor shop.
• In response to the protest, the police opened fire on the peasants, which made the crowd very angry.
• The demonstrators reacted by setting the nearby police station on fire, resulting in the deaths of 22 policemen who were inside.
• Gandhiji, who strongly believed in Ahimsa (non-violence), was deeply shocked by this incident.
• As a result, he decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement on February 12, 1922.
• This withdrawal had a negative impact on the Congress Party, causing a sense of discouragement.
• Some leaders, such as C. R. Das and Moti Lai Nehru, suggested that instead of boycotting the Legislative Councils, they should participate in them and disrupt their activities.
• They believed that this approach would not mean giving up on the Non-Cooperation Movement but would allow them to continue it in a more effective way.
• In 1923, both C. R. Das, the President of Congress, and Moti Lai Nehru, its secretary, resigned from their positions.
• They went on to create the Congress Khilafat Swaraj Party, commonly known as the Swaraj Party.

Q7: Mahatma Gandhi’s decision to withdraw Non-Cooperation Movement was criticized from all quarters. In this context, briefly explain the formation and achievement of the Swaraj Party.
Ans: After the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhiji, there prevailed calmness in the All India National Congress. Most of the leaders were in jail, and those who were not jailed showed not much of a zeal in pushing Gandhiji’s scheme. They were disappointed. At the same time, leaders like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru advocated a new line of political activity. They were of the opinion that the congressmen should stand for election to the Legislative Councils. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel opposed this suggestion. He was of the opinion that it would weaken the national zeal. At this stage Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das formed a new group within the Congress and called it the ‘Swaraj Party’. Many other leaders also joined the ‘ Swaraj Party.’
The Swarajist’s Party went ahead with its programme. They took part in the elections held in 1923 and won 43 seats in the Central Legislative Assembly. Their great achievement was that they boldly and fearlessly criticized the wrong policies of the British Government from within. Another great achievement of the Swarajists was that they re-awakened the political consciousness which had been lowered due to the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement. These elected members exerted considerable influences on the Government machinery which became more actively fruitful in some way. Their party also succeeded in getting Vithalbhai Patel elected as President (Speaker) of the Central Legislative Assembly. C. R. Das was elected as Mayor of Calcutta. They continued struggling for self-government from within.

• Q8: Explain the term Swadeshi and Boycott in the context of the National Movement in India.
  Ans: Swadeshi:
  Swadeshi means producing necessary items in one’s own country and using them for ones own use without being depending on foreign goods.
• It aimed at producing necessary goods in indigenous industries for strengthening the nation. Great leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Raf were the supporters of swadeshi Movement.
• Gandhiji emphasized manual labour and the use of the Charkha and Khadi i.e., Swadeshi products. The programme was directed towards social and economic upliftment.

Boycott: It means ‘abstaining from the purchase of British Goods’ Gradually, it became more comprehensive in scope and a four-hold programme of Boycott was advocated. It included:

• Boycott of English cloth, salt, sugar etc.
• Rejecton of English speech.
• Rejection of Government posts, courts, educational institutions and seats in Legislative Councils.
• Social Boycott of people who purchased or used foreign goods.
  Swadeshi and Boycott were the two sides of the coin; they were complementary to each other.

Q9: Explain the reason behind the launching of the Khilafat Movement in India. Why were the Khilafat and Non-cooperation Movements merged in 1920?
Ans: 

• During World War I, Turkey, a Muslim country, was defeated along with Germany.
• The countries that won the war divided the lands of the Turkish empire among themselves, which made many Muslims very angry.
• They also ended the position of the Khalifa (Caliph) of Turkey, who was seen as the religious leader of all Muslims.
• This led to a strong feeling of support for Turkey and the Caliph, known as Khilafat sentiments.
• As a result, Indian Muslims began a major protest called the Khilafat Movement.
• The movement was led by the Ali Brothers—Mohammed Ali and Shaukat Ali—along with prominent figures like Maulana Azad and Hasrat Mohani.
• They organized nationwide protests to express their demands.
• Gandhiji recognized the significance of this movement and encouraged the Khilafat Committee to adopt a policy of non-cooperation with the government.
• Since their goals and plans were similar, by the end of 1920, the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement combined into one large national movement.
• Gandhiji viewed this as a chance to bring together Hindus and Muslims.

Q10: The British Government announced the formation of the Simon Commission in 1927. In this context briefly explain the purpose of its formation and its main recommendations.
Ans: The British Government sent a Commission under the chairmanship of Sir John Simon in November 1927 to prepare a report on the working of the reforms of 1919. The Congress decided to boycott it because no Indian was appointed to this Commission. The people protested against this Commission and raised a cry ‘Simon Go Back’. It took a serious turn at Lahore, where Lala Lajpat Rai received serious injuries in the Lathi charge. He was so seriously wounded that he died. Shortly after the whole country rose in great anger.
However, the Simon Commission completed its task and submitted its report. The following were the main features of the report:

• Complete autonomy in the Province, including the department of law and order, but the Governor was given over-riding powers in certain matters.
• British troops and British officers to stay on in Indian regiments for many years.
• Federal Government at the centre, embracing not only British Indian but the Princely States as well.
• Provincial Legislative Councils to be enlarged.
• The Governor General to select and appoint members of his cabinet.
• High Courts to be under the administrative control of the Government of India.

