History of Communist Party of India (CPI)

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Questions and Answers

What is the status of the CPI in Tamil Nadu as of December 2023?

It is part of the SPA coalition led by DMK. (correct)

It is a dominant party in the state.

It has no representation in Tamil Nadu.

It leads the state government independently.

Which of the following was a reason for the suppression of the CPI by the British colonial administration?

Resistance to British colonisation.

The CPI's role in land reform.

CPI's involvement in the trade unions.

Membership being made a criminal offense. (correct)

As of December 2023, how many MLAs does the CPI have across four states?

22 MLAs (correct)

20 MLAs

25 MLAs

15 MLAs

Who was the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of India?

S.V. Ghate Signup and view all the answers

In which year did the CPI experience a significant split leading to the formation of a new party?

1964 Signup and view all the answers

During which years did the CPI provide outside support to the UPA government?

2004-2009 Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant event for the CPI between 1946 and 1951?

Structuring the peasant revolt in Telangana. Signup and view all the answers

Where was the Communist Party of India founded?

Cawnpore Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the CPI winning the state elections in Kerala in 1957?

It marked the first time an opposition party controlled an Indian state. Signup and view all the answers

Who became Chief Minister of Kerala after the CPI won the elections in 1957?

E.M.S. Namboodiripad Signup and view all the answers

What criticism did the Chinese Communist Party direct at the CPI at the 1957 international meeting?

For forming a ministry in Kerala. Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the beginning of armed operations in Dadra-Nagar Haveli by the CPI?

The decision made in July 1954. Signup and view all the answers

Which movement was associated with many communists getting arrested in Goa due to their participation?

Goa Satyagraha. Signup and view all the answers

What was the CPI's relationship with the Congress party between 1970 and 1977?

They formed a coalition government. Signup and view all the answers

What controversial law was used by the CPI government to suppress opposition during the emergency period?

MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Darshan Singh Canadian in 1986?

He was assassinated by Sikh extremists. Signup and view all the answers

What date does the Communist Party of India (Marxist) consider as its founding day?

17 October 1920 Signup and view all the answers

Which trial had a significant political impact on the communist movement in India?

Cawnpore Bolshevik Conspiracy Case Signup and view all the answers

Who was a key figure that organized a conference in Kanpur in 1925?

Satya Bhakta Signup and view all the answers

What major change occurred in the communist strategies after the 1928 Comintern congress?

To combat national-reformist leaders and the Indian National Congress Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary consequence of the Meerut Conspiracy Case?

It resulted in the arrest of key communist leaders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a reaction of the CPI to the establishment of the Congress Socialist Party in 1934?

They branded it as Social Fascist Signup and view all the answers

Who confessed to receiving money from the Russians during the Cawnpore trial?

Ghulam Hussain Signup and view all the answers

Which conference adopted the name 'Communist Party of India'?

Kanpur Conference of 1925 Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary task of the Indian communists in response to the British authorities, particularly after the sixth congress of the Communist International in 1928?

Combat the national bourgeoisie Signup and view all the answers

During which time period did the Communist Party of India experience a reorganization?

1933 Signup and view all the answers

Which party was dissolved into the Communist Party of India?

Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan Signup and view all the answers

What action was taken against the Workers and Peasants Party (WPP) by Indian communists in 1929?

They broke away from it Signup and view all the answers

What was initiated by the underground Communist Party of India in 1934?

League Against Gandhism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strikes were ongoing during the creation of the Indian communist movement?

Railway worker strikes Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary reason for the poor organization of the communist movement during the 1920s?

Government ban on communist activities Signup and view all the answers

What significant event took place in July 1937 involving members of the CSP and CPI?

A clandestine meeting in Calicut Signup and view all the answers

Which thesis was adopted at the 2nd CSP congress in January 1936?

Creation of a united Indian Socialist Party based on Marxism-Leninism Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the declaration released by the CPI during the 1940 Ramgarh Congress Conference?

Proletarian Path Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the 1946 Provincial Legislative Assembly elections for the CPI?

