Gandhi Era
Real Name:
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Date and Place of Birth:
October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat
Significance: The United Nations Organization (UNO) declared October 2nd as International Non-Violence Day to honor Gandhi’s dedication to non-violence (Ahimsa).
Father:
Karamchand Gandhi: A respected figure in Porbandar, serving as the Diwan (chief minister) of the state.
Mother:
Putali Bai: Gandhi’s mother, who deeply influenced his early religious and moral life.
Political Guru:
Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Gandhi’s mentor in politics, who profoundly impacted his philosophical and political thoughts, urging him to dedicate himself to public service.
Private Secretary:
Mahadev Desai: A loyal associate and personal secretary, Mahadev Desai supported Gandhi’s work in various capacities.
Literary Influence on Gandhi:
John Ruskin’s “Unto the Last”: Inspired Gandhi’s ideas on social justice, influencing his views on economics and the need for rural self-reliance.
Ralph Waldo Emerson: His philosophy of self-reliance and individualism influenced Gandhi’s views on personal integrity and independence.
Henry David Thoreau: Particularly Thoreau’s essay “Civil Disobedience,” which inspired Gandhi’s method of peaceful resistance.
Leo Tolstoy: His emphasis on non-violent resistance deeply shaped Gandhi’s philosophy of Ahimsa.
The Bible: Gandhi was influenced by the teachings of Christianity, particularly the concept of love and forgiveness.
The Bhagavad Gita: A key spiritual text for Gandhi, shaping his understanding of duty (Dharma), selfless action (Karma Yoga), and spiritual wisdom.
Literary Works:
Hind Swaraj (1909): A significant work where Gandhi discussed his vision for an independent India rooted in self-sufficiency and moral righteousness. It critiqued modern civilization and proposed an alternative, spiritually-based model of self-governance.
My Experiments with Truth (1927): Gandhi’s autobiography, detailing his life up to 1922. The book reflects on his personal development, struggles with truth, and evolution of his principles of non-violence and self-discipline.
As an Editor:
Indian Opinion (1903–1915): A bilingual newspaper published in English and Gujarati that Gandhi edited while in South Africa. It was a medium for expressing his views on the rights of Indians and his fight against racial discrimination.
Harijan (1919–1931): A weekly publication in English, Gujarati, and Hindi, aimed at spreading Gandhi’s ideas of social reform, particularly the upliftment of the untouchables (whom Gandhi called “Harijans” or “Children of God”).
Other Names and Titles:
Mahatma (Saint): The title given to Gandhi by Rabindranath Tagore in 1917, symbolizing his status as a spiritual leader of the Indian people.
Malang Baba/Nanga Faqir (Naked Saint): A nickname given to him by the Kabailis of the North-West Frontier in 1930, referring to his simple, ascetic lifestyle.
Indian Faqir/Traitor Faqir: A derogatory term used by Winston Churchill in 1931, reflecting his disdain for Gandhi’s non-violent resistance against British rule.
Half-naked Saint: A term used by Frank Mores in 1931, possibly referencing Gandhi’s simple dress and spiritual pursuits.
Rashtrapita (Father of the Nation): The title given to Gandhi by Subhash Chandra Bose in 1944, acknowledging his leadership in the Indian independence movement.
Here are the key details about the important years and events associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s early years in South Africa:
1893: Departure of Gandhi to South Africa
Event: Mahatma Gandhi traveled to South Africa in 1893 to work as a legal advisor for an Indian firm.
Significance: This was a turning point in Gandhi’s life. His experiences of racial discrimination in South Africa, notably the incident where he was thrown off a train for being Indian, sparked his involvement in the civil rights movement. His stay in South Africa marked the beginning of his social and political activism, laying the foundation for his future leadership in the Indian freedom struggle.
1904: Foundation of Indian Opinion (Magazine) and Phoenix Farm
Event: Gandhi founded the Indian Opinion magazine and established the Phoenix Farm near Durban.
Significance: The magazine was launched to communicate with the Indian community in South Africa, spread awareness of their rights, and challenge colonial policies. The Phoenix Farm served as a community for activists and was a center for Gandhi’s experiments with non-violence, self-reliance, and other ideas.
1906: First Civil Disobedience Movement (Satyagraha) against Asiatic Ordinance in Transvaal
Event: Gandhi led the first large-scale Satyagraha (non-violent civil disobedience movement) against the Asiatic Ordinance in Transvaal.
Significance: The ordinance sought to impose restrictions on the rights of Indians in South Africa, including forced registration. Gandhi mobilized the Indian community through non-violent resistance, marking the beginning of his fight for civil rights in South Africa.
1907: Satyagraha against Compulsory Registration and Passes for Asians (The Black Act) in Transvaal
Event: Gandhi initiated a second Satyagraha in response to the Black Act, which required Indians in Transvaal to register with the government and carry a pass.
Significance: This movement was a major step in Gandhi’s development of Satyagraha as a tool for social and political change. The struggle drew national attention to the discriminatory laws and the need for reform in South Africa.
1908: Trial and Imprisonment – Johannesburg Jail (First Jail Term)
Event: Gandhi was arrested and imprisoned in Johannesburg for his role in the protests against discriminatory laws.
Significance: This was Gandhi’s first imprisonment, a momentous event in his life. Gandhi’s imprisonment drew attention to the Indian struggle in South Africa and strengthened his resolve to continue his work for justice through non-violence.
1910: Foundation of Tolstoy Farm (Later Gandhi Ashrama), near Johannesburg
Event: Gandhi established the Tolstoy Farm, a community-based on the principles of self-sufficiency, non-violence, and truth, near Johannesburg.
Significance: Named after the Russian author Leo Tolstoy, the farm became a center for Gandhi’s followers. It was an experimental community where Gandhi practiced and promoted his vision of simple living, communal living, and self-reliance, laying the groundwork for his later Ashrams in India.
1914: Awarded Kaisar-i-Hind for Raising an Indian Ambulance Corps during the Boer War
Event: Gandhi was awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind medal by the British government for organizing an Indian Ambulance Corps during the Boer War (1899-1902).
Significance: Although Gandhi received this award, he later rejected the honor as part of his disillusionment with British rule. His decision to establish the ambulance corps was motivated by his desire to serve the British army and show the loyalty of the Indian community, but it also highlighted his belief in non-violence and humanitarian service, a theme that would become central to his later activism.
Here are the key details about the important years and events in Mahatma Gandhi’s life during the years 1915–1948 :
1915: Arrival in Bombay (India) on 9 January 1915; Foundation of Satyagraha Ashrama at Kocharab near Ahmedabad (20 May)
Event: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. Shortly after, he established the Satyagraha Ashrama in Kocharab, near Ahmedabad, on May 20.
Significance: Gandhi’s return to India marked the beginning of his involvement in the Indian independence movement. The Satyagraha Ashrama was founded to serve as a center for his experiments with non-violence, self-reliance, and community living. Later in 1917, the Ashrama was relocated to the banks of the Sabarmati River, where it became known as the Sabarmati Ashrama, which became the center for many of his future campaigns.
1916: Abstain from Active Politics (Though Attended Lucknow Session of INC)
Event: In 1916, Gandhi took a brief step back from active political involvement. However, he attended the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress (INC) held from December 26–30, 1916.
