3.

Nationalism in India
THE FIRST WORLD WAR, KHILAFAT AND NON-COOPERATION
Multiple Choice Questions
1. In 1916, Gandhiji travelled to Champaran in Bihar to inspire the peasants to
struggle.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201106/C1]
(a) Upper caste people
(b) Landless agricultural labourers
(c) Oppressive plantation system
(d) None of these.
2. Which one of the following statement is NOT aligned with the basic concept of
Satyagraha ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201105/B1]
(a) Emphasis on the power of truth.
(b) Emphasis on the need to restrain oneself.
(c) Emphasis on non-violence.
(d) Emphasis on enduring the British dominance.
3. The peasants of Kheda district could not pay the revenue because they were affected
by :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201131/B1]
(a) extreme poverty
(b) the crop failure
(c) a plague epidemic
(d) all the above
4. Which of the following is not true about the Rowlatt Act ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201114/A1; 201268016]
(a) It allowed the detention of prisoners for five years without trial.
(b) Gave the government powers to repress political activity.
(c) It passed despite opposition from the Indian members in the Imperial Legislative
Council.
(d) Led to the launch of a movement under Gandhijis leadership.
5. Which one of the following is not true regarding the Jallianwalla Bagh incident ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201104/B1]
(a) It took place on 10th April, 1919.
(b) Satyagrahis were forced to rub their noses on the ground and crawl on the
streets.
(c) Its aim was to create a moral effect on the minds of the Satyagrahis.
(d) Its aim was to create a feeling of terror and awe.
6. In which movement did Gandhi see an opportunity to bring Muslims under the
umbrella of a unified national movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201102/B1]
(a) The oppressive plantation system in Champaran movement.
(b) A Satyagraha Movement to support the peasant of the Kheda district of Gujarat.
(c) A nationwide Satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act of 1919.
(d) A Non-cooperation Movement in support of Khilafat as well as Swaraj.
7. Which one of the following is not true regarding the Khilafat Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201104/C1]
(a) It aimed at bringing the Hindus and Muslims together in the Non-cooperation
Movement.
( 54 )

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 55

(b) It aimed at defending the Ottoman emperors temporal powers.

(c) Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali led the movement in India.
(d) It resulted in the restoration of the power of the Khalifa of Turkey.
8. Which was the main cause for boycotting foreign goods during Non-cooperation
Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201102/C1]
(a) A symbol of western economic and cultural domination.
(b) A symbol of foreign rule.
(c) A symbol of western political domination.
(d) A symbol of oppressive rule.
9. Which one of the following was the main reason behind the start of the NonCooperation Movement in 1920?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201105/B1]
(a) To fulfil the demand for Swaraj
(b) To oppose the arrival of Prince of Wales
(c) To surrender the titles vested by British
(d) To boycott the civil services, army, police, courts and legislative councils.
10. Who among the following was the author of the famous book Hind Swaraj ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201122/B1]
(a) Subhash Chandra Bose
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Shaukat Ali
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
11. Gandhiji in his work Hind Swaraj said that :
(a) The British must Quit India
(b) Indians must not cooperate with the British
(c) The government must concede the right to make salt
(d) Indians must be involved in the governance of India.
12. Champaran Satyagraha was launched by Gandhiji to support which of the
following ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 20122081, 68034]
(a) high revenue demands
(b) Indigo planters
(c) mill owners
(d) salt tax
13. What did the idea of Satyagrah emphasize ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268012, 46]
(a) Traditional way of mass agitation.
(b) It was the idea of passive resistance
(c) Appeal to the conscience of the oppressor
(d) Use of the physical force to fight the oppressor.
14. What was found to be a powerful symbol according to Gandhiji that could unite the
nation ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268013]
(a) Common language
(b) Salt
(c) Basic education
(d) Peasant attire.
15. Which one of the following assertion is not true about the idea of Satyagrah
expressed by Mahatma Gandhi ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268037]
(a) It is a novel method of mass agitation
(b) Satyagrah is not a physical force but pure soul force.
(c) It is the weapon of weak and it is a method of passive resistance
(d) It is based on the principles of truth and non-violence and truth is bound to
ultimately triumph.

56 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

16. Which one of the following is the most appropriate reason to start nationwide
Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act of 1919 ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 20122022, 68038]
(a) This Act was hurriedly passed by imperial legislative council.
(b) The Act was passed despite the united opposition of the Indian members.
(c) It gave enormous powers to the British government to repress political activities.
(d) It was an unjust law as it allowed the detention of political prisoners without
trial for two years.
17. Which among the following passed the Rowlatt Act, 1919 ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268002]
(a) Statutory Commission
(b) Imperial Legislative Council
(c) The Government of India
(d) The British Council.
18. Which of the following is not true regarding Rowlatt Act, 1919 ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201168016]
(a) The Act was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council
(b) It gave power to the government to repress political activities
(c) It empowered the government to detain the political prisoner without trial
(d) The Act controlled the movement of indigo planters.
19. Which act gave the government power to suppress political activity and detain
political prisoners without trial ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268013]
(a) Rowlatt Act
(b) Government of India Act, 1935
(c) Pitts India Act
(d) Charter Act of 1853
20. Why did Gandhiji extend support to the Khilafat Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268042, 68025]
(a) Civil Disobedience Movement was to be launched
(b) To bring Muslims under the umbrella of a unified movement
(c) The Khalifa was a personal friend of Gandhi
(d) Gandhi wanted to please Mohammed Ali Jinnah.
21. Why was Simon Commission boycotted ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268027]
(a) It was an all British Commission
(b) It was an all Indian Commission
(c) It was an all French Commission (d) None of above.
22. In which one of the following years, Gandhiji decided to launch a nationwide
Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268030]
(a) 1931
(b) 1929
(c) 1920
(d) 1919.
23. The objective of General Dyer behind the Jallianwalla Bagh incident was.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268037]
(a) To implement Martial Law in Punjab
(b) To suppress the nationalist activities organized against Amritsar firing on
peaceful procession
(c) To produce a moral effect to create a feeling of terror and awe in the mind of
satyagrahi
(d) To project his loyality to the British empire.
24. Which one of the following statements is not true regarding impact of the First
World War on India ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268038]
(a) Custom duties were raised and income tax introduced
(b) The prices increased leading to extreme hardship for common people
(c) The industrial production in India decreased
(d) The forced recruitment in rural areas for defence forces was introduced.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 57

25. Which one of the following was the reason for calling off the Non-Cooperation
Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268020]
(a) The Chauri-Chaura incident
(b) Gandhijis arrest
(c) Round Table Conference
(d) High pressure from the British Government.
26. Where was the Non-Cooperation Movement called off.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268036]
(a) Chauri-Chaura (b) Dandi
(c) Champaran
(d) Kolkata
Ans. 1. (c), 2. (d), 3. (d), 4. (a), 5. (a), 6. (d), 7. (d), 8. (a), 9. (a), 10. (d), 11. (b), 12. (b),
13. (c), 14. (b), 15. (c), 16. (d), 17. (b), 18. (d), 19. (a), 20. (b), 21. (a), 22. (d), 23. (c), 24. (c),
25. (a), 26. (a).

3/5 Marks Questions

27. What was the impact of the First World War on the economic conditions in India ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201104/C1]
Ans. Following was the impact of the First World War on the economic conditions in
India :
(1) The British was at one of the two sides in the war. The war created huge expenditure
on arms that forced government to generate more revenue by imposing taxes.
(2) Custom duty and other taxes were increased.
(3) It was for the first time that the British government introduced income tax.
(4) It was the time when a large part of India was experiencing crop failure. So, there
became the shortage of food and prices were boosted up quickly.
28. Explain any four factors to show how did the First World War help in the growth of
the National Movement in India.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201106/C1]
Or
Examine the effects of the First World War on the national movement of India.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268035]
Ans. The First World War helped in the growth of the national movement in India in
the following ways :
(1) Heavy loss of men and material created new political and economic situations in the
country.
(2) During the war, the villagers were forcibly recruited in army and had to do begar
that led to widespread anger among Indians.
(3) War created huge expenditure on arms that forced government to generate more
revenue by imposing taxes.
(4) Failure of crops at the same time and no support from the government created
extra discontentment among the people.
29. Explain the idea of Satyagraha.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201122/A1]
Ans. (1) The idea of satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and the need to search
for truth.
(2) It suggested that if the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, then
physical force was not necessary to fight against the oppressor.
(3) Without being aggressive a satyagrahi could win the battle.

