Mahatma Gandhi and National Struggle for Independence: Exam Questions
Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in:
a) 1919
b) 1920
c) 1922
d) 1928
Answer: b) 1920
Rationale: The Non-Cooperation Movement was formally launched in August 1920.
2. Which incident led Mahatma Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement?
a) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
b) Rowlatt Act Protest
c) Chauri Chaura Incident
d) Simon Commission protests
Answer: c) Chauri Chaura Incident
Rationale: The violent incident at Chauri Chaura in 1922, where protestors set fire to a police station, led Gandhi to withdraw the movement.
3. In Odisha, a prominent leader who played a crucial role in the Non-Cooperation Movement and was known as 'Utkalmani' was:
a) Harekrushna Mahtab
b) Gopabandhu Das
c) Malati Choudhury
d) Surendra Nath Das
Answer: b) Gopabandhu Das
Rationale: Gopabandhu Das was a towering figure in Odisha's freedom struggle and a key leader of the Non-Cooperation Movement in the region.
4. The Civil Disobedience Movement began with which significant event?
a) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
b) Champaran Satyagraha
c) Dandi March (Salt March)
d) Bardoli Satyagraha
Answer: c) Dandi March (Salt March)
Rationale: The Dandi March in March 1930 marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
5. The place in Odisha famously associated with the Salt Satyagraha during the Civil Disobedience Movement was:
a) Puri
b) Cuttack
c) Inchudi
d) Balasore
Answer: c) Inchudi
Rationale: Inchudi, in the Balasore district, was a major center for Salt Satyagraha in Odisha.
6. Who among the following was a prominent leader of the Salt Satyagraha in Odisha's Ganjam district?
a) Gopabandhu Choudhury
b) Narayan Birabar Samanta
c) Laxman Nayak
d) Gopabandhu Das
Answer: b) Narayan Birabar Samanta
Rationale: Narayan Birabar Samanta was a key figure in organizing the Salt Satyagraha in Ganjam.
7. The Quit India Movement was launched in which year?
a) 1930
b) 1939
c) 1942
d) 1947
Answer: c) 1942
Rationale: The Quit India Movement was launched on August 8, 1942.
8. Mahatma Gandhi gave the famous call 'Do or Die' during which movement?
a) Non-Cooperation Movement
b) Civil Disobedience Movement
c) Quit India Movement
d) Khilafat Movement
Answer: c) Quit India Movement
Rationale: The 'Do or Die' call was given by Gandhi during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
9. In Odisha, the tribal leader who was martyred during the Quit India Movement and is considered a prominent figure of resistance was:
a) Harekrushna Mahtab
b) Surendra Sai
c) Laxman Nayak
d) Birsa Munda
Answer: c) Laxman Nayak
Rationale: Laxman Nayak, a tribal leader from Koraput, was executed by the British for his role in the Quit India Movement.
10. Which of the following was NOT a feature of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
a) Boycott of foreign goods.
b) Surrender of titles and honorary offices.
c) Setting up of national schools and colleges.
d) Participation in legislative council elections.
Answer: d) Participation in legislative council elections.
Rationale: Boycott of legislative council elections was a key aspect of non-cooperation.
11. The main objective of the Civil Disobedience Movement was:
a) To achieve complete independence (Purna Swaraj).
b) To demand dominion status for India.
c) To protest against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
d) To form a parallel government.
Answer: a) To achieve complete independence (Purna Swaraj).
Rationale: The Lahore Session (1929) declared Purna Swaraj as the goal, and the CDM was launched to achieve it.
12. During the Quit India Movement, which district in Odisha saw significant peasant and tribal resistance, including the establishment of a 'parallel government' in some areas?
a) Cuttack
b) Puri
c) Koraput
d) Balasore
Answer: c) Koraput
Rationale: Koraput district witnessed intense tribal and peasant uprising during QIM, with attempts to establish autonomous rule.
13. What was a key feature of the Non-Cooperation Movement's response in Odisha's princely states like Kanika?
a) Non-payment of taxes and revenue.
b) Active participation in council elections.
c) Mass recruitment into the British army.
d) Focus on industrial development.
Answer: a) Non-payment of taxes and revenue.
Rationale: The Kanika peasants refused to pay enhanced taxes, leading to a significant no-tax campaign.
14. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in 1931, leading to the temporary suspension of which movement?
a) Non-Cooperation Movement
b) Civil Disobedience Movement
c) Quit India Movement
d) Rowlatt Satyagraha
Answer: b) Civil Disobedience Movement
Rationale: The Pact led to Gandhi's participation in the Second Round Table Conference and the temporary suspension of CDM.
