Chapter 8 – The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947- Textbook Question Answers
Table of Contents
1. Why were people dissatisfied with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s?
- Introduction of Oppressive Laws: During the 1870s and 1880s, the British introduced several laws that deeply affected the lives of Indians. For example, the Arms Act of 1878 prohibited Indians from possessing arms without a licence, which was rarely granted to them.
- Control Over the Press: The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was enacted to curb the freedom of the Indian press. It allowed the government to confiscate the assets of newspapers publishing content deemed objectionable by the British, essentially silencing criticism against colonial rule.
- Racial Discrimination: The Ilbert Bill controversy in 1883 highlighted the racial prejudices of the British. The bill aimed to allow Indian judges to try British offenders, but it faced severe opposition from the British community and was eventually modified, reinforcing racial discrimination in judicial matters.
- Economic Exploitation: People were also dissatisfied due to economic hardships caused by British policies, which led to increased taxes, famines, and the overall drain of wealth to Britain, impoverishing the peasants and benefiting the British economically.
2. Who did the Indian National Congress wish to speak for?
- Representation for All: From its inception, the Indian National Congress aimed to represent and speak for all the people of India, irrespective of their region, community, or class.
- Inclusive Goals: The Congress advocated for the rights and welfare of the entire Indian population. It sought more representation for Indians in government and administration and pushed for reforms that would benefit a wide range of social and economic groups across the country.
- Fight Against Racism: The early leaders of the Congress, such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and W.C. Bonnerjee, focused on promoting the idea that Indians should be treated equally and fairly, challenging the discriminatory practices and policies imposed by the British.
3. What economic impact did the First World War have on India?
- Increased Taxes and Prices: The war led to a significant rise in defence expenditure by the Government of India. To finance the war, the government increased taxes on individual incomes and business profits. This, combined with high military spending, resulted in a sharp rise in prices of commodities, making life difficult for common people.
- Economic Hardships for Common People: The increased prices created severe hardships for common people, as everyday items became more expensive and difficult to afford.
- Profit for Indian Businesses: On the other hand, the war created a demand for industrial goods like jute bags, cloth, and rails, which reduced the import of these goods from other countries. Indian industries expanded during the war and Indian business groups saw significant profits.
- Pressured for Soldiers: Villages were pressured to supply soldiers for the war. Many soldiers who returned had witnessed the exploitation of imperial powers and were motivated to resist colonial rule.
4. What did the Muslim League resolution of 1940 ask for?
- Demand for Autonomous Regions: The resolution, passed in 1940, demanded independent states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India. This was seen as a way to ensure Muslim interests were safeguarded in a predominantly Hindu India.
- Background to the Demand: The demand emerged from fears among Muslims that they would be politically dominated and culturally overwhelmed by the Hindu majority if India remained united as a single nation.
- Not Explicitly Mentioning Partition: The resolution did not explicitly mention the creation of a new country (Pakistan) or the term ‘partition’, but it set the stage for the eventual demand for a separate nation, which culminated in the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
Also Check – Key figures from the Chapter “The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947 – Class 8
5. Who were the Moderates? How did they propose to struggle against British rule?
- Identity of the Moderates: The Moderates were the early leaders of the Indian National Congress who believed in a gradual and reformist approach to political change. Key figures among the Moderates included leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Pherozeshah Mehta.
- Strategies Used by Moderates:
- Petitioning and Resolutions: The Moderates favoured a method of constitutional agitation within the confines of the law. They regularly sent petitions to the British government and passed numerous resolutions during the Congress sessions.
- Focus on Public Awareness: They aimed to educate the public about the unjust nature of British rule through newspapers and meetings, believing that a well-informed public would be a strong force against the British.
- Faith in British Justice: Moderates believed that the British had a sense of fair play and would rectify injustices once they were made aware of them through proper channels.
6. How was the politics of the Radicals within the Congress different from that of the Moderates?
- Approach and Ideology: The Radicals within the Congress advocated for more assertive and direct methods in the struggle for independence, unlike the cautious and constitutional methods of the Moderates.
- Key Leaders and Beliefs: Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (collectively known as the Lal-Bal-Pal trio) were prominent Radicals. They criticised the Moderates for their ‘politics of prayers’ and emphasised self-reliance and direct action.
- Strategies Used by Radicals:
- Direct Action: The Radicals supported direct action and were not averse to adopting aggressive and sometimes violent methods to achieve their objectives. They organised protests, strikes, and even encouraged the boycott of British goods and institutions.
