12 NCERT CBSE History
Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement:
Civil Disobedience and Beyond
Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement in India (1915-1948)
Indian History | High School Comprehensive Assessment & Review
Lesson Summary & Overview
This lesson assessment delves into the pivotal role of Mahatma Gandhi in shaping the Indian Nationalist Movement during the crucial period of 1915-1948. It explores his transformative leadership, the evolution of his distinctive non-violent protest techniques like Satyagraha in South Africa, and his return to India to galvanize a nation yearning for freedom. Key topics include his early localized campaigns in Champaran, Ahmedabad, and Kheda, which established him as a leader deeply empathetic to the poor, and his subsequent national movements.
The assessment further examines the Rowlatt Satyagraha, the Non-Cooperation Movement, and its association with the Khilafat Movement, highlighting how Gandhi broadened the base of nationalism from an elite phenomenon to a mass struggle involving millions of peasants, workers, and artisans. It investigates the significance of symbols like the charkha and dhoti in connecting with the common populace, his social reform agenda addressing untouchability and Hindu-Muslim harmony, and the strategic wisdom behind movements like the Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March) which garnered international attention and saw widespread women's participation.
Finally, this comprehensive review covers the political complexities of the 1930s and 1940s, including the Round Table Conferences, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, the Quit India Movement, and the eventual partition of India. Students will analyze Gandhi's interactions with various sections of Indian society, the challenges posed by different political factions, and his enduring efforts to foster unity and peace even amidst the tragic division of the nation, providing a deep understanding of his legacy as the 'Father of the Indian nation'.
Theme Analysis & Strategy
Main ThemeThe Indian Nationalist Movement under Mahatma Gandhi (1915-1948)
Subject CategoryHistory
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions focus on understanding Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, the key movements he led, his philosophies (Satyagraha, non-violence, social reform), the evolution of Indian nationalism, and the significant events and challenges from 1915 to 1948, including the reasons for and impacts of major campaigns and the complexities leading to India's independence and partition.
In what year did Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi return to India from South Africa?
Hint: Think about the start of his active political career in India.
Answer
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi returned to India in January 1915 after two decades abroad.
Explanation
The text states, 'In January 1915, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi returned to his homeland after two decades of residence abroad.'
Where did Mahatma Gandhi first forge the distinctive techniques of non-violent protest known as satyagraha?
Hint: Consider where he spent two decades before returning to India.
Answer
Mahatma Gandhi first forged satyagraha in South Africa.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'It was in South Africa that Mahatma Gandhi first forged the distinctive techniques of non-violent protest known as satyagraha'.
Who was Mahatma Gandhi's acknowledged political mentor among the 'Moderates'?
Hint: Look for the name of a Moderate leader who advised Gandhi to travel around India.
Answer
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was Gandhiji’s acknowledged political mentor.
Explanation
The document states, 'Among these Moderates was Gandhiji’s acknowledged political mentor, Gopal Krishna Gokhale'.
Mahatma Gandhi's speech at the opening of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916 primarily aimed to:
Hint: Consider the contrast Gandhi drew between the attendees and the majority of Indians.
Answer
His speech aimed to remind the elite of their neglect of the poor and advocate for a more representative nationalism.
Explanation
Gandhiji 'charged the Indian elite with a lack of concern for the labouring poor' and expressed his 'desire to make Indian nationalism more properly representative of the Indian people as a whole'.
Which of the following was NOT one of Gandhiji's early localized struggles in India before 1919?
Hint: The text lists three specific localized campaigns that marked him as a nationalist with deep sympathy for the poor.
Answer
The Rowlatt Satyagraha was a countrywide campaign, not a localized struggle.
Explanation
The text states, 'These initiatives in Champaran, Ahmedabad and Kheda marked Gandhiji out as a nationalist with a deep sympathy for the poor. At the same time, these were all localised struggles. Then, in 1919, the colonial rulers delivered into Gandhiji’s lap an issue from which he could construct a much wider movement' (the Rowlatt Act).
The Rowlatt Act was instituted by the British primarily to:
Hint: The act was a continuation of tough measures from the Great War.
