nationalism in india question bank for term 2 exam

 1) How did the Non-Cooperation Movement unfold in the cities and towns of 

India? 

Ans. 

(i) The movement started with middle-class participation in the cities. 

(ii) Thousands of students left government-controlled schools and college.

(iii) Many teachers resigned.

(iv) Lawyers gave up their legal practices. 

(v) The council elections were boycotted in most provinces except Madras. 

(vi) Foreign goods were boycotted, liquor shops picketed, and foreign cloth 

burnt in huge bonfires. 

(vii) Any other relevant point

 (Any two points) 

Unit -History, Ch - Nationalism in India – Page 34

2) “Tribal peasants interpreted the message of Mahatma Gandhi and the 

idea of swaraj in another way and participated in the Non-Cooperation 

Movement differently.” Justify the statement.

Ans.

(i) Spread of militant guerrilla movement in the Gudem Hills of Andhra 

Pradesh.

(ii) They were against colonial policies.

(iii) Their livelihood was affected and their traditional rights were denied.

(iv) Their leader Alluri Sitaram Raju was inspired by the Non Cooperation 

Movement and persuaded people to wear khadi and give up drinking.

(v) He wanted liberation by the use of force. 

(vi) The rebels attacked police stations and carried on guerrilla warfare for 

achieving swaraj. 

(vii) Any other relevant point

(To be evaluated as a whole)

Unit -History, Ch - Nationalism in India – Page 35-36

3) Read the given text and answer the following questions:

‘It is said of “passive resistance” that it is the weapon of the weak, but the power which is the subject of this article can be used only by the strong. This power is not passive resistance; indeed, it calls for intense activity. The movement in South Africa was not passive but active …Satyagraha is not physical force. A satyagrahi does not inflict pain on the  adversary; he does not seek his destruction … In the use of satyagraha, there is no ill-will whatever.

Satyagraha is pure soul-force. Truth is the very substance of the soul. That is why this force is called satyagraha. The soul is informed with knowledge. In it burns the flame of love. … Nonviolence is the supreme dharma …‘It is certain hat India cannot rival Britain or Europe in force of arms. The British worship the war-god and they can all of them become, as they are becoming, bearers of arms. The hundreds of millions in India can never carry arms. They have made the religion of non-violence their own ...’

3.1. Why did Gandhiji consider nonviolence as supreme dharma? (1)

Gandhiji adopted nonviolence as a philosophy and an ideal way of life. 

According to him philosophy of nonviolence is not a weapon of the weak; it is 

a weapon, which can be tried by all.

3.2 How was Gandhian satyagraha taken by the people who believed in his philosophy? (1)

A satyagrahi does not inflict pain on the adversary; he does not seek his destruction. In the use of satyagraha, there is no ill-will.

3.3 Why was Gandhian satyagraha considered as a novel way to resist injustice? (2)

(i) One could win the battle through nonviolence.

(ii) This could be done by appealing to the conscience of the oppressor. 

(iii) People – including the oppressors – had to be persuaded to see the truth, instead of being forced to accept truth through the use of violence.

(iv) Any other relevant point

 (Any two points) 

 Unit -History, Ch - Nationalism in India – Page 30

5) what was the idea of satyagraha 

ans- •Mahatma Gandhi advocated a novel method of mass agitation, called Satyagraha.

* It emphasised the power of truth and the need to search for truth. If the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, then physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor. A Satyagrahi could win the battle through non-violence, which could unite all Indians.

• After arriving in India, Mahatma Gandhi successfully organised Satyagraha movements in various place. In 1917, he travelled to Champaran and inspired the peasants to struggle against the oppressive plantation system. Then in same year, he organised a Satyagraha to support the peasants of the Kheda. In 1918 he went to Ahmedabad to organise a Satyagraha movement amongst cotton mill workers.

6) Describe the implications of First World War on the economic and political situation of India. 

OR

 Explain the effects of First World War on India.

OR

did the ‘First World War’ create a new economic and political situations in India? Explain with 

examples.