Significance: During this session, Gandhi was introduced to Raj Kumar Shukla, a farmer from Champaran in Bihar. Shukla requested Gandhi’s assistance in addressing the grievances of the indigo farmers in the region. This led to Gandhi’s first major political campaign in India, marking the beginning of his involvement in active politics.
1917: Gandhi Enters Active Politics with Champaran Campaign
Event: In April 1917, Gandhi launched the Champaran Satyagraha to address the plight of the indigo farmers in Bihar, who were forced into oppressive agreements with British planters.
Significance: The Champaran movement was Gandhi’s first civil disobedience movement in India, where he applied his method of non-violent resistance. The movement aimed at securing justice for the oppressed farmers by resisting the unfair indigo cultivation system imposed by the British. This success marked Gandhi’s rise as a leader of the Indian freedom struggle.
1918: Cooperation Movement and Kheda Satyagraha
Event: In February 1918, Gandhi launched the struggle in Ahmedabad for the rights of industrial workers who were protesting against low wages and poor working conditions. Later, in March 1918, Gandhi also led the Kheda Satyagraha in Gujarat, supporting peasants who were unable to pay high rents due to crop failures.
Significance: During the Ahmedabad struggle, Gandhi used hunger strikes as a form of protest for the first time. The Kheda Satyagraha focused on the refusal to pay taxes in the face of crop failures and famine, and it played a key role in establishing Gandhi as a major figure in the Indian freedom movement. These movements contributed to strengthening the Satyagraha model of non-violent protest.
1919: Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and Khilafat Movement
Event: On April 6, 1919, Gandhi called for a nationwide Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act, which allowed the British government to arrest Indians without trial and impose harsh repressive measures.
Significance: This marked Gandhi’s first all-India political movement and was the first major nationwide movement under his leadership. The Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act was met with violent repression, leading to widespread unrest.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: On April 13, 1919, British General Dyer ordered a massacre of peaceful protesters at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab. Gandhi responded by returning the Kaisar-i-Hind gold medal, which he had received earlier as a reward for his services to the British during the Boer War, as a protest against the massacre.
Khilafat Movement: In November 1919, Gandhi was elected as the president of the All India Khilafat Conference, which aimed at protecting the Ottoman Caliphate after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I. The Khilafat Movement sought to rally Muslims around the cause of the Caliph, and Gandhi’s involvement in it marked an important step towards Hindu-Muslim unity in the struggle for Indian independence.
Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movement (1920-1922)
Period: August 1, 1920 – February 12, 1922
Background:
Non-Cooperation Movement was initiated by Gandhi as a response to the repressive measures of the British government after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 and the imposition of the Rowlatt Act.
The movement aimed to resist British rule by non-violent means, including boycotting British goods, institutions, and services.
The Khilafat Movement was a pan-Islamic movement led by Indian Muslims in support of the Ottoman Caliphate, which was threatened by European powers after World War I. Gandhi supported the Khilafat cause, believing that unity between Hindus and Muslims would strengthen the anti-colonial struggle.
The Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements together marked the first mass-based political movement in India under Gandhi’s leadership.
Important Events:
February 5, 1922 – Chauri Chaura Incident: A violent incident occurred where a mob attacked and killed 22 policemen. This prompted Gandhi to call off the movement on February 12, 1922, as he believed that violence was incompatible with the principles of non-violence and satyagraha.
Gandhi’s First Retirement from Politics (1925-1927)
Period: 1925–1927
Details:
After the Non-Cooperation Movement, Gandhi retired from active politics to focus on the ‘Constructive Programme’ which involved promoting social reforms such as:
Promoting Khadi (handspun cloth) to boycott British textiles.
Fighting untouchability and promoting the welfare of the Harijans (lower castes).
Promoting self-reliance and local industries.
Emphasizing Hindu-Muslim unity.
Gandhi’s retirement was not permanent, as in 1927, he resumed active involvement in politics.
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)
Period: 1930–1934
The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Gandhi to protest against the salt tax imposed by the British colonial government. The movement was a significant step in the Indian independence struggle, where the public was urged to disobey British laws non-violently.
First Phase of Civil Disobedience (March 12, 1930 – March 5, 1931)
Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha):
On March 12, 1930, Gandhi began his famous Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, a coastal village, where he broke the salt law by making salt from seawater. This was a direct challenge to the British monopoly on salt production.
The march gained widespread support and became a symbol of India’s non-violent resistance against British rule.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 5, 1931):
Gandhi and the Viceroy Lord Irwin signed a pact, which resulted in the suspension of the civil disobedience movement. In return, Gandhi was allowed to attend the Second Round Table Conference in London as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress.
Second Phase of Civil Disobedience (January 3, 1932 – April 17, 1934)
The second phase was marked by the government’s harsh repression, including mass arrests and bans on public gatherings. The movement was subdued, but it significantly raised the profile of Indian nationalism globally.
Gandhi Sets Up Sevagram (1934-1939)
Period: 1934–1939
Details:
In 1934, Gandhi established Sevagram (Vardha Ashram) near Wardha, Maharashtra. This became his headquarters for the Constructive Programme, where he continued his focus on social reforms.
Sevagram also became the hub for discussions on issues such as rural development, communal harmony, and the promotion of khadi.
Gandhi’s time at Sevagram also marked a shift towards a focus on rural development and his efforts to strengthen India’s self-reliance, especially in rural areas.
Individual Satyagraha Movement (1940–1941)
Period: 1940–1941
Background:
The Individual Satyagraha Movement was launched by Gandhi in response to British involvement in World War II and its refusal to grant India independence. The British government had called India to support their war efforts, but Gandhi felt that the war was not India’s concern and that India should be granted independence instead.
Gandhi’s aim was to create a movement for peaceful resistance through individual acts of defiance, while maintaining non-violence. The movement was intended to be a limited, non-violent protest rather than a mass-based campaign.
The slogan of the movement was “Britishers Quit India”, and it focused on individuals making personal, non-violent protests against British rule. The first person to join the movement was Vinoba Bhave, followed by many others.
Quit India Movement (1942)
Period: 1942
Details:
The Quit India Movement was launched on August 8, 1942 during the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session in Bombay (now Mumbai). Gandhi raised the slogan ‘Do or Die’, urging the people to either fight for India’s freedom or die in the attempt.
The Quit India Movement was a mass civil disobedience campaign aimed at demanding an immediate end to British rule in India.
On August 9, 1942, Gandhi and other Congress leaders were arrested by the British government, and the movement was violently suppressed. The British government feared that this movement could lead to widespread unrest across India.
Gandhi’s Detention at Aga Khan Palace (1942–1944)
Period: August 9, 1942 – May 1944
Details:
Following the launch of the Quit India Movement, Gandhi was imprisoned at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, along with other Congress leaders. This became one of the most significant periods of his life.
During his time in detention, Gandhi faced immense personal tragedy. Kasturba Gandhi, his wife, passed away on February 22, 1944, from a heart attack. This was a huge emotional blow for Gandhi.
Mahadev Desai, Gandhi’s private secretary, also died during the same period (August 1942). This period of imprisonment and personal loss marked a deeply sorrowful time for Gandhi.
