1. Discuss the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) and its early objectives.
Answer: The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume with the support of prominent Indian leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and others. Initially, its primary objective was to create a platform for dialogue between the British government and the Indian population. The Congress aimed at gradual reforms and the introduction of self-governance within the British Empire, not immediate independence. Early leaders like Hume believed in reform rather than revolt, focusing on issues like the promotion of education, the Indian Civil Services, and the representation of Indians in government.
2. What was the significance of Dadabhai Naoroji’s “Drain Theory” in the context of British colonial rule?
Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji’s “Drain Theory,” presented in his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (1901), was a critical contribution to the Indian freedom struggle. The theory argued that Britain was draining India’s wealth through colonial exploitation. According to Naoroji, Britain was extracting resources and wealth from India without adequately compensating the Indian population, leading to widespread poverty and economic stagnation. This concept of economic exploitation galvanized Indian nationalists and became a foundational argument for the demand for self-rule.
3. How did the partition of Bengal in 1905 contribute to the rise of nationalism in India?
Answer: The partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon was a turning point in Indian nationalism. The British aimed to divide Bengal along religious lines, creating two provinces: one Hindu-majority and one Muslim-majority. This move was intended to “divide and rule” by fostering discord between Hindus and Muslims. However, the partition backfired, as it united Indians in opposition to the British policy. The Indian National Congress, led by leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, organized protests and boycotted British goods. The partition was eventually reversed in 1911, but it ignited a wave of nationalist sentiments across India.
4. What was the role of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the Indian National Congress and the Indian freedom movement?
Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress and a key figure in the Indian freedom movement. Known as “Lokmanya,” Tilak was a vocal critic of British rule and advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) through radical measures. He believed that the Congress should demand full self-government rather than limited reforms. Tilak was instrumental in revitalizing the Congress and popularizing the idea of complete independence. His slogan “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it” became a rallying cry for Indian nationalists. He also played a crucial role in the Home Rule Movement alongside Annie Besant, which aimed to secure greater autonomy for India.
5. Explain the significance of the Lucknow Pact (1916) in the context of Indian nationalism.
Answer: The Lucknow Pact, signed in 1916, was a historic agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League. The pact was a major step toward Hindu-Muslim unity and political cooperation. The agreement called for joint efforts to demand self-governance from the British and for greater representation of both Hindus and Muslims in legislative bodies. The Lucknow Pact marked a shift in Indian politics, as both major political parties agreed on a united stance, which helped to strengthen the nationalist movement. However, the pact also exposed differences between the Congress and the Muslim League in later years, particularly regarding the demands for separate electorates for Muslims.
6. What role did the Champaran Satyagraha (1917) play in Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership in the freedom struggle?
Answer: The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 marked Mahatma Gandhi’s first major involvement in the Indian freedom struggle. Gandhi was invited to Champaran in Bihar, where indigo farmers were being exploited by British planters. Gandhi organized a nonviolent movement to demand better working conditions and a fair price for the farmers. The success of the Champaran Satyagraha not only brought justice to the farmers but also established Gandhi as a powerful leader in the Indian nationalist movement. This victory demonstrated the effectiveness of satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) and inspired future protests across India.
7. What was the significance of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) led by Mahatma Gandhi?
Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a pivotal moment in the Indian freedom struggle. It was launched in response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 and the repressive measures under the Rowlatt Act. Gandhi called for a nonviolent boycott of British goods, institutions, and services. The movement gained widespread support, leading to a nationwide outcry against British rule. It was the first time that Indians from all walks of life, including rural peasants, urban workers, and intellectuals, joined hands in a mass movement. The movement, however, was abruptly called off by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident, where violent clashes led to the death of policemen.
8. What was the role of the Simon Commission (1927) in intensifying the Indian freedom struggle?
Answer: The Simon Commission, established by the British in 1927 to propose constitutional reforms in India, was met with widespread protests because it did not include any Indian members. This exclusion angered Indian leaders, particularly the Indian National Congress, which had been demanding greater self-rule. The Congress, under the leadership of Motilal Nehru, rejected the Commission’s proposals. The protests against the Simon Commission, including the famous slogan “Simon, Go Back,” galvanized public opinion against British rule and led to a greater sense of national unity. The incident set the stage for the Civil Disobedience Movement and other mass protests.
9. Discuss the significance of the Salt March (1930) led by Mahatma Gandhi.
Answer: The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, was a major act of civil disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. Gandhi and his followers marched 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi to make salt, defying the British monopoly on salt production. This act of resistance symbolized the Indian struggle against British oppression and was a major turning point in the independence movement. The Salt March inspired a wave of civil disobedience across India, leading to the arrest of thousands of Indians, including Gandhi himself. The march also attracted international attention, highlighting the unjust nature of British colonial rule.
10. What was the role of Subhas Chandra Bose in the Indian National Congress and the independence movement?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose was a charismatic and militant leader who played a crucial role in the Indian National Congress and the freedom struggle. Initially, Bose was aligned with the Congress, but his differences with Mahatma Gandhi over the methods of achieving independence led him to form the Forward Bloc. Bose’s radical approach to independence was in stark contrast to Gandhi’s nonviolent methods. In 1942, Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA) with the support of Japan, aiming to overthrow British rule through armed struggle. Despite his efforts not resulting in immediate success, Bose’s determination and courage made him a hero of the freedom movement.