OR 

Explain any five major problems posed by the 

First World War in India

 OR

 Examine the effects of the First World War on the National Movement of India 

OR 

Explain how the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India .What was the effect of The First World War in Indian economy

ans

• The First World War led to a huge increase in defence expenditure which was financed by war loans 

and increasing taxes

• customs duties were raised and income tax introduced.

• Through the war years prices increased–doubling between 1913 and 1918–leading to 

extreme hardship for the common people. 

• Forced recruitment of rural people in the army was an important cause of widespread anger 

among people. 

• Crop failure during 1918-19 and 1920-21, in many parts of the country resulted in acute 

shortages of foods. This was accompanied by an influenza epidemic.

• The Muslims were antagonised by the British ill-treatment of the Khalifa, after the First 

World War

2)what was The Idea of Satyagraha

In South Africa he had successfully fought against the racist regime with a novel method of mass 

agitation, which he called satyagraha.

• The idea of satyagraha emphasised the power of truth and the need to search for truth.

• It suggested that if the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, then physical 

force was not necessary to fight the oppressor.

• Without seeking vengeance or being aggressive, a satyagrahi could win the battle through 

nonviolence. 

• This could be done by appealing to the conscience of the oppressor. People – including the 

oppressors – had to be persuaded to see the truth, instead of being forced to accept truth 

through the use of violence.

• Mahatma Gandhi believed that this dharma of non-violence could unite all Indians.

3)What was the series of satyagraha movement

Ans After arriving in India, Mahatma Gandhi successfully organised satyagraha movements 

in various places:

• In 1916 he travelled to Champaran in Bihar to inspire the peasants to struggle against the 

oppressive plantation system.

• Then in 1917, he organised a satyagraha to support the peasants of the Kheda district of 

Gujarat. Affected by crop failure and a plague epidemic and could not pay the revenue

• . In 1918, Mahatma Gandhi went to Ahmedabad to organise a satyagraha movement 

amongst cotton mill workers. (Q)Which was the third early Satyagrahi Movement?

What did Mahatma Gandhi mean when he said satyagraha is active resistance?

What was The Rowlatt Act (1919)

• This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the 

united opposition of the Indian members. 

• It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities, arrest people and 

keep them in prison without trial for two years

• . Mahatma Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws, which 

would start with a hartal on 6 April

5. Why did Gandhiji decide to launch a nationwide ‘Satyagraha’ against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919)? How was it opposed or organised? Explain.

Ans. Gandhiji decided to launch a nation-wide Satyagraha:

(i) This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council. (ii) Indian members 

opposed the Act.

(iii) It gave the Government enormous powers to repress political activities. (iv) It allowed detention 

of Political Prisoners without trial for two years. (Any two points to be explained.) 

it opposed in the following ways: 

(i) Rallies were organised in various cities.

(ii) Workers went on strike

. (iii) Shops were closed

(iv) Communication, Railway, Telegraphs lines were disrupted.

Why Martial Law was imposed in Amritsar?

Ans. Local leaders were picked up from Amritsar, and Mahatma Gandhi was not allowed to enter 

Delhi. On 10th April, the police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession that culminated 

widespread attacks on banks, post offices and railway stations, so Martial Law was imposed.

7. Describe the Incident and impact of the Jallianwala Bagh. 

A [Board Term-II, Foreign Set-I, 2015] 

OR 

Explain the reason and effects of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

OR 

Explain the impact of Jallianwala Bagh incident on the people

OR

Describe the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the aftermath. Which basic human rights did the British 

violate?

Ans. Incident and Impact of the Jallianwala Bagh:

On 13th April, large crowd gathered in Jallianwala Bagh. Some of them had come to protest against 

the government’s new repressive measures and others had come to attend Baisakhi fair. General 

Dyer entered the area, blocked the exit points and opened fire on the crowd, killing hundreds to 

create a feeling of terror.

Impact: 

(i) As the news spread, crowd took to the streets in North Indian towns.

(ii) There were strikes, clashes with Police. 

(iii) Attacks on government buildings. 

(iv) The Government responded with brutal repression to terrorise people.

(v) Satyagrahis were forced to rub their noses on the ground.