This was Gandhi’s last prison term. In May 1944, he was released due to his declining health and the deteriorating situation in India.
Gandhi’s Efforts to Restore Communal Peace (1946)
Period: 1946
Details:
Gandhi was deeply disturbed by the increasing communal violence that had erupted between Hindus and Muslims, particularly after the Muslim League’s Direct Action Day on August 16, 1946, which led to large-scale riots in Bengal and other parts of India.
Gandhi traveled to Noakhali (East Bengal, now Bangladesh) to calm the situation. He undertook a peace mission, living in the heart of the conflict and urging people from both communities to maintain peace.
Later, he also traveled to Calcutta to restore peace after the city witnessed severe violence between Hindus and Muslims. Gandhi’s peace efforts in Noakhali and Calcutta were symbolic of his lifelong commitment to communal harmony.
Mountbatten Plan and India’s Independence (1947)
Period: 1947
Details:
In June 1947, the Mountbatten Plan (or Partition Plan) was introduced by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy of India. This plan called for the partition of India into two independent dominions—India and Pakistan—along religious lines.
Gandhi was deeply distressed by the partition, which led to widespread violence and mass displacement of populations. He strongly opposed the idea of partition and the violence it would unleash.
On August 15, 1947, India gained independence, but Gandhi observed complete silence on the dawn of India’s Independence, unable to celebrate the achievement due to the pain of partition and communal violence that accompanied it.
Gandhi remained in Calcutta during the early days of India’s independence, continuing his efforts to restore peace between the communities.
Assassination of Gandhi (1948)
Date: January 30, 1948
Details:
On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathu Ram Godse, a member of the Hindu nationalist organization RSS. Godse held Gandhi responsible for weakening India by his peaceful approach towards Muslims and his support for the partition plan.
Gandhi was on his way to the evening prayer meeting at Birla House, New Delhi when he was shot. His assassination shocked the nation and the world, marking the end of the life of one of the most iconic figures in the fight for Indian independence.
Gandhi’s death left a deep void in India’s political and social landscape, and his commitment to non-violence and peace continues to influence movements globally.
These events in Gandhi’s life reflect the challenges he faced in his final years, including his struggles with partition, communal violence, and the emotional toll of losing close companions. Gandhi’s legacy, however, remains one of peace, non-violence, and a continued inspiration for global movements for justice and equality.
MCQs
- When did Mahatma Gandhi return to India from South Africa?
a) 26 January 1915
b) 9 January 1915
c) 15 August 1915
d) 2 October 1915
Answer: b) 9 January 1915
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915, marking the beginning of his direct involvement in India’s freedom struggle. This day is now observed as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in India. - Where did Mahatma Gandhi establish the Satyagraha Ashrama on 20 May 1915?
a) Wardha
b) Sevagram
c) Kocharab, Ahmedabad
d) Sabarmati
Answer: c) Kocharab, Ahmedabad
Explanation: Gandhi founded the Satyagraha Ashrama in Kocharab, Ahmedabad, in 1915 to serve as a center for training his followers in non-violence and self-reliance. - In which year was the Satyagraha Ashrama relocated to Sabarmati?
a) 1916
b) 1917
c) 1920
d) 1930
Answer: b) 1917
Explanation: The Satyagraha Ashrama was shifted from Kocharab to Sabarmati in 1917. It later became famous as Sabarmati Ashram, which played a crucial role in Gandhi’s movements. - Which session of the Indian National Congress (INC) did Gandhi attend in 1916?
a) Lucknow Session
b) Bombay Session
c) Lahore Session
d) Calcutta Session
Answer: a) Lucknow Session
Explanation: Though Gandhi had abstained from active politics in 1916, he attended the Lucknow Session of the INC, where he met Raj Kumar Shukla, who informed him about the plight of indigo farmers in Champaran. - What was the significance of the Lucknow Session of the INC in 1916?
a) It marked the introduction of Mahatma Gandhi to Indian politics
b) The Congress and Muslim League signed the Lucknow Pact
c) It led to the Champaran Satyagraha
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The Lucknow Session of 1916 was significant because (i) Gandhi was introduced to Indian politics, (ii) the Congress and the Muslim League signed the Lucknow Pact, and (iii) it set the stage for the Champaran Satyagraha, Gandhi’s first major movement in India. - Who was the person who introduced Gandhi to the problems of indigo farmers in Champaran?
a) Vallabhbhai Patel
b) Raj Kumar Shukla
c) Motilal Nehru
d) C. Rajagopalachari
Answer: b) Raj Kumar Shukla
Explanation: Raj Kumar Shukla, a farmer from Champaran, met Gandhi at the Lucknow Session of 1916 and persuaded him to visit Champaran, leading to the first Satyagraha movement in India. - Which of the following was NOT a focus of the Satyagraha Ashrama?
a) Non-violence
b) Self-reliance
c) Arms training
d) Community living
Answer: c) Arms training
Explanation: The Satyagraha Ashrama was established for training individuals in non-violence, self-reliance, and community living—not for any form of military or arms training. - What was Mahatma Gandhi’s initial stance on active politics upon his return to India in 1915?
a) He immediately joined the Indian National Congress
b) He abstained from active politics initially
c) He started a revolt against British rule
d) He became the President of the INC
Answer: b) He abstained from active politics initially
Explanation: After his return, Gandhi initially focused on social reforms and community work and did not engage in active politics until he was drawn into the Champaran movement in 1917. - Why did Mahatma Gandhi relocate the Satyagraha Ashrama from Kocharab to Sabarmati in 1917?
a) To be closer to the British administration
b) To accommodate more followers and facilitate rural development
c) Due to opposition from the local population
d) Because he left Ahmedabad
Answer: b) To accommodate more followers and facilitate rural development
Explanation: The Sabarmati Ashrama was chosen because it provided more space for his followers and was strategically located between a jail and a crematorium, symbolizing Gandhi’s philosophy of facing suffering and truth. - Which future movement of Gandhi was significantly influenced by the Champaran Satyagraha that started in 1917?
a) Non-Cooperation Movement
b) Civil Disobedience Movement
c) Quit India Movement
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The Champaran Satyagraha was Gandhi’s first major movement in India, where he successfully implemented Satyagraha. This experience shaped his leadership in later movements like Non-Cooperation (1920), Civil Disobedience (1930), and Quit India (1942). - · Which movement marked Mahatma Gandhi’s first involvement in active politics in India?
a) Non-Cooperation Movement
b) Civil Disobedience Movement
c) Champaran Satyagraha
d) Quit India Movement
Answer: c) Champaran Satyagraha
Explanation: Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was Gandhi’s first civil disobedience movement in India, aimed at helping indigo farmers in Bihar who were oppressed by British landlords. - · Where did the Champaran Satyagraha take place?
a) Gujarat
b) Bihar
c) Uttar Pradesh
d) Bengal
Answer: b) Bihar
Explanation: The Champaran district in Bihar was the site of the first Satyagraha movement led by Gandhi, where he fought against the forced cultivation of indigo by British planters. - · Who persuaded Gandhi to visit Champaran and take up the cause of the indigo farmers?
