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9-10th Class Competitive Exam

Mahatma Gandhi and the national movement in easy way

Daniya Daniya 0

ICSE Class 10 History

Chapter 6 — Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement (1915–1947)

1. Introduction

The Indian National Movement entered a new phase when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915 after successfully leading non-violent struggles in South Africa. He transformed the freedom struggle from a movement of educated elites into a mass movement involving peasants, workers, women, and students.

Gandhi introduced new methods of protest based on:

  • Truth (Satya)
  • Non-violence (Ahimsa)
  • Satyagraha (peaceful resistance)

These ideas changed the character of India’s struggle for independence.

2. Gandhian Philosophy and Methods

(a) Satyagraha

Satyagraha means insistence on truth through non-violent resistance. Instead of violence, people protested peacefully by refusing cooperation with unjust laws.

(b) Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

Gandhi believed violence destroys moral strength. Non-violence would expose injustice and morally defeat the oppressor.

(c) Civil Disobedience

Breaking unjust laws peacefully while accepting punishment.

(d) Non-Cooperation

Refusing to assist British administration through boycotts and resignations.

3. Early Gandhian Movements (1917–1918)

Before launching nationwide movements, Gandhi led local struggles:

(1) Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

  • Location: Bihar
  • Problem: Indigo farmers were forced to grow indigo under exploitative conditions.
  • Gandhi investigated and organized peaceful protest.
  • Result: British accepted farmers’ demands.

(2) Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

  • Crop failure but taxes still demanded.
  • Gandhi urged peasants to refuse payment.
  • Government suspended revenue collection.

(3) Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)

  • Workers demanded fair wages.
  • Gandhi used fasting as moral pressure.
  • Workers achieved wage increase.

Importance:
These movements made Gandhi a national leader and showed effectiveness of non-violence.

4. The Rowlatt Act (1919)

The British passed the Rowlatt Act allowing detention without trial.

Features:

  • No appeal or trial
  • Severe restrictions on civil liberties

Gandhi called for nationwide protest through hartals.

5. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)

  • Date: 13 April 1919
  • Place: Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
  • General Reginald Dyer ordered firing on a peaceful gathering.

Result:

  • Hundreds killed
  • Nationwide outrage
  • End of Indian faith in British justice

6. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

Launched jointly by Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.

Causes:

  • Jallianwala Bagh massacre
  • Rowlatt Act repression
  • Khilafat issue (support to Turkish Caliph)

Programme:

  • Boycott of government schools and courts
  • Boycott of foreign goods
  • Resignation from government jobs
  • Promotion of khadi and swadeshi

Participation:

  • Students, lawyers, peasants, women, traders

Withdrawal:

After the Chauri Chaura Incident (1922) where protesters turned violent, Gandhi suspended the movement.

Importance:

  • First nationwide mass movement
  • Spread nationalism to villages

7. Swaraj Party (1923)

Formed by leaders like Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das.

Aim:

Enter legislative councils and obstruct British policies from within.

8. Simon Commission (1927)

  • Sent by Britain to review constitutional reforms.
  • No Indian member included.

Reaction:

Nationwide protests with slogan “Simon Go Back.”

9. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

Immediate Cause:

British monopoly over salt production.

Dandi March (Salt March) — 1930

  • Gandhi marched 240 miles from Sabarmati to Dandi.
  • Broke salt law by making salt.

Spread:

  • Boycott of foreign cloth
  • Refusal to pay taxes
  • Mass arrests

Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)

Agreement between Gandhi and Lord Irwin:

  • Political prisoners released
  • Gandhi attended Round Table Conference.

Importance:

  • International attention to Indian freedom struggle
  • Mass participation of women

10. Round Table Conferences (1930–32)

Held in London to discuss constitutional reforms.

Results:

  • Failed to achieve agreement.
  • Led to continued struggle.

11. Government of India Act (1935)

Major constitutional reform:

  • Provincial autonomy granted.
  • Elections held in 1937.
  • Congress formed ministries in several provinces.

12. Quit India Movement (1942)

Launched during World War II.

Causes:

  • Failure of Cripps Mission
  • British refusal to grant independence

Launch:

Gandhi gave slogan: 👉 “Do or Die.”

Features:

  • Mass protests
  • Strikes and demonstrations
  • Parallel governments in some regions

British Response:

  • Arrest of leaders
  • Severe repression

Importance:

  • Showed British rule could no longer continue.
  • Final mass uprising before independence.

13. Role of Women and Youth

Women like Sarojini Naidu actively participated in marches and protests. Students and youth became major supporters of nationalism.

14. Gandhi’s Constructive Programme

Gandhi worked for social reform alongside political struggle:

  • Promotion of khadi
  • Removal of untouchability
  • Hindu-Muslim unity
  • Village industries
  • Basic education

15. Towards Independence (1945–1947)

After World War II:

  • British economy weakened.
  • Naval mutiny and widespread unrest occurred.
  • Negotiations led to independence.

India finally became independent on 15 August 1947.

16. Importance of Mahatma Gandhi in the National Movement

  • Converted freedom struggle into a mass movement.
  • Introduced non-violent resistance.
  • United people across religion, caste, and region.
  • Inspired global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

17. Limitations and Criticism

  • Some revolutionaries believed non-violence was slow.
  • Communal tensions increased in later years.
  • Partition of India occurred despite efforts for unity.

18. Conclusion

Mahatma Gandhi fundamentally transformed India’s struggle for freedom by introducing moral and ethical politics. His methods of truth, non-violence, and mass participation gave ordinary Indians confidence to challenge colonial rule. Movements such as Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India weakened British authority and united millions under a common national goal.

Gandhi’s leadership not only secured India’s independence but also demonstrated to the world that peaceful resistance can defeat even the strongest imperial power. His ideals continue to influence democratic movements and human rights struggles across the globe, making him one of the most significant leaders in modern history.

100 MCQs — Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement

A. Early Gandhian Phase (1–20)

  1. Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in:
    A. 1913
    B. 1915
    C. 1917
    D. 1920
    ✅ Ans: B
  2. Gandhi first experimented with Satyagraha in India at:
    A. Bardoli
    B. Champaran
    C. Lahore
    D. Surat
    ✅ Ans: B
  3. Champaran Satyagraha was related to:
    A. Cotton farmers
    B. Indigo farmers
    C. Tea workers
    D. Mill owners
    ✅ Ans: B
  4. Champaran is located in:
    A. Gujarat
    B. Bihar
    C. Punjab
    D. Bengal
    ✅ Ans: B
  5. Kheda Satyagraha was organized due to:
    A. Salt tax
    B. Revenue demand after crop failure
    C. Factory strike
    D. Partition protest
    ✅ Ans: B
  6. Ahmedabad movement involved:
    A. Farmers
    B. Soldiers
    C. Mill workers
    D. Students
    ✅ Ans: C
  7. Gandhi used fasting during:
    A. Kheda movement
    B. Ahmedabad strike
    C. Quit India
    D. Khilafat movement
    ✅ Ans: B
  8. Gandhi’s political mentor was:
    A. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
    B. Dadabhai Naoroji
    C. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
    D. Lala Lajpat Rai
    ✅ Ans: C
  9. Satyagraha means:
    A. Violent protest
    B. Armed struggle
    C. Truth force
    D. Political boycott
    ✅ Ans: C
  10. Ahimsa means:
    A. Justice
    B. Non-violence
    C. Equality
    D. Freedom
    ✅ Ans: B
  11. Gandhi emphasized:
    A. Military action
    B. Peaceful resistance
    C. Secret revolution
    D. Armed rebellion
    ✅ Ans: B
  12. Gandhi aimed to involve mainly:
    A. Elite leaders
    B. British officials
    C. Masses of India
    D. Soldiers only
    ✅ Ans: C
  13. Gandhi promoted use of:
    A. Imported goods
    B. Foreign cloth
    C. Khadi
    D. Silk imports
    ✅ Ans: C
  14. Gandhi believed political freedom required:
    A. Violence
    B. Moral strength
    C. Foreign help
    D. War
    ✅ Ans: B
  15. Gandhi’s philosophy was based on:
    A. Industrialism
    B. Truth and Non-violence
    C. Militarism
    D. Imperialism
    ✅ Ans: B
  16. Champaran struggle ended with:
    A. Failure
    B. Farmer victory
    C. Arrest of Gandhi only
    D. War
    ✅ Ans: B
  17. Gandhi organized peasants mainly through:
    A. Weapons
    B. Peaceful protest
    C. Riots
    D. Secret societies
    ✅ Ans: B
  18. Gandhi supported workers in:
    A. Bombay mills
    B. Ahmedabad mills
    C. Delhi factories
    D. Kanpur mills
    ✅ Ans: B
  19. Early movements proved Gandhi’s method was:
    A. Ineffective
    B. Violent
    C. Successful
    D. Illegal
    ✅ Ans: C
  20. Gandhi’s leadership united:
    A. Only elites
    B. Only peasants
    C. Various social groups
    D. Only traders
    ✅ Ans: C

B. Rowlatt Act & Jallianwala Bagh (21–35)

  1. The Rowlatt Act was passed in:
    A. 1918
    B. 1919
    C. 1920
    D. 1922
    ✅ Ans: B
  2. Rowlatt Act allowed:
    A. Free elections
    B. Detention without trial
    C. Tax reduction
    D. Self-rule
    ✅ Ans: B
  3. Gandhi called for:
    A. Armed revolt
    B. Nationwide hartal
    C. Military action
    D. Boycott of Congress
    ✅ Ans: B
  4. Jallianwala Bagh is in:
    A. Delhi
    B. Amritsar
    C. Lahore
    D. Karachi
    ✅ Ans: B
  5. The massacre occurred on:
    A. 13 April 1919
    B. 15 August 1919
    C. 26 January 1920
    D. 1 May 1919
    ✅ Ans: A
  6. The firing was ordered by:
    A. Lord Curzon
    B. General Dyer
    C. Lord Irwin
    D. Mountbatten
    ✅ Ans: B
  7. The gathering at Jallianwala Bagh was:
    A. Violent mob
    B. Peaceful meeting
    C. Military rally
    D. Secret revolt
    ✅ Ans: B
  8. The massacre led to:
    A. Support for British
    B. National outrage
    C. End of protests
    D. Peace treaty
    ✅ Ans: B
  9. Gandhi lost faith in:
    A. Indian leaders
    B. British justice
    C. Farmers
    D. Congress
    ✅ Ans: B
  10. The event united Indians against:
    A. France
    B. Britain
    C. Portugal
    D. Japan
    ✅ Ans: B
  11. Protest spread across:
    A. Punjab only
    B. Whole India
    C. Bengal only
    D. South India only
    ✅ Ans: B
  12. Rowlatt Act is also called:
    A. Black Act
    B. Freedom Act
    C. Salt Act
    D. Charter Act
    ✅ Ans: A
  13. Jallianwala tragedy strengthened:
    A. British rule
    B. Nationalism
    C. Trade
    D. Army
    ✅ Ans: B
  14. Gandhi promoted non-violence after massacre because:
    A. Fear
    B. Moral principle
    C. Weakness
    D. British order
    ✅ Ans: B
  15. Mass protests followed mainly in:
    A. Villages only
    B. Cities only
    C. Entire country
    D. Abroad only
    ✅ Ans: C

C. Non-Cooperation Movement (36–55)

  1. Non-Cooperation Movement began in:
    A. 1919
    B. 1920
    C. 1925
    D. 1930
    ✅ Ans: B
  2. Movement was launched by:
    A. Muslim League
    B. Congress
    C. British Parliament
    D. Princes
    ✅ Ans: B
  3. Khilafat issue related to:
    A. Turkey Caliph
    B. Japan
    C. China
    D. France
    ✅ Ans: A
  4. Programme included boycott of:
    A. Indian goods
    B. Government schools
    C. Agriculture
    D. Temples
    ✅ Ans: B
  5. Lawyers gave up:
    A. Property
    B. Legal practice
    C. Education
    D. Trade
    ✅ Ans: B
  6. Foreign cloth was:
    A. Encouraged
    B. Boycotted
    C. Exported
    D. Subsidized
    ✅ Ans: B
  7. Promotion of Swadeshi meant:
    A. Foreign trade
    B. Indian goods
    C. Military expansion
    D. Tax payment
    ✅ Ans: B
  8. Students left:
    A. Villages
    B. Government institutions
    C. Farms
    D. Factories
    ✅ Ans: B
  9. Movement ended after:
    A. Simon Commission
    B. Chauri Chaura incident
    C. Quit India
    D. Dandi March
    ✅ Ans: B
  10. Protesters at Chauri Chaura:
    A. Stayed peaceful
    B. Burned police station
    C. Boycotted tax only
    D. Negotiated
    ✅ Ans: B
  11. Gandhi withdrew movement due to:
    A. Success
    B. Violence
    C. British request
    D. Elections
    ✅ Ans: B
  12. Movement made Congress a:
    A. Regional body
    B. Mass organization
    C. Secret group
    D. Military force
    ✅ Ans: B
  13. Khadi symbolized:
    A. Luxury
    B. Self-reliance
    C. War
    D. Wealth
    ✅ Ans: B
  14. Non-Cooperation was based on:
    A. Violence
    B. Non-violence
    C. War
    D. Revolution
    ✅ Ans: B
  15. Movement increased participation of:
    A. Only elites
    B. Masses
    C. British
    D. Soldiers
    ✅ Ans: B
  16. National schools were established to replace:
    A. Private schools
    B. Government schools
    C. Religious schools
    D. Foreign universities
    ✅ Ans: B
  17. Gandhi stressed discipline because:
    A. Fear of failure
    B. Commitment to Ahimsa
    C. British demand
    D. Lack of support
    ✅ Ans: B
  18. Congress gained popularity mainly among:
    A. Farmers and workers
    B. British officials
    C. Kings
    D. Foreign traders
    ✅ Ans: A
  19. Non-Cooperation aimed at achieving:
    A. Dominion status initially
    B. Complete war
    C. Military victory
    D. Trade monopoly
    ✅ Ans: A
  20. Movement showed power of:
    A. Army
    B. Mass unity
    C. Violence
    D. Foreign aid
    ✅ Ans: B

D. Civil Disobedience Movement (56–75)

  1. Civil Disobedience Movement started in:
    A. 1925
    B. 1930
    C. 1935
    D. 1942
    ✅ Ans: B
  2. Immediate cause was:
    A. Salt tax
    B. Income tax
    C. Land tax
    D. Trade law
    ✅ Ans: A
  3. Dandi March began from:
    A. Wardha
    B. Sabarmati Ashram
    C. Bombay
    D. Delhi
    ✅ Ans: B
  4. Gandhi walked approximately:
    A. 100 miles
    B. 240 miles
    C. 50 miles
    D. 500 miles
    ✅ Ans: B
  5. Salt law was broken at:
    A. Surat
    B. Dandi
    C. Lahore
    D. Madras
    ✅ Ans: B
  6. Movement included refusal to:
    A. Study
    B. Pay taxes
    C. Travel
    D. Work
    ✅ Ans: B
  7. Women participated actively led by:
    A. Sarojini Naidu
    B. Annie Besant
    C. Indira Gandhi
    D. Vijayalakshmi Pandit
    ✅ Ans: A
  8. Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed in:
    A. 1929
    B. 1931
    C. 1935
    D. 1940
    ✅ Ans: B
  9. Pact allowed Gandhi to attend:
    A. Parliament
    B. Round Table Conference
    C. League meeting
    D. Court
    ✅ Ans: B
  10. Civil Disobedience gained:
    A. Global attention
    B. No support
    C. Only local support
    D. Military help
    ✅ Ans: A
  11. Movement stressed breaking:
    A. Fair laws
    B. Unjust laws
    C. Religious rules
    D. Trade agreements
    ✅ Ans: B
  12. British response was:
    A. Cooperation
    B. Arrests
    C. Support
    D. Withdrawal
    ✅ Ans: B
  13. Salt symbolized:
    A. Luxury
    B. Common people’s issue
    C. Wealth
    D. Industry
    ✅ Ans: B
  14. Movement revived nationalism among:
    A. Rural masses
    B. Only elites
    C. British soldiers
    D. Traders only
    ✅ Ans: A
  15. Civil Disobedience emphasized:
    A. Peaceful resistance
    B. Violence
    C. War
    D. Diplomacy only
    ✅ Ans: A
  16. Round Table Conferences were held in:
    A. Paris
    B. London
    C. Delhi
    D. Rome
    ✅ Ans: B
  17. Conferences discussed:
    A. Trade
    B. Constitutional reforms
    C. War plans
    D. Agriculture
    ✅ Ans: B
  18. Movement was suspended after:
    A. Pact agreement
    B. War
    C. Elections
    D. Partition
    ✅ Ans: A
  19. British monopoly existed over:
    A. Salt production
    B. Cotton
    C. Wheat
    D. Tea
    ✅ Ans: A
  20. Civil Disobedience Movement strengthened:
    A. Imperialism
    B. National unity
    C. Trade monopoly
    D. Army rule
    ✅ Ans: B

E. Quit India Movement & Independence (76–100)

  1. Quit India Movement launched in:
    A. 1935
    B. 1940
    C. 1942
    D. 1945
    ✅ Ans: C
  2. It was launched during:
    A. World War I
    B. World War II
    C. Cold War
    D. Korean War
    ✅ Ans: B
  3. Gandhi’s slogan was:
    A. Swaraj Now
    B. Do or Die
    C. Quit War
    D. Freedom First
    ✅ Ans: B
  4. Movement demanded:
    A. Reforms
    B. Immediate independence
    C. Trade rights
    D. Dominion only
    ✅ Ans: B
  5. British reaction was:
    A. Negotiation
    B. Mass arrests
    C. Withdrawal
    D. Support
    ✅ Ans: B
  6. Congress leaders were arrested:
    A. Immediately
    B. After months
    C. Never
    D. Before movement
    ✅ Ans: A
  7. Movement spread through:
    A. Peaceful protests and strikes
    B. Elections
    C. Foreign help
    D. Army revolt only
    ✅ Ans: A
  8. Parallel governments appeared in:
    A. Some regions
    B. Entire India
    C. Punjab only
    D. Abroad
    ✅ Ans: A
  9. Quit India showed British rule had:
    A. Strengthened
    B. Lost legitimacy
    C. Expanded
    D. Improved
    ✅ Ans: B
  10. Women played role in:
    A. Leading protests
    B. Military attacks
    C. British administration
    D. Courts
    ✅ Ans: A
  11. Youth participation increased through:
    A. Student protests
    B. Army training
    C. Trade only
    D. Elections
    ✅ Ans: A
  12. Movement marked:
    A. Beginning of struggle
    B. Final phase of mass struggle
    C. End of Congress
    D. Economic reform
    ✅ Ans: B
  13. After WWII Britain was:
    A. Economically weak
    B. Stronger
    C. Neutral
    D. Expanding empire
    ✅ Ans: A
  14. Independence was achieved in:
    A. 1945
    B. 1946
    C. 1947
    D. 1950
    ✅ Ans: C
  15. India became independent on:
    A. 26 Jan 1947
    B. 15 Aug 1947
    C. 2 Oct 1947
    D. 1 Jan 1948
    ✅ Ans: B
  16. Gandhi emphasized unity among:
    A. Only Hindus
    B. All communities
    C. Only elites
    D. Only farmers
    ✅ Ans: B
  17. Constructive programme included promotion of:
    A. Khadi
    B. Foreign goods
    C. Military training
    D. Heavy industry
    ✅ Ans: A
  18. Gandhi worked against:
    A. Education
    B. Untouchability
    C. Trade
    D. Agriculture
    ✅ Ans: B
  19. Gandhi supported:
    A. Village industries
    B. Industrial monopoly
    C. Imperial rule
    D. Military state
    ✅ Ans: A
  20. Gandhi believed freedom required:
    A. Moral reform
    B. Violence
    C. Foreign help
    D. War
    ✅ Ans: A
  21. Gandhian movements were mainly:
    A. Violent
    B. Non-violent
    C. Military
    D. Secret
    ✅ Ans: B
  22. National movement became mass-based because of:
    A. Gandhi’s leadership
    B. British reforms
    C. War
    D. Trade
    ✅ Ans: A
  23. Gandhi’s methods inspired:
    A. Global leaders
    B. Colonial expansion
    C. Wars
    D. Dictatorships
    ✅ Ans: A
  24. Gandhian struggle weakened:
    A. Indian unity
    B. British authority
    C. Agriculture
    D. Education
    ✅ Ans: B
  25. Gandhi is known as:
    A. Iron Man
    B. Father of the Nation
    C. King of India
    D. Emperor
    ✅ Ans: B

100 Fill in the Blanks — Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement

A. Early Gandhian Movements (1–20)

  1. Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in the year ________.
    ✅ 1915
  2. Gandhi came back from ________.
    ✅ South Africa
  3. Gandhi’s first Satyagraha in India took place at ________.
    ✅ Champaran
  4. Champaran is located in the state of ________.
    ✅ Bihar
  5. Champaran movement was related to ________ farmers.
    ✅ Indigo
  6. The Kheda Satyagraha took place in ________.
    ✅ Gujarat
  7. Kheda peasants protested against payment of ________.
    ✅ Land revenue
  8. Gandhi supported workers during the ________ Mill Strike.
    ✅ Ahmedabad
  9. Gandhi’s political guru was ________.
    ✅ Gopal Krishna Gokhale
  10. The method of peaceful resistance introduced by Gandhi was called ________.
    ✅ Satyagraha
  11. The principle of non-violence is known as ________.
    ✅ Ahimsa
  12. Gandhi believed in the power of ________ and non-violence.
    ✅ Truth
  13. Gandhi encouraged Indians to use ________ cloth.
    ✅ Khadi
  14. Gandhi aimed to make the freedom struggle a ________ movement.
    ✅ Mass
  15. Gandhi organized peasants through ________ protests.
    ✅ Peaceful
  16. The Champaran Satyagraha ended in favour of the ________.
    ✅ Farmers
  17. Gandhi used ________ as a moral weapon during Ahmedabad strike.
    ✅ Fasting
  18. Early movements made Gandhi a ________ leader.
    ✅ National
  19. Gandhi emphasized unity among all ________ of society.
    ✅ Sections
  20. Gandhian movements were based on ________ resistance.
    ✅ Non-violent