Q11: Discuss why Congress demand for complete independence in 1929 led to the launch of the Civil Disobedence Movement.
Ans: Although the Congress in 1928 gave an ultimatum to the British Government to grant India Dominion Status by 31st December, 1929, a resolution on complete independence was passed at the Lahore session. The Congress had become a mass organisation. People of all shades had fallen heart and soul behind the Indian National Congress. Jawaharlal Nehru was the President of the Indian National Congress. The annual session of the Congress was held at Lahore (now in Pakistan) in December 1929. A resolution for complete independence or Poorna Swaraj has passed with an overwhelming majority by the participants in the session. They even celebrated the first Independence Day on 26th January, 1930, since the British Government had failed to concede to their demand of earlier resolution and ultimatum. The Indian National Flag was hoisted in Calcutta, and the members took the pledge to observe this day every year, till India would become independent. It was on this day that the Constitution of free India was promulgated in 1950.

Q12: With the help of the Motilal Nehru Report 1928, briefly describe the events that led to the launching of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Ans: The Secretary of State for India, Lord Birkenhead, asked the Indian leaders to prepare and produce a Constitution for India which should be acceptable to all the political parties of India. He threw this challenge twice. First in 1925 and again in 1927. This time the National Congress accepted this challenge. An All Party Conference was held at Bombay under the Presidentship of Mrs. Annie Besant in May 1928. There, a small sub committee was constituted under Motilal Nehru, to draft a Constitution for British India. The committee submitted the report, which is called the Nehru Report. It recommended the following main features of the proposed Constitution:

• Attainment of Dominion Status by India at an early date.
• The religious minorities be given full protection and their interests be safeguarded.
• The Executive had to be responsible to the Legislature, and
• India to have a Federal form of Government, with provisions of provincial autonomy.
• Linguistic organisation of the British provinces.
• The Governors to work on the advice of the Provincial Executive Councils.

The committee rejected the idea of separate electorates, but favoured the protection of minorities. Shortly thereafter, the All-Party Conference was held again in December 1928 at Calcutta to consider and give final shape to Nehru’s Report which was also called ‘Nehru’s Constitution.’ Jinnah who represented the Muslim League, opposed some of its provisions. Jinnah demanded that certain safeguards for the minorities be incorporated in the Constitution. On the basis of this amendment, the Muslim League provisionally approved the Nehru Report. But the League totally rejected the report when Jinnah announced his famous Fourteen Points Plan, as the minimum condition, acceptable to the League for any political settlement.

Q13: Mahatma Gandhi suspended the Civil Disobedience Campaign and agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference in London, from where he returned empty handed to India. In the context describe renewal of civil disobedence movement, 1932.
Ans:

• Gandhiji arrived in India and reached Bombay on December 28, 1931.
• His first action was to restart the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• This decision was made during a meeting of the Congress Working Committee on January 1, 1932.
• The British Government quickly responded by labeling the Congress as an illegal group.
• Important leaders, including Gandhiji, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, were imprisoned along with hundreds of others.
• However, no amount of repression from the British could instill fear in the people.
• In fact, the more severe the government's actions were, the stronger the movement grew.
• People participated in salt satyagrahis and broke forest laws.
• They also refused to pay rents and revenue.
• The Congress continued its work and held meetings despite being declared illegal.
• The government confiscated the properties of many nationalists and used cruel methods to suppress the movement.
• With many nationalist leaders in jail, communal forces became more active.
• This was a significant problem for the country during the second phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• The British Government exploited the situation and continued their Divide and Rule policy by announcing the Communal Award early in 1932.
• This award established separate electorates for Hindus, Muslims, and Harijans in the new Federal Legislature.
• Gandhiji opposed this move and was imprisoned in Yerwada Jail near Poona (Pune).

Q14: The Civil Disobedience Movement was significant in the history of the National Movement. With-reference to this movement, write short notes on the circumstances leading to Civil Disobedience Movement.
Ans: The following circumstances lead to Civil Disobedience Movement.

• The Simon Commission appointed on 8 November, 1927 landed at Mumbai on 3rd February, 1928 and then it came again on October 11, 1928. On both occasions cries of ‘Simon Go Back’ rented the air because there was no Indian among the seven members of the Commission.
• Nehru Report or the Constitution drawn by the Motilal Nehru Committee accepted the Dominion Status as the goal. The All Party Conference held at Calcutta failed to accept the suggestions. The report only fanned communal passions because it had not accepted the demand for communal electorate.
• Lahore Session of the Congress in December 1929 gave the call for ‘Purna Swaraj’ and declared 26th January as the Independence Day. At the mid-night of December 31 the newly adopted Indian Tricolour was unfurled amidst jubilant scenes.
• Earlier on May 29, 1928 the Labour Prime Minister M. Ramsay MacDonald had given an indication that Dominion Status for India would be considered but on 23 December, 1929 Lord Irwin the Viceroy was totally silent on the issue when the Indian leaders met him.
  These and other factors compelled Gandhiji to launch the Civil Disobedience Movement on March 12, 1930.

Picture Based Questions

Q1: Answer the following:

(i) Identify the male personality in the given picture.
(ii) Mention four ideological tenets of this Indian leader.
Ans: (i) Mahatma Gandhi.
(ii) Four ideological tenets of this Indian leader are:
(a) Non-violence
(b) Satyagraha
(c) Swadeshi
(d) Truth

Q2: Identify the picture as shown and answer the following:

(i) With which movement it is associated?
(ii) When and where the movement took place?
Ans: (i) This picture is associated with the Dandi March.
(ii) Dandi March was started on 12 March 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad.