India and the Contemporary World Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's role in the Dalit movement during the Civil Disobedience Movement?

He organized Dalits into the Depressed Classes Association. (correct)

He supported Mahatma Gandhi's view on integration.

He led the Civil Disobedience Movement for the Congress.

He demanded equal rights for all castes.

Why did Mahatma Gandhi oppose Dr. Ambedkar's demand for separate electorates?

He feared it would hinder Dalits' integration into society. (correct)

He thought it would encourage division among the communities.

He was afraid of alienating the British government.

He believed it would ensure better representation for Dalits.

What was the outcome of the Poona Pact of September 1932?

The Congress party dissolved its affiliation with Dalits.

Dalits were granted separate legislative assemblies.

Reserved seats for Dalits were to be voted in by the general electorate. (correct)

Dalits received complete independence.

What was a significant consequence of the relationship between Hindus and Muslims during the mid-1920s?

Frequent communal clashes and riots. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of some Muslim political organisations to the Civil Disobedience Movement?

They felt alienated from the Congress party. Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason for the apprehension of the Dalit movement towards the Congress-led national movement?

The Congress was tied to openly Hindu nationalist groups. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of Gandhi's fast unto death regarding the issue of separate electorates?

Ambedkar withdrew his demand for separate electorates. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did communal riots have on Hindu-Muslim relations during this period?

They deepened the divide between the communities. Signup and view all the answers

What principle is at the core of the satyagraha method pioneered by Mahatma Gandhi?

The power of truth and non-violent struggle Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction among workers when Mahatma Gandhi was arrested during the march?

Thousands of workers joined the satyagraha Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about satyagraha is FALSE?

It is a method solely for the weak. Signup and view all the answers

In what context was satyagraha originally practiced by Gandhi?

In the context of racial discrimination in South Africa Signup and view all the answers

What did Gandhi assert about the ideals of satyagraha as opposed to passive resistance?

It has a principle rooted in strength and activity. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the march led by Gandhi in 1913 in South Africa?

It was a peaceful protest against racial laws. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does NOT align with the philosophy of satyagraha according to Gandhi?

The need for physical strength Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Gandhi's concept of non-violent resistance?

An intention to appeal to the morality of oppressors Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of the boycott movement against foreign goods among Indian merchants?

The production rates of Indian textile mills increased. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the Non-Cooperation Movement face regarding Indian institutions?

Indian institutions were slower to develop compared to British ones. Signup and view all the answers

Who led the peasant struggles in the Awadh region during the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Baba Ramchandra Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that made khadi cloth less accessible to the poor during the boycott movement?

Khadi cloth was usually priced higher than mill-produced cloth. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of students returning to government schools during the Non-Cooperation Movement?

It weakened the movement's opposition to British institutions. Signup and view all the answers

How did the city-based boycott of mill cloth impact rural society?

Rural support for the boycott was significantly increased. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Baba Ramchandra have before leading the peasant movement in Awadh?

He had worked as an indentured laborer in Fiji. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily caused the boycott movement in India to gradually slow down?

The increasing costs of Indian-produced goods like khadi. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for Mahatma Gandhi's decision to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922?

The movement was becoming violent in several areas. Signup and view all the answers

How did the tribals view the concept of swaraj according to their interpretations?

As a time when all suffering would end. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the peaceful demonstration at Chauri Chaura?

It led to Gandhi's announcement of the movement's end. Signup and view all the answers

What was the emotional significance of chanting Gandhiji’s name for the tribals?

It linked them to a larger all-India agitation. Signup and view all the answers

What were the consequences faced by the group stranded by the railway and steamer strike?

They faced police brutality and arrests. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with Lala Lajpat Rai during the protest against the Simon Commission?

He was assaulted by the British police. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mahatma Gandhi's primary concern regarding the training of satyagrahis?

They lacked proper training for mass struggles. Signup and view all the answers

What did the term 'Gandhi Raj' imply to those who believed in it?

A time when everyone would receive land in their villages. Signup and view all the answers

What triggered industrial workers in Sholapur to attack symbols of British rule?

The arrest of Mahatma Gandhi Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed on 5 March 1931?

To negotiate the release of political prisoners Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Mahatma Gandhi's trip to London for the Round Table Conference in December 1931?

Breakdown of negotiations with the government Signup and view all the answers

Which prominent nationalist leader was arrested alongside Ghaffar Khan during the period of repression?

Jawaharlal Nehru Signup and view all the answers

What was the stance of many nationalists regarding the method of struggle against the British?

They thought the struggle could not be won through non-violence Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Congress party after it was declared illegal?

A series of repressive measures were implemented Signup and view all the answers

Which militant group was founded in 1928 with leaders like Bhagat Singh?

Hindustan Socialist Republican Army Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the government following the protests in Sholapur?

They adopted a policy of brutal repression. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gandhi's Satyagraha and Civil Rights Movement

Originated from Mahatma Gandhi's experience in South Africa, focusing on non-violent mass agitation against racial injustice.
Satyagraha emphasized truth and moral persuasion over physical force, asserting that non-violence could empower the oppressed.
The concept was practiced during a march in 1913 where Gandhi led Indian workers from Newcastle to the Transvaal, amplifying resistance against discriminatory laws.

Dalit Movements and Gandhi-Ambedkar Conflict

Dalit participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement was limited, particularly in Maharashtra and Nagpur.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar founded the Depressed Classes Association in 1930, advocating for separate electorates for Dalits, conflicting with Gandhi's inclusive vision.
The Poona Pact (1932) resulted from negotiations, allowing reserved seats for Dalits in legislative councils, to be filled by the general electorate, thus promoting their participation without division.

Rise of Communal Tensions

Post-Non-Cooperation Movement, many Muslims felt alienated from Congress due to its association with Hindu nationalist groups, leading to communal tensions and riots.
Each religious community began organizing processions, exacerbating divisions and conflict in urban areas across India.

Economic Boycotts and Alternative Institutions

The boycott of British goods, particularly foreign textiles, led to a boost in Indian textile production and the promotion of Khadi.
However, khadi remained costly, restricting participation from the economically disadvantaged; a lack of alternative Indian institutions also led to a decline in support for the movement.

Peasant and Tribal Movements

The Non-Cooperation Movement extended into rural regions, with peasants and tribes participating for their own liberation.
In Awadh, Baba Ramchandra mobilized farmers who believed in Gandhi Raj, reflecting local interpretations of swaraj, leading to violent repression from authorities.

Gandhi's Strategic Withdrawal

In 1922, Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement amid rising violence, emphasizing the need for training in non-violent resistance.
The government's repression intensified, with massive arrests and violent crackdowns on peaceful protests, prompting Gandhi to call off the movement.

Civil Disobedience Movement and Political Negotiations

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931) emerged after discussions to address the violence and acknowledge political prisoners, marking an attempt to engage politically through participation in the Round Table Conference.
Despite hopes for negotiation, the conference failed and the government intensified repressive measures against nationalists, leading to the relaunch of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Emergence of Radical Parties

The Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA) was formed in 1928 as a response to the perceived ineffectiveness of non-violent methods in achieving independence.
Leaders like Bhagat Singh emerged, advocating for more militant forms of resistance within India's struggle for freedom.

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Description

Explore key historical events and themes in 'India and the Contemporary World'. This quiz covers the contributions of Indian workers in South Africa and their struggles. Test your understanding of the context and significance of these movements in the larger narrative of India's history.