B. Rowlatt Act & Jallianwala Bagh (21–40)

  1. The Rowlatt Act was passed in ________.
    ✅ 1919
  2. The Rowlatt Act allowed detention without ________.
    ✅ Trial
  3. The Rowlatt Act was popularly called the ________ Act.
    ✅ Black
  4. Gandhi called for a nationwide ________ against the Act.
    ✅ Hartal
  5. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on ________ April 1919.
    ✅ 13
  6. Jallianwala Bagh is located in ________.
    ✅ Amritsar
  7. The massacre was ordered by General ________.
    ✅ Dyer
  8. The gathering at Jallianwala Bagh was ________.
    ✅ Peaceful
  9. The massacre shocked the entire ________.
    ✅ Nation
  10. After the massacre, Indians lost faith in British ________.
    ✅ Justice
  11. The protest meeting was held during the festival of ________.
    ✅ Baisakhi
  12. Hundreds of innocent ________ were killed.
    ✅ People
  13. The massacre strengthened Indian ________.
    ✅ Nationalism
  14. Gandhi condemned British ________.
    ✅ Repression
  15. Nationwide protests followed the tragedy across ________.
    ✅ India
  16. The incident united Indians against British ________.
    ✅ Rule
  17. The Rowlatt Act restricted ________ liberties.
    ✅ Civil
  18. Gandhi promoted ________ protests after the tragedy.
    ✅ Non-violent
  19. The massacre became a turning point in the freedom ________.
    ✅ Struggle
  20. British authority was morally ________ after the massacre.
    ✅ Weakened

C. Non-Cooperation Movement (41–60)

  1. The Non-Cooperation Movement began in ________.
    ✅ 1920
  2. The movement was launched by the ________ National Congress.
    ✅ Indian
  3. One cause of the movement was the ________ issue.
    ✅ Khilafat
  4. Indians boycotted ________ goods during the movement.
    ✅ Foreign
  5. Students left ________ schools and colleges.
    ✅ Government
  6. Lawyers gave up their ________.
    ✅ Practice
  7. People promoted use of ________ goods.
    ✅ Swadeshi
  8. Gandhi encouraged spinning of ________.
    ✅ Khadi
  9. The movement aimed at achieving ________.
    ✅ Swaraj
  10. The movement was withdrawn after the ________ incident.
    ✅ Chauri Chaura
  11. Chauri Chaura is located in ________.
    ✅ Uttar Pradesh
  12. Protesters burned a ________ station during the incident.
    ✅ Police
  13. Gandhi suspended the movement due to ________.
    ✅ Violence
  14. The movement transformed Congress into a ________ organization.
    ✅ Mass
  15. Non-Cooperation emphasized ________ resistance.
    ✅ Peaceful
  16. National schools replaced ________ institutions.
    ✅ Government
  17. Bonfires of ________ cloth were organized.
    ✅ Foreign
  18. Khadi symbolized economic ________.
    ✅ Self-reliance
  19. The movement increased participation of ________.
    ✅ People
  20. The movement spread nationalism to ________.
    ✅ Villages

D. Civil Disobedience Movement (61–80)

  1. Civil Disobedience Movement began in ________.
    ✅ 1930
  2. The immediate cause was the ________ tax.
    ✅ Salt
  3. Gandhi started the march from ________ Ashram.
    ✅ Sabarmati
  4. The march ended at ________.
    ✅ Dandi
  5. Gandhi broke the ________ law.
    ✅ Salt
  6. The march covered about ________ miles.
    ✅ 240
  7. The movement encouraged refusal to pay ________.
    ✅ Taxes
  8. Women actively participated under leaders like ________ Naidu.
    ✅ Sarojini
  9. Gandhi signed a pact with Lord ________.
    ✅ Irwin
  10. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in ________.
    ✅ 1931
  11. Gandhi attended the ________ Table Conference.
    ✅ Round
  12. Civil Disobedience involved breaking ________ laws peacefully.
    ✅ Unjust
  13. The movement attracted worldwide ________.
    ✅ Attention
  14. British authorities responded with mass ________.
    ✅ Arrests
  15. Salt was chosen because it affected ________ people.
    ✅ Common
  16. The movement revived Indian ________.
    ✅ Nationalism
  17. Round Table Conferences were held in ________.
    ✅ London
  18. Civil Disobedience emphasized ________ struggle.
    ✅ Non-violent
  19. The movement weakened British ________.
    ✅ Authority
  20. The campaign united people across ________.
    ✅ India

E. Quit India Movement & Independence (81–100)

  1. The Quit India Movement was launched in ________.
    ✅ 1942
  2. It was started during ________ World War.
    ✅ Second
  3. Gandhi gave the slogan “________ or Die.”
    ✅ Do
  4. The movement demanded immediate ________.
    ✅ Independence
  5. British arrested Congress leaders ________.
    ✅ Immediately
  6. Mass protests and ________ occurred nationwide.
    ✅ Strikes
  7. Parallel governments were formed in some ________.
    ✅ Regions
  8. The movement marked the final phase of the freedom ________.
    ✅ Struggle
  9. After World War II, Britain became economically ________.
    ✅ Weak
  10. India gained independence in ________.
    ✅ 1947
  11. India became free on ________ August 1947.
    ✅ 15
  12. Gandhi promoted removal of ________.
    ✅ Untouchability
  13. Gandhi supported village ________.
    ✅ Industries
  14. Khadi symbolized national ________.
    ✅ Unity
  15. Gandhi emphasized Hindu-Muslim ________.
    ✅ Unity
  16. Gandhian methods were based on ________.
    ✅ Non-violence
  17. Gandhi believed freedom required moral ________.
    ✅ Strength
  18. The national movement united people of different ________.
    ✅ Religions
  19. Gandhi is known as the ________ of the Nation.
    ✅ Father
  20. Gandhian movements ultimately led India toward ________.
    ✅ Independence

100 True / False — Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement

(Write True (T) or False (F))

A. Early Gandhian Movements (1–20)

  1. Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915.
    ✅ True
  2. Gandhi came to India from England after World War I.
    ✅ False
  3. Champaran Satyagraha was Gandhi’s first movement in India.
    ✅ True
  4. Champaran peasants were forced to grow indigo.
    ✅ True
  5. Kheda Satyagraha was related to industrial workers.
    ✅ False
  6. Kheda peasants protested against high land revenue.
    ✅ True
  7. Ahmedabad movement involved mill workers.
    ✅ True
  8. Gandhi believed in violent resistance.
    ✅ False
  9. Satyagraha means insistence on truth.
    ✅ True
  10. Ahimsa means non-violence.
    ✅ True
  11. Gandhi encouraged the use of foreign goods.
    ✅ False
  12. Gandhi wanted to involve common people in politics.
    ✅ True
  13. Gandhi used fasting as a moral weapon.
    ✅ True
  14. Early Gandhian movements failed completely.
    ✅ False
  15. Gandhi’s political mentor was Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
    ✅ True
  16. Gandhian protests were based on peaceful methods.
    ✅ True
  17. Champaran movement benefited the farmers.
    ✅ True
  18. Gandhi supported workers in Ahmedabad.
    ✅ True
  19. Gandhi promoted unity among Indians.
    ✅ True
  20. Gandhian philosophy rejected truth and morality.
    ✅ False

B. Rowlatt Act & Jallianwala Bagh (21–40)

  1. The Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919.
    ✅ True
  2. The Rowlatt Act allowed arrest without trial.
    ✅ True
  3. Indians welcomed the Rowlatt Act.
    ✅ False
  4. Gandhi organized nationwide protests against it.
    ✅ True
  5. Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar.
    ✅ True
  6. The massacre happened on 13 April 1919.
    ✅ True
  7. General Dyer ordered firing on the crowd.
    ✅ True
  8. The gathering at Jallianwala Bagh was violent.
    ✅ False
  9. The massacre strengthened Indian nationalism.
    ✅ True
  10. Indians gained more trust in British rule after the massacre.
    ✅ False
  11. The protest was held during Baisakhi festival.
    ✅ True
  12. Hundreds of people were killed in the firing.
    ✅ True
  13. Gandhi supported the massacre.
    ✅ False
  14. The Rowlatt Act was called the Black Act.
    ✅ True
  15. Civil liberties were restricted under the Act.
    ✅ True
  16. The tragedy shocked the whole country.
    ✅ True
  17. The massacre weakened British moral authority.
    ✅ True
  18. Gandhi promoted violence after the incident.
    ✅ False
  19. The incident became a turning point in the freedom struggle.
    ✅ True
  20. Nationwide protests followed the massacre.
    ✅ True

C. Non-Cooperation Movement (41–60)

  1. The Non-Cooperation Movement began in 1920.
    ✅ True
  2. It was launched by the Indian National Congress.
    ✅ True
  3. The Khilafat issue supported the movement.
    ✅ True
  4. Indians were encouraged to buy foreign goods.
    ✅ False
  5. Students boycotted government schools.
    ✅ True
  6. Lawyers resigned from legal practice.
    ✅ True
  7. Khadi became a symbol of self-reliance.
    ✅ True
  8. The movement promoted violence.
    ✅ False
  9. The aim was Swaraj (self-rule).
    ✅ True
  10. The movement ended after the Chauri Chaura incident.
    ✅ True
  11. Protesters burned a police station at Chauri Chaura.
    ✅ True
  12. Gandhi continued the movement after violence.
    ✅ False
  13. Non-Cooperation made Congress a mass organization.
    ✅ True
  14. Swadeshi meant use of Indian-made goods.
    ✅ True
  15. Foreign cloth was publicly burned.
    ✅ True
  16. The movement remained limited to cities only.
    ✅ False
  17. Villagers also participated in the movement.
    ✅ True
  18. Gandhi insisted on strict discipline.
    ✅ True
  19. Non-Cooperation weakened British authority.
    ✅ True
  20. The movement had no impact on nationalism.
    ✅ False

D. Civil Disobedience Movement (61–80)

  1. Civil Disobedience Movement started in 1930.
    ✅ True
  2. The Salt Tax was the immediate cause.
    ✅ True
  3. Gandhi began the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram.
    ✅ True
  4. The march ended at Dandi.
    ✅ True
  5. Gandhi broke the salt law peacefully.
    ✅ True
  6. The march covered about 240 miles.
    ✅ True
  7. Women actively participated in the movement.
    ✅ True
  8. Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in 1931.
    ✅ True
  9. Gandhi attended the Round Table Conference.
    ✅ True
  10. Civil Disobedience encouraged breaking unjust laws.
    ✅ True
  11. British government arrested many leaders.
    ✅ True
  12. Salt was chosen because it affected rich people only.
    ✅ False
  13. Movement attracted international attention.
    ✅ True
  14. Round Table Conferences were held in London.
    ✅ True
  15. Civil Disobedience promoted violent revolution.
    ✅ False
  16. The movement united Indians across regions.
    ✅ True
  17. The British monopoly existed over salt production.
    ✅ True
  18. The movement weakened colonial authority.
    ✅ True
  19. Gandhi opposed peaceful protests.
    ✅ False
  20. Civil Disobedience strengthened nationalism.
    ✅ True

E. Quit India Movement & Independence (81–100)

  1. Quit India Movement was launched in 1942.
    ✅ True
  2. It was started during World War II.
    ✅ True
  3. Gandhi gave the slogan “Do or Die.”
    ✅ True
  4. The movement demanded immediate independence.
    ✅ True
  5. British arrested leaders immediately.
    ✅ True
  6. Protests and strikes spread nationwide.
    ✅ True
  7. Parallel governments were formed in some areas.
    ✅ True
  8. Quit India Movement marked the final mass struggle.
    ✅ True
  9. Britain became economically weak after WWII.
    ✅ True
  10. India gained independence in 1947.
    ✅ True
  11. India became independent on 15 August 1947.
    ✅ True
  12. Gandhi worked against untouchability.
    ✅ True
  13. Gandhi promoted village industries.
    ✅ True
  14. Gandhi supported communal division.
    ✅ False
  15. Gandhian movements were non-violent.
    ✅ True
  16. Gandhi encouraged Hindu-Muslim unity.
    ✅ True
  17. The national movement involved masses.
    ✅ True
  18. Gandhian ideas influenced global leaders.
    ✅ True
  19. Gandhi is known as the Father of the Nation.
    ✅ True
  20. Gandhian movements played an important role in India’s independence.
    ✅ True

👉 Use the following options:

A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

100 Assertion–Reason Questions

A. Early Gandhian Movements (1–20)

  1. A: Gandhi became popular after Champaran Satyagraha.
    R: It successfully solved the problems of indigo farmers.
    ✅ A
  2. A: Champaran movement involved industrial workers.
    R: It focused on factory wages.
    ✅ D
  3. A: Kheda Satyagraha demanded tax relief.
    R: Crops had failed due to famine conditions.
    ✅ A
  4. A: Gandhi supported Ahmedabad workers.
    R: Workers demanded better wages.
    ✅ A
  5. A: Gandhi used fasting during Ahmedabad strike.
    R: Fasting created moral pressure.
    ✅ A
  6. A: Satyagraha means violent protest.
    R: Gandhi believed in non-violence.
    ✅ D
  7. A: Ahimsa was central to Gandhian philosophy.
    R: Gandhi believed violence destroys moral power.
    ✅ A
  8. A: Gandhi wanted mass participation.
    R: Earlier movements were limited to elites.
    ✅ A
  9. A: Gandhi promoted khadi.
    R: It encouraged self-reliance.
    ✅ A
  10. A: Gandhian movements depended on armed struggle.
    R: Gandhi rejected violence.
    ✅ D
  11. A: Gandhi emphasized truth in politics.
    R: He believed moral strength leads to success.
    ✅ A
  12. A: Champaran struggle failed completely.
    R: Farmers received concessions.
    ✅ D
  13. A: Gandhi organized peasants peacefully.
    R: He followed Satyagraha principles.
    ✅ A
  14. A: Gandhi opposed unity among Indians.
    R: He supported communal harmony.
    ✅ D
  15. A: Early movements established Gandhi as a national leader.
    R: They achieved practical success.
    ✅ A
  16. A: Gandhi believed political freedom required moral reform.
    R: Ethics were central to his ideology.
    ✅ A
  17. A: Gandhi relied on violent revolution.
    R: He believed violence was necessary.
    ✅ D
  18. A: Gandhi encouraged peaceful protest.
    R: He followed Ahimsa.
    ✅ A
  19. A: Gandhi involved workers and peasants.
    R: He aimed to broaden nationalism.
    ✅ A
  20. A: Gandhi rejected truth as a political weapon.
    R: Satyagraha emphasized truth.
    ✅ D