58 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

(4) This could be done by appealing to the conscience of the oppressors instead of
forcing them to accept truth through the use of violence.
30. What was Satyagraha? Explain the three main Satyagrahas launched by Gandhiji
in India.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201123/A1]
Or
How did Mahatma Gandhi successfully organise Satyagraha movements in various
places just after arriving in India? Explain by giving three examples.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201102/B1]
Or
What were the three local issues in which Gandhiji experimented his technique of
satyagraha during the years 1917-1918 ? How were these issues resolved ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201111/A1]
Ans. (1) The idea of Satyagraha emphasized the power of truth and the need to search
for truth. It suggested that if the cause was true, the fight was against injustice then
physical force was not necessary to fight against the oppressor.
(2) Following are the three main Satyagrahas launched by Gandhiji in India :
(i) 1916-Gandhiji travelled to Champaran in Bihar to inspire the peasants to struggle
against the oppressive plantation system.
(ii) 1917-Organisation of Satyagraha Movement to support the peasants of Kheda
district of Gujarat.
(iii) 1918 Organisation of Satyagraha amongst Ahmedabad Cotton Mill workers.
31. What was Rowlatt Act ? How did the Indians show their disapproval towards this
Act ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201112/A1]
Or
What was the Rowlatt Act of 1919 ? Explain the reaction of the people against the
Rowlatt Act.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201122/B1,29/B1]
Or
What was the Rowlatt Act ? Why were the Indians outraged by it ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268024]
Ans. (1) Rowlatt Act was an oppressive Act introduced by the British government in
1919. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed
detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
(2) Indians disapproved this Act in the following ways :
(i) Rallies were organised in various cities, workers went on strike in railways,
workshops and offices were closed down.
(ii) A peaceful protest meeting was organised at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.
(iii) Gandhiji started a hartal against this unjust law on 6th April, 1919.
(iv) Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saif-ud-din Kitchlew were arrested.
(v) Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred against the arrest of these leaders.
32. What was the main issue behind the Khilafat Movement? Why did Gandhiji
support this ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201114/A1]
Or
What was the Khilafat Agitation ? Why did Gandhiji give support to this agitation ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268046, 68012]

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 59

Ans. (1) (i) In the First World War, at the end, Turkey was defeated. There were
rumours that a harsh treaty is to be imposed on the Khalifa, the spiritual head of the
Muslims all over the world.
(ii) The aim of the Khilafat Movement was to defend the Khalifas temporal powers.
(2) (i) To defend Khalifas temporal powers, a Khilafat Committee was formed. Few
Muslim leaders consulted Gandhiji for his support.
(ii) Gandhiji saw this as an opportunity to bring Muslims under the umbrella of a
unified national movement and gave his consent to support this movement at the Calcutta
session of the Congress.
33. Describe the stages of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201136/A1]
Or
What were three proposals regarding Non-Cooperation Movement, as suggested by
Mahatma Gandhi ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268034, 2081]
Or
Mention any three main proposals with reference to Non-Cooperation Movement as
suggested by Mahatma Gandhi.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268017]
Ans. Following were the important stages of Non-Cooperation Movement :
(1) Gandhiji proposed that the movement should unfold in stages.
(2) It should begin with the surrender of titles that the government awarded.
(3) He proposed for boycott of civil services, army, police, courts and legislative councils,
schools and foreign goods.
(4) If the government used any sort of repression, a full Civil Disobedience Campaign
would be launched.
(5) Finally, at the Congress Session at Nagpur in December, 1920, the Non-Cooperation
Programme was adopted.
(6) This movement came to halt in 1922 when violence took place at Chauri-Chaura
in which the agitating people burnt the police station.
34. Explain the features of the Boycott and Swadeshi Movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201104/B1]
Ans. Following were the features of Boycott and Swadeshi Movement :
(1) Boycott of foreign goods, institutions and services.
(2) Picketing of foreign goods shops.
(3) Bonfires of foreign clothes.
(4) Reduction in imports of cloth.
(5) Refusal of traders to deal in foreign goods or finance foreign trade.
(6) Increased production of Indian handloom and textile.
35. In what way did the First World War create a new economic and political situation
in India ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268009]
Ans. (1) The First World War led to huge increase in defence expenditure which was
financed by war loans and taxes.
(2) Custom duties were raised and income tax was introduced.
(3) Through the war years the prices increased causing enormous hardships to people.
The villages were called upon to supply soldiers and forced recruitment was involved
causing widespread anger.

60 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

36. When and where Khilafat Committee was formed ? What was its objective ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268038, 2022]
Ans. (1) Place of formation of Khilafat Committee Bombay.
(2) Year of formation of Khilafat Committee March, 1919.
(3) Objective of Khilafat Committee To defend the temporal powers of the Khalifa
of Turkey, the spiritual head of Islamic world.
37. What was the impact of the Rowlatt Act on the political situation in India ?
Describe.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268039, 2027]
Ans. Following were the impacts of the Rowlatt Act on political situation in India :
(1) People organized hartals in cities. Railways went on strike.
(2) Shops were closed down.
(3) Important leaders were arrested.
(4) At Amritsar, police fired on a peaceful procession and martial law was imposed.
(5) Gandhiji felt the need to launch movement.
38. Critically examine the Rowlatt Act introduced by Britishers in 1919 in India.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268032, 2079]
Ans. Critical Examination of the Rowlatt Act :
(1) The Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council.
(2) This Act gave the British government enormous power to redeem political activities.
(3) It allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
(4) Indians criticised this Act and protested against it.
(5) Gandhiji launched a nationwide Satyagraha against the proposed Act.
39. Who launched the Khilafat Movement and why ? Why did Gandhiji support this
Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268021]
Ans. (1) The Ali brothers, Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali started the Khilafat
Movement in 1919.
(2) (i) After the First World War, Turkey was imposed with a harsh peace treaty. He
was the spiritual head of the Islamic world and title of Khilafat was abolished.
(ii) As Turkey supported the Triple Alliance in the war and lost, so she was punished.
Turkey was reduced to a small state.
(3) Gandhiji supported this movement to bring the Muslims under the umbrella of a
unified national movement. At the Calcutta session of the Congress in September, 1920, a
Non-Cooperation Movement in support of Khilafat and Swaraj became the goal.
40. Describe the incident of Jallianwala Bagh which took place during the British Rule.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268006]
Ans. (1) On 13th April, 1919, a crowd of villagers had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh.
They had come to Amritsar to attend a fare in Amritsar.
(2) They were unaware of the martial law imposed in Amritsar.
(3) General Dyer entered the area and blocked the exit points and opened fire on the
unarmed crowd. Hundreds of people were killed.
(4) As the news spread out, there were strikes, clashes with the police.
(5) The government responded with brutal repression by humiliating the people in
many ways.
This resulted in the beginning of Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhiji.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 61

41. Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Gandhiji ?