Answer
The Rowlatt Act continued wartime censorship and detention without trial.
Explanation
The text states, 'During the Great War of 1914-18, the British had instituted censorship of the press and permitted detention without trial. Now, on the recommendation of a committee chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt, these tough measures were continued.'
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a bloody climax of protests against the Rowlatt Act, occurred in:
Hint: This tragic event took place in a major city in Punjab.
Answer
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar.
Explanation
The situation in Punjab 'reaching a bloody climax in Amritsar in April 1919, when a British Brigadier ordered his troops to open fire on a nationalist meeting. More than four hundred people were killed in what is known as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.'
Gandhiji called for a campaign of 'non-cooperation' with British rule, asking Indians to:
Hint: Think about the meaning of 'non-cooperation' with a colonial power.
Answer
Non-cooperation involved boycotting British institutions and refusing to pay taxes.
Explanation
Gandhiji 'asked to stop attending schools, colleges and law courts, and not pay taxes. In sum, they were asked to adhere to a 'renunciation of (all) voluntary association with the (British) Government''.
Mahatma Gandhi joined hands with the Khilafat Movement primarily because he hoped to:
Hint: Consider the strategic advantage of combining a national movement with a pan-Islamic one.
Answer
He hoped to unite Hindus and Muslims to end colonial rule.
Explanation
The text states, 'Gandhiji hoped that by coupling non-cooperation with Khilafat, India’s two major religious communities, Hindus and Muslims, could collectively bring an end to colonial rule.'
The Khilafat Movement (1919-1920) was led by:
Hint: Refer to the 'What was the Khilafat Movement?' sidebar.
Answer
The Khilafat Movement was led by Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali.
Explanation
The 'What was the Khilafat Movement?' sidebar states, 'The Khilafat Movement, (1919 -1920) was a movement of Indian Muslims, led by Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali'.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was called off by Gandhiji in February 1922 due to the violent incident at:
Hint: A police station was attacked and torched in a hamlet in the United Provinces.
Answer
The Non-Cooperation Movement was called off after the Chauri Chaura incident.
Explanation
The text states, 'Then, in February 1922, a group of peasants attacked and torched a police station in the hamlet of Chauri Chaura... This act of violence prompted Gandhiji to call off the movement altogether.'
By 1922, Mahatma Gandhi had transformed Indian nationalism by:
Hint: Consider the contrast between nationalism before and after Gandhi's rise.
Answer
He transformed nationalism into a mass movement.
Explanation
The text notes, 'By 1922, Gandhiji had transformed Indian nationalism... It was no longer a movement of professionals and intellectuals; now, hundreds of thousands of peasants, workers and artisans also participated in it.'
The *charkha* (spinning wheel) became a significant symbol of Indian nationalism for Gandhiji because it represented:
Hint: Think about Gandhi's views on modern machinery and self-sufficiency.
Answer
The charkha symbolized a human society not glorifying machines and promoting self-reliance.
Explanation
Source 1 states, 'He saw the charkha as a symbol of a human society that would not glorify machines and technology. The spinning wheel, moreover, could provide the poor with supplementary income and make them self-reliant.'
The rumours of Gandhiji's miraculous powers among the peasants of eastern Uttar Pradesh reflect:
Hint: Consider how the peasants perceived Gandhi and his influence.
Answer
They reflect the deep veneration and belief in his ability to redress grievances and challenge colonial power.
Explanation
The text explains that 'Gandhiji appeared to the Indian peasant as a saviour, who would rescue them from high taxes and oppressive officials and restore dignity and autonomy to their lives.' The rumours underscore this perception.
To broaden the basis of nationalism, Gandhiji encouraged the communication of the nationalist message in the mother tongue and organized provincial Congress committees based on:
Hint: This strategy helped nationalism reach wider social groups.
Answer
He organized provincial Congress committees based on linguistic regions.
Explanation
The text states, 'Gandhiji encouraged the communication of the nationalist message in the mother tongue... Thus the provincial committees of the Congress were based on linguistic regions, rather than on the artificial boundaries of British India.'
After his release from prison in February 1924, Gandhiji devoted his attention to the promotion of home-spun cloth (*khadi*) and the abolition of:
Hint: He believed Indians needed to get rid of social evils to be worthy of freedom.
Answer
He devoted attention to the abolition of untouchability.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Mahatma Gandhi was released from prison in February 1924, and now chose to devote his attention to the promotion of home-spun cloth (khadi), and the abolition of untouchability.'
What significant declaration was made at the annual Congress session in Lahore in December 1929?
Hint: This declaration marked a significant shift in the Congress's demand.
Answer
The Congress proclaimed its commitment to 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence).
Explanation
The Lahore session was 'significant for two things: the election of Jawaharlal Nehru as President... and the proclamation of commitment to 'Purna Swaraj', or complete independence.'
What widely disliked law did Mahatma Gandhi choose to break with his march to Dandi in 1930?
Hint: This commodity was essential for every Indian household.
Answer
He chose to break the salt monopoly law.
Explanation
Gandhiji 'announced that he would lead a march to break one of the most widely disliked laws in British India, which gave the state a monopoly in the manufacture and sale of salt.'
Gandhiji's choice of the salt monopoly as a target for protest demonstrated his tactical wisdom because:
Hint: Consider the universality of salt's use in India.
Answer
His choice was wise because salt was indispensable for every household, mobilizing wider discontent.
Explanation
The text explains, 'For in every Indian household, salt was indispensable; yet people were forbidden from making salt even for domestic use, compelling them to buy it from shops at a high price. The state monopoly over salt was deeply unpopular; by making it his target, Gandhiji hoped to mobilise a wider discontent against British rule.'
When did Gandhiji begin walking from his ashram at Sabarmati towards the ocean for the Salt March?
Hint: This date is mentioned shortly after the 'Independence Day' observance.
Answer
Gandhiji began the Salt March on March 12, 1930.
Explanation
The text states, 'On 12 March 1930, Gandhiji began walking from his ashram at Sabarmati towards the ocean.'
One of the key reasons the Salt March was notable was that it:
Hint: Consider the long-term political impact on the British government.
Answer
It forced the British to realize their Raj would not last forever.
Explanation
The text lists three reasons the Salt March was notable, with the third being, 'it was the Salt March which forced upon the British the realisation that their Raj would not last forever, and that they would have to devolve some power to the Indians.'
Which socialist activist persuaded Gandhiji not to restrict the Salt Satyagraha protests to men alone, leading to large-scale women's participation?
Hint: Her name is mentioned in connection with women's involvement in the Salt March.
Answer
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay persuaded Gandhiji on women's participation.
Explanation
The text states, 'The socialist activist Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay had persuaded Gandhiji not to restrict the protests to men alone.'
The agreement between Gandhiji and the Viceroy in February 1931, which called off civil disobedience and released prisoners, was known as the:
Hint: This pact involved the then-Viceroy of India.
Answer
It was known as the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'These culminated in what was called the 'Gandhi-Irwin Pact’, by the terms of which civil disobedience would be called off, all prisoners released, and salt manufacture allowed along the coast.'
At the Second Round Table Conference in London, Gandhiji's claims that the Congress represented all of India were challenged by which three parties?
Hint: These groups represented specific interests or communities in India.
Answer
His claims were challenged by the Muslim League, the Princes, and B.R. Ambedkar.
Explanation
The text states, 'However, his claims that his party represented all of India came under challenge from three parties: from the Muslim League... from the Princes... and from the brilliant lawyer and thinker B.R. Ambedkar'.
Mahatma Gandhi opposed separate electorates for the 'Depressed Classes' primarily because he believed it would:
Hint: Refer to Source 5 and Gandhi's argument about the stigma.
Answer
He believed it would prevent their integration and perpetuate untouchability.
Explanation
Source 5 states, 'Separate electorates to the “Untouchables” will ensure them bondage in perpetuity… Do you want the “Untouchables” to remain “Untouchables” for ever? Well, the separate electorates would perpetuate the stigma.'
What did the new Government of India Act of 1935 promise?