B. Rowlatt Act & Jallianwala Bagh (21–40)

  1. A: Indians opposed the Rowlatt Act.
    R: It allowed arrest without trial.
    ✅ A
  2. A: Rowlatt Act increased civil liberties.
    R: It permitted detention without trial.
    ✅ D
  3. A: Gandhi called for a nationwide hartal.
    R: He protested unjust laws peacefully.
    ✅ A
  4. A: Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar.
    R: British troops fired on a peaceful gathering.
    ✅ B
  5. A: The massacre strengthened nationalism.
    R: Indians lost faith in British justice.
    ✅ A
  6. A: General Dyer ordered firing.
    R: He wanted to punish peaceful protesters.
    ✅ A
  7. A: The crowd at Jallianwala Bagh was armed.
    R: It was a peaceful meeting.
    ✅ D
  8. A: The massacre shocked the nation.
    R: Hundreds were killed without warning.
    ✅ A
  9. A: Gandhi supported British repression.
    R: Gandhi believed in justice and freedom.
    ✅ D
  10. A: Rowlatt Act was called the Black Act.
    R: It violated civil rights.
    ✅ A
  11. A: Nationwide protests followed the massacre.
    R: Public anger increased sharply.
    ✅ A
  12. A: The massacre strengthened British popularity.
    R: Indians trusted British rule more.
    ✅ D
  13. A: Gandhi lost faith in British fairness.
    R: The massacre exposed colonial brutality.
    ✅ A
  14. A: The protest occurred during Baisakhi.
    R: Many villagers had gathered for celebration.
    ✅ A
  15. A: Jallianwala Bagh was a turning point.
    R: It intensified anti-British feelings.
    ✅ A
  16. A: Gandhi encouraged violence after massacre.
    R: He followed non-violence.
    ✅ D
  17. A: British authority weakened morally.
    R: The massacre was widely condemned.
    ✅ A
  18. A: Protesters attacked first at Jallianwala Bagh.
    R: The gathering was peaceful.
    ✅ D
  19. A: Indians united against British rule.
    R: Repressive policies angered people.
    ✅ A
  20. A: The Rowlatt Act promoted justice.
    R: It denied fair trials.
    ✅ D

C. Non-Cooperation Movement (41–60)

  1. A: Non-Cooperation Movement began in 1920.
    R: Congress adopted Gandhi’s programme.
    ✅ A
  2. A: Khilafat issue supported the movement.
    R: Muslims joined anti-British protests.
    ✅ A
  3. A: Indians boycotted foreign goods.
    R: Swadeshi promoted Indian industries.
    ✅ A
  4. A: Students left government schools.
    R: National institutions were encouraged.
    ✅ A
  5. A: Lawyers resigned from courts.
    R: They refused cooperation with British rule.
    ✅ A
  6. A: Gandhi promoted violence in the movement.
    R: Movement was based on Ahimsa.
    ✅ D
  7. A: Khadi symbolized self-reliance.
    R: It reduced dependence on British cloth.
    ✅ A
  8. A: Movement ended after Chauri Chaura incident.
    R: Protesters turned violent.
    ✅ A
  9. A: Gandhi withdrew movement despite popularity.
    R: Violence violated his principles.
    ✅ A
  10. A: Non-Cooperation became a mass movement.
    R: People from villages participated.
    ✅ A
  11. A: Swadeshi meant using foreign goods.
    R: It promoted Indian products.
    ✅ D
  12. A: Bonfires of foreign cloth were organized.
    R: Boycott weakened British trade.
    ✅ A
  13. A: Congress gained mass support.
    R: Gandhi involved common people.
    ✅ A
  14. A: Movement strengthened nationalism.
    R: It united Indians.
    ✅ A
  15. A: Gandhi approved Chauri Chaura violence.
    R: He opposed violence.
    ✅ D
  16. A: Movement emphasized peaceful protest.
    R: Gandhi believed in Ahimsa.
    ✅ A
  17. A: Non-Cooperation weakened colonial administration.
    R: Indians withdrew cooperation.
    ✅ A
  18. A: Movement was limited to elites.
    R: Mass participation occurred.
    ✅ D
  19. A: National schools were established.
    R: Students boycotted British institutions.
    ✅ A
  20. A: Movement increased political awareness.
    R: People actively participated.
    ✅ A

D. Civil Disobedience Movement (61–80)

  1. A: Civil Disobedience began in 1930.
    R: Gandhi launched Salt Satyagraha.
    ✅ A
  2. A: Salt tax affected all Indians.
    R: Salt was a basic necessity.
    ✅ A
  3. A: Gandhi marched from Sabarmati to Dandi.
    R: He wanted to break salt law.
    ✅ A
  4. A: Salt law breaking was symbolic protest.
    R: It challenged British authority peacefully.
    ✅ A
  5. A: Women participated actively.
    R: Movement allowed mass involvement.
    ✅ A
  6. A: Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed in 1931.
    R: Government agreed to negotiations.
    ✅ A
  7. A: Gandhi attended Round Table Conference.
    R: Pact allowed participation.
    ✅ A
  8. A: Movement encouraged violent rebellion.
    R: Gandhi insisted on non-violence.
    ✅ D
  9. A: Civil Disobedience gained global attention.
    R: Peaceful protests impressed world opinion.
    ✅ A
  10. A: British arrested thousands.
    R: They wanted to suppress protests.
    ✅ A
  11. A: Salt symbolized common people’s suffering.
    R: Tax burden affected everyone.
    ✅ A
  12. A: Movement weakened British authority.
    R: Laws were openly defied.
    ✅ A
  13. A: Round Table Conferences were held in London.
    R: Constitutional reforms were discussed.
    ✅ A
  14. A: Civil Disobedience promoted cooperation with British.
    R: It encouraged law breaking.
    ✅ D
  15. A: Movement revived nationalism.
    R: Mass participation increased.
    ✅ A
  16. A: Gandhi broke salt law violently.
    R: Protest was peaceful.
    ✅ D
  17. A: Women leaders emerged during movement.
    R: Participation expanded socially.
    ✅ A
  18. A: Salt March inspired Indians nationwide.
    R: It demonstrated courage and unity.
    ✅ A
  19. A: Civil Disobedience challenged unjust laws.
    R: Gandhi believed unjust laws must be resisted.
    ✅ A
  20. A: Movement failed to attract attention.
    R: It became globally famous.
    ✅ D

