Class 8 SST Part 2 Ch 2 NCERT Solution - India's long road to independence

Q & A —  6th   7th   8th   9th   10th

यह अध्याय हिंदी में देखें

Questions and Activities (NCERT Solutions)

Question 1. True or False

Answer:

1. Since its establishment, the Indian National Congress had demanded India's independence. — False
2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak made the Shivaji festival a popular event. — True
3. The Ghadar Movement of 1914–15 aimed to start a rebellion in the Indian army when British soldiers were occupied during the First World War. — True
4. Vallabhbhai Patel received the title of ‘Sardar’ because of his leadership during the Satyagraha movement in Gujarat. — True
5. The Kakori Train Robbery of 1925 was carried out to raise funds for the activities of the Hindustan Republican Association. — True
6. The slogan ‘Do or Die’ was given by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 during the Non-Cooperation Movement. — False
7. B. R. Ambedkar and Gandhiji completely agreed on the issue of ‘separate electorates’ for Dalits. — False
8. Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India in 1942 because Winston Churchill supported India's immediate independence. — False
9. Subhas Chandra Bose formed an army while living in Germany. — True
10. The Radcliffe Line dividing India and Pakistan was announced a few weeks before Independence Day. — False

Question 2. Who Am I?

Answer:

1. I am called the ‘Punjab Kesari’. I was seriously injured in a brutal lathi charge during the protest against the Simon Commission. — Lala Lajpat Rai
2. I famously said, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!” I used the newspaper Kesari and festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi to unite people against British rule. — Bal Gangadhar Tilak
3. I was the leader of the nationalist faction of the Congress. In the daily Bande Mataram, I wrote about the need to achieve complete autonomy for India. — Aurobindo Ghosh
4. I received the nickname ‘Bagha’ after wrestling with a tiger. I was a revolutionary leader who was killed in an encounter while waiting for a shipment of German weapons to start a rebellion. — Bagha Jatin (Jatindranath Mukherjee)
5. I organised the daring attempt to throw a bomb at the Viceroy in 1912. Later, I went to Japan and worked for years to organise the movement from there. — Rash Behari Bose
6. I was hanged at a young age after an attempt to attack a British judge. — Khudiram Bose
7. I was hanged at a young age after throwing a non-lethal bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. — Bhagat Singh
8. I transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement through the principles of non-violence and Satyagraha and led campaigns such as the Dandi March. — Mahatma Gandhi
9. I sought assistance from the Axis Powers during the Second World War to organise the Azad Hind Fauj. — Subhas Chandra Bose
10. I was a British lawyer. I was given only five weeks to draw the boundary line dividing the Indian subcontinent into two separate countries. — Sir Cyril Radcliffe

Question 3. What kinds of sacrifices are required to achieve freedom?

Think about the lives of Indian soldiers in wars, the suffering of families during famines, the leaders who were arrested, and ordinary people who lost their homes and security during protests. If you had been alive during India's freedom struggle, would you have chosen to participate in it? What comforts, opportunities, or personal goals would you have been willing to give up for a cause in which you firmly believed?

Answer: Courage, patience, unity, and sacrifice are required to achieve freedom. Freedom fighters risked going to prison, facing hardships, and staying away from their families. If I had been alive at that time, I would have participated in the freedom movement according to my abilities. I would have boycotted foreign goods, adopted indigenous goods, and participated in peaceful movements. I would have been willing to sacrifice my personal benefits and comforts for the independence of the country.

Question 4. What values are reflected in Tilak's statement, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!”? Can these values also be important for today's youth?

Answer: This statement reflects values such as freedom, self-respect, courage, determination, and awareness of one's rights. These values are also important for today's youth. Young people should be aware of their rights, oppose injustice, and work hard to achieve their goals.

Question 5. How did peasants, workers, tribal communities, and students contribute to the national movement in ways different from political leaders?

Answer: Peasants opposed taxes and unjust policies. Workers participated in strikes and protests. Tribal communities opposed British rule to protect their rights, land, and traditions. Students boycotted foreign educational institutions, participated in processions, and spread nationalist ideas. In this way, ordinary people transformed the freedom struggle into a broad-based mass movement.

Question 6. Discuss in class this excerpt from Jawaharlal Nehru's speech on 15 August 1947:

“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”

(a) What does “Redeem our pledge” mean? How would you define the “Soul of a nation”?