11. What was the impact of the Quit India Movement (1942) on the Indian freedom struggle?
Answer: The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942, was one of the most significant uprisings against British rule. Gandhi called for the immediate withdrawal of British forces from India and demanded complete independence. The British responded by arresting thousands of Congress leaders, including Gandhi. However, the movement mobilized millions of Indians and intensified the demand for freedom. Despite being suppressed, the Quit India Movement demonstrated the Indian population’s determination for independence and highlighted the unsustainability of British colonial rule.
12. How did the Indian National Congress address the issue of communalism during the freedom struggle?
Answer: The Indian National Congress played a central role in addressing communalism during the freedom struggle. Early Congress leaders emphasized Hindu-Muslim unity and sought to build a broad-based nationalist movement that transcended religious divides. The Lucknow Pact (1916) between the Congress and the Muslim League was a significant effort in fostering Hindu-Muslim cooperation. However, as the independence movement progressed, the British policies of divide and rule and the demands for separate electorates by the Muslim League led to increasing communal tensions. Despite this, the Congress leadership, particularly Mahatma Gandhi, worked toward reconciliation and unity, though the partition of India in 1947 eventually led to communal violence.
13. How did the Government of India Act 1935 affect the Indian National Congress?
Answer: The Government of India Act 1935 was a major piece of legislation introduced by the British that provided limited autonomy to Indians. It created a federal structure, with provincial legislatures and a central assembly. While the Act was seen as a step toward self-governance, the Indian National Congress was dissatisfied with its limitations. The Congress rejected the Act, as it did not provide full independence or adequate representation for Indians. However, the Congress decided to contest elections under the Act in 1937, gaining significant representation in several provinces. This marked a shift toward more direct political engagement within the existing colonial framework.
14. How did the Indian National Congress contribute to the social reform movements in India during British rule?
Answer: The Indian National Congress played an important role in advocating for social reforms during British rule. Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and others within the Congress pushed for the abolition of practices like Sati, child marriage, and untouchability. The Congress also supported the rights of women and promoted education for girls. The social reform initiatives were integral to the broader nationalist movement, as they aimed to modernize Indian society while also challenging the colonial framework that reinforced social hierarchies. The Congress thus acted as a catalyst for both political and social transformation in India.
15. Discuss the role of the Indian National Congress in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Answer: The Indian National Congress played a central role in the Civil Disobedience Movement, which was launched in 1930 by Mahatma Gandhi. The movement aimed to defy British laws and institutions through peaceful means. Gandhi’s leadership, particularly during the Salt March, galvanized millions of Indians to participate in acts of civil disobedience such as the refusal to pay taxes and the boycott of British goods. The Congress’s role was pivotal in organizing and mobilizing the masses, and although the movement was suppressed by the British, it significantly weakened British control over India and laid the groundwork for further independence struggles.
16. What was the role of the Indian National Congress in promoting the cause of Indian unity during British colonial rule?
Answer: The Indian National Congress played a crucial role in promoting Indian unity during British colonial rule. At a time when India was divided along religious, regional, and social lines, the Congress sought to unite people under the common cause of independence. Leaders like Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized the need for a united India where all communities, regardless of religion or caste, could work together. The Congress’s efforts at creating a broad-based nationalist movement helped transcend sectarian divides and inspired Indians from diverse backgrounds to participate in the freedom struggle.
17. What were the reasons behind the decline of the Indian National Congress after independence?
Answer: After India’s independence in 1947, the Indian National Congress faced a decline due to several factors. The partition of India had led to communal tensions, and the Congress found it difficult to address the aspirations of different religious and regional groups. The rise of other political parties, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), also contributed to the Congress’s decline. Additionally, internal factionalism, the increasing centralization of power in the party, and allegations of corruption led to a loss of public support. Despite this, the Congress remained a dominant political force in India for several decades post-independence.
18. How did the Indian National Congress influence the economic policies of post-independence India?
Answer: After independence, the Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, played a significant role in shaping India’s economic policies. The Congress adopted a socialist-oriented economic model, focusing on state-led development, the establishment of public sector industries, and planned economic growth. The Indian National Congress emphasized self-reliance, land reforms, and the reduction of inequality. The policies were aimed at addressing the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and industrial development in a newly independent India.
19. What role did Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence play in the Indian National Congress’s strategy against British rule?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) played a defining role in shaping the strategy of the Indian National Congress against British rule. Gandhi advocated for peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and non-cooperation with the British authorities. His philosophy resonated with millions of Indians, providing a moral foundation for the independence movement. Gandhi’s approach sought to avoid bloodshed and aimed to expose the injustice of British rule by highlighting the moral and ethical superiority of non-violent resistance.
20. How did the Indian National Congress contribute to the cultural revival in India during British colonial rule?
Answer: The Indian National Congress played a pivotal role in promoting cultural revivalism during British colonial rule. Leaders of the Congress, including Rabindranath Tagore and Lala Lajpat Rai, emphasized the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage. They encouraged the revival of Indian languages, arts, and literature, which were seen as essential elements of national identity. The Congress also supported the movement to protect India’s historical monuments and promoted the teaching of Indian history in schools. This cultural revival was integral to the nationalist movement, as it helped foster a sense of pride in India’s ancient traditions and heritage.