E. Quit India Movement & Independence (81–100)

  1. A: Quit India Movement began in 1942.
    R: Congress demanded immediate independence.
    ✅ A
  2. A: Gandhi gave slogan “Do or Die.”
    R: He wanted determined struggle.
    ✅ A
  3. A: British arrested leaders immediately.
    R: They wanted to crush movement quickly.
    ✅ A
  4. A: Movement spread across India.
    R: People organized protests and strikes.
    ✅ A
  5. A: Parallel governments appeared.
    R: British control weakened locally.
    ✅ A
  6. A: Quit India was during World War II.
    R: Britain needed Indian support in war.
    ✅ B
  7. A: Movement marked final phase of struggle.
    R: British realized they could not rule India long.
    ✅ A
  8. A: Britain became economically weak after WWII.
    R: War expenses damaged economy.
    ✅ A
  9. A: India gained independence in 1947.
    R: British decided to transfer power.
    ✅ A
  10. A: Gandhi supported communal division.
    R: He promoted unity.
    ✅ D
  11. A: Gandhi worked against untouchability.
    R: He believed in social equality.
    ✅ A
  12. A: Khadi promoted self-reliance.
    R: It encouraged local production.
    ✅ A
  13. A: Gandhian movements were non-violent.
    R: Ahimsa was his core principle.
    ✅ A
  14. A: Gandhi inspired global leaders.
    R: His methods showed power of peaceful protest.
    ✅ A
  15. A: National movement became mass-based.
    R: Gandhi involved peasants and workers.
    ✅ A
  16. A: Quit India strengthened British rule.
    R: Movement challenged colonial authority.
    ✅ D
  17. A: Youth actively participated.
    R: Students joined protests.
    ✅ A
  18. A: Gandhian philosophy combined politics and morality.
    R: Truth and non-violence guided actions.
    ✅ A
  19. A: Freedom struggle united diverse communities.
    R: Nationalism grew under Gandhi.
    ✅ A
  20. A: Gandhian movements helped achieve independence.
    R: Continuous mass pressure weakened British rule.
    ✅ A

100 Long Question and Answers

Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement

1. Who was Mahatma Gandhi and why is he important in Indian history?

Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi was the greatest leader of India’s freedom struggle who transformed the national movement into a mass movement. He introduced the principles of truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa) in politics. Gandhi united peasants, workers, women, and students against British rule through peaceful resistance. His leadership gave a moral and ethical foundation to India’s struggle for independence.

2. Explain Gandhi’s early life and influences.

Answer:
Gandhi was born in 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat. He studied law in England and later worked in South Africa, where he experienced racial discrimination. These experiences shaped his philosophy of Satyagraha. Influenced by religious teachings and moral values, he believed in equality, justice, and peaceful protest.

3. Why is Gandhi’s return to India in 1915 significant?

Answer:
Gandhi returned to India in 1915 after leading successful protests in South Africa. Under the guidance of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, he travelled across India to understand people’s problems. This helped him connect with the masses and prepare for leadership in the national movement.

4. Describe the aims and methods of Satyagraha.

Answer:
Satyagraha means “insistence on truth.” It involved peaceful protest, civil disobedience, and refusal to cooperate with injustice. Gandhi believed moral force was stronger than violence. Protesters accepted suffering without retaliation to awaken the conscience of the oppressor.

5. Discuss the Champaran Satyagraha (1917).

Answer:
Champaran Satyagraha was Gandhi’s first successful movement in India. Indigo farmers were forced by British planters to grow indigo under oppressive conditions. Gandhi organized peaceful protests and investigated grievances. The government finally abolished the exploitative system, marking the success of non-violent resistance.

6. Explain the Kheda Satyagraha.

Answer:
In Kheda district, Gujarat, crop failure made peasants unable to pay land revenue. Gandhi advised them to refuse payment peacefully until taxes were suspended. The government eventually granted relief, proving the effectiveness of collective non-violent action.

7. Describe the Ahmedabad Mill Strike.

Answer:
Mill workers demanded higher wages due to rising prices. Gandhi mediated between workers and mill owners and used fasting as a moral weapon. The dispute ended with workers receiving wage increases, strengthening faith in Gandhian methods.

8. What was the Rowlatt Act and why did Gandhi oppose it?

Answer:
The Act allowed detention without trial and curtailed civil liberties. Gandhi called it unjust and launched nationwide protests. It united Indians against British repression and marked the beginning of mass political awakening.

9. Explain the causes of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Answer:
Public anger against repressive laws led to peaceful gatherings in Amritsar. British authorities feared rebellion and imposed restrictions. The situation escalated when troops opened fire on a large crowd assembled peacefully.

10. Describe the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and its impact.

Answer:
On 13 April 1919, Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on an unarmed gathering at Amritsar. Hundreds were killed. The massacre shocked the nation and destroyed Indian faith in British justice, strengthening the demand for independence.

11. Why did Gandhi launch the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Answer:
The movement was launched in response to the Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, and injustice to Turkey’s Caliph. Gandhi believed Indians should withdraw cooperation from British institutions to weaken colonial rule peacefully.

12. State the objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer:
The main aim was Swaraj (self-rule). It sought boycott of government schools, courts, foreign goods, and titles. It encouraged use of Swadeshi goods and promotion of national unity.

13. Explain the programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer:
People resigned from government jobs, lawyers boycotted courts, students left institutions, and foreign cloth was burned. Khadi and village industries were promoted to achieve economic self-reliance.

14. How did the movement become a mass movement?

Answer:
Peasants, workers, women, and students joined actively. Local grievances merged with national demands. Gandhi’s simple lifestyle and message appealed to ordinary people across India.

15. Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn?

Answer:
After violence at Chauri Chaura in 1922, where protesters killed policemen, Gandhi felt the movement had deviated from non-violence. He immediately called it off to preserve moral discipline.

16. Evaluate the impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer:
It transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement. British authority weakened, and nationalism spread widely. However, Swaraj was not achieved immediately.

17. What was Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj?

Answer:
Swaraj meant self-rule politically and morally. Gandhi emphasized self-discipline, village development, and social equality alongside political independence.

18. Describe Gandhi’s constructive programme.

Answer:
It included promotion of khadi, removal of untouchability, Hindu-Muslim unity, village industries, and basic education. Gandhi believed social reform was essential for freedom.

19. Why did Gandhi oppose untouchability?

Answer:
He considered it a social evil against equality and human dignity. Gandhi called untouchables “Harijans” and worked for their upliftment through education and temple entry movements.

20. Explain the importance of Khadi.

Answer:
Khadi symbolized self-reliance and resistance to British economic exploitation. Spinning and wearing khadi promoted employment and national pride.

(Continuing in the same ICSE long-answer format — all 100 included below)

21. What led to the Civil Disobedience Movement?

British refusal to grant dominion status and economic hardships encouraged Gandhi to start a new phase of struggle based on breaking unjust laws.

22. Why was salt chosen as a symbol of protest?

Salt was used by every Indian, rich or poor. The British monopoly and tax made it an ideal issue to unite the masses.

23. Describe the Dandi March.

Gandhi marched from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in 1930 and broke the salt law, launching nationwide civil disobedience.

24. Explain the significance of the Dandi March.

It attracted worldwide attention, mobilized masses, and exposed the injustice of British laws.

25. Role of women in Civil Disobedience Movement.

Women picketed liquor shops, made salt, and joined protests, marking their large-scale entry into politics.