15. What was the British government's immediate response to the launch of the Quit India Movement?
a) Engaging in immediate negotiations with Gandhi.
b) Releasing all political prisoners.
c) Arresting all major Congress leaders.
d) Granting immediate independence.
Answer: c) Arresting all major Congress leaders.
Rationale: The British immediately launched 'Operation Zero Hour' to arrest all prominent Congress leaders, including Gandhi.
Part B: Short Answer Questions
1. List two main methods adopted by Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer: Two main methods were: 1) Boycott of foreign goods, government schools, colleges, courts, and legislative councils, and 2) Promotion of Swadeshi (indigenous goods) and Khadi.
2. Who was Gopabandhu Das, and what was his contribution to the Non-Cooperation Movement in Odisha?
Answer: Gopabandhu Das, known as 'Utkalmani', was a towering leader in Odisha's freedom struggle. He led the Non-Cooperation Movement in Odisha, establishing national schools (like the Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya), advocating for Swadeshi, and mobilizing people against British rule.
3. What was the significance of the Dandi March in the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer: The Dandi March (Salt March) symbolized Mahatma Gandhi's defiance of the British salt law, which taxed a basic necessity. It was a non-violent, symbolic act that ignited the Civil Disobedience Movement across the country, encouraging people to break various unjust laws.
4. Where in Odisha was the Salt Satyagraha prominently carried out during the Civil Disobedience Movement? Mention one specific place.
Answer: The Salt Satyagraha was prominently carried out in coastal areas of Odisha, especially in Inchudi (Balasore district) and also in districts like Puri and Ganjam.
5. What was the 'Do or Die' call, and when was it given?
Answer: The 'Do or Die' call was given by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, during the launch of the Quit India Movement. It urged Indians to either fight for complete independence or die in the attempt, signifying the intensified resolve for freedom.
6. Who was Laxman Nayak, and what was his role in the Quit India Movement in Odisha?
Answer: Laxman Nayak was a tribal leader from Koraput district in Odisha. He led a significant tribal resistance during the Quit India Movement, organizing non-violent protests that sometimes turned violent in response to police action. He was later arrested and executed by the British, becoming a martyr.
7. Mention two specific ways in which the Non-Cooperation Movement impacted Odisha.
Answer: Two impacts were: 1) It led to the establishment of national schools and ashrams (e.g., Alaka Ashram, Swaraj Ashram), promoting indigenous education and Swadeshi, and 2) It mobilized a large number of students, peasants, and women into the freedom struggle, particularly notable was the no-rent campaign in Kanika.
8. What was the immediate trigger for the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer: The immediate trigger was Mahatma Gandhi's 11-point ultimatum to Viceroy Lord Irwin, which included demands like reduction of land revenue, abolition of the salt tax, etc. When these demands were rejected, Gandhi launched the Dandi March, initiating the Civil Disobedience Movement.
9. How did women in Odisha participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer: Women in Odisha participated actively by picketing liquor and opium shops, joining the Salt Satyagraha, organizing protest marches, and facing arrests. Leaders like Rama Devi and Malati Choudhury played a pivotal role in mobilizing women.
10. What was the nature of the Quit India Movement's response in districts like Koraput in Odisha?
Answer: The response in Koraput was intense, marked by spontaneous mass uprisings, tribal and peasant revolts, attacks on police stations and government property, and attempts to establish parallel local governments (e.g., in Malkangiri sub-division), showcasing a radicalized form of resistance.
Part C: Long Answer Questions (5-10 Marks Each)
1. Discuss the main features and impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement at the national level. Elaborate on how Odisha responded to and participated in this movement. (Approx. 10 marks)
Answer:
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was the first mass-based political movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, aiming to achieve Swaraj through non-violent means by boycotting British institutions and promoting Swadeshi.
I. Main Features of the Non-Cooperation Movement (National Level):
Non-Violent Non-Cooperation: The core principle was to refuse cooperation with the British government through peaceful means.
Boycott Programs:
Boycott of Titles and Honours: Surrender of government titles, honorary offices, and nominated seats in local bodies.
Boycott of Legislative Councils: Refusal to participate in elections for legislative councils.
Boycott of Courts: Lawyers giving up their practice, and establishing parallel Panchayat courts.