Hint: This act led to provincial elections two years later.
Answer
The 1935 Act promised some form of representative government.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'In 1935, however, a new Government of India Act promised some form of representative government.'
During World War II, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru promised Congress support to the war effort if the British, in return, promised to grant India:
Hint: This was the primary condition for their support.
Answer
They demanded independence once hostilities ended.
Explanation
The text states, 'Accordingly, they promised Congress support to the war effort if the British, in return, promised to grant India independence once hostilities ended.'
Who did Prime Minister Winston Churchill send to India in the spring of 1942 to try and forge a compromise with Gandhiji and the Congress?
Hint: This mission was a significant attempt at negotiation during WWII.
Answer
Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India in 1942.
Explanation
The text notes, 'In the spring of 1942, Churchill was persuaded to send one of his ministers, Sir Stafford Cripps, to India to try and forge a compromise with Gandhiji and the Congress.'
The 'Quit India' campaign, launched in August 1942, was Mahatma Gandhi's third major movement against British rule after the failure of the:
Hint: This mission was the last attempt at compromise before the movement.
Answer
It was launched after the failure of the Cripps Mission.
Explanation
The text states, 'After the failure of the Cripps Mission, Mahatma Gandhi decided to launch his third major movement against British rule. This was the “Quit India” campaign, which began in August 1942.'
Which socialist member of the Congress was particularly active in the underground resistance during the Quit India Movement?
Hint: His name is associated with the socialist members of Congress during this period.
Answer
Jayaprakash Narayan was active in the underground resistance.
Explanation
The text notes, 'Particularly active in the underground resistance were socialist members of the Congress, such as Jayaprakash Narayan.'
While Congress leaders were jailed during the Quit India Movement, what significant political development occurred with the Muslim League?
Hint: The absence of Congress leaders created an opportunity for other political groups.
Answer
The League expanded its influence in provinces where it previously had little presence.
Explanation
The text states, 'However, while the Congress leaders languished in jail, Jinnah and his colleagues in the Muslim League worked patiently at expanding their influence. It was in these years that the League began to make a mark in the Punjab and Sind, provinces where it had previously had scarcely any presence.'
What was the primary objective of the Cabinet Mission sent in the summer of 1946?
Hint: This mission was an attempt to avoid the division of India.
Answer
Its objective was to get the Congress and League to agree on a federal system to keep India united.
Explanation
The text states, 'A Cabinet Mission sent in the summer of 1946 failed to get the Congress and the League to agree on a federal system that would keep India together while allowing the provinces a degree of autonomy.'
After the Cabinet Mission talks broke down, Jinnah called for a 'Direct Action Day' on August 16, 1946, to press the League's demand for:
Hint: This day led to widespread communal violence.
Answer
He called for Direct Action Day to press the demand for Pakistan.
Explanation
The text states, 'After the talks broke down, Jinnah called for a “Direct Action Day” to press the League’s demand for Pakistan.'
Who replaced Lord Wavell as Viceroy in February 1947 and announced that British India would be freed but also divided?
Hint: He was the last Viceroy of India.
Answer
Lord Mountbatten replaced Wavell and announced the partition.
Explanation
The text states, 'In February 1947, Wavell was replaced as Viceroy by Lord Mountbatten. Mountbatten called one last round of talks, but when these too proved inconclusive he announced that British India would be freed, but also divided.'
On August 15, 1947, Mahatma Gandhi marked India's independence by:
Hint: His reaction reflected his sadness over the circumstances of independence.
Answer
He observed a 24-hour fast.
Explanation
The text states, 'As it happened, Mahatma Gandhi was not present at the festivities in the capital on 15 August 1947... Gandhiji marked the day with a 24-hour fast. The freedom he had struggled so long for had come at an unacceptable price, with a nation divided and Hindus and Muslims at each other’s throats.'
In the months after Independence, Gandhiji's primary focus was on:
Hint: Consider the immediate aftermath of Partition and its human cost.
Answer
His primary focus was on working for peace and harmony in riot-torn areas.
Explanation
The text states, 'After working to bring peace to Bengal, Gandhiji now shifted to Delhi, from where he hoped to move on to the riot-torn districts of Punjab.' He 'appealed to the Sikhs, the Hindus and the Muslims to forget the past and not to dwell on their sufferings but to extend the right hand of fellowship to each other, and to determine to live in peace'.
On what date was Mahatma Gandhi assassinated?
Hint: This event occurred shortly after his prayer meeting mentioned at the end of the text.
Answer
Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
Explanation
The last sentence of the document states, 'At his daily prayer meeting on the evening of 30 January, Gandhiji'. (The text ends abruptly, but implies his death on this date).
According to Gandhiji, 'there is no salvation for India unless you strip yourself of this jewellery and hold it in trust for your countrymen in India.' This statement, made at the BHU, reflects his belief in:
Hint: Consider his critique of the 'richly bedecked noblemen' at the BHU opening.
Answer
It reflects his belief in the elite serving the poor and using resources for the nation.
Explanation
Gandhiji told the privileged invitees that 'there is no salvation for India unless you strip yourself of this jewellery and hold it in trust for your countrymen in India' and that 'Our salvation can only come through the farmer. Neither the lawyers, nor the doctors, nor the rich landlords are going to secure it.' This highlights his belief in the elite's responsibility to the common people.
The historian Chandran Devanesan remarked that South Africa was 'the making of the Mahatma.' This suggests that:
Hint: Think about what he 'first forged' and 'first promoted' there.
Answer
It suggests his political ideologies and non-violent methods were developed in South Africa.
Explanation
The text states, 'It was in South Africa that Mahatma Gandhi first forged the distinctive techniques of non-violent protest known as satyagraha, first promoted harmony between religions, and first alerted upper-caste Indians to their discriminatory treatment of low castes and women.' This indicates the foundational development of his leadership and methods.
The nationalist leaders Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai were collectively known by the alliteration:
Hint: Their names' initial syllables formed a famous trio.
Answer
They were known as 'Lal, Bal and Pal'.
Explanation
The text states, 'The three were known as 'Lal, Bal and Pal', the alliteration conveying the all-India character of their struggle'.
Louis Fischer, Mahatma Gandhi’s American biographer, described Non-cooperation as 'negative enough to be peaceful but positive enough to be effective.' This implies that the movement:
Hint: Consider the core principles of Non-cooperation as defined by Gandhi.
Answer
It implies the movement avoided violence while actively challenging British authority through denial and renunciation.
Explanation
Louis Fischer's quote continues, 'It entailed denial, renunciation, and self-discipline. It was training for self-rule.' This indicates an active, yet non-violent, form of resistance.
Which of the following was NOT among the highly talented Indians who attached themselves to Gandhiji between 1917 and 1922?
Hint: The text lists several prominent figures from different regions and religious traditions.
Answer
Mohammad Ali Jinnah was not listed among Gandhi's close associates during that period.
Explanation
The text explicitly lists 'Mahadev Desai, Vallabh Bhai Patel, J.B. Kripalani, Subhas Chandra Bose, Abul Kalam Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, Govind Ballabh Pant and C. Rajagopalachari' as close associates. Mohammad Ali Jinnah is mentioned as a Moderate and later as a challenger to Congress, not a close associate.
Mahatma Gandhi's choice to wear a simple *dhoti* or loincloth, unlike other nationalist leaders who dressed formally, was a deliberate act to:
Hint: Consider his efforts to connect with the common people and his values.
Answer
It was to identify with the labouring poor and symbolize asceticism.
Explanation
The text states, 'Gandhiji went among the people in a simple dhoti or loincloth... In 1921... Gandhiji shaved his head and began wearing a loincloth in order to identify with the poor. His new appearance also came to symbolise asceticism and abstinence'.
According to Mahatma Gandhi (Source 3), the salt monopoly was a 'fourfold curse' primarily because it:
Hint: Read the detailed explanation of the 'fourfold curse' in Source 3.
Answer
It deprived people of industry, destroyed natural salt, increased expenditure, and exacted a huge tax.