[CBSE-SA-II, 20122080, 68033]
Or
Why did Mahatma Gandhi feel the need to launch a broad-based movement in 1920 ?
Give any three reasons.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268002]
Ans. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhiji :
(1) To support the Khilafat Movement.
(2) Against the Rowlatt Act and atrocities at the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.
(3) To bring the Muslims under the umbrella of a unified national movement.
42. How did the non-cooperation become a movement ? Explain.
[CBSE-SA-II, 20122078]
Or
What were the four features of the Non-Cooperation Movement ? Explain.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268026]
Ans. (1) Mahatma Gandhi thought that the British could establish its rule only with
the cooperation of Indians.
(2) It would collapse if Indians refused cooperation.
(3) Gandhiji proposed that it should start in stages first surrender of titles, second
boycott of civil services, armys, police, courts and then a full civil disobedience.
43. Why was Non-cooperation a powerful method of resistance ? How did the movement
unfold ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268014]
Ans. (1) (i) The Non-cooperation was a method of resistance which was very powerful.
(ii) It was a unified national movement. If Indians refused to cooperate, the British
rule in India would collapse.
(2) It should unfold in stages : (i) Surrender of titles awarded by the government.
(ii) Boycott of civil services, courts, council, schools and goods.
44. Describe any three effects of Non-Cooperation Movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268028]
Or
Explain the impact of Non-Cooperation Movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268029]
Ans. Following were the impacts of Non-Cooperation Movement :
(1) In the cities thousands of students left government controlled schools and colleges,
headmasters and teachers resigned and lawyers gave up their legal practices.
(2) The Council elections were boycotted in most of the provinces.
(3) Foreign goods were boycotted and liquor shops were picketed.
(4) In many places merchants and traders refused to trade in foreign goods.
(5) In country side, peasants demanded reduction in revenue, abolition of begar, social
boycott of oppressive landlords.
45. Explain the ideas of Gandhiji as he expressed in the famous book Hind Swaraj
regarding Non-cooperation.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268037]
Ans. In his book Hind Swaraj Gandhiji gave reasons for the success of the British
rule in India and how the Non-Cooperation movement could make it to collapse.
(1) In his views, the British rule was established in India with the cooperation of
Indians and had survived only because of this cooperation.
(2) If Indians refused to cooperate, the British rule would collapse within a year.

62 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

(3) The success of Non-Cooperation Movement would bring Swaraj for the Indian
people.
46. If Indians refused to cooperate, British rule in India would collapse within a year.
How did this statement help in starting a mass movement in India against the British
rule ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268044]
Ans. In response to Gandhis idea that non-cooperation would make the British rule to
collapse within a year, people enthusiastically participated in the movement. The movement
unfolded in stages :
(1) It began with the surrender of titles awarded by the government.
(2) It was followed by the boycott of civil services, army, police, courts and legislative
councils.
(3) The foreign goods were boycotted.
(4) The liquor shops were shut down.
(5) In case the British used repression, Civil Disobedience campaign would be launched.

DIFFERING STRANDS WITHIN THE MOVEMENT

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Justice Party of Madras was a party of :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201133/A1]
(a) non-Muslims
(b) non-Brahmins
(c) non-Tamils
(d) judges
2. Who led the Peasant Movement in Oudh during the Non-Cooperation Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201112/A1]
(a) Moti Lal Nehru
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Baba Ramchandra
(d) Sardar Patel
3. Name the Sanyasi who was an indentured labourer in Fiji :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201131/B1]
(a) Baba Ramchandra
(b) Baba Ramdev
(c) Baba Sitaraman
(d) Baba Jaidev
4. Which one of the following leaders has headed Oudh Kisan Sabha ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201105/A1]
(a) Jawahar Lal Nehru
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) Moti Lal Nehru
5. What was the effect of the Non-Cooperation Movement on the plantation workers in
Assam ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201129/A1]
(a) They left the plantation and headed towards home
(b) They went on strike
(c) They destroyed the plantations
(d) They started using violence
6. Which of the following is not true regarding the non-wearing of Khadi in cities ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268012, 68046]
(a) Did not appeal to all.
(b) Could not boycott mill cloth for too long.
(c) Alternative Indian institutions were fast to come up.
(d) More expensive.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 63

7. Which one of the following economic factors shaped Indian politics towards the late
1920 ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268043]
(a) Economic Growth
(b) Economic Depression
(c) Rise in Agricultural Prices
(d) Rise in Exports
8. Under whose leadership was the Non-Cooperation Movement started in the Gudem
Hills of Andhra Pradesh ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 20122030, 68039, 41]
(a) C.R. Das
(b) Gandhiji
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) Alluri Sitaram Raju
9. What were the plantaion workers not allowed to do under the Inland Emigration Act
of 1859 ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268018]
(a) To leave tea gardens with permission
(b) To move freely in and out of the plantations
(c) To work as per direction of plantation owner
(d) None of these
10. During the period of Non-Cooperation Movement, who claimed to have special
powers, could heal people, survive bullet shots ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268024]
(a) Baba Ramchandra
(b) C.R. Das
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Alluri Sitaram Raju
11. Which among the following names was being invoked to sanction all actions and
aspirations in 1921 ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268029]
(a) Jawahar Lal Nehru
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Baba Ramchandra
(d) Kisan Sabha
12. Who among the following leaders began going around the villages in Awadh,
talking to the villagers and trying to understand their grievances ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268035]
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Sardar Patel
(c) Jawahar Lal Nehru
(d) Baba Ramchandra
Ans. 1. (b), 2. (c), 3. (a), 4. (a), 5. (a), 6. (c), 7. (b), 8. (d), 9. (b), 10. (d), 11. (b), 12. (c).

3/5 Marks Questions

13. Why did the Non-Cooperation Movement gradually slowed down in the cities ? Give
three reasons.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201105/A1]
Or
Explain the circumstances in which Non-Cooperation Movement gradually slowed
down in cities.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268019]
Ans. The Non-Cooperation Movement gradually slowed down in the cities due to
following reasons :
(1) Khadi cloth was often more expensive than mass produced mill cloth and poor
people could not afford to buy it.
(2) For the movement to be successful, alternative Indian institutions had to be set up
so that they could be used in place of British ones.
(3) These were slow to come up. So, students and teachers began trickling back to
government schools and lawyers joined back their work in government courts.
14. Describe the extent of peoples participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement in
the towns. What were its economic effects ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201102/B1]

64 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

Ans. (1) In the towns, middle class participated in the movement in the following
ways :
(i) Students left the schools and colleges. Headmasters and teachers resigned. Lawyers
gave up their practices.
(ii) Elections were boycotted except in Madras.
(iii) Foreign goods were boycotted.
(iv) Liquor shops were picketed.
(v) Foreign clothes were burnt in huge bonfire.
(vi) Many traders refused to import foreign clothes.
(2) Following were the economic effects :
(i) The import of foreign clothes decreased.
(ii) Merchants and traders refused to trade in foreign goods.
(iii) People discarded foreign clothes and started wearing Indian clothes.
15. How did Gandhiji convert the national movement into a mass movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201111/A1]
Ans. Gandhijis personality and lifestyle had a great impact on the minds of the people
that helped to convert the national movement into a mass movement.
(1) His simple and saintly life and his style of convincing the masses made him popular.
(2) His undisputed leadership and magnetic personality.
(3) His policy of non-violent Satyagraha.
(4) Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements.
(5) His programmes of social reforms like, fighting against untouchability.
(6) His commitment to Hindu-Muslim unity.
16. What led to the spread of Non-Cooperation Movement to the countryside ? Explain
any three factors.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201133/A1]
Ans. Following were the factors that caused spread of Non-Cooperation Movement to
the countryside :
(1) The peasants had to do begar at landlords farm without any payment.
(2) The peasants demanded reduction of land revenue and abolition of begar.
(3) The tenants had no security of tenure and were regularly evicted from land.
(4) In Awadh, Baba Ramchandra led the movement.
17. Mention any two main features of Gudem rebellion. What methods did the tribals
adopt to gain Swaraj ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201131/B1]
Or
Analyse any four features of Gudem rebellion of Andhra Pradesh.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201107/B1]
Ans. (1) Following were the features of Gudem Hill Rebellion :
(i) It was a militant guerilla movement led by Alluri Sitaram Raju, follower of Mahatma
Gandhi.
(ii) The colonial government had closed large forest areas to prevent people from
entering the forest to graze their cattle, to collect firewood and fruits. This enraged the hill
people as it affected their livelihood and traditional rights.
(iii) The government began forcing them to contribute begar for road building, the hill
people revolted.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 65

(iv) The rebels proclaimed Raju as an incarnation of god as he could make correct
astrological predictions and heal people.
(2) Methods adopted by the tribals to gain Swaraj :
(i) Raju talked of the greatness of Mahatma Gandhi and was inspired by NonCooperation Movement but at the same time he asserted that India could be liberated only
by the use of force.
(ii) The Gudem rebels attacked police stations, attempted to kill British officials and
carried on guerilla warfare for achieving swaraj.
(iii) Raju was captured and executed in 1924.
18. How did the tribals of the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh interpret swaraj ? What
was the differences between the beliefs and practices of their leader, Alluri Sitaram Raju ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201114/B1]
Ans. (1) For the tribal peasants swaraj meant an end to begar, access to forests and
non-payment of taxes.
(2) (i) Alluri Sitaram Raju claimed to be inspired by Gandhiji. He persuaded people to
adopt Khadi and non-violence but in practice, he asserted use of violence as a means of
struggle.
(ii) He was of the opinion that India could be liberated only by the use of force.
(iii) Under his leadership, the rebels attacked police stations, attempted to kill British
officials and carried on guerilla warfare for achieving swaraj.
19. Explain the role played by tribal peasants in the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh
during the Non-Cooperation Movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201122/B1]
Ans. Following were the roles played by the tribal peasants in the Gudem Hills of
Andhra Pradesh during the Non-Cooperation Movement :
(1) Government prevented them from entering into forests to graze cattle and collect
firewood, which they considered to be their natural right. This was protested by the tribals.
(2) Government wanted them to do begar for road building and other government
activities in the area, for this they were not ready to do and rebelled.
(3) Alluri Sitaram Raju emerged as a tribal leader and showed faith in Gandhiji. He
emphasized on guerilla warfare against the government and started such activities in
1920s.
(4) Gudem rebels attacked police stations and attempted to kill the British officials.
(5) They resorted to guerilla warfare but in 1924, Raju was executed and hanged.
20. Explain the impact of Non-Cooperation Movement in the economic field.
[CBSE-SA-II, 20122076, 68005, 06, 45]
Ans. The effects of Non-Cooperation on the economic front were more dramatic :
(1) Foreign goods were boycotted.
(2) Liquor shops were picketed.
(3) Foreign clothes were burnt in huge bonfires.
(4) The import of foreign goods and cloth was reduced to 50% between 1921-22.
(5) The value of foreign goods import reduced from ` 102 crore to ` 57 crore.
(6) Merchants and traders refused to trade in foreign goods or finance foreign trades.
(7) Production of Indian textile mills and handloom and khadi went up.

66 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

21. Describe the movement led by Baba Ram Chandra in Awadh against the Talukdars
and landlords.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268005, 45]
Ans. Peasants of Awadh were led by Baba Ram Chandra, a Sanyasi. The movement
was against Talukdars and landlords.
(1) The Talukdars and landlords demanded exorbitantly high rents and other cesses.
(2) Tenants the farmers had no security of tanure. They had to do begar and work at
landlords farms without any payment.
(3) The peasant movement demanded reduction of revenue, abolition of begar and
social boycott of oppressive landlords.
(4) In many places nai-dhobi bandhs were organised by Panchayats to deprive
landlords of the services of barbers and washermen.
(5) Oudh Kisan Sabha was set up headed by Jawahar Lal Nehru, Baba Ram Chandra
and few others.
(6) Within a month over 300 branches were set up in villages.
(7) In 1921, the houses of Talukdars and merchants were attacked, bazars were looted
and grain hoards were taken over.
22. Explain the grievances of the peasants against the government. What steps were
taken to organise peasant movement to fulfil their demands during colonial rule ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268017]
Ans. (1) Grievance of the peasants :
(i) Abolish the forest laws of the colonial government.
(ii) Restore their traditional rights of entering the forest.
(iii) Abolish the begar system.
(iv) Decrease land revenue.
(2) Steps taken to organise peasant movement :
(i) Many Kisan Sabhas were set up.
(ii) Guerilla militant movements were organized.
(iii) Police stations were attacked and attempts were made to kill police officials.
(iv) Gandhiji declared that no tax be paid.
23. What were the demands of the Peasant Movement ? Explain any two. What
contribution did Jawahar Lal Nehru make to this movement ? [CBSE-SA-II, 201268013]
Ans. (1) Demands of Peasant Movement :
(i) Reduction of revenue.
(ii) Abolition of begar.
(iii) Social boycott of oppressive landlords.
(2) Jawahar Lal Nehrus Contribution :
(i) He went around villages to understand the grievances of the peasants.
(ii) Oudh Kisan Sabha was set up and within a month 300 branches in villages
were set up
24. What did swaraj or freedom mean to plantation workers during Non-Cooperation
Movement ? Explain.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268003]
Or
How was the notion of swaraj interpreted by plantation workers ? How far were they
successful in achieving their goal ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268004]
Ans. (1) For plantation workers swaraj meant freedom and right to move freely
retaining a link with their villages.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 67

(2) On hearing of Non-Cooperation Movement, they defied authority. They believed

Gandhi Raj will give them land in the village.
(3) They could not achieve their goal. They were beaten up.
25. Explain the conditions of the plantation workers during the colonial rule in India.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268042]
Ans. Conditions of plantation workers :
(1) Workers in plantation had to live and work under harsh conditions.
(2) They were confined within enclosed areas. Freedom of movement was restricted.
(3) Under Inland Emigration Act of 1859, tea plantation workers were rarely permitted
to leave the tea garden.
(4) If they tried to leave or escape, they were mostly caught and severely punished.
(5) They were brutally treated in the plantation.
26. Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn by Gandhiji ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268008, 15]
Ans. In February 1922, Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement
due to the following reasons :
(1) The movement was turning violent.
(2) At Chauri-Chaura in Gorakhpur, a peaceful demonstration in bazar turned into a
violent clash in which more than 20 policemen were killed.
(3) Gandhiji also felt that Satyagrah is needed to be properly trained before they would
be ready for mass movement.
27. Highlight the Salt March as an effective symbol of resistance against British rule.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268030]
Ans. (1) Salt March was against the tax on salt.
(2) The march was started from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi on 13 March, 1930.
(3) Mahatma Gandhi has written a letter to Viceroy Irwin and put forward 11
demands.
(4) Demands were wide ranging but abolition of tax on salt was the major.
(5) The people listened Mahatma Gandhiji on his way to March. It was a sort of
resistance and disobedience. Gandhiji succeeded in his goal.

TOWARDS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

Multiple Choice Questions
1. Why was Simon Commission sent to India in 1928 ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201136/A1]
(a) To look into the functioning of Indian constitutional system and suggest reforms.
(b) To try Indian revolutionary leaders.
(c) To frame a new Constitution for India.
(d) To persuade Gandhiji to attend the Round Table Conference.
2. The Simon Commission was boycotted in India because :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201112/B1,33/A1]
(a) There was no Indian member in the Commission.
(b) It supported the Muslim League.
(c) Congress felt that people deserved swaraj.
(d) There were differences among the members.