Boycott of Government Schools and Colleges: Students withdrawing from government-controlled educational institutions, leading to the establishment of national schools and colleges (e.g., Jamia Millia Islamia, Kashi Vidyapith).
Boycott of Foreign Goods: Promotion of Swadeshi (indigenous goods) and Khadi (hand-spun cloth) as symbols of self-reliance. Bonfires of foreign cloth were organized.
Promotion of National Unity: Efforts to promote Hindu-Muslim unity (Khilafat-Non-Cooperation alliance) and remove untouchability.
Economic Impact: Significant fall in imports of foreign cloth, boosting Indian handloom industry. Picketing of liquor shops.
Mass Mobilization: Gandhi's leadership and the simple agenda attracted millions of ordinary people, including peasants, workers, women, and students, transforming the Congress into a mass organization.
II. Impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement (National Level):
Political Awakening: It created unprecedented political awareness among the masses, transcending urban centers to reach rural areas.
Increased Nationalism: It infused a new sense of fearlessness and self-reliance, challenging the aura of British invincibility.
Gandhian Methods: It firmly established Satyagraha and Ahimsa as the primary tools of the Indian freedom struggle.
Hindu-Muslim Unity: For a brief period, it fostered significant Hindu-Muslim unity through the Khilafat alliance.
Economic Impact: Boosted indigenous industries and created economic hardship for British merchants.
Leadership Crisis: The abrupt withdrawal after Chauri Chaura led to disillusionment among some and a debate on future strategies (Swarajists vs. No-changers).
III. Response in Odisha:
Odisha, under the leadership of prominent figures like Gopabandhu Das, played a significant role in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Leadership and Mobilization:
Gopabandhu Das (Utkalmani): He was the driving force, leading the provincial Congress and translating Gandhi's message into local action. He, along with other leaders like Acharya Harihar Das, Godabarish Mishra, and Nilakantha Das, toured the region, propagating the message of non-cooperation.
Formation of Odisha Provincial Congress Committee (1921): This helped in organizing the movement effectively.
Boycotts and Swadeshi:
Boycott of Councils: Many nationalist leaders and candidates in Odisha boycotted the elections for the provincial legislative council.
Boycott of Schools and Colleges: Students enthusiastically left government schools. Satyabadi Bana Bidyalaya (founded by Gopabandhu Das in 1909) and other national schools served as alternative educational centers.
Boycott of Courts: Lawyers like Gopabandhu Choudhury and Harekrushna Mahtab gave up their legal practices.
Promotion of Khadi: Charkhas (spinning wheels) became ubiquitous, and Khadi production centers were set up (e.g., Alaka Ashram at Jagatsinghpur, Swaraj Ashram at Balasore). People enthusiastically adopted Swadeshi.
No-Tax Campaign:
Kanika Peasants' Movement: A notable response was the no-tax campaign in Kanika (now in Kendrapara district). Peasants, already suffering from enhanced land revenue demands and feudal oppression, refused to pay taxes. This movement, though brutally suppressed, linked the national struggle with local peasant grievances.
Public Meetings and Fundraising: Large public meetings were held across the region to raise awareness and collect funds for the Tilak Swaraj Fund.
Suppression: The British suppressed the movement, arresting many prominent leaders, including Gopabandhu Das.
In essence, the Non-Cooperation Movement in Odisha mirrored the national pattern of boycotts and constructive programs, demonstrating the widespread appeal of Gandhi's message. The active participation of intellectuals, students, and especially peasants in regions like Kanika, highlighted the integration of local issues with the broader national struggle for independence.
2. Analyze the causes and methods of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Elaborate on how Odisha participated in and contributed to this movement, focusing on the Salt Satyagraha. (Approx. 10 marks)
Answer:
The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), launched in 1930, represented a new phase in India's struggle for independence, marked by widespread civil disobedience against specific British laws, aiming for 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence).
I. Causes of the Civil Disobedience Movement (National Level):
Demand for Purna Swaraj: The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929), under Jawaharlal Nehru, declared 'Purna Swaraj' as its ultimate goal. The CDM was launched to achieve this.
Rejection of Simon Commission: The all-British Simon Commission (1927) for constitutional reforms, with no Indian members, angered Indian political parties, leading to boycotts and protests.
Economic Depression: The Great Depression (1929) severely affected India's economy, leading to a fall in agricultural prices, increased unemployment, and widespread distress among peasants and workers.
Government Repression: The government's repressive measures, including the Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill, further fueled discontent.
