Chapter II Nationalism in India
Class 10 NCERT History: India and the Contemporary World-II
Updated for 2024-2025 Exams
Q.1. Explain:
a) Why growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an
anti-colonial movement.
Ans. Nationalism in colonies like India developed in
response to colonial oppression. The anti-colonial movement united people from
various social and cultural backgrounds under a common cause—freedom from
British rule. The shared experiences of economic hardship, racial
discrimination, and political subjugation led to the formation of a collective
identity. This identity was rooted in opposition to colonial power, which
fostered a sense of nationalism as a means to resist foreign control and
achieve self-rule.
b) How the First World War helped in the growth of the
National Movement in India.
Ans. The First World War (1914-1918) had a significant
impact on the Indian national movement. It led to an economic crisis due to
increased defense expenditure, higher taxes, and a rise in prices. Forced
recruitment in rural areas angered the peasants. Additionally, the influenza
epidemic and crop failures in 1918-19 worsened the situation, making the
population more resentful towards British rule. These hardships fueled the
growth of nationalism, as people began seeking independence as a solution to
their grievances.
c) Why Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act.
Ans. The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was seen as a betrayal by the
British, as it gave the colonial government powers to arrest and detain
political prisoners without trial for two years. This was enacted despite the
opposition of Indian members in the Imperial Legislative Council. It allowed
the government to suppress political activities, leading to widespread outrage
and protests across India, as people felt it was an unjust attack on their
civil liberties.
d) Why Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation
Movement.
Ans. Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation
Movement in February 1922 due to the increasing instances of violence,
particularly after the Chauri Chaura incident, where a peaceful protest turned
violent, resulting in the killing of policemen. Gandhi believed in non-violence
and felt that the movement was deviating from its core principles. He also
thought that Indians were not ready for mass struggle and needed further
discipline in non-violence.
Q.2. What is meant by
the idea of satyagraha? (80-100 words)
Ans. The idea of satyagraha, introduced by Mahatma Gandhi,
emphasized the power of truth (satya) and non-violent resistance (agraha) as a
method of opposing injustice. Satyagraha was based on the belief that a just
cause would eventually triumph through moral and peaceful persuasion rather
than violence. Gandhi believed that through non-violent resistance, one could
appeal to the conscience of the oppressor and force them to see the truth,
leading to the ultimate victory of justice without resorting to aggression or
hatred.
Q.3. Write a
newspaper report on:
a) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre
Ans. Massacre at Jallianwala Bagh Shocks the Nation
Amritsar, April 13, 1919:
In a horrific act of brutality, British troops under General
Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar.
Thousands of men, women, and children had gathered in the enclosed garden for a
peaceful protest against repressive measures like the Rowlatt Act. Without
warning, Dyer’s troops blocked the exits and fired indiscriminately for ten
minutes, killing hundreds. This massacre has sent shockwaves across the nation,
intensifying anger against colonial rule. Protests have erupted in several
cities, and the demand for independence is growing stronger.
b) The Simon Commission
Ans. Simon Commission Faces Protest Across India
India, 1928: The British government’s Simon Commission,
appointed to examine constitutional reforms in India, has been met with
widespread opposition. The commission, which included no Indian members, was
seen as a direct insult to India’s political aspirations. Nationalist leaders,
including the Congress and the Muslim League, have united in boycotting the
commission. Demonstrations have erupted across the country, with the slogan
“Simon, Go Back” being chanted in the streets. Lala Lajpat Rai was
fatally injured during a protest in Lahore, further fueling public outrage
against British rule.
Q.4. Compare the
images of Bharat Mata in this chapter with the image of Germania in Chapter 1.
(100-120 words)
Ans. The image of Bharat Mata, as depicted in the Indian
national movement, represents India as a nurturing mother, symbolizing
sacrifice, spirituality, and the provision of resources like food and learning.
She is often depicted in serene and divine forms, embodying the cultural and
spiritual essence of the nation. In contrast, Germania, the personification of
the German nation, symbolizes strength, heroism, and unity. She is often shown
with symbols of power, such as a sword and the imperial crown. Both images
served to unite their respective nations, but while Germania conveyed
militaristic strength, Bharat Mata emphasized cultural and spiritual unity.
These answers align with the content of the chapter on
Indian nationalism and the anti-colonial struggle, following the structure
requested.
