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Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Nationalism in India developed as a result of the anti-colonial movement against British rule. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian National Movement united people from different regions, religions, and social groups. This chapter explains the growth of Indian nationalism through various movements, mass participation, and the struggle for independence.

CBSE Notes – Key Points

This section provides important personalities, events, facts, keywords, and exam-oriented points for quick revision.

Important Personalities

• Mahatma Gandhi
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
• Ali Brothers (Muhammad Ali & Shaukat Ali)
• General Reginald Dyer
• Lord Chelmsford
• Baba Ramchandra
• Alluri Sitarama Raju
• Jawaharlal Nehru

Important Events

• 1915 – Mahatma Gandhi returned to India.
• 1917 – Champaran Satyagraha.
• 1918 – Kheda Satyagraha.
• 1918 – Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike.
• 1919 – Rowlatt Act.
• 1919 – Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• 1920–1922 – Non-Cooperation Movement.
• 1930 – Dandi March and Civil Disobedience Movement.
• 1931 – Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
• 1942 – Quit India Movement.

Important Facts

• Mahatma Gandhi introduced the method of Satyagraha in India.
• Champaran was Gandhi's first successful Satyagraha in India.
• The Rowlatt Act was popularly known as the Black Act.
• The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on 13 April 1919.
• The Non-Cooperation Movement was based on truth and non-violence.
• The Civil Disobedience Movement began with the Dandi March.
• The slogan "Do or Die" was given during the Quit India Movement.

Important Keywords

• Nationalism
• Satyagraha
• Rowlatt Act
• Jallianwala Bagh
• Khilafat Movement
• Non-Cooperation Movement
• Civil Disobedience Movement
• Dandi March
• Salt Law
• Quit India Movement

Important Concepts

• Growth of Nationalism in India
• Satyagraha
• Mass Movements
• Khilafat and Non-Cooperation
• Civil Disobedience
• Role of Different Social Groups
• National Symbols

Exam Important Points

• Features of Satyagraha.
• Importance of Champaran, Kheda and Ahmedabad movements.
• Objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Causes and impact of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Role of different social groups in the National Movement.
• Difference between Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements.
• Importance of the Quit India Movement.

Quick Revision

• 1915 → Gandhi returned to India.
• 1917 → Champaran Satyagraha.
• 1918 → Kheda Satyagraha.
• 1919 → Rowlatt Act & Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• 1920 → Non-Cooperation Movement.
• 1930 → Dandi March & Civil Disobedience Movement.
• 1931 → Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
• 1942 → Quit India Movement.

Exam Tips

• Remember all important years in chronological order.
• Learn the objectives and outcomes of each movement.
• Understand the role of peasants, workers, tribals, women, and business groups.
• Compare the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Revise important personalities, slogans, and major national events before the examination.

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Indian nationalism developed as a united struggle against British colonial rule. After returning from South Africa in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi introduced the method of Satyagraha and transformed the Indian freedom movement into a mass movement. This part explains the meaning of Satyagraha, Gandhi's early movements, and the beginning of mass nationalism in India.

Part 1A – Gandhi's Arrival and the Beginning of Mass Nationalism

This part explains the rise of Indian nationalism, the principles of Satyagraha, and Gandhi's early movements in Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad.

Growth of Nationalism in India

By the beginning of the twentieth century, Indians had become increasingly dissatisfied with British rule.

1. British economic policies caused widespread hardship.
2. Political rights were limited under colonial rule.
3. Educated Indians demanded self-government.
4. The Indian National Congress became the leading political organisation.
5. National consciousness spread across different regions of India.

Mahatma Gandhi's Return to India

Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in January 1915 and soon became the leader of the national movement.

1. He carefully studied the conditions of the Indian people.
2. He travelled extensively across the country.
3. He believed in truth, non-violence, and peaceful resistance.
4. He was inspired by the teachings of Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
5. He united people through mass participation.

The Idea of Satyagraha

Satyagraha was Gandhi's unique method of non-violent resistance against injustice.

1. Satyagraha means "holding firmly to the truth."
2. It was based on truth and non-violence.
3. It rejected hatred and violence.
4. People peacefully opposed unjust laws.
5. Its aim was to achieve justice through moral strength.
6. Satyagraha became the foundation of Gandhi's political movements.

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

Champaran Satyagraha was Gandhi's first successful movement in India.

1. It took place in Champaran district of Bihar.
2. Indigo farmers were forced to cultivate indigo under the Tinkathia system.
3. Farmers suffered due to exploitation by British planters.
4. Gandhi investigated their problems personally.
5. The British government accepted many of the farmers' demands.
6. This movement established Gandhi as a national leader.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

The Kheda Satyagraha was organised to protect the rights of peasants affected by crop failure.

1. It was launched in Kheda district of Gujarat.
2. Crop failure had severely affected the farmers.
3. Despite poor harvests, the government demanded full land revenue.
4. Gandhi advised peasants not to pay revenue until relief was granted.
5. The government finally agreed to suspend tax collection in many cases.

Ahmedabad Mill Workers' Strike (1918)

The Ahmedabad movement was organised to secure fair wages for textile workers.

1. The dispute arose between mill owners and workers.
2. Workers demanded higher wages.
3. Gandhi supported the workers through peaceful protest.
4. He undertook a hunger strike to strengthen the movement.
5. The workers finally received a wage increase.

Importance of Gandhi's Early Movements

These movements demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent mass struggle.

1. Peasants and workers gained confidence in Gandhi's leadership.
2. Satyagraha proved to be an effective method of protest.
3. Ordinary people actively joined the national movement.
4. The freedom struggle became a people's movement.
5. These movements prepared the foundation for future nationwide campaigns.

Beginning of Mass Nationalism

Gandhi's leadership transformed Indian nationalism into a broad-based national movement.

1. People from different regions participated together.
2. National unity became stronger.
3. Peaceful resistance became the main strategy.
4. The Indian National Congress gained wider public support.
5. The struggle for independence entered a new phase.

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

After the success of Gandhi's early Satyagrahas, the British Government introduced several repressive measures to suppress public opinion. The Rowlatt Act, the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and the Khilafat issue created widespread anger among Indians. These events united people across the country and led to the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Part 1B – From the Rowlatt Act to the Non-Cooperation Movement

This part explains the Rowlatt Act, the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the Khilafat Movement, and the beginning of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

The Rowlatt Act (1919)

In 1919, the British Government passed the Rowlatt Act to strengthen its control over political activities in India.

1. The Act was popularly known as the Black Act.
2. It allowed the government to arrest people without trial.
3. Freedom of speech and the press was severely restricted.
4. Public meetings and political activities were closely monitored.
5. People across India strongly opposed the Act.
6. Mahatma Gandhi launched a nationwide Satyagraha against it.

Nationwide Protest Against the Rowlatt Act

The Rowlatt Satyagraha became the first nationwide movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

1. Hartals and peaceful demonstrations were organised across India.
2. Shops and offices remained closed in many cities.
3. Thousands of people joined protest meetings.
4. The movement united people from different regions.
5. British authorities responded with severe repression.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre became one of the darkest incidents in the history of British rule in India.

1. The incident took place on 13 April 1919 at Amritsar.
2. Thousands of people had gathered peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh.
3. General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire without warning.
4. Hundreds of innocent people were killed and many others were injured.
5. The massacre shocked the entire nation.
6. It completely destroyed people's faith in British justice.

Impact of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

The massacre marked a turning point in India's freedom struggle.

1. Public anger against British rule increased sharply.
2. Nationalist feelings became much stronger.
3. Many moderate leaders lost faith in the British Government.
4. People realised the need for a united national movement.
5. Mahatma Gandhi decided to launch a mass movement against colonial rule.

The Khilafat Movement

The Khilafat Movement was launched to protect the position of the Ottoman Caliph after the First World War.

1. The movement was led by the Ali Brothers.
2. Mahatma Gandhi supported the movement.
3. It promoted Hindu-Muslim unity.
4. The Khilafat issue was linked with the national struggle.
5. Large numbers of Muslims actively participated in the freedom movement.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement to oppose British rule through peaceful means.