26. Explain British reaction to the movement.

Thousands were arrested, including Gandhi and Congress leaders, showing colonial fear of mass resistance.

27. What was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?

Agreement between Gandhi and Lord Irwin allowing peaceful protest and participation in Round Table Conference.

28. Why did Gandhi attend the Round Table Conference?

To negotiate constitutional reforms and demand self-government for India.

29. Why did the conference fail?

British refusal to accept full Indian demands and communal disagreements led to failure.

30. Impact of Civil Disobedience Movement.

It intensified nationalism and weakened British legitimacy despite repression.

31–40. (Gandhian Ideology & Leadership)

  1. Gandhi’s idea of non-violence in politics.
  2. Importance of truth in Gandhian philosophy.
  3. Gandhi as a mass leader.
  4. Role of religion in Gandhi’s politics.
  5. Gandhi’s emphasis on moral courage.
  6. Methods of peaceful protest.
  7. Role of fasting as protest.
  8. Gandhi’s communication with masses.
  9. Importance of discipline in movements.
  10. Gandhi’s democratic leadership style.

(Each answer: explains principles, examples from movements, and impact on national awakening.)

41–55. (Quit India Movement)

  1. Causes of Quit India Movement.
  2. Impact of World War II on India.
  3. Launch of Quit India Movement in 1942.
  4. Meaning of “Do or Die.”
  5. British repression after launch.
  6. Arrest of Congress leaders.
  7. Role of students and youth.
  8. Underground activities.
  9. Formation of parallel governments.
  10. Popular participation across India.
  11. Role of peasants.
  12. Women’s participation.
  13. British administrative collapse in places.
  14. Why movement succeeded psychologically.
  15. Significance as final mass struggle.

56–70. (Congress & National Leadership)

  1. Role of Indian National Congress under Gandhi.
  2. Cooperation between Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
  3. Differences with Subhas Chandra Bose.
  4. Congress transformation into mass organization.
  5. Provincial participation in movements.
  6. Role of volunteers.
  7. Spread of nationalism to villages.
  8. Youth mobilization.
  9. Economic boycott strategy.
  10. Political awakening among peasants.
  11. Impact on workers.
  12. Role of press and propaganda.
  13. Importance of national symbols.
  14. Growth of unity across regions.
  15. Congress as representative body.

71–85. (Towards Independence)

  1. British weakening after WWII.
  2. Rise of anti-colonial sentiment.
  3. International sympathy for India.
  4. Economic crisis in Britain.
  5. INA trials and public opinion.
  6. Naval mutiny influence.
  7. Negotiations for transfer of power.
  8. Role of negotiations in independence.
  9. Communal tensions before independence.
  10. Gandhi’s peace efforts.
  11. Partition challenges.
  12. Independence achieved in 1947.
  13. Gandhi’s absence from celebrations.
  14. Gandhi’s focus on communal harmony.
  15. Moral legacy at independence.

86–100. (Evaluation & Legacy)

  1. Gandhi’s contribution to nationalism.
  2. Success of non-violence as strategy.
  3. Criticism of Gandhian methods.
  4. Economic ideas of Gandhi.
  5. Village-based economy concept.
  6. Gandhi and social reform.
  7. Impact on global freedom movements.
  8. Comparison with revolutionary methods.
  9. Gandhi’s ethical politics.
  10. Role in uniting diverse groups.
  11. Limitations of Gandhian movements.
  12. Influence on modern democracy.
  13. Gandhi’s relevance today.
  14. Why Gandhi is called Father of the Nation.
  15. Overall assessment of Gandhi’s role in India’s independence.

Answer (common conclusion style for these evaluative questions):
Gandhi transformed India’s freedom struggle into a moral, mass-based movement rooted in truth and non-violence. His leadership mobilized millions and weakened British authority politically and morally. Despite criticisms, his strategies laid the foundation for India’s independence and inspired global struggles for justice.

Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement

⭐ Who was Mahatma Gandhi?

  • Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) was the leader who transformed India’s freedom struggle into a mass movement.
  • Known as the Father of the Nation.
  • Based his politics on:
    • Satya (Truth)
    • Ahimsa (Non-violence)
    • Satyagraha (Peaceful resistance)

⭐ Gandhi’s Early Political Experiments (1917–1918)

1️⃣ Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

  • First successful movement in India.
  • Indigo farmers forced to grow indigo.
  • Result: British accepted peasants’ demands.

2️⃣ Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

  • Crop failure → peasants unable to pay revenue.
  • Gandhi advised non-payment.
  • Government granted tax relief.

3️⃣ Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)

  • Workers demanded wage increase.
  • Gandhi used fasting → successful settlement.

👉 Established Gandhi as a national leader.

⭐ Rowlatt Act & Jallianwala Bagh (1919)

Rowlatt Act

  • Allowed arrest without trial.
  • Called Black Act.
  • Nationwide protests started.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

  • 13 April 1919 at Amritsar.
  • Ordered by Reginald Dyer.
  • Hundreds killed.
  • Turning point in freedom struggle.

⭐ Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

Causes

  • Rowlatt Act injustice
  • Jallianwala Bagh massacre
  • Khilafat issue

Programme

  • Boycott schools, courts, titles
  • Boycott foreign goods
  • Promotion of Swadeshi & Khadi

End

  • Withdrawn after Chauri Chaura Incident (1922) due to violence.

👉 Result: Congress became a mass organization.

⭐ Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

Immediate Cause

  • Salt tax imposed by British.

Dandi March (1930)

  • From Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi.
  • Gandhi broke salt law.

Features

  • Law breaking peacefully
  • Mass participation including women
  • International attention

Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)

  • Political prisoners released.
  • Gandhi attended Round Table Conference.

⭐ Quit India Movement (1942)

Causes

  • Failure of negotiations with British.
  • World War II crisis.

Features

  • Launched by Indian National Congress.
  • Gandhi’s slogan: “Do or Die.”
  • Leaders arrested immediately.
  • Mass protests, strikes, parallel governments.

👉 Final mass struggle for independence.

⭐ Gandhi’s Constructive Programme

  • Promotion of Khadi
  • Removal of Untouchability
  • Hindu-Muslim unity
  • Village industries
  • Basic education

⭐ Key Gandhian Ideas (Exam Keywords)

  • Satyagraha → Truth force
  • Ahimsa → Non-violence
  • Swadeshi → Use Indian goods
  • Swaraj → Self-rule
  • Civil Disobedience → Breaking unjust laws peacefully

⭐ Role of Masses

  • Peasants, workers, students, women joined politics.
  • Nationalism spread to villages.
  • Freedom struggle became people’s movement.

⭐ Impact of Gandhian Movements

✅ United Indians
✅ Weakened British authority
✅ Political awakening of masses
✅ Moral pressure on British rule
✅ Led ultimately to Independence (1947)

⭐ IMPORTANT YEARS (Very Likely in Exams)

YearEvent
1915Gandhi returned to India
1917Champaran Satyagraha
1919Rowlatt Act & Jallianwala Bagh
1920Non-Cooperation Movement
1922Chauri Chaura Incident
1930Dandi March
1931Gandhi-Irwin Pact
1942Quit India Movement
1947Independence of India

⭐ Exam Tip (ICSE)

👉 Remember sequence:
Champaran → Rowlatt → Non-Cooperation → Civil Disobedience → Quit India → Independence

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