Answer: “Redeem our pledge” means fulfilling the promise of making India independent and giving the people of the country the right to govern themselves.

“Soul of a nation” refers to the shared values, culture, unity, spirit of freedom, and love for the country among its people.

Question 7. Imagine that you are a freedom fighter.

(a) Explain the method you support for achieving independence.

Answer: I would support non-violence and Satyagraha. I would oppose British rule through peaceful processions, the boycott of foreign goods, and the use of indigenous goods.

(b) Discuss with your classmates another method that they support. Respect others' views during your debate.

Answer: Some classmates may support non-violent movements, while others may consider the methods of revolutionaries important. We should present arguments in support of our views and listen carefully to others. Despite their differences, everyone's aim was the independence of the country.

(c) What does this debate teach us about unity and disagreement?

Answer: This debate teaches us that people may have different views and methods, yet they can work towards a common goal. Unity does not mean that everyone must think alike; it means working together while respecting differences of opinion.

Question 8. Write a news report based on an important event in the freedom movement (Swadeshi, Boycott, Satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, Quit India Movement, or Partition).

(a) Write a headline.

(b) Include an interview or public reaction.

(c) Explain why this event was important.

Answer:

(a) Headline – Quit India Movement: Nationwide Struggle Against the British Intensifies.

(b) Interview –

A protester said, “We want to see our country free. We will continue our struggle through non-violent means and are ready to achieve Swaraj.”

(c) Importance of the Event –

The Quit India Movement began in 1942. Gandhiji gave the slogan “Do or Die”. People from across the country participated in this movement. The British government arrested the leaders, but the movement made it clear that Indians were no longer willing to accept foreign rule.

Question 9. Imagine that you are part of a team creating a small museum on India's freedom struggle for students of your age.

(a) Choose a title for your exhibition.

(b) Choose three objects for your exhibition (for example, a letter, a photograph, a newspaper, or a prison diary—you may add other examples) and explain what each object represents.

(c) Write a short note on what visitors should learn or feel after seeing this exhibition.

Answer:

(a) Exhibition Title –

India's Struggle for Independence: A Story of Sacrifice, Courage, and Unity.

(b) Three Objects –

• Mahatma Gandhi's spinning wheel: A symbol of Swadeshi, self-reliance, and rural employment.
• A newspaper from the freedom movement: A symbol of the spread of nationalist ideas and opposition to British rule.
• A freedom fighter's letter: A symbol of love for the country, sacrifice, and the determination to achieve independence.

(c) What Visitors Should Learn –

Visitors should learn from this exhibition that India's independence was achieved through the struggle and sacrifices of many people. They should respect the freedom fighters and resolve to protect the country's unity, democracy, and freedom.

Question 10. As a classroom activity, write and perform a short play based on the freedom movement.

Answer: The play may be titled “Swaraj Is Our Right”. It can include the roles of Gandhiji, a student, a farmer, a worker, and a British officer. The play can show the boycott of foreign goods, peaceful protests, and people's unity for independence. At the end, all the characters should pledge to build an independent India.

Question 11. India achieved independence after great sacrifices. What responsibilities do citizens have today to protect and strengthen this freedom? Write in 5 to 10 lines.

Answer:

• We should respect the Constitution and laws of the country.
• We should treat all citizens with equality and respect.
• We should maintain the unity and integrity of the country.
• We should use our voting rights responsibly.
• We should protect democratic institutions and values.
• We should not discriminate on the basis of caste, religion, or language.
• We should protect public property.
• We should promote peace, brotherhood, and harmony in the country.
• We should perform our duties honestly.
• We should remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters and contribute to the progress of the country.

Think About It, Let's Explore and Don't Miss Out

Question 1. Why is it difficult to remember the names of all freedom fighters in India's freedom struggle?

Answer: India's freedom struggle was very long. Millions of people from different regions of the country participated in it. Many people sacrificed their lives, comforts, and conveniences for the country's freedom. Therefore, it is difficult to remember the names of all freedom fighters.

Question 2. Why were the methods of freedom fighters different even though their goals were the same?

Answer: All freedom fighters wanted to free India from foreign rule, but their ideas were different. Some people wanted gradual reforms, some emphasised Swadeshi and boycott, some believed in revolutionary action, and Mahatma Gandhi supported non-violence and Satyagraha.

Question 3. Why was wearing Khadi not limited to simply wearing clothes?