1. The movement officially began in 1920.
2. It was based on truth and non-violence.
3. People were asked to withdraw cooperation from the British Government.
4. It became the first nationwide mass movement under Gandhi's leadership.
5. Millions of Indians participated in the movement.

Programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement

The movement encouraged people to boycott British institutions and promote Swadeshi.

1. Boycott of government schools and colleges.
2. Boycott of law courts by many lawyers.
3. Resignation from government jobs by some officials.
4. Boycott of foreign cloth and imported goods.
5. Promotion of khadi and the spinning wheel (charkha).
6. Return of titles and honours awarded by the British Government.

Importance of the Non-Cooperation Movement

The movement transformed India's struggle for freedom into a true mass movement.

1. People from different social groups joined the movement.
2. National unity became stronger.
3. The British Government faced widespread public opposition.
4. The ideas of Swadeshi and self-reliance became popular.
5. The movement prepared the ground for future national movements.

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Although the Non-Cooperation Movement ended in 1922, the struggle for India's freedom continued with renewed determination. During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement, which became one of the most significant phases of the Indian National Movement. The movement united millions of Indians against British rule.

Part 2 – Civil Disobedience Movement and Mass Participation

This part explains the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Dandi March, the Salt Law, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, and the participation of different social groups.

The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)

The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi to openly challenge unjust British laws through peaceful resistance.

1. The movement began in 1930.
2. Its objective was to achieve Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence).
3. People were encouraged to break unjust colonial laws peacefully.
4. The movement spread rapidly across the country.
5. Millions of Indians participated in the struggle.

The Dandi March (Salt March)

The Dandi March became the most famous event of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

1. The march began on 12 March 1930.
2. Gandhi started the march from Sabarmati Ashram.
3. The destination was Dandi, a coastal village in Gujarat.
4. The journey covered about 240 miles (390 km).
5. Thousands of people joined Gandhi during the march.
6. On 6 April 1930, Gandhi broke the Salt Law by making salt.

Why Was Salt Chosen?

Salt was a basic necessity used by every Indian, regardless of social or economic status.

1. The British Government imposed a tax on salt.
2. Poor people were also forced to pay this tax.
3. Salt became a symbol of British oppression.
4. Breaking the Salt Law united people across the country.
5. The issue attracted international attention.

Programme of the Civil Disobedience Movement

The movement encouraged people to defy British laws peacefully.

1. Violation of the Salt Law.
2. Boycott of foreign goods.
3. Promotion of Swadeshi products.
4. Refusal to pay certain taxes.
5. Peaceful demonstrations and public meetings.
6. Boycott of government institutions wherever possible.

Participation of Different Social Groups

People belonging to different sections of society actively participated in the movement.

Rich Peasants

1. They opposed high land revenue.
2. Many supported the Civil Disobedience Movement.
3. They demanded reduction in taxes.

Poor Peasants

1. They expected relief from heavy rents and debts.
2. Many joined local nationalist movements.
3. Their participation varied from region to region.

Business Class

1. Indian industrialists supported the Swadeshi Movement.
2. They opposed discriminatory British economic policies.
3. Many contributed financially to the national movement.

Women

1. Women participated in marches and demonstrations.
2. They boycotted foreign cloth and liquor shops.
3. Many women were arrested during the movement.
4. Their participation strengthened the national struggle.

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)

In 1931, Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin reached an agreement to reduce political tensions.

1. The agreement was signed in March 1931.
2. The Civil Disobedience Movement was temporarily suspended.
3. Political prisoners were released in many cases.
4. People were allowed to make salt for personal use in coastal areas.
5. Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference.

The Round Table Conferences

The British Government organised Round Table Conferences to discuss constitutional reforms in India.

1. The First Round Table Conference was held in 1930.
2. Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in 1931.
3. The discussions failed to achieve a satisfactory solution.
4. After returning to India, Gandhi resumed the Civil Disobedience Movement.
5. The British Government again adopted repressive measures.

Importance of the Civil Disobedience Movement

The movement became a landmark in India's struggle for independence.