a) Sardar Patel
b) Raj Kumar Shukla
c) Motilal Nehru
d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer: b) Raj Kumar Shukla
Explanation: Raj Kumar Shukla, a local farmer, met Gandhi at the Lucknow Session of the INC (1916) and requested his help in fighting against the unjust indigo plantation system in Champaran. - · Which of the following best describes Gandhi’s approach in the Champaran Satyagraha?
a) Armed rebellion against British planters
b) Non-violent resistance and civil disobedience
c) Seeking support from foreign powers
d) Economic boycott of British goods
Answer: b) Non-violent resistance and civil disobedience
Explanation: Gandhi applied Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) to demand justice for indigo farmers, setting a precedent for future movements in India’s freedom struggle. - · What was the primary issue faced by the farmers in Champaran that led to the Satyagraha?
a) High revenue taxes
b) Forced cultivation of indigo
c) Unfair treatment in textile mills
d) Partition of their lands
Answer: b) Forced cultivation of indigo
Explanation: The British forced farmers to grow indigo on a portion of their land and sell it at low prices, which led to economic distress and exploitation. - · Which movement was launched by Gandhi in Ahmedabad in 1918?
a) Kheda Satyagraha
b) Ahmedabad Mill Strike
c) Champaran Satyagraha
d) Bardoli Satyagraha
Answer: b) Ahmedabad Mill Strike
Explanation: Gandhi led the Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) to demand better wages for textile workers. He used hunger strikes for the first time in this struggle. - · What was the main demand of the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918?
a) Lower wages for mill workers
b) Complete independence from British rule
c) Remission of land revenue due to crop failure
d) Ban on foreign cloth
Answer: c) Remission of land revenue due to crop failure
Explanation: In Kheda, Gujarat, farmers were suffering from famine and demanded a waiver of land revenue taxes, which Gandhi supported through Satyagraha. - · Which act led to Gandhi’s first nationwide Satyagraha in 1919?
a) Rowlatt Act
b) Government of India Act, 1919
c) Indian Councils Act, 1909
d) Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
Answer: a) Rowlatt Act
Explanation: The Rowlatt Act (1919) allowed the British government to imprison Indians without trial. Gandhi called for a nationwide Satyagraha to oppose it. - · What was the tragic outcome of the anti-Rowlatt Act protests in 1919?
a) Quit India Movement
b) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
c) Dandi March
d) Simon Commission protests
Answer: b) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Explanation: On April 13, 1919, General Dyer ordered British troops to fire on an unarmed crowd in Amritsar, killing hundreds of innocent people. - · Which movement did Gandhi support after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre to unite Hindus and Muslims?
a) Civil Disobedience Movement
b) Quit India Movement
c) Khilafat Movement
d) Swadeshi Movement
Answer: c) Khilafat Movement
Explanation: Gandhi supported the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) to oppose British policies against the Ottoman Caliphate, fostering Hindu-Muslim unity. - When did the Jallianwala Bagh massacre take place?
a) April 6, 1919
b) April 13, 1919
c) March 10, 1919
d) May 1, 1919
Answer: b) April 13, 1919
Explanation: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, when British General Dyer ordered his troops to fire on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar, Punjab. - Who was responsible for ordering the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?
a) Lord Chelmsford
b) General Reginald Dyer
c) Sir Michael O’Dwyer
d) Winston Churchill
Answer: b) General Reginald Dyer
Explanation: Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to fire on the unarmed crowd at Jallianwala Bagh, leading to hundreds of deaths. - Where did the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre take place?
a) Delhi
b) Lahore
c) Amritsar
d) Lucknow
Answer: c) Amritsar
Explanation: The tragic event occurred in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, Punjab, where people had gathered to protest against the Rowlatt Act (1919). - Which British officer was assassinated in retaliation for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?
a) Lord Irwin
b) Sir Michael O’Dwyer
c) General Dyer
d) Lord Linlithgow
Answer: b) Sir Michael O’Dwyer
Explanation: In 1940, Indian revolutionary Udham Singh assassinated Sir Michael O’Dwyer in London to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. - How did Mahatma Gandhi respond to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
a) He resigned from the Indian National Congress
b) He launched the Quit India Movement
c) He returned the Kaisar-i-Hind gold medal
d) He called for an armed revolution
Answer: c) He returned the Kaisar-i-Hind gold medal
Explanation: Gandhi returned the Kaisar-i-Hind medal, which he had received from the British for his humanitarian work in South Africa, as a protest against the massacre. - What was the primary objective of the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924)?
a) To establish a Hindu-majority rule in India
b) To restore the Ottoman Caliphate
c) To demand complete independence from British rule
d) To promote industrialization in India
Answer: b) To restore the Ottoman Caliphate
Explanation: The Khilafat Movement was started to protest against the British dismantling of the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I. - Who were the key leaders of the Khilafat Movement in India?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel
b) Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
c) B. R. Ambedkar and Rajendra Prasad
d) Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal
Answer: b) Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
Explanation: The Ali brothers, Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, led the Khilafat Movement in India with the support of Mahatma Gandhi. - Which major Indian leader actively supported the Khilafat Movement?
a) Subhas Chandra Bose
b) Mahatma Gandhi
c) Bhagat Singh
d) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: b) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Gandhi supported the Khilafat Movement as a means to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule in India. - Which conference elected Gandhi as the President of the Khilafat Movement?
a) Lucknow Conference (1916)
b) All India Khilafat Conference (1919)
c) Lahore Session of Congress (1929)
d) Poona Pact (1932)
Answer: b) All India Khilafat Conference (1919)
Explanation: In November 1919, Gandhi was elected President of the All India Khilafat Conference, marking his close association with the movement. - What was the impact of the Khilafat Movement on the Indian independence struggle?
a) It divided the Hindu-Muslim unity
b) It strengthened Hindu-Muslim unity
c) It led to the formation of the Muslim League
d) It resulted in the partition of India
Answer: b) It strengthened Hindu-Muslim unity
Explanation: The Khilafat Movement helped strengthen Hindu-Muslim unity as both communities jointly protested against British rule, paving the way for the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922). - When was the Non-Cooperation Movement launched?
a) April 6, 1919
b) August 1, 1920
c) February 5, 1922
d) January 26, 1930
Answer: b) August 1, 1920
Explanation: Gandhi officially launched the Non-Cooperation Movement on August 1, 1920, as a response to British repressive policies, including the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) and the Rowlatt Act (1919). - Which of the following was NOT a feature of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
a) Boycott of British goods and institutions
b) Promotion of Swadeshi products
c) Armed rebellion against the British
d) Resignation from government jobs
Answer: c) Armed rebellion against the British
Explanation: The Non-Cooperation Movement was strictly non-violent and aimed at resisting British rule through boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience rather than armed struggle. - Who were the main leaders of the Khilafat Movement in India?
a) Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
b) Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak
c) Bhagat Singh and Rajguru
d) Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel
Answer: a) Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali
Explanation: The Ali brothers, Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, were the main leaders of the Khilafat Movement, which aimed to protect the Ottoman Caliphate after World War I. - Which major Indian leader supported the Khilafat Movement?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) B. R. Ambedkar
c) Subhas Chandra Bose
d) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: a) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Gandhi supported the Khilafat Movement as he saw it as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims in the struggle against British rule. - What was the main objective of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
a) To achieve complete independence
b) To demand Dominion status for India
c) To oppose British policies peacefully
d) To support British rule
Answer: c) To oppose British policies peacefully
Explanation: The Non-Cooperation Movement aimed to peacefully resist British rule by boycotting government institutions, British goods, and foreign services. - What event led to the sudden suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?
a) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
b) Chauri Chaura Incident
c) Simon Commission Protest
d) Quit India Movement
Answer: b) Chauri Chaura Incident
Explanation: On February 5, 1922, in Chauri Chaura (Uttar Pradesh), a group of protesters set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen. Gandhi, believing in non-violence, called off the movement on February 12, 1922. - Which social reform was promoted during the Non-Cooperation Movement?
a) Untouchability abolition
b) Women’s suffrage
c) Reservation policy
d) Industrialization
Answer: a) Untouchability abolition
Explanation: During the movement, Gandhi emphasized the removal of untouchability, promotion of Swadeshi, and the revival of khadi (hand-spun cloth). - Which session of the Indian National Congress approved the Non-Cooperation Movement?
a) Calcutta Session (1920)
b) Lahore Session (1929)
c) Lucknow Session (1916)
d) Nagpur Session (1920)
Answer: d) Nagpur Session (1920)
Explanation: The Nagpur Session (1920) of the Indian National Congress formally approved the Non-Cooperation Movement under Gandhi’s leadership. - Which of the following was a significant impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
a) Complete independence for India
b) British withdrawal from India
c) Increased political awareness and mass participation
d) Formation of the Muslim League
Answer: c) Increased political awareness and mass participation
Explanation: Though the movement did not achieve independence, it mobilized millions of Indians, including peasants and women, and laid the foundation for future mass movements. - Which British law was opposed by both the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements?
a) Pitt’s India Act
b) Rowlatt Act
c) Government of India Act 1935
d) Simon Commission Act
Answer: b) Rowlatt Act
Explanation: The Rowlatt Act (1919) allowed the British to detain Indians without trial, leading to widespread protests, which contributed to both the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements. - · After the Non-Cooperation Movement, what did Gandhi focus on during his retirement from active politics?
a) Armed rebellion against the British
b) Constructive Programme and social reforms
c) Writing books about British rule
d) Forming a new political party
Answer: b) Constructive Programme and social reforms
Explanation: Gandhi focused on promoting Khadi, fighting untouchability, promoting self-reliance, and fostering Hindu-Muslim unity as part of his Constructive Programme after withdrawing from active politics. - · Which of the following was a key component of Gandhi’s Constructive Programme?
a) Promotion of large-scale industries
b) Encouragement of the British education system
c) Promotion of Khadi and self-reliance
d) Advocacy for complete British rule
Answer: c) Promotion of Khadi and self-reliance
Explanation: Gandhi promoted Khadi (handspun cloth) to boycott British textiles and encouraged self-reliance to reduce dependence on British goods. - · What was the main reason behind launching the Civil Disobedience Movement?
a) Demand for Dominion Status
b) Protest against the Salt Tax
c) Support for the Simon Commission
d) Request for constitutional reforms
Answer: b) Protest against the Salt Tax
Explanation: The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Gandhi in 1930 to protest against the British monopoly on salt, which imposed a heavy tax on a basic necessity. - · When did the famous Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) begin?
a) January 26, 1930
b) March 12, 1930
c) August 8, 1942
d) April 6, 1919
Answer: b) March 12, 1930
Explanation: Gandhi started the Dandi March on March 12, 1930, from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, where he broke the salt law on April 6, 1930 by making salt from seawater. - · What was the distance covered by Gandhi during the Dandi March?
a) 120 km
b) 240 km
c) 320 km
d) 400 km
Answer: c) 320 km
Explanation: Gandhi and his followers marched 320 km (240 miles) from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi as an act of civil disobedience against British rule. - · Which British law did Gandhi violate during the Dandi March?
a) Rowlatt Act
b) Government of India Act, 1919
c) Salt Law
d) Indian Arms Act
Answer: c) Salt Law
Explanation: The Salt Law imposed a British monopoly on salt production, and Gandhi’s act of making salt from seawater was a direct violation of this law. - · Which of the following was NOT a part of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
a) Non-payment of taxes
b) Boycott of foreign goods
c) Violent protests against British officials
d) Resignation from government jobs
Answer: c) Violent protests against British officials
Explanation: The movement followed non-violent resistance, including boycotts, non-payment of taxes, and mass protests, but did not encourage violence. - · What was the outcome of the first phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1931)?
a) India gained independence
b) Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed
c) The movement was completely successful
d) The British withdrew from India
Answer: b) Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed
Explanation: The movement led to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 5, 1931), where the British agreed to release political prisoners and allow salt production by Indians in exchange for Gandhi attending the Second Round Table Conference. - · Which of the following movements was launched after Gandhi resumed active politics in 1927?
a) Quit India Movement
b) Simon Commission Protest
c) Home Rule Movement
d) Rowlatt Satyagraha
Answer: b) Simon Commission Protest
Explanation: In 1927, Gandhi resumed active politics, and one of the major political events was the Simon Commission Protest (1928), which opposed the all-British commission sent to India for constitutional reforms. - · Which famous slogan became associated with the Civil Disobedience Movement?
a) “Do or Die”
b) “Inquilab Zindabad”
c) “Swaraj is my birthright”
d) “Salt is our right”
Answer: d) “Salt is our right”
Explanation: Since the movement was focused on protesting the salt tax, the slogan “Salt is our right” became a popular symbol of resistance during the Dandi March and Civil Disobedience Movement. - · When was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed?
a) January 26, 1930
b) March 5, 1931
c) August 9, 1942
d) April 6, 1930
Answer: b) March 5, 1931
Explanation: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin, leading to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement. - · Which major event followed the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?
a) Quit India Movement
b) First Round Table Conference
c) Second Round Table Conference
d) Cripps Mission
Answer: c) Second Round Table Conference
Explanation: As per the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in London in 1931 as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress. - · Which of the following was a key provision of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?
a) Complete independence for India
b) Release of political prisoners except those guilty of violence
c) Immediate British withdrawal from India
d) Formation of a Constituent Assembly
Answer: b) Release of political prisoners except those guilty of violence
Explanation: The British government agreed to release political prisoners who were not involved in violent activities as part of the pact. - · Why was the Second Phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement (1932-1934) less effective?
a) Gandhi withdrew from politics
b) Government repression and mass arrests
c) Lack of international support
d) The movement turned violent
Answer: b) Government repression and mass arrests
Explanation: The British government responded with harsh repression, mass arrests, and bans on public gatherings, weakening the movement. - · Where did Gandhi establish Sevagram Ashram?
a) Ahmedabad
b) Wardha, Maharashtra
c) Sabarmati, Gujarat
d) Champaran, Bihar
Answer: b) Wardha, Maharashtra
Explanation: In 1934, Gandhi established Sevagram (Wardha Ashram) in Maharashtra, which became a hub for his Constructive Programme and rural development initiatives. - · What was the primary focus of Gandhi at Sevagram Ashram?