Answer: Khadi is made from yarn spun and woven by hand. Wearing it was a symbol of Swadeshi and self-reliance. It could provide work to people in villages and reduce dependence on cloth imported from Britain.

Question 4. The idea of Swadeshi was not new in India. What examples are given in the chapter in support of it?

Answer: The chapter gives some examples of Indian industries and institutions:

• 1886: Jamsetji Tata established Swadeshi Mills in Bombay.
• 1895: Punjab National Bank was established in Lahore with Indian capital. Lala Lajpat Rai was among its founding members and early directors.
• 1901: Prafulla Chandra Ray established Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Limited.

The purpose of these efforts was to promote Indian industries and challenge the British economic monopoly.

Question 5. What was the main objective of the Swadeshi Movement?

Answer: The objective of the Swadeshi Movement was to promote Indian goods and industries, reduce dependence on foreign goods, and develop a spirit of self-reliance among Indians.

Question 6. What is the significance of the song ‘Vande Mataram’?

Answer: ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The song expressed feelings of love and respect for the motherland. During the freedom movement, it played an important role in awakening national feelings among people. In 1950, the Constituent Assembly adopted it as India's national song.

Question 7. How are Swami Vivekananda's ideas useful in the present times?

Answer: Swami Vivekananda emphasised self-confidence, courage, education, science, and the importance of Indian culture. His ideas still inspire us to believe in our abilities, work hard, remain dedicated to our goals, and serve others.

Question 8. What message did Swami Vivekananda give to Indians?

Answer: He gave Indians the message to overcome fear, weakness, and self-doubt and recognise their inner strength. He encouraged Indians to move forward while respecting their cultural roots.

Question 9. What role did the newspaper ‘Bande Mataram’ play in the national movement?

Answer: Bipin Chandra Pal started the English daily Bande Mataram in 1906. Aurobindo Ghosh was also associated with it and later took responsibility for its management. This newspaper opposed the Partition of Bengal and promoted the demand for complete national autonomy for India.

Question 10. Why was the use of an idea such as ‘complete national autonomy’ instead of the word ‘independence’ important in the newspaper ‘Bande Mataram’?

Answer: This term expressed the demand for India's right to govern itself and make its own decisions. It made it clear that the goal of the national movement was not merely to obtain a few reforms, but to give India the right to decide its own future.

Question 11. What characteristics of Bal Gangadhar Tilak's personality are revealed by his statement, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it”?

Answer: This statement shows Tilak's determination, courage, and dedication to freedom. He believed that Indians had the right to govern their own country and that it was necessary to struggle for this right.

Question 12. What was the message of Tilak's statement after he was sentenced?

Answer: Tilak meant that his suffering and punishment could benefit the freedom movement. He believed that the struggle for the country's cause should continue despite personal hardships.

Question 13. For what purpose did the British use the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands?

Answer: The British used the Cellular Jail to keep revolutionaries imprisoned and isolated far away from the mainland. Being sent there forced freedom fighters to remain separated from their families and other fellow members of the movement.

Question 14. Why was the contribution of revolutionaries important in the freedom movement?

Answer: The revolutionaries fought courageously against British rule. Their actions and sacrifices inspired a spirit of resistance among people. Although their methods differed from Gandhiji's non-violent approach, they also wanted freedom for India.

Question 15. What was the purpose behind Gandhiji's use of the spinning wheel and promotion of Khadi?

Answer: The promotion of Khadi was not just about making clothes. Its purpose was to make Indians self-reliant, provide employment to rural people, and challenge the import of British cloth. Khadi also became a symbol of national unity and Swadeshi.

Question 16. What do the figures related to arrests and sacrifices during the freedom movements indicate?

Answer: According to the chapter, about 40,000 people went to jail during the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22). More than 60,000 people were arrested during the Salt Satyagraha in 1930. About 40,000 people were imprisoned during the Civil Disobedience Movement (1931–34), and more than one lakh freedom fighters were imprisoned during the Quit India Movement (1942–45). These figures show that people across the country made great sacrifices for freedom.

Question 17. What was Aruna Asaf Ali's role in the Quit India Movement?

Answer: When senior Congress leaders were arrested during the Quit India Movement, Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the national flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay. Later, she went underground and continued contributing to the movement against British rule through activities and secret newspapers. She also supported the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny of February 1946.

Question 18. Who was Kanaklata Barua, and what was her contribution?