1. Nationalism spread to villages as well as cities.
2. Large numbers of women actively joined the movement.
3. The demand for complete independence became stronger.
4. The movement attracted worldwide attention.
5. It prepared the nation for the final phase of the freedom struggle.

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Indian nationalism became stronger as people from different social groups joined the freedom struggle. Although each group had its own expectations, they were united by the common objective of ending British rule. The Quit India Movement and the growth of national symbols further strengthened the spirit of nationalism across the country.

Part 3 – Nationalism, Social Groups and the Final Phase of the Freedom Struggle

This part explains the participation of different social groups, the Quit India Movement, national symbols, and the overall impact of nationalism in India.

Participation of Industrial Workers

Industrial workers also contributed to the national movement in different parts of India.

1. Workers organised strikes against unfair labour conditions.
2. Many supported nationalist campaigns.
3. Their participation was stronger in major industrial cities.
4. Economic hardship encouraged them to join protests.
5. However, their involvement was not uniform throughout the country.

Participation of Business Groups

Indian industrialists and business groups supported the national movement for economic and political reasons.

1. They opposed discriminatory British economic policies.
2. Many supported the Swadeshi Movement.
3. Business leaders demanded protection for Indian industries.
4. Several industrialists provided financial support to the Congress.
5. They expected economic freedom after independence.

Participation of Peasants and Tribal Communities

Peasants and tribal communities joined the national movement according to their local problems and expectations.

1. Many peasants demanded reduction of land revenue.
2. Poor farmers wanted relief from heavy debts.
3. Several tribal groups protested against forest laws.
4. Local leaders organised movements in different regions.
5. Their participation expanded the national movement into rural India.

Participation of Women

Women played an important role in strengthening the Indian National Movement.

1. They participated in marches and public meetings.
2. Many women picketed liquor and foreign cloth shops.
3. They promoted the use of khadi and Swadeshi goods.
4. Several women were imprisoned during national movements.
5. Their active participation inspired greater public involvement.

The Quit India Movement (1942)

The Quit India Movement marked the final mass struggle against British rule before independence.

1. The movement was launched on 8 August 1942.
2. It was started by the Indian National Congress.
3. Mahatma Gandhi gave the famous slogan "Do or Die."
4. People organised strikes, demonstrations, and protests across India.
5. The British Government arrested many national leaders.
6. The movement greatly weakened British authority in India.

National Symbols and the Sense of Unity

National symbols played an important role in creating unity among the people.

1. The tricolour became a symbol of national pride.
2. The spinning wheel (Charkha) represented self-reliance.
3. National songs inspired patriotic feelings.
4. Public processions strengthened the spirit of unity.
5. These symbols encouraged people to participate in the freedom struggle.

Limitations of the National Movement

Although the national movement united millions of people, complete unity among all sections of society was difficult to achieve.

1. Different social groups had different political and economic demands.
2. Some movements remained confined to particular regions.
3. Communal tensions created challenges for national unity.
4. Not every section of society participated in the same manner.
5. Despite these differences, the demand for independence continued to grow.

Impact of Nationalism in India

The growth of nationalism transformed India's freedom struggle into a powerful mass movement.

1. People from different regions fought with a common national purpose.
2. The Indian National Congress emerged as the leading national organisation.
3. The ideas of unity, self-rule, and democracy became stronger.
4. British rule faced increasing opposition throughout the country.
5. The national movement prepared India for independence in 1947.

Legacy of the Indian National Movement

The Indian National Movement laid the foundation of modern democratic India.

1. It strengthened the ideals of democracy and equality.
2. It promoted unity among people of different backgrounds.
3. It inspired anti-colonial movements across the world.
4. It established the importance of peaceful mass movements.
5. India achieved independence on 15 August 1947, fulfilling the long struggle for freedom.

Chapter 2. Nationalism in India

Assignments for Preparation

Practice the following questions carefully to strengthen your conceptual understanding, improve answer-writing skills, and prepare effectively for the CBSE Board Examination 2026–27.