Gandhi's 11-Point Ultimatum: Mahatma Gandhi presented an 11-point ultimatum to Viceroy Lord Irwin, including demands for abolition of salt tax, reduction of land revenue, military expenditure, etc. The government's rejection of these demands was the immediate trigger for the movement.
II. Methods of the Civil Disobedience Movement (National Level):
Breaking Salt Law: The iconic Dandi March (March 12, 1930) initiated the movement. Gandhi symbolically broke the salt law, inspiring widespread defiance across the country.
Boycott of Foreign Goods: Continuation and intensification of the boycott of foreign cloth, liquor, and other British goods.
Non-Payment of Taxes: No-tax campaigns were launched in various parts of the country, especially no-revenue campaigns against the land tax.
Picketing of Shops: Women actively participated in picketing liquor shops and foreign cloth shops.
Boycott of Schools, Colleges, and Courts: Students, teachers, and lawyers continued to boycott British institutions.
Non-Violent Protests: Mass rallies, demonstrations, and marches were organized, emphasizing non-violence even in the face of brutal police repression.
III. Odisha's Participation and Contribution (Focus on Salt Satyagraha):
Odisha, with its long coastline and history of peasant movements, played a crucial and distinguished role in the Civil Disobedience Movement, particularly through the Salt Satyagraha.
Leadership and Organization:
The movement in Odisha was led by prominent figures like Gopabandhu Choudhury, Acharya Harihar Das, Harekrushna Mahtab, Rama Devi, Malati Choudhury, and Narayan Birabar Samanta.
The Odisha Provincial Congress Committee actively prepared for the movement, with widespread awareness campaigns.
Salt Satyagraha - The Core of Odisha's CDM:
Inchudi (Balasore District): This was the most significant site of Salt Satyagraha in Odisha. Inspired by Gandhi's Dandi March, leaders like Harekrushna Mahtab, Surendranath Das, and Nilambar Das led volunteers to Inchudi. On April 13, 1930, they symbolically manufactured salt from seawater, defying the British law. This act ignited similar defiance in other coastal areas.
Other Coastal Centers: Salt Satyagraha was also organized in other coastal regions like Kujanga (Puri district) under Gopabandhu Choudhury and Rama Devi, Astaranga (Puri district), and Ganjam district under Narayan Birabar Samanta. The participation of women was particularly notable in these areas, as they came out in large numbers to prepare and sell salt.
Widespread Impact: The breaking of the salt law spread rapidly, leading to mass arrests. The government responded with brutal force, lathi charges, and firing, but the volunteers remained steadfast.
Other Forms of Civil Disobedience:
Boycott of Foreign Goods: Intensive campaigns for the boycott of foreign goods and promotion of Khadi took place across the province. Bonfires of foreign cloth were common.
Picketing: Women's groups actively picketed liquor shops and foreign cloth shops.
No-Tax Campaigns: In some areas, peasants refused to pay land revenue and other taxes.
Defiance of Forest Laws: Tribal communities in certain areas defied repressive forest laws, symbolizing their participation.
Mass Arrests and Repression: The movement led to the arrest of thousands of participants, including almost all prominent leaders. Jails were overflowing.
Participation of Women: Odisha witnessed unprecedented participation of women during CDM. Women leaders like Rama Devi, Malati Choudhury, Annapurna Devi, and Sarala Devi not only organized campaigns but also led protests and faced imprisonment, inspiring many more.
In summary, Odisha's response to the Civil Disobedience Movement was robust and exemplary, particularly in the Salt Satyagraha. The leadership, widespread participation, especially by women and peasants in coastal areas, and the resilience in the face of British repression underscored Odisha's significant contribution to the national freedom struggle, directly challenging the colonial administration.
3. Describe the genesis and nature of the Quit India Movement (1942). Discuss its widespread impact in Odisha, particularly highlighting specific incidents and the role of popular resistance. (Approx. 10 marks)
Answer:
The Quit India Movement (QIM), launched in August 1942, was Mahatma Gandhi's final and most decisive call for immediate British withdrawal from India. It marked a radical shift in the nationalist strategy from peaceful civil disobedience to an immediate demand for independence, leading to a spontaneous and widespread uprising.
I. Genesis and Nature of the Quit India Movement (National Level):
Genesis:
Failure of Cripps Mission (1942): The failure of the Cripps Mission, which offered dominion status rather than full independence after World War II, disillusioned Indian leaders and people.
Threat of Japanese Invasion: The rapid advance of Japanese forces towards India's eastern borders after conquering Southeast Asian territories created a sense of urgency for British withdrawal.