Answer: Kanaklata Barua was a young freedom fighter from Assam. During the Quit India Movement of 1942, at just 17 years of age, she was leading a procession to hoist the national flag at the police station in Gohpur. She died in British police firing. She is remembered as a ‘Veerangana’ (brave woman).

Question 19. What is the purpose of giving a long list of freedom fighters in the chapter?

Answer: The purpose of this list is to show that not only famous leaders but also many people from different parts of the country contributed to the freedom struggle. It was not possible to mention every freedom fighter in the chapter. The contributions of those whose names are not included in the textbook are no less important.

Question 20. Why is it necessary to remember the contributions of women in the families of freedom fighters?

Answer: Women in the families of freedom fighters also provided support, made sacrifices, and endured hardships during the struggle. Therefore, their contributions should also be remembered with respect and gratitude in the history of India's independence.

Question 21. Did India achieve independence because of only one leader or one movement?

Answer: No. According to the chapter, India's independence was the result of many factors. Along with Gandhiji's and the Congress's movements, the efforts of revolutionaries, popular uprisings, rebellions in the Indian Air Force and Navy, Britain's weakened position after the Second World War, and the worldwide trend towards the end of colonialism also played a role.

Question 22. Why is India's independence called a collective victory?

Answer: From 1857 to 1947, several generations of Indians struggled for independence. Farmers, revolutionaries, women, students, and many ordinary citizens contributed in different ways. Therefore, independence was not the achievement of a single person, but a collective victory resulting from the struggle and sacrifices of people across the country.

Important Facts to Remember

• Swadeshi Mills — 1886, Jamsetji Tata
• Punjab National Bank — 1895, Lahore
• Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals — 1901, Prafulla Chandra Ray
• English daily ‘Bande Mataram’ — 1906, Bipin Chandra Pal
• ‘Vande Mataram’ adopted as the national song — 1950
• Non-Cooperation Movement — 1920–22
• Salt Satyagraha — 1930
• Quit India Movement — 1942
• Independence of India — 15 August 1947

Important Questions and Answers

Question 1. What changes took place in the governance of India in 1858?

Answer: After the Revolt of 1857, in 1858, the governance of India was transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown (British Government). The administration of India began to be conducted through the Secretary of State for India in Britain and the Viceroy in India.

Question 2. What promises were made in the Royal Proclamation of 1858?

Answer: The proclamation issued in the name of Queen Victoria promised that:

• The rights and honour of the rulers of Indian princely states would be respected.
• There would be no interference in the religious beliefs of Indians.
• Indians would be treated in the same way as other subjects of Britain.

However, in practice, the British did not fully honour these promises. Interference in the administration of princely states continued, and Indians continued to face economic exploitation.

Question 3. How were Indians discriminated against during British rule?

Answer: Indians faced discrimination in several ways:

• Indian employees received lower salaries than British employees in equivalent positions.
• European people were treated more leniently in courts.
• Indians were not allowed to mix freely with Europeans in some clubs, railway carriages and public places.
• The Arms Act of 1878 restricted Indians from possessing weapons.
• The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 imposed control and censorship on newspapers published in Indian languages.

Question 4. Why were social reform movements needed in India?

Answer: Indian society faced problems such as child marriage, the poor condition of widows, caste-based discrimination, lack of education for women and social inequality. Social reform movements were needed to address these problems and promote education, equality and self-reliance in society.

Question 5. Describe the contributions of major social reform movements and reformers.

Answer:

Raja Ram Mohan Roy — Brahmo Samaj (1828): Opposed child marriage and caste discrimination; supported the rights of widows and girls' education.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati — Arya Samaj (1875): Emphasised a return to the Vedas, rational thinking, equality and self-reliance; supported women's education.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: Promoted modern education, especially girls' education, and social reform.

Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule: Promoted education and the rights of disadvantaged groups.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Promoted modern education.

Question 6. What was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's contribution to Indian nationalism?

Answer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay promoted a sense of pride in Indian culture and the motherland. His novel Anandamath was published in 1882. The song 'Vande Mataram', included in it, became a major symbol of patriotism during the freedom movement.

The song was composed in 1875. Rabindranath Tagore set it to music and sang it at a Congress session in 1896. In 1950, it was adopted as India's National Song.

Question 7. What message did Swami Vivekananda give to Indians?

Answer: Swami Vivekananda gave Indians the message of self-confidence, courage, education and pride in their own culture. He opposed blind imitation of the West and emphasised drawing inspiration from Indian spiritual traditions. He established the Ramakrishna Mission to combine spiritual practice with social service.