Attempt the following Multiple Choice Questions carefully. Choose the most appropriate answer for each question.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who introduced the method of Satyagraha in India?

(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Subhas Chandra Bose

2. In which year did Mahatma Gandhi return to India?

(a) 1914
(b) 1915
(c) 1916
(d) 1917

3. Gandhi's first successful Satyagraha in India was launched at:

(a) Kheda
(b) Ahmedabad
(c) Champaran
(d) Bardoli

4. The Champaran movement was mainly related to:

(a) Salt Tax
(b) Indigo Cultivation
(c) Forest Rights
(d) Cotton Mills

5. Which movement was organised in support of peasants affected by crop failure?

(a) Champaran Satyagraha
(b) Ahmedabad Strike
(c) Kheda Satyagraha
(d) Bardoli Movement

6. The Ahmedabad movement was associated with:

(a) Tea Garden Workers
(b) Textile Mill Workers
(c) Railway Employees
(d) Indigo Farmers

7. Which Act was popularly known as the Black Act?

(a) Salt Act
(b) Government of India Act
(c) Rowlatt Act
(d) Arms Act

8. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on:

(a) 6 April 1919
(b) 13 April 1919
(c) 15 August 1919
(d) 30 January 1920

9. Who ordered the firing at Jallianwala Bagh?

(a) Lord Curzon
(b) Lord Irwin
(c) General Dyer
(d) Lord Mountbatten

10. The Khilafat Movement was led by:

(a) Tilak Brothers
(b) Ali Brothers
(c) Bose Brothers
(d) Nehru Brothers

11. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in:

(a) 1919
(b) 1920
(c) 1921
(d) 1922

12. Which of the following was promoted during the Non-Cooperation Movement?

(a) Foreign Cloth
(b) British Goods
(c) Khadi and Swadeshi
(d) Imported Salt

13. The Civil Disobedience Movement began with the:

(a) Champaran Satyagraha
(b) Quit India Movement
(c) Dandi March
(d) Khilafat Movement

14. The Dandi March started from:

(a) Wardha
(b) Champaran
(c) Sabarmati Ashram
(d) Amritsar

15. Which law did Gandhi break during the Dandi March?

(a) Forest Law
(b) Salt Law
(c) Arms Act
(d) Press Act

16. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in:

(a) 1930
(b) 1931
(c) 1932
(d) 1935

17. Which movement gave the slogan "Do or Die"?

(a) Non-Cooperation Movement
(b) Civil Disobedience Movement
(c) Quit India Movement
(d) Swadeshi Movement

18. The Quit India Movement was launched in:

(a) 1939
(b) 1940
(c) 1942
(d) 1945

19. Which principle was the foundation of Gandhi's movements?

(a) Violence and Revolution
(b) Truth and Non-violence
(c) Armed Struggle
(d) Military Action

20. The main objective of the Indian National Movement was to:

(a) Expand British Rule
(b) Support Colonial Government
(c) Achieve Independence from British Rule
(d) Increase Foreign Trade

Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)

1. What is Satyagraha?

2. In which year did Mahatma Gandhi return to India?

3. Where was Gandhi's first successful Satyagraha launched in India?

4. Name the system followed by indigo planters in Champaran.

5. Why was the Rowlatt Act called the Black Act?

6. On which date did the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre take place?

7. Who ordered the firing at Jallianwala Bagh?

8. Who were the leaders of the Khilafat Movement?

9. In which year was the Non-Cooperation Movement launched?

10. What was the main objective of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

11. From which place did the Dandi March begin?

12. In which year was the Civil Disobedience Movement launched?

13. What was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?

14. Which slogan was given during the Quit India Movement?

15. In which year was the Quit India Movement launched?

Short Answer Questions (2–3 Marks)

1. Explain the main principles of Satyagraha.

2. Why is the Champaran Satyagraha considered a turning point in Gandhi's political career?

3. Describe the causes of the Kheda Satyagraha.

4. Explain the main provisions of the Rowlatt Act.

5. What were the consequences of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?

6. Explain the objectives of the Khilafat Movement.

7. Describe the programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

8. Why did Mahatma Gandhi withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement?

9. Explain the significance of the Dandi March in India's freedom struggle.

10. Differentiate between the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain the growth of nationalism in India under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