- Cultural Nationalism: They also promoted a form of cultural nationalism that sought to revive Indian heritage and counter the cultural domination of the British, which was less emphasised by the Moderates.
7. Discuss the various forms that the Non-Cooperation Movement took in different parts of India. How did the people understand Gandhiji?
- Diverse Forms Across India: The Non-Cooperation Movement manifested in various forms across different regions:
- Urban Areas: In cities, people boycotted British goods, educational institutions, courts, and government offices. Students left government schools, and lawyers gave up their practices.
- Rural Areas: In the countryside, peasants refused to pay taxes and rents to the British and their agents. There were significant protests against the plantation system in Assam and against the forest laws in many parts of India.
- Cultural Boycott: The movement included a strong cultural aspect where Indians were encouraged to adopt indigenous practices and resist cultural imperialism by rejecting British customs and traditions.
- Understanding of Gandhiji:
- Moral Leadership: People saw Gandhi not just as a political leader but as a moral and spiritual guide. His philosophy of non-violence and satyagraha influenced many to adopt peaceful methods of resistance.
- Symbol of Hope and Change: To many Indians, Gandhi symbolised hope and the promise of a better future free from colonial oppression. He was viewed as a figure who could lead them to freedom and justice.
- Messianic Perceptions: In some areas, Gandhi was almost seen as a messianic figure who would deliver them from misery. This sometimes led to misinterpretations of his calls for non-violent protest, where people believed he would support even more radical or immediate actions against their local oppressors.
8. Why did Gandhi choose to break the salt law?
- Symbolic Significance: Salt was chosen for its universal necessity—it was used by all Indians irrespective of class, caste, or religion. The salt tax represented an oppressive aspect of British rule that affected everyone, making it a unifying issue for the movement.
- Economic Impact: The salt tax was deeply regressive, disproportionately affecting the poorest in society. By challenging this law, Gandhi aimed to highlight the exploitative economic policies of the British Empire.
- Strategic Non-Violence: Breaking the salt law through a non-violent march provided a clear and powerful method of civil disobedience. It was a simple act that ordinary people could participate in, thereby mobilising the masses and demonstrating the power of collective action.
- Media Coverage: The Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi was a dramatic event that captured the attention of both national and international media, bringing global awareness to India’s struggle for independence.
9. Discuss those developments of the 1937–47 period that led to the creation of Pakistan.
- Electoral Politics and the 1937 Elections: The provincial elections of 1937 under the Government of India Act of 1935 were pivotal. The Muslim League failed to win many seats and felt sidelined as the Congress party formed governments in several provinces. This electoral outcome led the Muslim League to believe that Muslims would always be politically disadvantaged in a Congress-dominated India.
- Formation of a Separate Muslim Identity: The results of the 1937 elections reinforced the Muslim League’s fears of political marginalisation. They began to promote the idea that Muslims were a separate nation, which crystallised into the demand for separate electorates and ultimately a separate state.
- The Lahore Resolution (1940): In March 1940, the Muslim League formally demanded a separate nation for Muslims at its Lahore session. This resolution called for autonomous regions for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India, later termed as Pakistan.
- World War II and its Aftermath: The period during and after World War II was marked by intense negotiations between the Congress, the Muslim League, and the British government regarding the future political structure of India. The Cripps Mission in 1942 attempted to secure Indian support for the British war effort with promises of post-war independence but failed to satisfy the political aspirations of the Indian leaders.
- Direct Action Day (1946): The Muslim League’s call for “Direct Action Day” on August 16, 1946, led to massive communal riots in Calcutta and later in other parts of India. This marked a significant escalation in communal tensions and hardened positions on both sides, making partition seem almost inevitable.
- Cabinet Mission (1946): The Cabinet Mission proposed a federal solution with a weak central government and autonomous provinces, which was initially accepted but later failed due to disagreements over the grouping of provinces and the powers of the central government.
- Mountbatten Plan (1947): By 1947, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, concluded that partition was the only viable solution to the communal impasse. The Mountbatten Plan, announced in June 1947, laid down a framework for partition and the rapid transfer of power.
- Communal Violence and Final Steps to Partition: The announcement of the Mountbatten Plan was followed by intense communal violence. The scale of the violence and the mass migrations that followed underscored the deep divisions between communities, leading to the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947.
How the National Movement Was Organised in Bengal
Participants and Leaders:
- Leaders: Prominent leaders from Bengal included Chittaranjan Das, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Rabindranath Tagore. Each played a distinctive role in moulding the political climate of Bengal and India.