a) Military training for freedom fighters
b) Political negotiations with the British
c) Rural development and self-reliance
d) Planning violent uprisings against the British
Answer: c) Rural development and self-reliance
Explanation: At Sevagram, Gandhi promoted rural development, self-sufficiency, communal harmony, and khadi production as part of his Constructive Programme. - · Why was the Individual Satyagraha Movement launched in 1940?
a) To support the British in World War II
b) To oppose British involvement in World War II
c) To demand immediate independence
d) To organize mass protests against British rule
Answer: b) To oppose British involvement in World War II
Explanation: Gandhi launched the Individual Satyagraha Movement (1940-1941) as a non-violent protest against British involvement in World War II without India’s consent. - · Who was the first person to participate in the Individual Satyagraha Movement?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Sardar Patel
c) Vinoba Bhave
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: c) Vinoba Bhave
Explanation: Vinoba Bhave was the first Satyagrahi to participate in the Individual Satyagraha Movement, followed by other leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru. - · What was the main slogan associated with the Individual Satyagraha Movement?
a) “Do or Die”
b) “Britishers Quit India”
c) “Swaraj is my birthright”
d) “Jai Hind”
Answer: b) “Britishers Quit India”
Explanation: The movement aimed at peaceful protests against British rule, and the slogan “Britishers Quit India” was used by satyagrahis. - · What was the unique feature of the Individual Satyagraha Movement?
a) It was a mass movement involving millions
b) It was a violent struggle
c) It focused on individual acts of non-violent resistance
d) It aimed at negotiating with the British
Answer: c) It focused on individual acts of non-violent resistance
Explanation: Unlike earlier mass movements, the Individual Satyagraha was designed as a limited, peaceful protest where individuals took a stand against British rule one by one. - · When was the Quit India Movement launched?
a) August 15, 1942
b) August 8, 1942
c) July 7, 1942
d) September 9, 1942
Answer: b) August 8, 1942
Explanation: The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi during the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session in Bombay on August 8, 1942. It called for an immediate end to British rule in India. - · What was the famous slogan given by Mahatma Gandhi during the Quit India Movement?
a) Swaraj is my birthright
b) Simon Go Back
c) Do or Die
d) Jai Hind
Answer: c) Do or Die
Explanation: Gandhi’s slogan “Do or Die” urged Indians to fight for complete independence or die trying, emphasizing the urgency of the movement. - · Which location hosted the All India Congress Committee (AICC) session where the Quit India Resolution was passed?
a) Delhi
b) Bombay (now Mumbai)
c) Calcutta
d) Lahore
Answer: b) Bombay (now Mumbai)
Explanation: The Quit India Resolution was passed at the AICC session in Bombay on August 8, 1942. - · What was the immediate reaction of the British government to the Quit India Movement?
a) They agreed to negotiate
b) They arrested Gandhi and other Congress leaders
c) They granted partial independence
d) They withdrew from India immediately
Answer: b) They arrested Gandhi and other Congress leaders
Explanation: On August 9, 1942, the British government arrested Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and other Congress leaders to suppress the movement. - · Where was Mahatma Gandhi imprisoned during the Quit India Movement?
a) Cellular Jail, Andaman
b) Yerwada Jail
c) Aga Khan Palace, Pune
d) Red Fort, Delhi
Answer: c) Aga Khan Palace, Pune
Explanation: Gandhi was imprisoned at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune along with other leaders. His wife, Kasturba Gandhi, passed away there in 1944. - · Who was the first person to be arrested during the Quit India Movement?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Sardar Patel
d) Vinoba Bhave
Answer: a) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Gandhi and top Congress leaders were arrested immediately after the launch of the movement on August 9, 1942. - · Which of the following newspapers was banned by the British during the Quit India Movement?
a) The Hindu
b) Harijan
c) Indian Mirror
d) Bombay Chronicle
Answer: b) Harijan
Explanation: Harijan, founded by Gandhi, was among the newspapers banned by the British as they sought to curb the spread of nationalist ideas. - · Which of the following was NOT a major outcome of the Quit India Movement?
a) The British left India immediately
b) The movement strengthened Indian nationalism
c) It united people across caste and religious lines
d) It led to violent crackdowns by the British
Answer: a) The British left India immediately
Explanation: Though the Quit India Movement did not achieve immediate independence, it strengthened nationalist sentiments and made British rule untenable in the long run. - · Who was the Viceroy of India during the Quit India Movement?
a) Lord Linlithgow
b) Lord Wavell
c) Lord Mountbatten
d) Lord Irwin
Answer: a) Lord Linlithgow
Explanation: Lord Linlithgow was the Viceroy of India during the Quit India Movement and was responsible for the harsh repression of the movement. - · Which parallel government was established during the Quit India Movement?
a) Azad Hind Government
b) Ballia Parallel Government
c) Ghadar Government
d) Swadeshi Government
Answer: b) Ballia Parallel Government
Explanation: During the movement, parallel governments were set up in places like Ballia (UP), Satara (Maharashtra), and Tamluk (Bengal) as part of efforts to resist British rule.
II. Role of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the National Movement
Bose’s Early Political Career
Joined Indian National Congress in 1921 and became a prominent leader.
Elected Congress President in 1938 (Haripura Session) and 1939 (Tripuri Session).
Resigned after conflicts with Gandhi and formed the Forward Bloc in 1939 to unite left-wing forces.
Escape from India and Formation of INA
1941: Escaped house arrest in India and reached Germany to seek Hitler’s support.
1943: Moved to Japan and took charge of the Indian National Army (INA), originally formed by Mohan Singh.
Gave the famous slogan: “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!”
Establishment of Azad Hind Government (1943)
Formed Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government) in Singapore on October 21, 1943.
Declared war on Britain and the USA, with support from Japan and Germany.
Took control of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, renaming them Shaheed and Swaraj Islands.
INA’s Military Campaign (1944-1945)
INA, with Japanese support, launched attacks in Burma, Manipur, and Kohima.
Advanced towards Delhi, but faced severe setbacks due to Japanese defeat in World War II.
1945: British forces crushed the INA, and many INA soldiers were captured.
The Red Fort Trials (1945-1946)
INA officers Shahnawaz Khan, Prem Sehgal, and Gurbaksh Dhillon were put on trial at Red Fort.
Widespread protests across India forced the British to release them, strengthening nationalist sentiment.
III. Difference in Approach: Gandhi vs. Bose
| Aspect | Mahatma Gandhi | Subhas Chandra Bose |
| Philosophy | Non-violence (Ahimsa), Civil Disobedience | Armed struggle, Military force |
| Major Movements | Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India | Indian National Army (INA), Forward Bloc |
| Foreign Alliances | None; relied on moral appeal | Sought support from Germany and Japan |
| Vision for India | Democratic, Secular | Socialist, Militarized India |
| Method to Achieve Independence | Mass movements, peaceful protests | Military campaigns against British rule |
IV. Impact of the Gandhian Era and INA on Indian Independence
Gandhian Movements Pressured the British
Quit India Movement (1942) shook the foundations of British rule.
Mass participation weakened British control over India.
INA and Bose’s Role Created Nationalist Fervor
Inspired Indian soldiers in British Indian Army to revolt (Naval Mutiny, 1946).
INA trials increased anti-British sentiments in India.