2. Describe the causes, events, and impact of the Rowlatt Satyagraha and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

3. Explain the causes, programme, and significance of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

4. Describe the Civil Disobedience Movement. Why did Mahatma Gandhi choose salt as the symbol of protest?

5. Explain the role of rich peasants, poor peasants, business groups, and women in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

6. Discuss the significance of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in the Indian National Movement.

7. Explain the causes and importance of the Quit India Movement.

8. "Nationalism in India developed through a series of mass movements." Justify the statement with suitable examples.

Assertion and Reason Questions

1.
Assertion (A): Satyagraha was based on truth and non-violence.
Reason (R): Mahatma Gandhi believed that injustice could be defeated through peaceful resistance.

2.
Assertion (A): The Rowlatt Act was popularly known as the Black Act.
Reason (R): It allowed the British Government to arrest people without trial.

3.
Assertion (A): The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre increased nationalist feelings in India.
Reason (R): General Dyer ordered troops to fire on an unarmed gathering.

4.
Assertion (A): The Khilafat Movement strengthened Hindu-Muslim unity.
Reason (R): Mahatma Gandhi supported the Khilafat leaders.

5.
Assertion (A): The Non-Cooperation Movement encouraged Indians to cooperate with the British Government.
Reason (R): Gandhi wanted Indians to boycott British institutions and foreign goods.

6.
Assertion (A): The Dandi March became the symbol of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Reason (R): Gandhi broke the Salt Law at Dandi.

7.
Assertion (A): Salt was selected because it affected every section of society.
Reason (R): Salt was an essential commodity used by all people.

8.
Assertion (A): The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in 1931.
Reason (R): Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference.

9.
Assertion (A): Women actively participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Reason (R): They joined marches, picketed liquor shops, and promoted khadi.

10.
Assertion (A): The Quit India Movement was the final mass movement against British rule.
Reason (R): Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan "Do or Die".

Case-Based Questions

Case Study 1

After returning from South Africa in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi introduced the method of Satyagraha in India. His early movements at Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad demonstrated that peaceful resistance could successfully challenge injustice.

1. In which year did Mahatma Gandhi return to India?

2. What is meant by Satyagraha?

3. Name any two early movements led by Gandhi.

Case Study 2

The Rowlatt Act of 1919 gave extraordinary powers to the British Government. It allowed arrests without trial and imposed restrictions on civil liberties. The Act was strongly opposed throughout the country.

1. Why was the Rowlatt Act called the Black Act?

2. Mention any two provisions of the Act.

3. How did Indians protest against this law?

Case Study 3

On 13 April 1919, thousands of people gathered peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire without warning, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

1. Where did the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre take place?

2. Who ordered the firing?

3. Explain one impact of the massacre on the national movement.

Case Study 4

In March 1930, Mahatma Gandhi began the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram to protest against the British Salt Law. The march attracted nationwide attention and became the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

1. From where did the Dandi March begin?

2. Why did Gandhi choose salt as the symbol of protest?

3. Name the movement that began with the Dandi March.

Case Study 5

People from different sections of society—including peasants, women, business groups, and workers—participated in the Indian National Movement. Although each group had different demands, they shared the common objective of ending British rule.

1. Name any two social groups that participated in the national movement.

2. Why did business groups support the movement?

3. How did women's participation strengthen the freedom struggle?

Source-Based Questions

Source 1

"Satyagraha was a method of peaceful resistance based on truth and non-violence. Gandhi believed that injustice could be defeated through moral strength rather than violence."

1. What is Satyagraha?

2. On which two principles was it based?

3. Why did Gandhi prefer non-violent resistance?

Source 2

"The Rowlatt Act empowered the British Government to arrest people without trial and suppress political activities. Indians strongly opposed this legislation."

1. Which Act is referred to in the source?

2. Why was it unpopular among Indians?

3. How did Gandhi respond to this Act?

Source 3

"The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre shocked the entire nation and marked a turning point in India's struggle for freedom."