(vi) People were flogged and villages were bombed.

(vii) The British violated the freedom of speech and expression.

(Any three) 2 + 3 = 5 [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]

Why did Gandhiji decide to withdraw the ‘NonCooperation Movement’ in February 1922? Explain 

any three reasons. 

OR 

What were the causes of the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement? Explain

OR 

Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922? 

Explain the reasons.

Ans. Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922:

(i) Gandhiji felt the movement was turning violent in many places.

(ii) A clash took place at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh.

(iii) A group of volunteers picketing a liquor shop were beaten up by a Police Officer.

(iv) In protest a group of Peasants went to the Police Station, bolted the door and set fire to the 

Police Station killing 22 Policemen.

(v) The incident shocked Gandhiji and he immediately withdrew the Movement.

Why did Gandhiji take up the Khilafat issue?

The khilafat movement (1919-1924) initiated by muhammad ali and shaukat ali was a mass 

movement against the reduction of temporal powers of khalifa after the defeat of ottoman turkey 

in WW1 

To defend the Khalifa’s temporal powers, a Khilafat Committee was formed as he was considers as 

the spiritual head of the Islamic world

Gandhiji saw this as an opportunity to bring Muslims under the umbrella of a unified national 

movement

At the Calcutta session of the Congress in September 1920, he convinced other leaders of the need 

to start a non-cooperation movement in support of Khilafat as well as for swaraj

1. Why did Gandhiji start Non-Cooperation Movement? Explain

(i) Gandhiji launched the Non-Cooperation Movement with the aim of self-governance and obtaining 

full independence

. (ii) The Indian National Congress withdrew its support for British reforms against the Rowlatt Act 

and the Jallianwala Bagh incident. 

(iii) Indian Muslims who had participated in the Khilafat Movement to restore the status of the 

Caliph/Khalifa (the spiritual leader of Muslims) gave their support to the Non-Cooperation 

Movement

Discuss the various stages of the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi.

Ans. Gandhiji proposed that the movement should unfold in stages:

1st Stage–Surrender of titles that the government awarded. 

2nd Stage–Boycott of Civil Services, Army, Police, Courts and Legislative, Councils, Schools and 

Foreign Goods. 

3rd Stage–Then, in case the government used repression, a full civil disobedience campaign would 

be launched. 

How could Non-Cooperation become a Movement? Give your opinion.

Ans. Non-Cooperation became a Movement as: 

(i) It was the view of Gandhiji that the British Rule was set in India with the cooperation of Indians. 

(ii) If Indians refused cooperation, British rule in India would collapse within a year and Swaraj would 

come. 

(iii) Gandhiji proposed that the Movement should unfold in stages.

(iv) In case the Government used repression, a full Civil Disobedience Campaign would be launched. 

(v) Mahatma Gandhi and Shaukat Ali toured extensively, mobilising popular support of the 

Movement.

(vi) It should begin with surrender of titles that government awarded and a boycott of civil services, 

police, courts and legislative councils, schools and foreign goods.

Describe the role of Alluri Sitarama Raju in Andhra Pradesh during 1920s.

Ans. Role of Alluri Sitarama Raju in the Gudem hills of Andhra Pradesh.

(i) Alluri Sitarama Raju claimed that he had a variety of special powers like making astrological 

predictions, healing people and surviving bullet shots. 

(ii) The Rebels proclaimed him as an Incarnation of God. 

(iii) Raju was inspired by Gandhiji’s NonCooperation Movement.

(iv) He persuaded people to wear khadi and give up drinking.

(v) But at the same time he asserted that India could be liberated only by the use of force, not nonviolence.

(vi) He used Guerrilla warfare for achieving Swaraj. 

(To be assessed as whole) [½ × 6 = 3] [CBSE SQP Marking Scheme, 2020]

Analyse any three reasons for slow down of NonCooperation Movement in ci The Non-Cooperation 

Movement gradually slowed down in the cities because:

 (i) Khadi clothes were more expensive than 

Mill clothes

. (ii) Poor people could not afford to buy it.

(iii) The Boycott of British institutions posed a problem.

(iv) Students and teachers began trickling back to Government Schools.

