Indian History: WWI & Satyagraha Movement

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary aim of General Dyer during the Jallianwalla Bagh incident?

To create a sense of terror among the protestors (correct)

To establish martial law in Amritsar

To promote a dialogue between the government and villagers

To control the crowd peacefully

What significant event was happening in India that led to the emergence of the Khilafat Committee?

The defeat of Ottoman Turkey in World War I (correct)

The Jallianwalla Bagh massacre

The Indian National Congress formation

The Non-cooperation Movement launch

Which of the following was NOT a stage in Gandhi's proposed Non-cooperation Movement?

Boycott of foreign goods

Boycott of police and military services

Surrender of government titles

Formation of a new political party (correct)

Who led the Khilafat Committee in India during the post-World War I period?

Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali Signup and view all the answers

What argument did Gandhi make in his book 'Hind Swaraj' regarding British rule in India?

It relied on the cooperation of Indians to survive Signup and view all the answers

What were villagers in Amritsar unaware of, leading to the Jallianwalla Bagh incident?

The martial law imposed on the area Signup and view all the answers

During which event did Gandhi and Shaukat Ali mobilize support for the Khilafat Movement?

The September 1920 Calcutta Congress session Signup and view all the answers

What was a common fear among Congress members regarding the boycott of the council elections in November 1920?

That violence might ensue Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the colonial government's closure of large forest areas?

The livelihoods of the hill people were adversely affected. Signup and view all the answers

Which method did Alluri Sitaram Raju advocate for achieving India's liberation?

Militant guerrilla warfare Signup and view all the answers

What inspired Alluri Sitaram Raju's movement among the tribal community?

Gandhiji’s Non-Cooperation movement Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main reasons Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Violence was escalating within the movement. Signup and view all the answers

How did the plantation workers in Assam view the concept of freedom?

They sought the right to leave the plantation whenever they wished. Signup and view all the answers

Which event triggered the escalation of violence leading up to the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

The Chauri Chaura incident Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Alluri Sitaram Raju claim to have special abilities?

He could heal people and predict astrological events. Signup and view all the answers

What led to discontent among the hill people regarding the government's actions?

Implementation of forced unpaid labor. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key reasons Mahatma Gandhi implemented the Civil Disobedience Movement?

To demand the abolition of the salt tax Signup and view all the answers

On what date was January 26, 1930, declared as Independence Day?

The formalization of the demand for 'Purna Swaraj' Signup and view all the answers

Which group was notably disappointed when the Civil Disobedience Movement was called off in 1931?

Patidars of Gujarat and Jats of Uttar Pradesh Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant action taken by participants during the Salt March?

Manufacturing salt in Dandi Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate consequence of the letter Gandhi sent to Viceroy Irwin?

It set a deadline for the fulfillment of demands Signup and view all the answers

What was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact primarily about?

Gandhi agreeing to participate in the Round Table Conference Signup and view all the answers

Which class of society was actively involved in the radical movements during the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Poor peasants led by Socialists and Communists Signup and view all the answers

How did Gandhi's approach to preparing Satyagrahis for struggle reflect on his principles?

He emphasized the need for adequate training before struggles Signup and view all the answers

What year did the Federation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries consolidate the business interests of the society?

1927 Signup and view all the answers

Which social group did Gandhi refer to as 'Harijans'?

Dalits Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary demands of the Dalits during the national movement?

Reserved seats in educational institutions Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar advocate for separate electorates for Dalits?

1930 Signup and view all the answers

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

Reserved seats for Dalits in legislative councils Signup and view all the answers

Who significantly opposed attempts at finding a resolution during the All Parties Conference in 1928?

M.R. Jayakar Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the relationship between Hindus and Muslims during the decline of the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat movement?

Intensified alienation and deterioration Signup and view all the answers

What was Muhammad Ali Jinnah's position regarding separate electorates for Muslims?

He was ready to abandon the request if certain conditions were met Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the First World War for the general populace in India?

Surge in prices and hardships Signup and view all the answers

Which method did Gandhi advocate as part of the Satyagraha movement?

Non-violence Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Rowlatt Act on political activities in India?

Authorized detention without trial Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Gandhi return to India from South Africa to initiate the Satyagraha movement?

1915 Signup and view all the answers

What type of unrest did the public exhibit in response to the Rowlatt Act?

Rallies and non-violent civil disobedience Signup and view all the answers

Which event preceded the satyagraha movement led by Gandhi in Ahmedabad in 1918?

Kheda satyagraha supporting peasant struggles Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the political landscape in India during the First World War?

Heightened awareness of the need for self-governance Signup and view all the answers

What major health crisis occurred concurrently with the hardships caused by the First World War?

Influenza epidemic Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aspiration of the Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement among various social groups?

To achieve independence through nonviolent means Signup and view all the answers

What major change occurred in Indian textile mills as a result of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Expansion of production due to boycotting foreign goods Signup and view all the answers

Who led the peasant movement in Awadh against oppressive landlords?

Baba Ramchandra Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT one of the goals of the peasant movement in Awadh?