68 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

3. The resolution of Poorna Swaraj was adopted at which session of the Congress ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201112/A1]
(a) Karachi
(b) Haripur
(c) Lahore
(d) Lucknow.
4. Who among the following were associated with Swaraj Party formed during Indias
freedom struggle ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201122/B1]
(a) C.R. Das and Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das
(c) Motilal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali.
5. The event marked in the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement was :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201106/C1,23/B1]
(a) The demand of Purna Swaraj of 1929
(b) The independence day pledge of 1930
(c) The violation of Salt Law in 1930
(d) All of these.
6. Who amongst the following led the Civil Disobedience in Peshawar ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201111/B1]
(a) Abdul Gaffar Khan
(b) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
(c) Lala Lajpat Rai
(d) Jawaharlal Nehru.
7. Which one of the following is not true regarding the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201122/A1]
(a) Mahatma Gandhi decided to call off the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(b) Gandhiji consented to participate in a Round Table Conference.
(c) The British government agreed to release the political prisoners.
(d) The British government agreed to grant independence.
8. Why did the rich peasant community actively participate in the Civil Disobedience
movement ? Choose the most appropriate answer from the following :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201105/A1]
(a) Failure of talks in the 2nd Round Table Conference
(b) The governments refusal to reduce the revenue demand
(c) Khadi cloth was more expensive than mill cloth
(d) Racial discrimination.
9. Which of the following was the cause for business classes to participate in Civil
Disobedience Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201102/C1]
(a) To buy foreign goods without any restrictions.
(b) To sell Indian goods without any restrictions.
(c) Protection against import of foreign goods.
(d) To export their goods.
10. Which pact resolved the issue of separate electorates for Dalits between Gandhi
and Ambedkar in 1932?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201102/B1]
(a) Lucknow Pact
(b) Nagpur Pact
(c) Poona Pact
(d) Surat Pact.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 69

11. Gandhiji began fast unto death when Dr. B.R. Ambedkar demanded separate
electorate for Dalits because :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201111/A1]
(a) Separate electorates would create division in the society.
(b) Separate electorates would slow down the process of integration into society.
(c) With separate electorates, Dalits would gain respect in society.
(d) The condition of Dalits would become better.
12. Who was the President of Muslim League in 1930? [CBSE-SA-II, 201107/B1]
(a) Muhammad Jinnah
(b) Muhammad Iqbal
(c) Muhammad Ali
(d) Shaukat Ali
13. What is the importance of the Lahore Session of the Congress ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268019]
(a) Aimed in generating the climate for a political revolution.
(b) Declared the attainment of complete independence as its goal and to launch
Civil Disobedience Movement.
(c) United different sections of people against the British.
(d) Favoured schemes for the welfare of workers and peasants.
14. Which of the following party was formed within the Congress to argue for return to
council politics ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 20112079, 68032]
(a) Communist Party
(b) Swaraj Party
(c) Muslim League
(d) Hindustan Socialist Party.
15. Due to which of the following factors was the Non-Cooperation Movement
withdrawn ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 20122079, 68009]
(a) Voilence at Chauri-Chaura
(b) Pressure given by the government
(c) Police atrocities on students
(d) Opposition from Congress leaders.
16. Under the Gandhi-Irwin Pact the government agreed :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268015, 28]
(a) to abolish Salt Act
(b) to arrest Lord Irwin
(c) not to arrest Gandhiji
(d) to release the political prisoners.
17. Which one of the following statements is not true in the context of Salt March ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268006]
(a) Mahatma Gandhis idea of Salt March was to unite the people.
(b) The idea was to make the demands wide-ranging.
(c) The main aim was to throw the British out of India.
(d) The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish Salt Tax.
18. At which place did the Salt March organized by Mahatma Gandhi terminate ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 20112078]
(a) Surat
(b) Bombay
(c) Dandi
(d) Sabarmati
19. How many miles were covered in Gandhijis Salt March ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268036]
(a) 24 miles
(b) 10 miles
(c) 240 miles
(d) 15 miles.
20. Which of the following does not give a true account of Civil Disobedience Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268026]
(a) It started with Dandi March and breaking the salt law
(b) Foreign cloth was boycotted and liquor shops burnt
(c) Colonial Government decided to adopt peaceful tactics
(d) Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on 5th March, 1931

70 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

21. Why the Indian business group was no longer enthusiastic to join the Civil
Disobedience Movement (of 1931) after the failure of Second Round Table Conference ?
Choose the most appropriate answer from the following :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268032, 2079]
(a) Worried about labours and loans
(b) Worried about growing influence of socialism in Congress
(c) Worried about financial assistance from Congress
(d) Apprehensive about world economic depression.
22. Why did the relationship between the Congress and poor peasant remain uncertain
during Civil Disobedience Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268014]
(a) Congress was unwilling to support no rent campaigns.
(b) The poor peasants were interested in the lowering of revenue demand.
(c) Congress asked them to return the land to the landlords.
(d) False promises were made to them.
23. Which of the following is False regarding the role of Indian merchants and
industrialists in the Civil Disobedience Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268026]
(a) They wanted protection against foreign goods
(b) They attacked colonial control over Indian economy
(c) They provided financial assistance to the movement
(d) They supported Socialism and Communism.
24. Why was the Dalit participation limited in the Civil Disobedience Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268014]
(a) They were looked down upon by society since ages.
(b) Political empowerment, they believed, would resolved the problems of social
disabilities.
(c) Their organisation was strong all over.
(d) They wanted to be left on their own.
25. Which one of the following pacts reserved seats for Dalits in the provincial and
central legislative assemblies ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 20122080, 68004, 33]
(a) Lucknow Pact
(b) Gandhi-Irwin Pact
(c) Poona Pact
(d) None of these
26. Why had Congress ignored the dalits for long ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268002]
(a) Due to their liberal outlook
(b) Due to fear from Britishers
(c) For fear of offending the Sanatanis (d) For the fear from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
27. Who organized the Dalits into the Depressed Class Association in 1930 ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268008]
(a) E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker Periyar (b) T.K. Madhvan
(c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(d) K. Kelappan
28. Who among the following Muslim leaders was willing to give up the demand for
separate electorates ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268005, 45]
(a) Abul Kalam Azad
(b) Muhammad Iqbal
(c) Mohammad Ali Jinnah
(d) Abdul Gaffar Khan
Ans. 1. (a), 2. (a), 3. (c), 4. (b), 5. (c), 6. (a), 7. (d), 8. (b), 9. (c), 10. (c), 11. (b), 12. (b),
13. (b), 14. (b), 15. (a), 16. (d), 17. (c), 18. (c), 19. (c), 20. (c), 21. (b), 22. (a), 23. (d), 24. (b),
25. (c), 26. (c), 27. (c), 28. (c).

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 71

3/5 Marks Questions

29. Explain the immediate effects of the Lahore session of Indian National Congress of
December, 1929.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201123/A1]
Ans. Following were the immediate effects of the Lahore session of Indian National
Congress of December, 1929 :
(1) In December, 1929, under the Presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Lahore Congress
formalised the demand of Purna Swaraj or full independence for India.
(2) It was declared that 26th January, 1930, would be celebrated as the
Independence Day.
(3) On this day, people were asked to take a pledge to struggle for complete independence.
But, the celebration attracted very little attention.
(4) In such a situation, Gandhiji tried to find a way to relate this abstract idea of
freedom to more concrete issue of everyday life. This later came in the form of famous Civil
Disobedience Movement.
30. Why did Mahatma Gandhi perceive salt as a powerful symbol that could unite the
nation ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201106/C1]
Or
Mahatma Gandhi found salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. In the
light of this statement, describe the main events of the Dandi March.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268023]
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi perceived salt as a powerful and effective symbol of resistance
against colonialism and to unite the nation because of the following reasons :
(1) Salt was the thing consumed by the rich and poor alike.
(2) It was one of the most essential ingredients of food in India.
(3) According to Gandhiji, the tax on salt and the governments monopoly over its
production could reveal the most oppressive face of the British rule.
(4) By the successful Salt March, Gandhiji showed down upon the British colonial
government in his own Satyagraha way.
(5) The Salt March, indeed, was the most significant symbol of resistance against
colonialism. The breaking of law had far reaching effect on colonialism. All other British
symbols became target of anger.
31. How was the Salt March an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism ?
Explain.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201123/B1]
Or
Evaluate the success of Salt March as an effective symbol of resistance against
colonialism.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201136/A1]
Ans. Under the following circumstances, Gandhiji had to choose abolition of salt tax as
the most important demand of the Civil Disobedience Movement :
(1) Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a most powerful symbol that could unite the nation.
(2) On 31st January, 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin with eleven demands. The
most stirring of all demands was the demand to abolish salt tax.
(3) Salt was something consumed by the rich and the poor alike. It was one of the most
essential items of food. The tax on salt and governments monopoly on its production,
revealed the most oppressive face of the British rule.