British Realized Their Rule Was Unsustainable
Post-WWII economic crisis and the impact of INA forced British withdrawal.
Lord Mountbatten planned partition and transfer of power in 1947.
Conclusion
The Gandhian Era (1915-1947) marked the most crucial phase of India’s struggle for independence, led by Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movements. However, Subhas Chandra Bose emerged as a radical leader who believed in armed revolution.
While Gandhi’s peaceful resistance movements weakened British moral authority, Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) proved that Indians were ready to fight for freedom militarily.
Both leaders played complementary roles in the independence movement, leading to India’s liberation on August 15, 1947.
MCQs
1. When did Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose join the Indian National Congress?
a) 1920
b) 1921
c) 1922
d) 1923
Answer: b) 1921
Explanation: Bose joined the Indian National Congress in 1921 and quickly rose to prominence as a leader advocating for complete independence.
2. In which session of the Indian National Congress was Subhas Chandra Bose elected president for the first time?
a) Haripura Session, 1938
b) Lahore Session, 1929
c) Karachi Session, 1931
d) Tripuri Session, 1939
Answer: a) Haripura Session, 1938
Explanation: Bose was elected Congress President in 1938 at the Haripura session, where he emphasized economic planning and self-sufficiency.
3. Why did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the Congress presidency in 1939?
a) Due to health issues
b) Due to ideological differences with Gandhi
c) He was expelled from Congress
d) Due to British pressure
Answer: b) Due to ideological differences with Gandhi
Explanation: Bose was re-elected in 1939 (Tripuri Session) but resigned after facing opposition from Gandhi and other leaders over his radical approach toward independence.
4. What was the primary aim of the Forward Bloc, founded by Bose in 1939?
a) To promote socialism in India
b) To create a separate state for revolutionaries
c) To unite left-wing forces within Congress
d) To support the British government
Answer: c) To unite left-wing forces within Congress
Explanation: The Forward Bloc was formed to consolidate leftist ideologies and mobilize mass support for complete independence.
5. How did Subhas Chandra Bose escape from India in 1941?
a) He disguised himself and left in a car to Afghanistan
b) He left openly with British permission
c) He boarded a ship from Calcutta to Japan
d) He traveled through Nepal and entered China
Answer: a) He disguised himself and left in a car to Afghanistan
Explanation: Bose escaped house arrest in 1941, traveled through Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, and reached Germany to seek support against British rule.
6. Who originally founded the Indian National Army (INA) before Bose took charge?
a) Mohan Singh
b) Rash Behari Bose
c) Bhagat Singh
d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer: a) Mohan Singh
Explanation: The INA was initially formed by Mohan Singh in 1942 with Indian prisoners of war in Southeast Asia, but it gained momentum under Bose’s leadership in 1943.
7. In which year did Subhas Chandra Bose take charge of the Indian National Army (INA)?
a) 1939
b) 1941
c) 1943
d) 1945
Answer: c) 1943
Explanation: Bose assumed leadership of the INA in 1943 after moving to Japan, transforming it into a formidable force against British rule.
8. What was the famous slogan given by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to motivate INA soldiers?
a) “Jai Hind”
b) “Vande Mataram”
c) “Swaraj is my birthright”
d) “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!”
Answer: d) “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!”
Explanation: Bose’s slogan inspired Indians to sacrifice for the country’s independence and became a symbol of his revolutionary zeal.
9. Which country provided military and logistical support to Bose’s INA?
a) United States
b) Germany
c) Japan
d) Soviet Union
Answer: c) Japan
Explanation: Japan supported the INA with weapons, training, and strategic assistance, allowing Bose to launch campaigns in Southeast Asia.
10. What was the primary objective of the Indian National Army (INA) under Bose’s leadership?
a) To negotiate with the British for independence
b) To launch an armed struggle against British rule
c) To promote trade relations with Japan
d) To create an independent Indian government-in-exile
Answer: b) To launch an armed struggle against British rule
Explanation: The INA aimed to liberate India through military action against the British with Japanese support, advancing into India during World War II.
1. When was the Azad Hind Government (Provisional Government of Free India) established?
a) August 15, 1942
b) October 21, 1943
c) January 26, 1944
d) March 23, 1945
Answer: b) October 21, 1943
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose established the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore on October 21, 1943, aiming to lead India to independence.
2. Where was the Azad Hind Government officially formed?
a) Tokyo
b) Rangoon
c) Singapore
d) Berlin
Answer: c) Singapore
Explanation: The Provisional Government of Free India was established in Singapore, where Bose had significant support from Indian expatriates and the Japanese.
3. Who was the Supreme Leader (Head of State) of the Azad Hind Government?
a) Mohan Singh
b) Rash Behari Bose
c) Subhas Chandra Bose
d) Sardar Patel
Answer: c) Subhas Chandra Bose
Explanation: Bose took charge as the Head of State, Prime Minister, and Minister of War and Foreign Affairs of the Azad Hind Government.
4. Which two Axis powers officially recognized the Azad Hind Government?
a) Germany and Japan
b) Italy and Britain
c) Soviet Union and USA
d) France and China
Answer: a) Germany and Japan
Explanation: The Azad Hind Government was supported by Axis powers, particularly Germany and Japan, which provided military and financial assistance.
5. What action did the Azad Hind Government take against Britain and the USA?
a) Signed a peace treaty
b) Declared war
c) Requested military aid
d) Formed a trade agreement
Answer: b) Declared war
Explanation: On October 23, 1943, the Azad Hind Government declared war on Britain and the USA, aligning with the Axis powers during World War II.
6. Which Indian territories came under the control of the Azad Hind Government?
a) Goa and Pondicherry
b) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
c) Lakshadweep
d) Sikkim
Answer: b) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Explanation: The Japanese handed over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the Azad Hind Government, and Bose renamed them Shaheed (Martyr) and Swaraj (Self-Rule) Islands.
7. What was the new name given to Andaman and Nicobar Islands under Bose’s administration?
a) Bharat and Hindustan
b) Swaraj and Shaheed
c) Netaji and Azad
d) Freedom and Unity
Answer: b) Swaraj and Shaheed
Explanation: Bose renamed the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Swaraj (Self-Rule) and Shaheed (Martyr) to symbolize the struggle for India’s independence.
8. What was the motto of the Azad Hind Government?
a) “Jai Hind”
b) “Satyameva Jayate”
c) “Victory or Death”
d) “Do or Die”
Answer: a) “Jai Hind”
Explanation: “Jai Hind” was adopted as the official slogan of the Azad Hind Government and later became a patriotic greeting in independent India.
9. Which army served as the military wing of the Azad Hind Government?
a) Indian National Army (INA)
b) Indian Imperial Army
c) British Indian Army
d) National Defense Corps
Answer: a) Indian National Army (INA)
Explanation: The INA (Azad Hind Fauj) was the armed force of the Azad Hind Government, fighting alongside the Japanese against British rule.
10. What happened to the Azad Hind Government after World War II?
a) It successfully freed India
b) It was recognized by the United Nations
c) It collapsed after Japan’s defeat
d) It merged with the Indian National Congress
Answer: c) It collapsed after Japan’s defeat
Explanation: The Azad Hind Government lost its support after Japan’s surrender in 1945, leading to its dissolution and the capture of INA soldiers by the British.