His ideas inspired many freedom fighters.

Question 8. When and through whose efforts was the Indian National Congress established?

Answer: The Indian National Congress was established in Bombay (present-day Mumbai) in 1885. British official Allan Octavian Hume played an important role in its formation. Its first president was Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee. In the first session, 72 delegates from different regions and religions participated.

Question 9. What were the early demands of the Congress?

Answer: Initially, the Congress wanted to increase Indian participation under British rule. Its major demands were:

• Greater Indian participation in governance.
• Protection of civil rights.
• Social and economic reforms.
• Changes in administration through dialogue with the government.

At that time, the Congress did not directly demand complete independence. The British Government ignored most of its demands.

Question 10. What was the Kuka Movement?

Answer: The Kuka Movement, also known as the Namdhari Movement, developed in Punjab under the leadership of Baba Ram Singh. Its aim was to reform Sikh society and oppose British rule.

Its major activities included:

• Opposing child marriage and female infanticide.
• Trying to abolish the dowry system.
• Boycotting foreign goods.
• Wearing white cloth spun by hand.
• Separating themselves from British institutions by establishing their own postal system and private courts.

In 1872, the British harshly suppressed the movement and exiled Baba Ram Singh to Burma.

Question 11. What was Bal Gangadhar Tilak's contribution to the freedom movement?

Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak criticised British rule through his Marathi newspaper Kesari. He transformed Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji festivals into popular public celebrations to awaken national consciousness among people.

He supported more assertive nationalist ideas. He was sent to prison on charges of sedition. He was known as 'Lokmanya'. His famous slogan was — “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.”

Question 12. Who was Birsa Munda? What was the objective of his movement?

Answer: Birsa Munda was a prominent leader of the Munda tribal community in the Chotanagpur region. He opposed British rule, exploitative landlords and outside interference in tribal life.

In 1899–1900, he led a revolt known as Ulgulan (the Great Tumult). Its objective was to protect tribal land, rights, faith and dignity. He died in prison in 1900, but continued to be an important symbol of tribal resistance.

Question 13. When was Bengal partitioned, and what was the purpose behind it?

Answer: Viceroy Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905. The government stated that the purpose was to make administration more efficient, but Indian nationalists considered it part of the British policy of 'Divide and Rule'.

The partition separated large parts of Bengal and encouraged a sense of division along religious lines. It was opposed throughout the country.

Question 14. What were the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements?

Answer: The Swadeshi and Boycott Movements intensified in opposition to the partition of Bengal.

• Swadeshi Movement: Adopting goods made in the country and promoting Indian industries.
• Boycott Movement: Giving up the use of foreign goods, especially British cloth. Some supporters also boycotted government schools, colleges and courts.

People burnt foreign clothes and wore Indian-made clothes. The objective of these movements was to make India economically self-reliant and reduce dependence on British rule.

Question 15. Who were 'Lal-Bal-Pal'?

Answer: Lal-Bal-Pal were three prominent nationalist leaders:

• Lal: Lala Lajpat Rai.
• Bal: Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• Pal: Bipin Chandra Pal.

These leaders played an important role in popularising Swadeshi, boycott, national awakening and the demand for Swaraj.

Question 16. What was the Surat Split of 1907?

Answer: In 1907, differences within the Congress increased at Surat, and the Congress split into two groups.

• Moderates: Wanted to achieve self-government through dialogue, constitutional methods and gradual reforms.
• Nationalists: Emphasised stronger measures such as Swaraj, Swadeshi and boycott.

This split weakened the unity of the Congress in the freedom movement.

Question 17. Who were revolutionary freedom fighters, and what did they want?

Answer: Revolutionaries were freedom fighters who believed that armed revolt and revolutionary action might be necessary to end British rule.

Major examples include:

• Khudiram Bose: He was arrested in 1908 and executed by hanging.
• Anushilan Samiti: Established in Bengal in 1902; it was associated with groups that provided young people with intellectual, moral and physical training.
• Ghadar Movement: In 1914–15, Indian revolutionaries living abroad attempted to organise a revolt in the British Indian Army.
• Bagha Jatin: A revolutionary leader associated with plans for armed revolt.

The British harshly suppressed these efforts, but they strengthened resistance against British rule.

Question 18. Why was the All-India Muslim League established?