- Diverse Participation: The movement in Bengal saw participation from a broad spectrum of society including intellectuals, students, peasants, and women. The involvement of universities and colleges in Calcutta was particularly noteworthy.
Forms of Organization:
- Political Parties and Groups: The Indian National Congress had a strong presence in Bengal, alongside other groups like the Brahmo Samaj which played a significant role in social reform movements that dovetailed with political independence efforts.
- Cultural Movements: Bengal was also a centre for cultural renaissance that contributed to the nationalist movement. Figures like Rabindranath Tagore influenced nationalistic thoughts through literature and music which inspired many to join the freedom struggle.
- Mass Movements and Demonstrations: Bengal was instrumental in major national campaigns such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and later the Civil Disobedience Movement. The Swadeshi Movement, initiated as a response to the Partition of Bengal in 1905, was particularly significant. It included boycotting British goods, promoting Indian-made products, and setting up national schools and colleges.
Achievements:
- Swadeshi Movement Impact: The movement galvanised a significant part of the Indian population and had profound economic implications by affecting British imports. It was crucial in fostering a sense of self-reliance among Indians.
- Influence on National Policies: Leaders from Bengal were influential in shaping Congress policies and strategies. Subhas Chandra Bose, for example, pushed for more radical approaches during his tenure as Congress President.
- Cultural Contributions: The literary and artistic outputs from Bengal provided ideological support and motivation for the freedom struggle, helping spread the message of independence across India.
- Educational Reforms: The establishment of national schools and colleges in Bengal helped educate many who would later become key figures in India’s independence and post-independence development.
Summary
In Bengal, the national movement was not just a series of political protests but also a deep cultural and intellectual campaign that influenced the entire spectrum of Indian society. The leaders from Bengal played crucial roles on both national and international stages, advocating for independence and social reforms. The legacy of the movement in Bengal is seen in its substantial contributions to India’s cultural, educational, and political landscapes.
11. Find out more about the life and work of any two participants or leaders of the national movement and write a short essay about them. You may choose a person not mentioned in this chapter.
Let’s explore the life and contributions of two influential leaders of the Indian national movement: Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Both played significant roles, though their contributions are often highlighted in different contexts.
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
Early Life and Education
- Born on April 3, 1903, in Mangalore, Kamaladevi was influenced by the freedom movement from a young age, partly due to her family’s active participation in the struggle.
- She studied at Queen Mary’s College in Chennai and later at Bedford College, London, which further shaped her socio-political perspectives.
Role in the National Movement
- Kamaladevi was a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle, known for her participation in the Salt Satyagraha, where she was among the first women to be arrested for breaking the salt laws.
- Her work extended beyond mere political activism; she was deeply involved in promoting social reform, particularly in advancing the cause of women’s rights in India.
Post-Independence Contributions
- After independence, she turned her focus towards the revival of Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and theatre, believing these were integral to sustaining India’s cultural heritage.
- She established various institutions such as the All India Handicrafts Board and played a leading role in setting up the National School of Drama.
Legacy
- Kamaladevi’s legacy is that of a pioneering feminist and social reformer whose efforts helped elevate the status of Indian craft and empowered numerous artisans. Her writings continue to inspire many in the fields of art, culture, and women’s empowerment.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Early Life and Education
- Born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Dr. Ambedkar was a victim of caste discrimination from an early age, which influenced his dedication to fighting social injustices.
- He studied economics and law in the United States and the United Kingdom, which equipped him with the tools to challenge the status quo in India.
Role in the National Movement
- Dr. Ambedkar was a key figure in formulating the Constitution of India, ensuring that it guaranteed protection for civil liberties and prohibited discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- He campaigned tirelessly for the rights of the ‘untouchables’, advocating for their education and socio-economic improvement.
Post-Independence Contributions
- He served as the Law Minister of India and was instrumental in the drafting of the Indian Constitution, making significant contributions to the legal framework of independent India.
- Dr. Ambedkar also continued his fight for the rights of the marginalised, leading to the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India and advocating for economic and social reforms.
Legacy
- Known as the father of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar’s work has had a lasting impact on India’s legal and social fabric. His efforts to eradicate social evils like untouchability and caste restrictions have made him a revered figure among millions.
Summary
Both Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar were stalwarts of the Indian national movement, whose lives and works extended beyond mere political activism. They contributed immensely to the shaping of modern India through their commitment to social justice, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. Their legacies continue to influence and inspire current and future generations in India and around the world.