Establishment of feudal rights Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the Non-Cooperation Movement on Indian education?

Departure of students and teachers from government institutions Signup and view all the answers

What organization was formed to advocate for peasant rights in Awadh?

Oudh Kisan Sabha Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did peasants adopt to oppose landlords in Awadh?

Creating social boycotts of landlords' essential services Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the slowing down of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

High prices of Khadi clothing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation

A new economic and political landscape emerged due to the war.
Defense spending surged, financed through war loans and increased taxes (including customs duties and income tax).
Prices escalated, creating hardships for the general population.
Compulsory recruitment for the war effort occurred.
Severe food shortages led to famine and widespread suffering.
A concurrent influenza epidemic caused millions of casualties.
Indians realized their involvement in the war was unwarranted, fostering unity against British rule.

The Idea of Satyagraha

January 1915: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, initiating the Satyagraha movement.
Satyagraha emphasizes the power of truth and the pursuit of it.
Gandhi advocated for non-violence to unite Indians and achieve victory.
1917: Gandhi travelled to Champaran, Bihar to inspire peasants resisting oppressive plantation systems.
He also organized satyagraha in Kheda, Gujarat to support peasants in their struggle.
1918: Gandhi led a satyagraha movement among cotton mill workers in Ahmedabad.

The Rowlatt Act

1919: Gandhi launched a nationwide satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act.
The Rowlatt Act granted the government authority to suppress political activities, detain political prisoners without trial, and conduct searches without warrants.
It was opposed by Indians through non-violent civil disobedience, rallies, worker strikes, and shop closures.

Jallianwalla Bagh Incident

April 13, 1919: The Jallianwalla Bagh incident occurred in Amritsar.
A large crowd of villagers gathered at the enclosed ground of Jallianwalla Bagh, unaware of the martial law.
British troops opened fire on the unarmed crowd, resulting in hundreds of casualties.

The Khilafat Movement

After the Ottoman Empire's defeat in WWI, rumors circulated about an impending harsh peace treaty.
Global Muslim support rallied behind the Khalifa (Ottoman Emperor).
In India, the Khilafat Committee emerged, led by Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, leading to a non-cooperation movement in solidarity.

Why Non-Cooperation?

British rule in India depended on Indian cooperation.
Gandhi believed withdrawing cooperation would lead to the collapse of British rule within a year and the attainment of Swaraj (self-rule).
The non-cooperation movement was planned in stages:
- Surrender of government titles.
- Boycott of civil services, army, police, courts, and legislative councils.
- Boycott of foreign goods.
- Civil disobedience campaign if the government used repression.

Differing Strands in the Movement

The Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement started in January 1921.
Various social groups participated, each with their specific aspirations, though all shared the goal of Swaraj.
The movement involved teachers, students, and lawyers leaving government-controlled schools and colleges and people giving up practicing law.

Movement in Towns

The middle class played a major role in the towns.
Thousands of teachers, students, and headmasters left government schools and colleges, and lawyers stopped practicing.

Rebellion in the Countryside

Awadh Peasants: Baba Ramchandra led peasants against oppressive landlords in Awadh.
Tribal Peasants: Large forest areas were closed by the colonial government, impacting the livelihoods of tribal communities.

Alluri Sitaram Raju

A tribal leader in the Gudem hills of Andhra Pradesh, initiating a militant guerrilla movement.
Inspired by Gandhi's Non-Cooperation movement, actively encouraged non-violence but also advocated for force for self-liberation.

Swaraj in the Plantations

Plantation workers in Assam sought to move freely in and out of the plantations.
Faced brutality from police.

Towards Civil Disobedience

February 1922: Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement due to the Chauri Chaura incident in Gorakhpur.
The incident involved violent clashes and the deaths of three civilians and several policemen.

The Salt March and the CDM

January 1930: Gandhi announced a non-violent protest against the salt tax as a form of civil disobedience.
The Salt March involved 78 volunteers and many others travelling to Dandi.
The march was meant to violate the law peacefully.
The Salt Satyagraha was a pivotal moment in the Civil Disobedience Movement, prompting wide-scale participation.
The movement and the Gandhi-Irwin Pact eventually led to the beginning of the Round Table Conferences in London.

How Participants Saw the Movement

The movement attracted participation from various social groups like the Patidars of Gujarat, Jats of Uttar Pradesh, peasants, business interests, and workers.

The Limits of Civil Disobedience

Dalits (untouchables) did not find the idea of Swaraj directly addressing their issues.
Gandhi recognized their importance, but distinct political resolutions were needed to address the Dalit challenges.
Demands included reserved seats in education and a separate electorate.

Rise of Nationalism in India

The rise of nationalism in India involved the development of a collective sense of belonging to a unified nation through shared history, folklore, songs, popular prints, and symbols.
The image of Bharat Mata gained importance as a representation of the motherland.

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Description

This quiz explores the impact of World War I on India, including economic changes and social unrest, as well as Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha movement. Discover how these events shaped the struggle for independence and Indian unity against colonial rule. Test your knowledge on this pivotal period in Indian history.