They contested 108 seats and won 8 Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy did the CPI adopt in its 'Programme of Democratic Revolution' in February 1948?

Opposition to caste injustice Signup and view all the answers

What significant rebellion did the CPI lead against the Nizam of Hyderabad?

The Telangana Rebellion Signup and view all the answers

Who was elected as the General Secretary of CPI at the 2nd Party Congress in February 1948?

B.T. Ranadive Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the CPI achieve legal status as a party?

1942 Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the communist movements in Bihar post-independence?

Leadership prominently in land reforms and peak trade union movements Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the CPI in the 1952 Travancore-Cochin Legislative Assembly election?

They were banned from participating Signup and view all the answers

What was the first slogan of the CPI mentioned in the 1951 congress?

National Democracy Signup and view all the answers

Which population did the CPI's rebellion in Telangana primarily control?

Three million Signup and view all the answers

What role did agrarian struggles play in the CPI's influence in Manipur?

They enhanced CPI’s presence as a significant force Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary focus of young communist leadership in the early 1950s of North India?

Uniting unorganized sector workers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communist Party of India (CPI) History

Founded on December 26, 1925, in Kanpur (Cawnpore), making it India's oldest communist party.
Initially faced internal fragmentation and poor organization during the 1920s and early 1930s, with multiple communist groups operating.
Various conspiracy cases, notably the Meerut and Kanpur Bolshevik Conspiracy trials, aimed to curb communist activity.
The party's initial leaders, including S. A. Dange, M. N. Roy, Muzaffar Ahmed, and others, faced arrests and imprisonment, though some were eventually released.
Key figures involved with the founding include S. V. Ghate as the first General Secretary.
Key figures emerged from diverse origins, such as, Tashkent group, groups in Bengal (Anushilan and Jugantar), Bombay, Madras, United Provinces, Punjab, Sindh, and Bengal.
The British colonial administration banned the party and its affiliated organizations in 1934.
Led resistance to British colonization, caste system, and advocated for land reform.
Led struggles against feudal lords in Telangana during 1946-1951.
In 1934, the party was recognized as the Indian section of the Communist International.
Initially opposed the Congress Socialist Party (CSP), calling it "Social Fascist".

CPI's Role in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana

Currently, the CPI is a state party in Kerala with four cabinet ministers and a deputy speaker.
In Tamil Nadu, part of the ruling SPA coalition.
In Telangana, the party is allied with the INC (Indian National Congress).

CPI's National Political History

Part of the United Front government from 1996 to 1998.
Provided outside support to the V. P. Singh government (1989–90) and UPA (2004–2009).
Held significant power in West Bengal (1977–2011) and Tripura (1993–2018).
During 1950s-1960s acted as the main opposition party.

CPI's National Presence

Currently holds two members in Lok Sabha and two in Rajya Sabha.
Has 22 MLAs across four states and one MLC in Bihar.

Conflict and Controversies

A 1964 split led to the formation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
A dispute exists over the party's founding date.

CPI and Other Parties

The party allied with the Congress Party between 1970 and 1977.
Contested Provincial Legislative Assembly election in 1946 with candidates in 108 seats.
Opposed partition of India in 1947.
Led armed struggles in several regions, including the crucial Telangana rebellion.
Opposed the Khalistan movement in Punjab in the 1980s.
Played a role in Goa Satyagraha (1955-1956) and the liberation movements in liberated Dadra-Nagar Haveli (1954).

CPI and Key Events

The 1928 Comintern congress directed Indian communists to combat nationalist leaders and use contradictions.
The Party's internal conflicts during the period of independence, including shifts between left and right wings, and different policies.
The 1957 Kerala state election victory, forming the first opposition-led state government.
Faced criticism from the Chinese Communist Party in 1957 for forming a ministry in Kerala.
Key figures including P. Sundarayya, E. M. S. Namboodiripad, and B. T. Ranadive.

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Description

Explore the rich history of the Communist Party of India, founded in 1925. This quiz delves into its formation, internal struggles, key figures, and major events like the Meerut Conspiracy trials. Test your knowledge on the party's contributions to resistance against British colonial rule.