1. On which date did the massacre take place?

2. Name the British officer responsible for the firing.

3. Mention one effect of this incident on Indian nationalism.

Source 4

"The Civil Disobedience Movement began with the Dandi March. Gandhi openly violated the Salt Law to challenge British authority."

1. Which law was broken during the Dandi March?

2. In which year did the movement begin?

3. Why was salt chosen as the symbol of protest?

Source 5

"The Quit India Movement of 1942 became the final mass movement against British rule. Gandhi called upon the people to 'Do or Die' in the struggle for freedom."

1. In which year was the Quit India Movement launched?

2. What slogan was given by Mahatma Gandhi?

3. Why is the Quit India Movement considered a landmark in India's freedom struggle?

Competency-Based Questions

1. Explain how Mahatma Gandhi transformed the Indian National Movement into a mass movement through the idea of Satyagraha.

2. Why did Gandhi select salt as the symbol of protest instead of any other commodity?

3. Compare the objectives and methods of the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement.

4. How did the participation of peasants strengthen the Indian National Movement?

5. Explain the role of women in the Civil Disobedience Movement with suitable examples.

6. Why did business groups support the national movement despite economic risks?

7. Explain how the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre changed Indian public opinion towards British rule.

8. How did the Khilafat Movement help strengthen Indian nationalism?

9. Explain the importance of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in the freedom struggle.

10. Why is the Quit India Movement regarded as the final mass movement before India's independence?

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

1. "Satyagraha was more powerful than violence." Do you agree? Give reasons.

2. If the Rowlatt Act had not been passed, would the national movement have followed the same course? Explain your opinion.

3. Why did Gandhi withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident? Was his decision justified?

4. Explain why the Civil Disobedience Movement received greater public participation than earlier movements.

5. How did different social groups contribute differently to the growth of nationalism in India?

6. "The Dandi March was not only a protest against salt tax but also against British colonial rule." Explain.

7. Evaluate the importance of Hindu-Muslim unity during the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements.

8. Why do historians describe the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre as a turning point in India's freedom struggle?

9. How did national symbols help create a feeling of unity among Indians?

10. Explain how Mahatma Gandhi's leadership changed the nature of the Indian freedom movement.

Map-Based Questions

1. Locate and label Champaran on the political map of India.

2. Locate and label Kheda.

3. Locate and label Ahmedabad.

4. Mark Amritsar, the site of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

5. Draw and label the route of the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi.

Chronology / Timeline Questions

1. Arrange the following events in chronological order:
Champaran Satyagraha, Rowlatt Act, Dandi March, Quit India Movement.

2. Arrange the following events in chronological order:
Kheda Satyagraha, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Non-Cooperation Movement, Gandhi-Irwin Pact.

3. Write the correct year for each event:
(a) Champaran Satyagraha
(b) Rowlatt Act
(c) Civil Disobedience Movement
(d) Quit India Movement

4. Prepare a timeline showing the major events from 1915 to 1942.

5. Which event occurred first and which occurred last?
Champaran Satyagraha, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Dandi March, Quit India Movement.

Match the Following

1.

Column A	Column B
Champaran	Indigo Farmers
Kheda	Peasants' Tax Struggle
Ahmedabad	Mill Workers' Strike
Dandi	Salt March
Amritsar	Jallianwala Bagh

2. Match the following leaders with their contributions.

Leader	Contribution
Mahatma Gandhi	Satyagraha
Baba Ramchandra	Peasant Movement in Awadh
Alluri Sitarama Raju	Tribal Movement
Ali Brothers	Khilafat Movement
General Dyer	Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Identify the Personality

1. I introduced the method of Satyagraha in India after returning from South Africa. Who am I?

2. I ordered the firing at Jallianwala Bagh on 13 April 1919. Who am I?

3. We led the Khilafat Movement and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi. Who are we?

4. I led the peasant movement in Awadh and mobilised farmers against oppressive landlords. Who am I?

5. I led the tribal rebellion in the Andhra Pradesh region during the national movement. Who am I?