72 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

(4) The demands were not fulfilled. So, on 11 March, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi started
his famous Salt March along with 78 volunteers from his ashram in Sabarmati in Gujarat.
(5) On 6th April, he reached Dandi and violated the laws by manufacturing salt by
boiling sea water.
32. Analyse the circumstances which led Gandhiji to choose abolition of salt tax as the
most important demand of the Civil Disobedience Movement. [CBSE-SA-II, 201111/B1]
Or
Explain any four factors which gave rise to the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268001]
Ans. The following events took place leading to the Salt March or the Civil Disobedience
Movement in March, 1930 :
(1) Worldwide economic depression : As a result of worldwide economic depression,
in India, agricultural prices fell. The demand for agricultural goods declined and export
decreased. The peasants could not sell their harvest and it became difficult for them to pay
their revenues.
(2) Simon Commission : In 1928, Simon Commission was constituted to look into the
functioning of constitutional system in India and suggest reforms. However, as no Indian
member was appointed, it was opposed by all political parties by holding demonstrations.
(3) Announcement of Lord Irwin in October, 1929 : Lord Irwin announced in
October, 1929 that dominion status would be granted to India in an unspecified future
and a Round Table Conference to discuss a future constitution would take place.
(4) Declaration at the Lahore Congress Session, 1929 : At the Lahore Congress
session under the Presidentship of Jawaharlal Nehru, resolution for Purna Swaraj i.e.,
total independence for India was passed. Gandhiji was authorised to start a movement for
the achievement of Purna Swaraj. Thus Salt March was started.
33. Explain any four features of Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201133/A1]
Or
Critically examine any four features of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268003]
Ans. Following are the features of Civil Disobedience Movement :
(1) The countrymen broke the salt law.
(2) They made salt and demonstrated in front of government salt factories.
(3) Foreign clothes were boycotted.
(4) Liquor shops were picketed.
(5) Peasants refused to pay the land revenue.
(6) Village officials resigned from their posts.
(7) People violated forest laws.
34. How was the Civil Disobedience Movement different from the Non-Cooperation
Movement ? State any three points of difference.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201102/C1]
Ans. The Civil Disobedience Movement was different from the Non-Cooperation
Movement in the following ways :
(1) Non-Cooperation Movement was launched between 1920 to 1922 while the Civil
Disobedience Movement continued between 1920 to 1934.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 73

(2) The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched because of the anger of Jallianwala
Bagh tragedy and the Civil Disobedience Movement was launched against the arrival of
the Simon Commission.
(3) Swaraj or self-government was the aim of the Non-Cooperation Movement but
complete independence or Purna Swaraj was the aim of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(4) The Non-Cooperation Movement was supported by almost all sections of the society
whereas in the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Dalits did not fully participate.
35. Why did the peasants join the Civil Disobedience Movement in India?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201129/A1]
Or
Evaluate any three features of the Peasant Movement during Civil Disobedience
Movement in India.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201107/B1]
Or
Which incident marked the beginning of Civil Disobedience Movement ? Why did the
peasants join the Civil Disobedience Movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268015]
Ans. Peasants joined the Civil Disobedience Movement for the following reasons :
(1) Peasants were hard hit by the economic crisis and falling prices of the cash crops.
They found it difficult to pay government revenue, hence there was widespread anger and
resentment among the peasants.
(2) The peasants joined the movement due to high rents and variety of other cesses
that were demanded by the landlords.
(3) The peasants demanded reduction in revenue, abolition of begar and social boycott
of oppressive landlords.
(4) They wanted the unpaid rent to the landlords to be remitted.
36. State any two hopes and expectations of the industrial working class from the Civil
Disobedience Movement. Explain any two reasons why the Congress was not interested in
including their demands.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201105/B1]
Ans. (1) Following were the hopes and expectations of the industrial working class
from the Civil Disobedience Movement :
(i) They liked boycott of foreign goods as a part of their own movement against low
wages.
(ii) The condition in which they worked in the factories were not good enough. They
were asked to work for more hours. They expected that the movement would bring about
an end to all these conditions.
(2) Following were the reasons that the Congress was not interested in including their
demands :
(i) A large number of merchants and industrialists supported this movement. They
reacted against colonial policies that restricted their business activities. They wanted
protection against imports of foreign goods.
(ii) The Congress felt that if the demands of the working class are included in the
programmes, it would alienate industrialists and divide the anti-imperial forces.
37. Explain the contribution of the various social groups in the Civil Disobedience
Movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201112/B1]

74 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

Or
Various classes and groups of Indians participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement
for different reasons. Choose any four classes and explain their reason to participate in the
movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268018]
Ans. Following are the contributions of various social groups in the Civil Disobedience
Movement :
(1) Rich peasants : Being producers of commercial crops, they were very hard hit by
the trade depression and falling prices. As the government refused to reduce revenue
demands, they in great numbers participated in the boycott programmes. For them the
fight for Swaraj was a struggle against high revenues.
(2) Women : The women participated in protest marches, manufactured salt and
picketed foreign cloth and liquor shops. Many went to jail. They began to see service to the
nation as a sacred duty of women.
(3) Business class : A large number of merchants and industrialists supported this
movement. They reacted against colonial policies that restricted their business activities.
They wanted protection against imports of foreign goods.
(4) The industrial working class : The industrial working class did not participate
in the Civil Disobedience Movement in large numbers except in Nagpur. They selectively
adopted some of the ideas of Gandhian programme, like boycott of foreign goods, as part
of their own movements against low wages and poor working conditions.
38. Why did the initial enthusiasm of the merchants and industrialists fade away
during the later stages of the Civil Disobedience Movement ? [CBSE-SA-II, 201114/B1]
Ans. The initial enthusiasm of the merchants and industrialists fade away during the
later stage of the Civil Disobedience Movement because of the following reasons :
(1) Most of the businessmen came to see Swaraj as a time when colonial restrictions
on business would no longer exist and trade and industry would flourish without constraint.
(2) But, after the failure of the Round Table Conference business groups were no
longer enthusiastic uniformly.
(3) They were apprehensive of the spread of militant activities and worries about
prolonged disruption of business.
(4) They were also apprehensive of the growing influence of socialism amongst the
younger members of the Congress.
39. What were the solutions suggested by B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi to
improve the conditions of the untouchables in India ? What is the significance of the Poona
Pact in this regard ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201104/C1]
Or
What was the issue of clash between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar ? How
was it resolved ? Explain it.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268037]
Ans. Following were the solutions suggested by B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi
to improve the conditions of untouchables in India :
(1) B.R. Ambedkar : (i) He formed an organisation called Depressed Classes Association.
(ii) He believed that political empowerment could resolve the problem of their social
disability.
(iii) He demanded separate electorates for Dalits.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 75

(2) Mahatma Gandhi : (i) He wanted to eliminate untouchability.

(ii) He called the untouchables, Harijans.
(iii) He organised satyagrahas to secure for them, entry into temples and use of public
wells, roads, schools etc. He himself cleaned toilets to show respect to the work of a sweeper.
(iv) He believed that separate electorate will slow down the process of their integration
into society.
(3) The Poona Pact : (i) Ambedkar finally accepted Gandhijis position. In 1932, the
Poona Pact, was signed.
(ii) According to this Pact, seats were reserved in the Provincial and Central Legislative
Councils for Dalits. But they were to be voted in by the general electorate.
40. Explain any four limitations of Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930.
[CBSE-SA-II, 20122022, 68021, 30, 35, 38, 43]
Ans. The limitations of Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) :
(1) The inclination of untouchables or Dalits to Depressed Class Movement and their
indifferent attitude towards this movement.
(2) Indifferent or partial cooperation of traders and businessmen due to growing
influence of Marxian socialism in India.
(3) Lukewarm response of Muslim political organisation.
(4) Industrial workers stayed aloof.
(5) Indifferent attitude of peasants after Gandhi-Irwin Pact, 1931.
41. Examine the events that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement. Why did the
industrialists support this movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268041, 2030]
Ans. (1) Following events led to Civil Disobedience Movement : (i) The arrival of Simon
Commission in India in 1928.
(ii) The announcement of Lord Irwin in October, 1929 offering Dominion status and
a Round Table Conference.
(iii) The decisions of Lahore Congress Session.
(2) The industrialists supported this movement because they wanted protection against
imports of foreign goods and a rupee-sterling foreign exchange ratio that would discourage
imports.
42. What was the objective of Simon Commission ? Why was it opposed in India ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268029, 2076]
Ans. (1) Objective of the Simon Commission : Simon Commission was set up to
look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India and suggest changes.
(2) It was opposed because : (i) It had no Indian member. (ii) They were all whites.
43. Critically examine the main aspects of Indian National Movement during the
period between 1920 and 1935.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268020]
Ans. Following are the main aspects of the Indian National Movement between 19201935 :
(1) Beginning of mass movements after Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
(2) Application of Satyagraha to mass movements.
(3) Emergence of new methods to protest; boycott, picketing, renunciation of titles and
non-payment of taxes.
(4) People of different sections and parts shared a common bond of resistance, united in
their hatred against the British rule.
(5) Industrialists led by Purushottamdas Thakurdas and G.D. Birla criticized colonialism.