Explanation
Source 3 states, 'The salt monopoly is thus a fourfold curse. It deprives the people of a valuable easy village industry, involves wanton destruction of property that nature produces in abundance, the destruction itself means more national expenditure, and fourthly, to crown this folly, an unheard-of tax of more than 1,000 per cent is exacted from a starving people.'
In his Dandi speech (Source 4), Gandhiji says, 'The Government may, if it wishes, congratulate itself on acting as it has done, for it could have arrested every one of us. In saying that it did not have the courage to arrest this army of peace, we praise it.' This statement suggests his view that the colonial state:
Hint: He mentions the government's shame and fear of 'world opinion'.
Answer
It suggests the colonial state was powerful but susceptible to world opinion and moral pressure.
Explanation
Gandhiji states, 'He is a civilised man who feels ashamed to do anything which his neighbours would disapprove. The Government deserves to be congratulated on not arresting us, even if it desisted only from fear of world opinion.' This highlights his understanding of the British government's sensitivity to international perception and moral standing.
According to B.R. Ambedkar (Source 6), the Depressed Classes were dependent on high-caste Hindus and faced societal barriers that prevented their upward mobility. He argued that some share of political power was a 'paramount necessity' for them to:
Hint: Look at the concluding argument in Ambedkar's statement.
Answer
He argued it was necessary to protect themselves in the struggle for life against organised tyranny.
Explanation
Source 6 quotes Ambedkar: 'In these circumstances, it would be granted by all fair-minded persons that as the only path for a community so handicapped to succeed in the struggle for life against organised tyranny, some share of political power in order that it may protect itself is a paramount necessity'.
The text suggests that before 1915, the Indian National Congress had broadened its appeal among the middle classes through the Swadeshi movement. However, Gandhiji's return transformed nationalism by:
Hint: Compare the scope of nationalism before and after Gandhi's major campaigns.
Answer
Gandhiji expanded its base to include peasants, workers, and artisans, making it a mass movement.
Explanation
The text states, 'The Indian National Congress now had branches in most major cities and towns. Through the Swadeshi movement of 1905-07 it had greatly broadened its appeal among the middle classes.' Later, it notes, 'By 1922, Gandhiji had transformed Indian nationalism... It was no longer a movement of professionals and intellectuals; now, hundreds of thousands of peasants, workers and artisans also participated in it.'
During the Quit India Movement, 'independent' or parallel governments (*prati sarkar*) were proclaimed in several districts, notably in Satara in the west and:
Hint: The text mentions two specific regions.
Answer
Parallel governments were also proclaimed in Medinipur in the east.
Explanation
The text states, 'In several districts, such as Satara in the west and Medinipur in the east, “independent” governments were proclaimed.'
After the Partition of India, the Congress passed a resolution on 'the rights of minorities,' affirming that India would be a 'democratic secular State where all citizens enjoy full rights and are equally entitled to the protection of the State.' This demonstrates that the Congress:
Hint: Consider the Congress's historical stance versus the 'two-nation theory'.
Answer
It demonstrates that the Congress maintained its belief in a pluralistic, secular India despite partition.
Explanation
The text explains, 'The party had never accepted the “two-nation theory”: forced against its will to accept Partition, it still believed that “India is a land of many religions and many races, and must remain so”. Whatever be the situation in Pakistan, India would be “a democratic secular State where all citizens enjoy full rights and are equally entitled to the protection of the State, irrespective of the religion to which they belong”.'
Mahatma Gandhi's final message on January 26, 1948, expressed hope that 'though geographically and politically India is divided into two, at heart we shall ever be friends and brothers helping and respecting one another'. This reflects his enduring commitment to:
Hint: This statement comes after the disillusionment of partition, highlighting his continued idealism.
Answer
It reflects his enduring commitment to inter-community peace, equality, and mutual respect, even after partition.
Explanation
Gandhiji permitted himself the hope 'that though geographically and politically India is divided into two, at heart we shall ever be friends and brothers helping and respecting one another and be one for the outside world' and also hoped for 'equality of all classes and creeds, never the domination and superiority of the major community over a minor'. This shows his unwavering commitment to harmony.
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