(v) Lawyers joined back work in Government Courts.

Or

Reasons for slowing down of Non-Cooperation Movement: 

(i) The Indians could not boycott for a long time because, Khadi cloth was more expensive than mass 

produced mill cloth and poor people could not afford to buy it

. (ii) The Boycott of British institutions posed a problem as alternative Indian institutions had to be 

set up so that they could be used in place of British ones. (iii) Students and teachers began trickling 

back to government schools and lawyers joined back work in government courts in the absence of 

alternate Indian Institutions.

Explain any three effects of the ‘Non-Cooperation Movement’ on the economic front.

Ans. Effects of the ‘Non-Cooperation Movement’:

(i) Foreign goods were boycotted

. (ii) Liquor shops picketed and foreign cloth burnt in huge.

(iii) Import of Foreign cloth halved.

(iv) In many places Merchants and Traders refused to trade in Foreign goods or finance foreign 

trade. 

Any other relevant point. (Any three) (3 × 1= 3)

Describe any three major problems faced by the Peasants of Awadh in the days of Non-Cooperation 

Movement. 

Ans. Problems faced by the Peasants of Awadh in the days of Non-Cooperation Movement were: 

(i) Talukdars and Landlords posed high rent on land and variety of cesses

. (ii) Various taxes were also implemented on them. 

(iii) Peasants had to do begar and work at Landlord’s farm without any payment.

(iv) They had no security of tenure and were evicted regularly.

(v) They had no right over leased land.

Impact 

As the Movement spread, the Houses of Talukdars and Merchants were attacked Bazaars were 

looted and grain hoards were taken over

(Any three) (1 × 3 = 3) [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]

“The Plantation Workers in Assam had their own understanding of Mahatma Gandhi and the notion of Swaraj”. Support the statement with arguments. 

Ans. “The Plantation Workers in Assam had their own understanding of Mahatma Gandhi and the 

notion of Swaraj” as:

(i) For Plantation Workers in Assam, Freedom meant the right to move freely in and out of the 

confined space in which they were enclosed.

(ii) Swaraj meant retaining a link to the village from which they had come.

(iii) Under the Inland Emigration Act of 1859 plantation workers were not permitted to leave the 

Tea gardens without permission.

(iv) When they heard of the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers defied the 

authorities, left the plantations and headed home

. (v) They believed that Gandhi Raj was coming and everyone would be given land in their own 

village.

However they were stopped in their way by the police and brutally beaten up

In Andhra Pradesh: 

• In the Gudem hills a militant guerrilla movement spread in the early 1920s because they were 

prevented from entering the forest to graze cattle, to collect fruits and firewood. The forest laws 

were a threat to livelihood of tribal peasants. When the government forced them to do begar on 

road constructions, they revolted under the leadership of Alluri Sitaram Raju.

• The Gudem rebels attacked police stations, attempted to kill British officials and carried on 

guerrilla warfare for achieving Swaraj. Raju was captured and executed is 1924, and over time 

became a folk hero.

16. “The Civil Disobedience Movement was different from the Non-Cooperation Movement.” 

Support the statement with examples.

OR

How was the Civil Disobedience Movement different from the Non-Cooperation Movement? State 

any three points of difference.

Ans. The Civil Disobedience Movement was different from the Non-Cooperation Movement in the 

following ways: 

Non-Cooperation Movement: 

(i) The people were asked not to co-operate with the government. 

(ii) Foreign goods were boycotted.

(iii) Liquor shops were picketed.

(iv) Foreign clothes were burnt in heap.

(v) In many places merchants and traders refused to trade in Foreign goods or Finance Foreign 

Traders. 

(vi) Students left the Government - owned schools and colleges.

(vii) Lawyers gave up legal practices. 

Civil Disobedience Movement: 

(i) People were asked to break Colonial Laws.

(ii) The Countrymen broke the Salt Law.

(iii) Peasants refused to pay revenue and chaukidari tax. 

(iv) Village officials resigned from their jobs.

(v) Forest people violated Forest Rules and Laws. 

(Any three points of difference to be mentioned)