76 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

44. Why did the poor peasants join the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) ? Why
could not the Congress give full support to their demands ? [CBSE-SA-II, 201268004]
Ans. (1) The peasants joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) for the
following reasons :
(i) Poor peasantry were not just interested in lowering of the revenue demands.
(ii) Many had rented land. They could not pay rent because of the depressions and
dwindling cash income.
(iii) They wanted the unpaid rent to landlords remitted.
(2) Congress could not give full support because :
(i) They thought rich peasants and landlords would be upset.
(ii) It was unwilling to support no rent campaign in most places.
So, the relationship between the poor peasants and the Congress remained uncertain.
45. Why did the Industrialists participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement ?
Explain any three reasons.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268007]
Ans. Following were the reasons that industrialists participated in the Civil Disobedience
Movement :
(1) The industrialists had made great profits during the First World War and wanted to
become powerful.
(2) They reacted against policies that restricted their business activities.
(3) They wanted protection against import of foreign goods.
(4) They formed organisations like FICCI etc. to organize their business.
(5) They wanted a rupee-sterling foreign exchange ratio that could discourage imports.
46. Mention three reasons by which the rich peasant communities took active part in
the Civil Disobedience Movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268019]
Ans. Following were the reasons behind the participation of rich peasants in the Civil
Disobedience Movement :
(1) Rich peasant communities were hard hit by trade depression and falling prices.
(2) As their cash income disappeared, they found it impossible to pay governments
revenue demands.
(3) They had to sell their raw materials at arbitrary prices.
(4) The refusal of the government to reduce the revenue demand led to widespread
resentment.
(5) They were exploited by the British traders and merchants.
47. What was the role of the Indian merchants and industrialists in the Civil Disobedience
Movement ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268025]
Ans. Following were the roles of Indian merchants and industrialists in Civil
Disobedience Movement.
(1) They gave financial resistance to the movement.
(2) They refused to buy or sell imported goods.
(3) Most businessmen came to see Swaraj at a time when colonial restriction on
business would no longer exist and trade and industry would flourish without restraint.
48. What was the role of the women in the Civil Disobedience Movement ? Explain by
giving any three points.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268026]
Ans. The role of women in the Civil Disobedience Movement :
(1) Women participated in large numbers.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 77

(2) They participated in protest marches, manufactured salt, and picketed foreign cloth
and liqour shops.
(3) Many women went to jail.
(4) They started seeing service to the nation as a sacred calling.
49. Assess the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the nationalist movement with special
reference to the methods adopted by him.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268042]
Ans. Gandhiji played a leading role in the Indian National Movement between 1916 to
1948. Because of his contribution this period is known as Gandhian era.
(1) He successfully involved the masses in the Satyagraha movements at Champaran,
Kheda and Ahmedabad.
(2) He organized important nationwide mass movements like Non-Cooperation and
Civil Disobedience and later Quit India Movement.
(3) He took the causes of depressed classes and called them Harijans. He signed the
Poona Pact with Dr. Ambedkar and protested the division of Hindus on caste lines.
(4) Gandhiji fought the mighty British with the unique method of Satyagraha based
on truth and non-violence.
(5) His method included boycott of all British Institutions (legislative councils, law
courts, schools, colleges etc.) picketing the shops selling foreign goods, renunciation of
foreign titles awarded by the British, non-payment of tax, etc.
50. Critically examine the reasons of conflict between the Congress and the Muslim
League. Why did the Muslim League fail to respond to the call of a united struggle during
the Civil Disobedience Movement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268009]
Ans. (1) The important differences between the Congress and the Muslim League were
over the question of representation of Muslims in the future Assemblies, that were to be
elected.
(2) Suspicion and distrust between the two communities was also a major reason.
(3) The Civil Disobedience Movement started under this atmosphere of distrust.
(4) Negotiations over the question of representation continued but all hopes of resolving
the issue in All Parties Conference in 1928, disappeared when Mr. Jayakar of Hindu
Mahasabha strongly opposed efforts of compromise.
(5) Alienated from Congress, large sections of the Muslim failed to respond to the call of
a united struggle.
(6) The Muslims feared that the culture and identity of the minorities would be
submerged under the domination of a Hindu majority.

THE SENSE OF COLLECTIVE BELONGING

Multiple Choice Questions
1. In 1905, who painted the image of Bharat Mata shown as dispensing learning, food
and clothing :
[CBSE-SA-II, 201107/B1]
(a) Rabindranath Tagore
(b) Abanindranath Tagore
(c) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (d) None of these
2. How did the Indian people belonging to different communities, regions or languages
develop a sense of collective belonging ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201123/B1]
(a) Through the experience of united struggles
(b) Through cultural process
(c) Through the revival of Indian folklores
(d) All of these

78 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

3. Who among the following was the author of the famous novel Anandmath ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201122/A1]
(a) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (b) Abanindranath Tagore
(c) Natesa Sastri
(d) Rabindranath Tagore.
4. Which one of the following statements is not true regarding Indian folklore ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268006]
(a) The ideas of nationalism also developed through folklore
(b) Folk tales were sung by bards
(c) Bards toured village to gather folk songs
(d) It was not essential to preserve this folk tradition.
5. During which movement was the Indian tricolour first designed ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268003]
(a) Swadeshi Movement
(b) Non-Cooperation Movement
(c) Civil Disobedience Movement
(d) Quit India Movement.
6. Who was the writer of Vande Mataram ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268015, 17, 23, 35]
(a) Subhash Chandra Bose
(b) Raja Ravi Verma
(c) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (d) Rabindranath Tagore.
7. Which among the following was a prime factor in the emergence of modern
nationalism in India ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268020]
(a) New symbols
(b) New ideas
(c) Icons
(d) Anti-colonial movement
Ans. 1. (b), 2. (d), 3. (a), 4. (d), 5. (a), 6. (c), 7. (d).

3/5 Marks Questions

8. Method of reinterpretation of history was followed to encourage feeling of nationalism.
Give any three arguments to support this statement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201131/B1]
Or
How did the Reinterpretation of history created a feeling of nationalism in India ?
Give four points.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201105/A1]
Ans. Reinterpretations of history created a feeling of nationalism in India in the
following ways :
(1) By the end of nineteenth century, many Indians began feeling that to instill a
sense of pride in the nation, Indian history had to be thought about differently.
(2) The British saw Indians as backward and primitive, incapable of governing
themselves. In response, Indians began looking into the past to discover Indias great
achievements.
(3) They wrote about the glorious developments in ancient times when art and
architecture, science and mathematics, religion and culture, law and philosophy, crafts and
trade had flourished.
(4) This glorious time, in their view, was followed by a history of decline, when India
was colonised.
(5) These nationalist historians urged the readers to take pride in Indias great
achievements in the past and struggle to change the miserable conditions of life under the
British rule.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 79

