Indian Independence Movement Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was a key difference between the Moderates and Tilak's followers within the Congress?

The issue of the partition of Bengal

The need for economic reform

Whether to support British rule

Methods of political action particularly the use of boycotts (correct)

What pact symbolizes the cooperative interaction between the Congress and Muslim League?

The Lucknow Pact (correct)

The Calcutta Consensus

The Delhi Accord

The Simla Agreement

How did the First World War impact Indian industries?

It had very little impact, as India remained largely agrarian.

It caused a sharp decline in industrial output due to war-related shortages.

It stimulated growth and expansion as demands for goods increased. (correct)

It led to significant contraction as resources were diverted to the British war efforts.

How did World War I affect the economic situation of the common people in India?

It caused considerable hardship due to increased prices, taxes and expenditure. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What key event in another part of the world influenced Indian nationalists?

The Russian Revolution. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the British government increasing military expenditure in India?

An increase in taxes and a sharp rise in prices. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason why villages were under pressure during World War One?

Villagers were forced to supply soldiers for the British army. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary method Gandhi used to oppose racist restrictions in South Africa?

Non-violent marches. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary motivation behind the demand for the Indianisation of the civil service?

To counter the prevailing racist attitudes that reserved high administrative positions for white individuals. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Besides Indianisation, which of the following was another significant demand of the early Congress?

The separation of judicial branch from the executive branch of government. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did early Congress leaders believe was a major impact of British rule on India?

Economic impoverishment and famines. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which economic issue was NOT specifically highlighted by the early Congress?

An increase in taxation of Indian trade. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did moderate leaders adopt to challenge British rule?

Creating public awareness through newspapers, articles, and speeches to highlight the issues. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the core belief of the moderate leaders in their approach against British rule?

That the British would ultimately respond to the justice of their demands. (C) Signup and view all the answers

By the 1890s, criticism of the Congress' political style was mainly voiced by whom?

Extremist leaders who favored more radical methods. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs is an accurate example of individuals who criticized the 'politics of prayers'?

Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for Gandhiji calling off the Non-Cooperation Movement?

A violent incident involving peasants at Chauri Chaura. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Simon Commission face widespread boycotts in India?

It had no Indian representation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did some Congress leaders advocate after the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Participating in elections and working within councils. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Gandhians extend their support base in the mid-1920s?

Through sincere social work in villages. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Salt March?

To challenge the British government's tax policies on salt. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why was the tax on salt considered sinful by Gandhiji and other nationalists?

Because salt is an essential item of food. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the government's response to the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Brutal action against peaceful satyagrahis and mass imprisonments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Salt March unify different segments of Indian society?

By addressing a common issue, it involved all classes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary purpose of Gandhi's travels throughout India during his first year there?

To understand the diverse needs and perspectives of the Indian people. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a specific action taken by individuals at the outset of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Surrendering British titles and boycotting legislatures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the Rowlatt Act's main impact on fundamental rights?

It curbed freedom of expression. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What crucial element did Gandhi emphasize during the Rowlatt Satyagraha?

The need for unity between Hindus and Muslims against British rule. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions is an example of how people interpreted Gandhi's call in their own way, deviating from his ideas?

Forest satyagrahas in Andhra Pradesh where cattle were sent into forests. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What specific event led to Rabindranath Tagore renouncing his knighthood?

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which region saw a close connection between the Akali agitation and the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Punjab (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary goal of the Khilafat Movement?

To ensure the Turkish Sultan’s control over Muslim holy sites. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In which area did the Khilafat call significantly contribute to communal unity and strength of the national movement?

Bengal (A) Signup and view all the answers

What led to the 'forest satyagrahas' in Andhra Pradesh?

Restrictions on the use of forest resources. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who were the main leaders of the Khilafat agitation?

Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct consequence of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921-22?

Thousands of students vacating government schools and colleges. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did tea garden laborers in Assam express their participation in the movement?

By demanding a significant increase in their wages and then leaving plantations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Besides the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Khilafat issue, what else was part of the Non-Cooperation Movement's demands?

Demand for Swaraj (self-rule). (A) Signup and view all the answers

What belief was common among people during the Non-Cooperation Movement regarding Gandhi?

He was a messiah who could alleviate misery and poverty. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which action did NOT directly contribute to the decrease in foreign cloth imports?

Surrender of British titles. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What specific event in 1937 significantly influenced the Muslim League's perception of their political standing?

The provincial elections outcome and a perceived need to act as a united force. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the talks between the Congress, the League, and the British fail in 1945?

The League insisted on being the sole voice for all Muslims, which the Congress contested. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary recommendation of the British Cabinet Mission in 1946 regarding India's future?