Answer: The All-India Muslim League was established in Dhaka in 1906. Its objective was to protect the political interests of Muslims in British India. Its supporters were concerned that Muslims would not receive adequate representation in the Congress. Initially, its support base was mainly limited to the Muslim elite.

Question 19. What was the significance of the Home Rule Movement and the Lucknow Pact?

Answer: In 1916, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant launched the Home Rule Movement. Its objective was to secure self-government for India within the British Empire.

In the same year, the Lucknow Pact was concluded between the Congress and the Muslim League at the Congress session in Lucknow. The Congress accepted a separate electorate system for Muslims in elections to legislative councils. This increased cooperation between the two organisations.

Question 20. When did Mahatma Gandhi return to India, and what does Satyagraha mean?

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915. In South Africa, he had experienced racial discrimination and struggled for the rights of Indians.

Satyagraha means holding firmly to truth. It was based on truth, non-violence and peaceful resistance against injustice. Gandhi used this method in India to address the problems of farmers, workers and ordinary people.

Question 21. Which early movements did Gandhi participate in India?

Answer: Gandhi used Satyagraha to address local problems. The major movements included:

• Champaran Movement: Against the exploitation of indigo farmers in Bihar.
• Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Movement: To resolve the problem of low wages.
• Kheda Movement: Against the collection of excessive land revenue from farmers in Gujarat.

These movements increased Gandhi's influence as a mass leader.

Question 22. What was the Rowlatt Act? Why was it opposed?

Answer: In 1919, the British Government implemented the Rowlatt Act. Under this law, the police could detain a person without conducting a trial.

This imposed serious restrictions on civil liberties. Gandhi opposed the Act and called for a nationwide Satyagraha.

Question 23. What was the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?

Answer: On 13 April 1919, thousands of people had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. Some had come to celebrate Baisakhi, while others were protesting against the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of local leaders.

Brigadier General Dyer ordered soldiers to fire on the unarmed crowd. Many people were killed and injured in the incident. The massacre shocked the entire country and increased Indian anger against British rule.

Question 24. Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement launched?

Answer: Even after the First World War, India did not receive independence. Events such as rising prices, food shortages, the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre increased public dissatisfaction.

Gandhi decided to put pressure on the British by ending cooperation with their rule. The Congress formally launched the Non-Cooperation Movement at its Nagpur session in December 1920.

Question 25. What were the major programmes of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Answer: The major programmes of the Non-Cooperation Movement were:

• Boycott of foreign goods.
• Boycott of government schools and colleges.
• Keeping away from government courts.
• Adopting Swadeshi goods and Khadi.
• Promoting Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Encouraging non-violent protest and public participation.

People from different regions of the country participated in this movement.

Question 26. Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn?

Answer: In 1922, a violent incident took place at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh. Police personnel died in this incident. Gandhi believed that it was essential to keep the movement non-violent. Therefore, he withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Question 27. What was the importance of Khadi in the freedom movement?

Answer: Khadi is cloth made from yarn spun and woven by hand. Gandhi made Khadi a symbol of Swadeshi and self-reliance.

Adopting Khadi could increase employment opportunities for rural people and reduce dependence on British cloth. Spinning on the charkha also became a symbol of opposition to British economic exploitation.

Question 28. When was the demand for Purna Swaraj made?

Answer: At the Congress session held in Lahore in December 1929, the demand for Purna Swaraj, meaning complete independence, was accepted. The session was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru.

Earlier, the report prepared in 1928 under the chairmanship of Motilal Nehru had demanded Dominion Status for India. However, many young leaders felt that the demand for complete independence should now be made.

Question 29. What was the Civil Disobedience Movement? How did it begin?

Answer: The Civil Disobedience Movement began in 1930 under Gandhi's leadership. Its objective was to peacefully violate unjust British laws.

It began with the Dandi March against the salt laws. In March–April 1930, Gandhi travelled approximately 380 kilometres from Sabarmati to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat and made salt in defiance of the salt laws.

Question 30. Why was the Salt Satyagraha chosen as a symbol of the movement?

Answer: Salt is a necessity for everyone. The British Government controlled salt production and imposed a tax on it. Therefore, the salt laws affected all Indians, including the poor.

By breaking the salt laws, Gandhi demonstrated that unjust laws could be opposed peacefully. Large numbers of people, including women, participated in this movement.

Question 31. What was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?

Answer: In 1931, an agreement was reached between Gandhi and Viceroy Irwin.