Growing Discontent: Wartime economic hardships, rising prices, and the government's repressive measures had fueled widespread anti-British sentiment.
Gandhi's Resolve: Mahatma Gandhi felt that the time had come for a final, decisive struggle. On August 8, 1942, the AICC session in Bombay passed the 'Quit India Resolution'.
Nature:
'Do or Die' Call: Gandhi exhorted Indians with the mantra 'Do or Die', urging them to either achieve freedom or die in the attempt. This symbolized a more militant, non-compromising stance.
Spontaneous and Leaderless: Immediately after the resolution, all major Congress leaders, including Gandhi, were arrested (Operation Zero Hour). This left the movement largely leaderless at the top, leading to spontaneous and localized outbreaks of protest.
Widespread and Radical: The movement quickly spread across the country, transforming into a mass uprising involving students, peasants, workers, and women. It adopted a more radical and often violent character, especially in areas where government authority collapsed.
Forms of Protest: Protests included mass demonstrations, hartals, attacks on government buildings, police stations, railway lines, post offices, and other symbols of British authority. Attempts were made to set up 'parallel governments' in some areas.
Underground Activity: Many leaders who evaded arrest went underground to organize resistance.
II. Widespread Impact and Popular Resistance in Odisha:
Odisha witnessed an intense and widespread impact of the Quit India Movement, especially in its rural and tribal areas, demonstrating fierce popular resistance.
Immediate Arrests and Leaderless Uprising: Following the arrest of national leaders, prominent Odia leaders like Harekrushna Mahtab, Gopabandhu Choudhury, Malati Choudhury, and others were also arrested. This led to a spontaneous, decentralized, and often violent movement at the grassroots level.
Key Centers of Resistance and Incidents:
Koraput District: This region, particularly its tribal population, witnessed one of the most intense and radical uprisings.
Laxman Nayak: A prominent tribal leader, he led a non-violent demonstration in Mathili (Koraput) on August 21, 1942. When police fired upon the protestors, killing several, Nayak was falsely implicated in a murder case and subsequently hanged, becoming a martyr of the movement.
Establishment of Parallel Authority: In some parts of Koraput (e.g., Malkangiri sub-division), people attacked police stations and tried to establish 'swaraj' by setting up their own parallel local governments, defying British authority.
Widespread Violence: The police stations at Dasmantpur, Laxmipur, and Mathili were attacked. The British resorted to brutal repression, including mass arrests, lathi charges, and even aerial firing.
Balasore District:
Eram (Basudevpur): Known as the 'Second Jallianwala Bagh' of India. On September 28, 1942, a large gathering of unarmed protestors at Eram was fired upon by the police, resulting in 28 deaths and many injuries. This incident highlighted the brutality of British repression and the resilience of the people.
Attacks on Government Property: Railway stations, post offices, and government buildings were attacked and burnt in areas like Bhograi and Soro.
Cuttack District: Saw significant student protests, hartals, and attacks on government symbols.
Puri and Ganjam Districts: Witnessed widespread demonstrations, picketing, and some instances of violence.
Princely States: Even in some princely states, people rose up against the rulers, often linking their demands for responsible government with the 'Quit India' call.
Role of Popular Resistance:
Peasant and Tribal Uprising: The movement in Odisha was primarily driven by the active participation of peasants and tribal communities, who had long suffered from exploitation.
Women's Participation: Women played a significant role in organizing protests, picketing, and enduring repression.
Youth and Students: Students and youth were at the forefront of organizing strikes, demonstrations, and underground activities.
Underground Activities: Though less organized than in some other parts of India, some underground activities were carried out by those who evaded arrest.
III. Consequences in Odisha:
Brutal Repression: The British administration responded with extreme force, declaring martial law in affected areas, carrying out mass arrests, inflicting severe punishments, and even executing leaders like Laxman Nayak.
Martyrdoms and Sacrifices: The movement led to numerous martyrdoms and immense sacrifices by the people of Odisha.
Heightened National Consciousness: The intensity of the movement significantly heightened national consciousness and anti-British sentiment throughout the province, preparing the ground for eventual independence.
In conclusion, the Quit India Movement in Odisha was a powerful manifestation of popular anger and a fervent desire for freedom. Despite the absence of top leadership and facing brutal repression, the spontaneous and widespread resistance, particularly in tribal and peasant areas like Koraput and Balasore, made Odisha's contribution to the final phase of India's independence struggle truly significant and memorable.
