Knowledge
Understanding
Application
HOTS
100
Name the two leaders who launched the Home Rule Movement.
Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak
100
Why did the British introduce the Rowlatt Act, and what was its impact?
The Rowlatt Act (1919) was passed to curb revolutionary activities by allowing the government to imprison individuals without trial. It led to widespread protests, including the Rowlatt Satyagraha, and culminated in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
100
The Purna Swaraj Resolution envisioned India as a completely sovereign nation. Today, India is an independent democracy, but it is also part of global organizations like the United Nations, World Trade Organization (WTO), and International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Question:
Do you think India has achieved the complete sovereignty envisioned in the Purna Swaraj Resolution, or is it still influenced by external factors?
While India has political sovereignty, it remains economically and diplomatically interdependent with the global system. International organizations like the WTO influence trade policies, and foreign relations impact defense and economy. However, unlike in British rule, India now makes its own decisions in global affairs, maintaining full autonomy over governance. The essence of Purna Swaraj has been achieved, but in today’s globalized world, no nation can function in absolute isolation.
100
If the Partition of India had not happened, how might India’s political and social landscape be different today?
A united India might have had a different religious and political structure, avoiding cross-border conflicts but possibly facing internal communal challenges.
200
Identify the statement as correct/incorrect:
The Moderates and extremist signed the Lucknow pact and joint hands to fight for self rule.
Give Reason.
Incorrect
Congress and Muslim League
200
Why were people dissatisfied with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s?
Any two:
Unfair Laws and Policies:
- The Vernacular Press Act (1878) restricted freedom of speech by allowing the British to censor Indian newspapers critical of their rule.
Racial Discrimination:
- The Ilbert Bill controversy (1883) highlighted British racial bias.
Economic Exploitation:
- Heavy land revenue taxes impoverished peasants and zamindars.
- Indian industries declined as British goods flooded the market, leading to unemployment among artisans and weavers.
- Famines and food shortages became frequent due to excessive grain exports to Britain.
Lack of Indian Representation in Governance:
- Indians were denied high-ranking government positions.
- The Indian National Congress (formed in 1885) emerged partly due to growing frustration over British administrative policies.
Injustice and Suppression:
- The British prioritized their own interests, treating Indians as second-class citizens.
- Political associations like the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and the Madras Mahajan Sabha protested against the lack of Indian rights and sovereignty.
200
How did the First World War contribute to the rise of Indian nationalism?
The war increased economic burdens, forced Indian soldiers to fight for the British, and disrupted trade. This led to widespread unrest and strengthened demands for self-rule.
200
Could the Indian freedom struggle have succeeded without Gandhi? Why or why not?
While other leaders played crucial roles, Gandhi’s mass appeal, ability to unify diverse groups, and innovative protests made a unique impact.
While India’s independence was influenced by multiple factors and leaders, Gandhi’s approach of non-violent mass resistance, unity, and moral authority accelerated the process.
Without him, independence might still have come, but perhaps later and with more internal conflict.
300
What was the purpose of the Cabinet Mission plan?
It presented the Independence plan and proposed the formation of an interim government.
300
Who were the Moderates, and what were their main demands?
The Moderates were early Congress leaders (1885–1905) who adopted a constitutional approach to demand reforms from the British government. Their demands included greater Indian representation in governance, civil service exams in India, economic relief, and reduction in military expenditure.
300
Case Study:
The British responded to the Quit India Movement with brutal repression—thousands were arrested, tortured, and killed. Entire villages were burned down for supporting the movement. Despite this, protests continued in the form of strikes, sabotage of railway lines, and underground resistance.
Question:
Did the extreme British repression weaken or strengthen the resolve of Indians to fight for independence? Explain with reasoning.
While British repression physically crushed many protests, it strengthened the emotional and political resolve of Indians. The brutality exposed the true nature of British rule, increasing anti-British sentiment across India. The sacrifices of protestors created martyrs, making the demand for independence even more urgent and non-negotiable. However, the repression also delayed the movement’s progress, as many leaders and activists were jailed or executed.
300
Was the British Raj solely responsible for India’s economic decline, or were other factors involved?
While British policies drained wealth, factors like caste-based economic divisions, lack of industrialization, and internal conflicts also played roles.
400
What was the Illbert Bill controversy?
The objective of the bill was to give power to Indian judges and magistrates to try British offenders in criminal cases at the District level.
The whole European community started agitation opposing the bill.
400
Why did Gandhiji choose to break the salt law?
Symbol of British Oppression: The British had a monopoly on salt production and imposed a tax on it, affecting all Indians, especially the poor.
Essence of Daily Life: Salt was an essential commodity used by everyone, making the protest relatable and unifying for people across different social classes.
Non-Violent and Mass Mobilization: The act of making salt was simple yet powerful, allowing people from all walks of life to participate in a peaceful protest.
Challenge to British Authority: By breaking the salt law, Gandhiji directly defied the unjust policies of the colonial government, proving that Indians could resist British control without violence.
400
If you were a journalist in 1947, how would you report on the impact of Partition on common people?
"The Partition of India has caused an unprecedented human tragedy. Millions are displaced, seeking refuge amidst chaos. Families are torn apart, and violence has erupted in many regions. The once-celebrated freedom comes with immense sorrow."
400
If you could change one event in the Indian freedom struggle, what would it be and why?
(Example response) "I would change the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by ensuring stronger international pressure on Britain to prevent such brutality, possibly accelerating the push for independence."
500
The failure of the early nationalists to achieve political reforms brought forth new trends in the congress. The new group of leaders was formed.
Name the group.
Which leaders led the group?
Assertive Nationalists
Lal-Bal-Pal
500
How did the idea of Swadeshi help Indians to be united against the British?
- It brought into politics new classes of people without any distinction of caste and creed. Many zamindars, women, students and Muslim leaders joined the movement.
- It encouraged the establishment of indigenous industries for strengthening the country. Many Swadeshi stores were also setup across the country. This gave employment to a number of people.
500
Imagine you are an Indian student in the 1920s. How would you participate in the Non-Cooperation Movement?
I would boycott British schools, wear khadi, join peaceful protests, and spread awareness about self-rule. I would encourage others to use Swadeshi products and support local industries."
500
Identify the picture below and what was the outcome of the same.
Second round table conference
Failure to Reach a Consensus on India’s Future
- Gandhi represented the Indian National Congress, but his demand for Complete Independence (Purna Swaraj) was rejected by the British.
- The conference highlighted divisions between Hindus, Muslims, Dalits, and Princely States.