9. Explain any four factors which were responsible for the growth of nationalism in the
nineteenth century in India.
Or
Explain the major factors which promoted the sense of nationalism in the Indians ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268034, 2081]
Ans. Following were the factors responsible for the growth of nationalism in nineteenth
century in India :
(1) Result of colonial exploitation : Each walk of life in India reflected the signs
of the colonial exploitation. The industrialists and traders had restricted opportunities. The
rich peasantry was laden with revenue demand. The educated class stood in queues for
jobs. The small peasants had to pay many taxes. Labourers had low wages and bad
working conditions. The leaders had limited opportunities to participate in the government.
All these put an anger and dissent in the minds of the general people.
(2) Understanding of the true nature of the British rule : By this time people
knew well the exploitative and discriminative nature of the British rule. They became of
the opinion that the colonial government is working here only for its self. It had nothing
to offer towards the welfare of the Indian people in general.
(3) Racial discrimination : The colonial policy was based on the principle of racial
discrimination. They believed Indians to be backward and primitive and incapable to run
and share the government. This attitude of the colonial government made Indians to
rethink about themselves.
(4) Role of Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders : This was the scene when India
saw the great leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. He took the weapon of Satyagraha. This
experiment, as the people saw, was very successful in Kheda, Ahmedabad, Champaran etc.
The people had opportunity to gather behind the miraculous leadership of Gandhiji who
could give voice to their demands.
(5) Impacts of nationalist literature, songs, poems and folklores : The Indian
historians wrote about the glorious developments in ancient times when art and architecture,
science and mathematics, religion and culture law and philosophy and culture, and
philosophy, crafts and trade had flourished. And, how all these declined due to colonisation.
10. How did the people belonging to different communities, regions or languages
develop a sense of collective belonging during the Indian freedom struggle ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201112/A1]
Or
How did people belonging to different communities, regions, language groups develop
a sense of collective belonging ? Explain.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268041, 2030, 68008]
Or
Examine any four cultural processes through which Indian nationalism captured
peoples imagination.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201168002]
Ans. Through a variety of cultural processes people belonging to different communities,
regions or languages developed a sense of collective belonging. Some of them are as
follows :
(1) Images : Abanindranath Tagore painted his famous image of Bharat Mata. Bharat
Mata was portrayed as an ascetic figure. She is calm, composed, divine and spiritual.
Devotion to this mother figure came to be seen as evidence of ones nationalism.

80 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

(2) Songs : In 1870s, Bankim Chandra wrote Vande Mataram as a hymn to

motherland. Later, it was included in his novel Anandmath. This song was widely sung
during the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal.
(3) Folklore : The historians recorded folktales and folksongs giving the true picture
of traditional culture that had been corrupted and damaged by the outside forces. In order
to restore a sense of pride, their preservation was essential.
(4) Flags : During the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag (red, green,
yellow) was designed. By 1921, Gandhiji designed the Swaraj flag. Carrying the flag,
holding aloft, during marches became a symbol of defiance.
(5) Reinterpretation of history : The Indian historians wrote about the glorious
development in ancient time when art and architecture, science and mathematics, religion
and culture, laws and philosophy, craft and trade had flourished. And now all these
declined due to the policies of the colonial government.
11. Some icons and symbols were used for unifying the people and sparking in them
the feeling of nationalism. Give two evidences to support above statement.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201111/B1]
Ans. Following are the two evidences :
(1) The image of Bharat Mata came to be identified with India, the motherland. She
was first painted by Abanindranath Tagore as an ascetic figurecalm, composed, divine
and spiritual. Later the image was painted by many other artists and acquired different
forms. In one image Bharat Mata is shown with a trishul, standing behind a lion and an
elephant, both symbols of power.
(2) The flag became a symbol of nationalism. During the Swadeshi Movement in
Bengal a tricolour flag was designed with eight lotus flowers representing eight provinces
of the British India and a crescent moon representing Hindus and Muslims. Gandhiji
designed the Swaraj Flag.
12. Ideas of nationalism also developed through a movement to revive Indian folklore.
Support the statement with four examples.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201122/B1]
Or
How did nationalism develop culturally in India ? Explain four reasons.
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268012]
Or
Explain the contribution of folklore, folksongs and paintings in strengthening
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268028]
nationalism in India during the 19th century.
Ans. Nationalism developed through revival of the Indian folklore in the following
ways :
(1) Nationalists gathered Indian folktales sung by bards as well as legends.
(2) They felt the need to preserve this folk tradition to discover national identity and
restore a sense of pride in ones past.
(3) In Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore began collecting ballads, nursery rhymes and
myths and led the movement for folk revival.
(4) In Madras, Natasha Shastri published a massive four volume of Tamil folk tales,
the Folklore of Southern India. He believed that folklore was national literature, it was
most trustworthy of peoples thoughts and characteristics.

India and the Contemporary World II (History : Chap3) / 81

(5) The nationalists travelled to villages to gather folksongs, folktales and legends and
considered them to give a true picture of traditional culture that had been corrupted and
damaged by the outside forces.
13. How did the nation become a reality in the minds of Indian people ? Explain.
[CBSE-SA-II, 20122079, 68032]
Ans. (1) The identity of India came to visually associated with the image of Bharat
Mata. It reflected Bharat Mata as an ascetic figure. Devotion to this mother figure came to
be seen as evidence of ones nationalism.
(2) Indian nationalists began recording folktales sung by bards and they toured
villages to gather folksongs and legends. These tales gave true picture of traditional
culture that had been corrupted by the outside forces.
(3) During the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag was designed. It had
eight lotuses representing eight provinces of British India and a crescent moon, representing
Hindus and Muslims.
(4) Later in 1921, Gandhiji designed nationalist swaraj tricolour flag with spinning
wheel in the centre representing the Gandhian ideal of self-help.
(5) By the end of 19th century, Indians began feeling that to instill a sense of pride in
the nation, there was a need to look into the past to discover Indias great achievement in
various fields.
(6) These nationalist historians urged the readers to take pride in Indias great
achievements.
14. Who designed the Swaraj Flag ? What were the features of this flag ? How was it
used as a symbol of defiance ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268016, 47]
Ans. (1) In 1921, Gandhiji had designed the Swaraj Flag.
(2) It was given a tricolour (red, green and white) and had a spinning wheel in the
centre representing the Gandhian ideal of self-help.
(3) Carrying the flag, holding it aloft, during marches became a symbol of defiance.
15. What is meant by a sense of collective belonging and how was it practised by the
Indians in India ?
[CBSE-SA-II, 201268022, 44]
Ans. (1) The sense of collective belonging meant that people began to feel that they
were all part of the same nation and discovered the unity which bound them together.
(2) Following were the ways it was practiced :
(i) Identity of India was associated with the image of Bharat Mata. The famous song
Vande Mataram led to rise in nationalism.
(ii) Indian folklore restored the national identity and developed a sense of pride in the
past.
(iii) Carrying the flag, holding it aloft during marches became a symbol of defiance.
(iv) British saw Indians as backward, primitive and incapable of governing. Indians
started to discover Indias history, its glorious development in the past and asked the people
to take pride in Indias glorious past.

82 / Reliable Question Bank (Solved) : Social Science X

VALUE BASED QUESTIONS

1. Gandhiji played distinctive role in winning freedom for India.
Which principles of Gandhiji attract you the most ?
Ans. (i) Non-violence.
(ii) Truth.
(iii) Passive resistacne.
(iv) Practicality.
(v) Simplicity.
(vi) Mass-centric policy.
(vii) Acommodation for all.
(viii) Tolerance.
(ix) Respect even for the opponents.
(x) Democratic value.
2. The image of Bharat Mata played great role in spreading nationalism in India.
In the light of the above statement, answer the following questions,
(i) Name two other allegories used in Europe to spread nationalism.
(ii) Which values did the image of Bharat Mata put into the minds of Indian
people ?
Ans. (i) (a) Marianna in France.
(b) Germania in Germany.
(ii) (a) It represented motherland.
(b) It represented calmness, divinity and spiritualism.
(c) It symbolised power.
QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE
1. Gudem rebels of Andhra Pradesh followed violence but had faith in Gandhiji.
Disccuss.
2. How did Indian polity change during 1920s ? Explain.
3. What were the aspirations of peasants and industrial working classes during Civil
Disobedience movement ? Explain.