Its major points were:

• The government would release political prisoners who had not been involved in violence.
• Limited private production of salt would be permitted.
• The Congress would suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• The Congress would participate in the Round Table Conference in London.

However, the conference did not produce any decisive solution regarding Purna Swaraj.

Question 32. What were the contributions of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev to the freedom movement?

Answer: Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar were prominent revolutionaries. Bhagat Singh participated in revolutionary activities against British rule and also went on a hunger strike in prison to protest against unjust treatment.

On 23 March 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were executed by hanging. They became symbols of courage, sacrifice and opposition to colonial rule for young people.

Question 33. Why was the Simon Commission opposed?

Answer: The Simon Commission came to India during 1927–28. Indians opposed it because it did not include any Indian member. Indians felt that they had not been given proper representation in decisions about constitutional reforms concerning their future.

During the protests, Lala Lajpat Rai was seriously injured in a police lathi charge and died later. He was popularly known as 'Punjab Kesari' or the 'Lion of Punjab'.

Question 34. What was the difference between Gandhi's methods and those of the revolutionaries?

Answer: Both aimed to free India from British rule, but their methods were different.

• Gandhi: Believed in Satyagraha, non-violence, boycott and broad public participation.
• Revolutionaries: Considered armed revolt and revolutionary actions as means of ending British rule.
• Nationalist leaders: Emphasised Swaraj, Swadeshi, boycott and national awakening.
• Moderate leaders: Supported dialogue, constitutional reforms and the gradual achievement of self-government.

All these approaches influenced the freedom movement in different ways.

Question 35. What was the role of women in India's freedom struggle?

Answer: Women participated in movements, boycotted foreign goods, broke the salt laws and took part in protests.

Major examples include:

• Sarojini Naidu: Poet and freedom fighter; she became the first Indian woman president of the Congress in 1925.
• Aruna Asaf Ali: Hoisted the national flag at the Gowalia Tank Ground in Bombay during the Quit India Movement of 1942.
• Kanaklata Barua: At the age of 17, she was martyred while leading a procession in Assam that had set out to hoist the national flag during the Quit India Movement.
• Rani Gaidinliu: Fought against British rule in Northeast India.

Women's participation helped turn the freedom movement into a broad-based mass movement.

Question 36. What was the significance of the Lahore Resolution of 1940?

Answer: At the Muslim League's Lahore session in March 1940, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a demand was raised for a separate political arrangement for Muslim-majority areas. This demand later became associated with the creation of Pakistan.

This made the question of India's future and Hindu-Muslim political relations even more important.

Question 37. Why did the Cripps Mission come to India?

Answer: During the Second World War, the British Government sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India in 1942. Its purpose was to present constitutional proposals to obtain Indian support for the war.

The proposal offered Dominion Status to India after the war. It also gave provinces the option of staying out of the future Indian Union. Most major Indian leaders considered it inadequate and rejected the proposal.

Question 38. When was the Quit India Movement launched? What were its main objectives?

Answer: Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement in August 1942. Its main objective was to demand that the British leave India immediately.

Gandhi gave the people the message of “Do or Die”. During the movement:

• Major Congress leaders were arrested.
• Protests and rallies took place across the country.
• Students and workers participated in the movement.
• Leaders such as Ram Manohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan played roles in underground activities.

The British Government harshly suppressed the movement, but it became clear that Indians were no longer willing to accept foreign rule.

Question 39. What was Aruna Asaf Ali's contribution to the Quit India Movement?

Answer: In August 1942, when senior Congress leaders had been arrested, Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the national flag at the Gowalia Tank Ground in Bombay. After this, she remained underground and continued participating in activities related to the movement. She became a symbol of courage and resistance in the Quit India Movement.

Question 40. What were the contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj?

Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose supported armed struggle to free India from British rule. In 1941, he left India to seek assistance from powers opposed to Britain.

In 1943, he reorganised the Indian National Army (INA or Azad Hind Fauj) and announced the Provisional Government of Free India. The INA launched campaigns in Northeast India, but its campaigns were defeated by 1944.

Nevertheless, the INA and the trials of its soldiers strengthened public feeling against British rule in India.

Question 41. What was the significance of the Naval Mutiny of 1946?

Answer: In 1946, Indian sailors of the Royal Indian Navy revolted. At the same time, the INA trials and other political developments were also a matter of concern for British rule.

These events showed that it was becoming increasingly difficult for the British Government to maintain the same level of control over the Indian armed forces and the public.