A unified India with limited autonomy for Muslim-majority regions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate consequence of the Muslim League’s call for 'Direct Action Day' on August 16, 1946?

Widespread riots in Calcutta leading to significant loss of life. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the 1946 provincial elections reflect the growing political divide?

Congress saw gains in the “General” constituencies, and the League won most Muslim-reserved seats. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Partition of India in 1947?

The displacement of millions of people and widespread violence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the Muslim League's primary objective in its negotiations with the Congress and the British?

To achieve the creation of a separate nation (Pakistan) for Muslims. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the League’s response to the failure of the Cabinet Mission?

Deciding on a mass agitation based on their demand for Pakistan. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Making of the National Movement: 1870s-1947

British conquest and takeover of kingdoms led to new laws and institutions.
Peasant and tribal lives were impacted by these changes.
Nineteenth-century education systems evolved.
Debates regarding women's status arose.
Caste systems were challenged.
Social and religious reforms occurred.
The 1857 revolt and its aftermath influenced future events.
Crafts declined, and industries grew.

Crucial Questions Arising

People questioned India's purpose and for whom it was meant.
The answer emerged that India belonged to its people, regardless of class, color, caste, creed, language, or gender.
India's resources and systems were meant for all its people.
British control over India's resources and people was recognized as a major issue.

Political Associations

Political associations formed after 1850, especially those in the 1870s and 1880s, emerged.
English-educated professionals such as lawyers led these associations.
Key associations include the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (meaning "of or for all the people"), the Indian Association, the Madras Mahajan Sabha, the Bombay Presidency Association, and the Indian National Congress.
These associations worked toward all-India goals, not just regional ones; this reflected a growing national consciousness.
They emphasized that the Indian people should govern themselves.

The Arms Act of 1878

This act restricted Indians from owning firearms.
It fueled dissatisfaction with British rule.

The Vernacular Press Act of 1878

This act silenced critics of the British government.
It allowed the government to confiscate the assets of newspapers.

The Ilbert Bill Controversy of 1883

This bill sought to treat Indian and British judges equally, but opposition from British groups forced the government to withdraw it.
This further heightened awareness of racial attitudes within colonial India.

The Indian National Congress

Founded in 1885.
Early leaders included Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, and Surendranath Banerji.
Initially comprised of moderate leaders.
72 delegates from across the country met in Bombay in 1885.
Focused on demands for greater Indian participation in government.
Advocated for the Indianisation of the administration.
Sought economic reforms, freedom of speech, and separation of judiciary from the executive.
Highlighted issues like the drain of wealth, land revenue, and military expenditure.

The Partition of Bengal (1905)

The British partitioned Bengal to reduce the influence of Bengali leaders.
This led to widespread opposition and the Swadeshi movement (meaning "self-rule" or "home rule").

The Swadeshi Movement

A significant movement against British rule, emphasizing self-reliance and national pride.
Encouraged the use of Indian goods and institutions.
Promoted national education and the use of Indian languages.
Included various forms of protest and included calls for swaraj (self-government).

The Growth of Mass Nationalism (1919-1920s)

Increased participation of various groups (peasants, tribals, students, women).
The First World War significantly altered India's economic and political landscape.
Increased military expenses and taxes affected ordinary Indians.
Business opportunities arose.
The war fostered a desire in Indians to control their own affairs.
Return of soldiers from overseas exposed them to different ideologies and forms of resistance.
Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a leader, drawing upon methods and principles based on nonviolence and noncooperation.

The Rowlatt Satyagraha and Khilafat Movement (1919-1922)

The Rowlatt Act was deemed to challenge fundamental rights.
This event fueled protests against the British government.
The Khilafat movement, a Muslim movement, focused on the rights of Khalifa (the Muslim religious leader).
Gandhiji advocated for uniting Hindus and Muslims to resist British rule.
The Non-cooperation movement followed.

The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930s)

Gandhi launched the Salt Satyagraha, a non-violent resistance against the British salt tax.
The movement aimed to challenge the British monopoly on salt production.
Salt was a common necessity, making this a widespread protest.
People across various classes took part, uniting through a shared cause.

The Quit India Movement

The Quit India movement aimed that the British leave India immediately.
It spread across India with mass participation.
The British responded with heavy repression.
The movement showed the growing strength and nationalism of India.

Toward Independence and Partition (1940-1947)

The Muslim League demanded separate states for Muslims.
The creation of Pakistan was a result of the partition of British India.
Growing communal tensions and fears of domination led to significant violence.
The partition resulted in massive displacement and loss of life.

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Description

This quiz explores the key events and figures of the Indian independence movement, focusing on the differences between Moderates and Tilak's followers, the impact of World War I, and the early demands of the Congress. Test your knowledge on pivotal moments and actions that shaped India's freedom struggle.