Critical Thinking Questions: Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement
Type I
Q1: The Civil Disobedience Movement initiated by Gandhi emphasised the use of non-violent resistance against British rule. Which of the following statements correctly describe its characteristics?
(a) It was closely related to the Swadeshi movement, promoting the use of Indian-made goods.
(b) The movement was temporarily suspended after the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
(c) The Dandi March was a part of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Q2: How did the government respond to the Non-Cooperation Movement?
(a) The movement was completely ignored by the British government.
(b) The government engaged in dialogue with Gandhi to address the issues.
(c) The British government arrested and faced political trials to suppress the movement.
(d) Both (b) and (c)
Q3: The Simon Commission was met with widespread protest upon its arrival in India. Which of the following statements accurately describe the reasons for its opposition?
(a) It was formed to review the Government of India Act of 1919.
(b) It was entirely composed of British members, with no Indian representation.
(c) Its recommendations included granting full independence to India.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Type II
Q4: Which event directly catalysed the initiation of the Non-Cooperation Movement by the Congress in 1920?
A. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
B. The enactment of the Rowlatt Act
C. Gandhi's return to India from South Africa
D. The failure of the Cripps Mission
(a) A and B
(b) C and D
(c) A and D
(d) B and C
Q5: Which of the following were objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi?
A. Boycott of British educational institutions and law courts
B. Surrender of titles and honorary positions given by the British
C. Promotion of Hindu-Muslim unity
D. Complete independence from British rule
(a) A and B
(b) B and C
(c) A, B, and C
(d) All of the above
Q6: The Poona Pact of 1932 was significant for which reasons?
A. It marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement
B. It resulted in the Communal Award by the British government
C. It was an agreement between Ambedkar and Gandhi regarding seat allocation for the Depressed Classes
D. It was rejected by the British government leading to a new wave of civil disobedience
(a) B and C
(b) A and D
(c) C and D
(d) A and B
Type III
Q7: Rowlatt Act : preventive detention without trial :: Simon Commission :
(a) Constitutional Reforms
(b) Abolition of Salt Tax
(c) Judicial Inquiry into Political Crimes
(d) Economic Policy Formulation
Q8: Khilafat Movement : Unity of Hindu-Muslim Community :: Civil Disobedience Movement :
(a) Indian Economic Independence
(b) Boycott of British Goods and Services
(c) Parliamentary Reforms in India
(d) Restoration of the Caliphate
Q9: Poona Pact : Representation of the depressed classes in legislatures :: Gandhi-Irwin Pact :
(a) Restoration of confiscated properties to Satyagrahis
(b) Recognition of the Indian National Congress
(c) Unconditional release of all political prisoners
(d) Legalization of the production of salt by villagers
Type IV
Q10: Read the two statements given below about the Non-Cooperation Movement and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B).
(A) The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhi as a direct response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
(B) The Non-Cooperation Movement aimed to revoke the Rowlatt Act, which allowed for imprisonment without trial.
(a) (B) contradicts (A).
(b) (B) is the reason for (A).
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false.
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Q11: Analyze the two statements about the Swaraj Party and choose the correct option that represents their relationship.
(A) The Swaraj Party was formed to enter legislative assemblies and obstruct the government.
(B) The Swaraj Party aimed to promote violent agitation against the British Raj.
(a) (B) contradicts (A).
(b) (B) is the reason for (A).
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false.
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Q12: Read the two statements given below about the communal representation in British India and select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B).
(A) The Simon Commission suggested the continuation of communal representation for Muslims.
(B) The Nehru Report recommended a federal structure with no communal representation.
(a) (B) contradicts (A).
(b) (B) is the reason for (A).
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false.
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Type V
Q13: The Non-Cooperation Movement led by Gandhi in the early 1920s was a direct response to certain events and policies in India at the time. What was the primary reason for launching the Non-Cooperation Movement?
(a) To protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Act.
(b) To support the British government in recruiting Indian soldiers for World War I.
(c) To demand the immediate independence of India from British rule.
(d) To retaliate against the government's failure to pass the Nehru Report.
Q14: The Civil Disobedience Movement led by Gandhi involved non-violent resistance and non-cooperation with the British authorities, including the refusal to pay taxes. If a group in a modern democratic nation were to adopt similar tactics to protest against a government policy, which of the following is the most likely immediate reaction by the government?
(a) Acknowledgment and immediate repeal of the policy
(b) Negotiation with the protesters to find a compromise
(c) Implementation of stricter laws to curb protests
(d) Ignoring the protests and making no changes to policy
Q15: The Nehru Report of 1928 was significant in the context of the Indian National Movement because it recommended a particular framework for the country's future governance. Which of the following was NOT a recommendation of the Nehru Report?
(a) Full Dominion Status for India
(b) The inclusion of separate electorates for religious minorities
(c) The creation of a bicameral federal legislature
(d) The implementation of responsible government at the provincial level
Type VI
Q16: Identify the odd one out of the following strategies used in the National Movement (1919-1934):
(a) The Swaraj Party contesting elections to disrupt British legislative councils from within
(b) The Non-Cooperation Movement encouraging the boycott of British goods and services
(c) The Civil Disobedience Movement defying the salt tax through the Salt March
(d) The Revolutionary Movement adopting constitutional measures to gain independence
Q17: Identify the odd one out of the following outcomes of the Non-Cooperation Movement:
(a) It led to the establishment of a sense of Indian national unity.
(b) It increased the credibility of the British government among the Indian populace.
(c) It promoted the swadeshi movement and the boycott of foreign goods.
(d) It involved surrendering titles and honorary positions awarded by the British.
Q18: Which of the following was not a significant impact of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
(a) Women became more involved in the freedom struggle
(b) The movement received global attention and support
(c) There was a significant reduction in communal tensions
(d) The movement led to the confiscation of lands and buildings
FAQs on Critical Thinking Questions: Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement
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