Question 42. Why did the Cabinet Mission come to India?

Answer: In 1946, the British Government sent the Cabinet Mission to India to discuss the transfer of power and the constitutional arrangement. Its objective was to find solutions to questions concerning India's future government and constitution.

However, differences between the Congress and the Muslim League continued over India's unity, the arrangement of provinces and the distribution of power. Therefore, the political crisis could not be resolved.

Question 43. What was Direct Action Day?

Answer: The Muslim League called for the observance of Direct Action Day on 16 August 1946. Serious communal violence followed in several places, including Calcutta. A large number of people were affected.

This violence further increased the possibility of India's partition and made political compromise more difficult.

Question 44. Why was India partitioned?

Answer: There were several reasons behind the partition of India:

• Differences between the Congress and the Muslim League over power-sharing and the future system of government.
• The Muslim League's demand for a separate Muslim-majority state.
• Separate electorates and increasing communal political differences.
• Widespread communal violence in 1946.
• The British Government's acceptance of a partition plan for the transfer of power.

Under these circumstances, India was partitioned in 1947, and India and Pakistan became two independent countries.

Question 45. When did India gain independence? What major tragedy was associated with independence?

Answer: India gained independence on 15 August 1947. It was the result of a long struggle, public participation and the sacrifices of countless people.

However, India's partition also took place alongside independence. Widespread communal violence occurred during the partition, and millions of people had to leave their homes and move to another country. Thus, independence became a historical moment marked by both happiness and tragedy.

Question 46. What was the difference between Swaraj, Purna Swaraj and Dominion Status?

Answer:

Swaraj: Self-rule or self-government. Its meaning could differ for different leaders.

Purna Swaraj: Complete independence from British rule.

Dominion Status: Extensive internal self-government within the British Empire, while the British monarch remained the formal head of state.

Question 47. What was the difference between the Swadeshi Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Answer:

Swadeshi Movement: It placed special emphasis on adopting Indian goods and boycotting foreign goods. It emerged prominently in opposition to the partition of Bengal in 1905.

Non-Cooperation Movement: It began under Gandhi's leadership in 1920. Besides foreign goods, it also emphasised ending cooperation with government schools, courts and other British institutions.

Both movements aimed to weaken British rule and promote Indian self-reliance.

Question 48. How did the Indian freedom struggle become a mass movement?

Answer: The freedom struggle did not involve only major political leaders. Farmers, workers, students, women, tribal communities, traders, writers, journalists and revolutionaries also participated in it.

In different regions, people opposed British rule on the basis of their own problems. Despite differences in ideas and methods, the shared desire for freedom brought these efforts together into a broad movement.

Question 49. On which issues did freedom fighters have differences?

Answer: Freedom fighters aimed to free India from foreign rule, but they did not always agree on the methods to achieve this goal.

• Moderates wanted gradual constitutional reforms.
• Nationalists demanded Swaraj and complete independence more firmly.
• Revolutionaries believed in armed struggle.
• Gandhi emphasised non-violence and Satyagraha.
• The Congress and the Muslim League had differences over India's future political arrangement.

These differences influenced the direction and outcomes of the freedom movement.

Question 50. What does India's long struggle for independence teach us?

Answer: India's freedom struggle teaches us that achieving independence was a long and difficult process. People from different regions and communities contributed to it.

This struggle highlights the importance of courage, sacrifice, self-reliance, unity and raising one's voice against injustice. At the same time, the tragedy of partition teaches us that political and religious differences must be resolved peacefully.

Important Dates

• 1858: The British Crown took direct control of the administration of India.
• 1885: Establishment of the Indian National Congress.
• 1905: Partition of Bengal; Swadeshi and Boycott Movements.
• 1906: Establishment of the Muslim League; the Congress supported Swaraj, Swadeshi and boycott.
• 1907: Split in the Congress at Surat.
• 1915: Gandhi returned to India.
• 1916: Home Rule Movement and Lucknow Pact.
• 1919: Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• 1920: Non-Cooperation Movement began.
• 1922: Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura incident.
• 1929: Demand for Purna Swaraj at the Lahore session of the Congress.
• 1930: Dandi March and Civil Disobedience Movement.
• 1931: Gandhi-Irwin Pact; Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were executed.
• 1942: Quit India Movement.
• 1943: Announcement of the Provisional Government of Free India.
• 1946: Naval Mutiny and Cabinet Mission.
• 1947: India's independence and partition.