Nationalism in India Quiz

Study Notes

Introduction to Nationalism in India

Nationalism signifies loyalty and devotion towards one's nation.
The Indian nationalist movement intertwined with anti-colonial movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.

Impact of the First World War

The war significantly influenced India's struggle for freedom and introduced new forms of protest.
Defense expenditures increased, leading to higher taxes, customs duties, and prices; prices doubled from 1913 to 1918.
Crop failures in 1918-19 and 1920-21 resulted in severe food shortages, exacerbating public discontent against foreign rule.

Concept of Satyagraha

Satyagraha, championed by Mahatma Gandhi, emphasized the power of truth and non-violent conflict.
Gandhi proposed that just causes could prevail through non-violent means without resorting to aggression.

Satyagraha Movements Led by Gandhi

In 1917, Gandhi initiated satyagraha against the oppressive plantation system in Champaran, Bihar.
Supported farmers in Kheda, Gujarat by demanding tax relaxation due to plague and crop failure.
Organized a satyagraha for cotton mill workers in Ahmedabad in 1918.

Rowlatt Act

Gandhi launched a nationwide satyagraha in response to the Rowlatt Act in 1919, which repressive powers to the government to detain political opponents without trial for up to two years.
The act faced strong opposition from Indian members of the Imperial Legislative Council.

Opposition to Rowlatt Act

The non-violent civil disobedience movement began on April 6, 1919, initiated by a hartal (shutdown).
Widespread rallies, strikes in railway workshops, and shop closures occurred in major cities.
On April 10, violent unrest erupted after police fired on a peaceful procession in Amritsar.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

A large crowd gathered at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, for the Baisakhi fair when General Dyer ordered troops to fire on them, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
After the massacre, unrest surged with strikes, protests, and attacks on government properties across India.
Gandhi halted the movement upon witnessing the violence.

Non-Cooperation Movement

Launched in 1920 under Gandhi’s leadership, initially involving educated middle-class citizens.
The movement encouraged boycotts of educational institutions, law courts, and foreign goods; it gained significant traction in urban areas.
In rural areas, peasants organized against landlords, led by leaders like Baba Ramchandra.
The Chauri-Chaura incident led Gandhi to call off the movement due to violence.

Differing Strands within Non-Cooperation Movement

The initial participation stemmed from the educated middle class, with significant economic impacts observed.
Citizens boycotted foreign goods, burned foreign clothes, and picketed liquor shops.

Rebellion in the Countryside

The non-cooperation movement extended to rural areas, integrating struggles of peasants and tribals against oppressive landlords and high rents.

Simon Commission

Formed under the Tory government due to pressure from mass movements; chaired by Sir John Simon.
The commission was met with widespread protests from Congress and Muslim League, who greeted it with black flags and slogans like “Go Back Simon.”

Lahore Congress of 1929

The session was held under Jawaharlal Nehru’s presidency.
The Congress declared a strategy for complete independence from British rule.

Description

This quiz explores the growth of nationalism in India, particularly in the context of anti-colonial movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement. Additionally, it examines the impact of the First World War on India's freedom struggle and the participation of various social groups. Test your knowledge on this significant period in Indian history.