1. In which year did the Indian National Army (INA) launch its military campaign against British India?
a) 1942
b) 1943
c) 1944
d) 1945
Answer: c) 1944
Explanation: The INA, with Japanese support, launched its military campaign in 1944, aiming to liberate India by attacking British positions in Burma and Northeast India.
2. Which region was the main battlefield for INA’s military operations in 1944?
a) Punjab and Rajasthan
b) Burma and Northeast India
c) Gujarat and Maharashtra
d) Bengal and Bihar
Answer: b) Burma and Northeast India
Explanation: The INA fought alongside the Japanese in Burma and Northeast India (Manipur, Kohima, and Imphal) to challenge British rule.
3. Which major battle did the INA and Japanese forces fight in Manipur?
a) Battle of Plassey
b) Battle of Imphal
c) Battle of Buxar
d) Battle of Panipat
Answer: b) Battle of Imphal
Explanation: The Battle of Imphal (March–July 1944) was one of the INA’s key battles, where it fought alongside Japanese forces but faced strong British resistance.
4. What was the outcome of the Battle of Kohima in 1944?
a) INA and Japan captured Kohima
b) INA established a government in Kohima
c) British forces successfully defended Kohima
d) Kohima remained neutral in the war
Answer: c) British forces successfully defended Kohima
Explanation: The Battle of Kohima (April–June 1944) was a turning point, where British forces repelled the INA and Japanese offensive, leading to INA’s retreat.
5. What was the ultimate goal of INA’s military campaign in 1944?
a) To establish a base in Burma
b) To create a separate Indian state
c) To march towards Delhi and liberate India
d) To support the British forces
Answer: c) To march towards Delhi and liberate India
Explanation: The INA’s campaign aimed at advancing towards Delhi under the slogan “Dilli Chalo” (March to Delhi), but it faced severe setbacks.
6. Why did INA’s military campaign fail?
a) Lack of popular support
b) Shortage of weapons
c) Japanese defeat in World War II
d) British air superiority
Answer: c) Japanese defeat in World War II
Explanation: The INA relied on Japanese military support, but after Japan’s surrender in 1945, INA lost its backing and was forced to retreat.
7. What happened to the INA soldiers after the defeat in 1945?
a) They were granted amnesty
b) They were sent to fight in Germany
c) They were captured by the British
d) They formed a new army
Answer: c) They were captured by the British
Explanation: Many INA soldiers, including top leaders, were arrested by British forces after the Japanese surrender, leading to the famous INA Trials in Red Fort.
8. Where were the INA trials held after the war?
a) Bombay High Court
b) Calcutta High Court
c) Red Fort, Delhi
d) Lahore
Answer: c) Red Fort, Delhi
Explanation: The British conducted the INA trials at Red Fort in Delhi, where key leaders like Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon were tried.
9. What was the famous slogan given by Subhas Chandra Bose during INA’s campaign?
a) “Do or Die”
b) “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!”
c) “Vande Mataram”
d) “Quit India”
Answer: b) “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!”
Explanation: Bose inspired INA soldiers with his famous slogan, urging them to fight for India’s independence with full commitment.
10. How did the failure of INA impact India’s freedom struggle?
a) Strengthened British rule
b) Increased Indian support for independence
c) INA members were exiled
d) Led to a civil war
Answer: b) Increased Indian support for independence
Explanation: The INA trials sparked massive protests in India, increasing anti-British sentiment, which contributed to India’s independence movement.
1. What was Mahatma Gandhi’s core philosophy in the struggle for India’s independence?
a) Non-violence and civil disobedience
b) Armed struggle and military force
c) Economic boycott and strikes
d) Collaboration with the British
Answer: a) Non-violence and civil disobedience
Explanation: Gandhi’s core philosophy was Ahimsa (non-violence), and he used civil disobedience to peacefully resist British rule.
2. Which major movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi to challenge British rule?
a) Quit India Movement
b) Indian National Army Campaign
c) Civil Disobedience Movement
d) Forward Bloc
Answer: a) Quit India Movement
Explanation: The Quit India Movement (1942), led by Gandhi, was a mass protest demanding an end to British rule in India.
3. What was the main method used by Subhas Chandra Bose to achieve India’s independence?
a) Mass non-violent protests
b) Armed struggle and military campaigns
c) Economic sanctions
d) Collaboration with British forces
Answer: b) Armed struggle and military campaigns
Explanation: Bose believed in armed struggle, forming the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against the British.
4. Which foreign powers did Subhas Chandra Bose seek support from during the freedom struggle?
a) USA and Soviet Union
b) Germany and Japan
c) China and France
d) Egypt and Italy
Answer: b) Germany and Japan
Explanation: Bose sought support from Germany and Japan, hoping their assistance would help India gain independence through military means.
5. What was Gandhi’s vision for an independent India?
a) Militarized India with a strong army
b) A socialist state
c) A democratic, secular state
d) A monarchy under a single ruler
Answer: c) A democratic, secular state
Explanation: Gandhi envisioned a democratic and secular India, where people from all religions lived together in harmony.
6. Which movement was initiated by Subhas Chandra Bose to unite left-wing forces in India?
a) Non-Cooperation Movement
b) Quit India Movement
c) Forward Bloc
d) Salt March
Answer: c) Forward Bloc
Explanation: Bose formed the Forward Bloc in 1939 to unite the left-wing forces of India and create a more radical approach to independence.
7. Which method did Gandhi emphasize to achieve India’s independence?
a) Military resistance
b) Peaceful protests and mass movements
c) Working with the British government
d) Diplomatic negotiations
Answer: b) Peaceful protests and mass movements
Explanation: Gandhi led mass movements like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience to challenge British rule peacefully.
8. What was the relationship between Gandhi’s philosophy and foreign alliances?
a) Gandhi sought support from international powers
b) Gandhi had no foreign alliances; he relied on moral appeal
c) Gandhi allied with the Soviet Union
d) Gandhi worked closely with the USA for independence
Answer: b) Gandhi had no foreign alliances; he relied on moral appeal
Explanation: Gandhi did not seek foreign alliances but relied on moral appeals to mobilize people and weaken British authority.
9. How did Subhas Chandra Bose’s vision for India differ from Gandhi’s?
a) Bose wanted a more secular India
b) Bose envisioned a socialist, militarized India
c) Bose focused on peaceful methods
d) Bose advocated for a constitutional monarchy
Answer: b) Bose envisioned a socialist, militarized India
Explanation: Unlike Gandhi’s democratic and secular vision, Bose envisioned a socialist, militarized India, emphasizing national strength through the Indian National Army (INA).
10. What role did the Gandhian movements and the INA play in India’s independence struggle?
a) The Gandhian movements increased British support, while INA weakened the resistance
b) Both the Gandhian movements and INA created nationalist fervor and weakened British rule
c) The Gandhian movements led to direct collaboration with the British
d) The INA played a dominant role, while Gandhi’s movements had little impact
Answer: b) Both the Gandhian movements and INA created nationalist fervor and weakened British rule
Explanation: Gandhi’s peaceful resistance movements and Bose’s INA military campaigns both contributed significantly to weakening British control, paving the way for India’s independence in 1947.