Q.5. List all the
different social groups which joined the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921. Then
choose any three and write about their hopes and struggles to show why they
joined the movement. (200-250 words)
Ans. Several social groups participated in the
Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921:
1. Middle-class people in towns and cities.
2. Peasants from the countryside.
3. Plantation workers.
4. Tribal people.
5. Business classes.
6. Students and teachers.
7. Lawyers.
Three of these groups and their reasons for joining the
movement are as follows:
1. Middle-class people in towns and cities: Middle-class professionals
like lawyers, teachers, and students actively participated in the movement.
They boycotted British institutions, resigned from government jobs, and refused
to attend British-controlled schools and colleges. They hoped that by
withdrawing their cooperation from the colonial administration, they could
force the British to grant self-rule.
2. Peasants from the countryside: In places like Awadh,
peasants joined the movement to protest against the high taxes and oppressive
conditions imposed by landlords. They demanded the reduction of land revenue,
the abolition of begar (forced labor), and the right to own land. For them,
Swaraj meant the end of oppressive landlordism and a more just agricultural
system.
3. Plantation workers: Plantation workers in Assam were
trapped by the Inland Emigration Act of 1859, which restricted their freedom of
movement. They hoped that the Non-Cooperation Movement would grant them freedom
to return to their villages and live free from the harsh conditions of the plantations.
Q.6. Discuss the Salt
March to make clear why it was an effective symbol of resistance against
colonialism. (150-200 words)
Ans. The Salt March, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a
significant event in India’s struggle for independence. It was a direct
challenge to British authority, as the British had imposed a monopoly on the
production and sale of salt, an essential item for every household. By placing
a tax on salt, the colonial government made it difficult for the poor to access
this basic necessity.
Gandhi’s decision to break the salt law was a powerful act
of civil disobedience. He began a 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to the
coastal town of Dandi, accompanied by thousands of followers. Upon reaching
Dandi, Gandhi made salt by evaporating seawater, openly defying the British
monopoly. This simple act resonated with millions of Indians because salt was
something everyone used, regardless of class.
The Salt March became a symbol of the broader resistance
against British economic exploitation and political oppression. It united
people from all walks of life, as they realized that even something as small as
salt could be a tool of colonial control. The march inspired widespread
participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement, with people across India
breaking the salt laws, boycotting British goods, and participating in
protests.
Q.7. Imagine you are
a woman participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Explain what the
experience meant to your life. (150-200 words)
Ans. As a woman participating in the Civil Disobedience
Movement, the experience has been life-changing for me. For the first time, I
have stepped out of the confines of my home and into the public sphere to fight
for a cause that deeply resonates with my sense of justice. Along with
thousands of other women, I have marched in protests, made salt in defiance of
British law, and picketed liquor and foreign cloth shops. The spirit of
solidarity and the overwhelming feeling of contributing to India’s freedom have
filled me with a sense of pride and purpose.
In a society where women are often expected to remain silent
and confined to domestic roles, participating in this movement has given me a
voice. I feel empowered to stand up against injustice, not just for my country
but also for the rights of women. While Mahatma Gandhi encouraged women to join
the movement, I hope that this participation will lead to greater equality and
respect for women in independent India. The experience has been both
challenging and liberating, as I now feel that women have a crucial role to
play in shaping the nation’s future.
Q.8. Why did
political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?
(200-250 words)
Ans. Political leaders in India had sharp differences over
the issue of separate electorates, which was a significant point of contention
during the nationalist movement.
The British government introduced separate electorates in
the early 20th century, starting with the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, where
Muslims were given their own separate electorates to elect their
representatives. This meant that only Muslims could vote for Muslim candidates.
The idea was later extended to other minority communities. Supporters of
separate electorates, particularly leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Dr.
B.R. Ambedkar, believed that this system would ensure adequate political
representation for minorities, particularly Muslims and Dalits. They feared
that in a majority-Hindu nation, their voices would be overshadowed, and their
interests neglected if they were not provided with a distinct political
identity.
On the other hand, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi opposed the
idea of separate electorates, especially for Dalits, as it would divide the
Indian society further along religious and caste lines. Gandhi believed that
separate electorates would undermine national unity and hinder the integration
of marginalized communities into mainstream society. He advocated for joint
electorates, where all communities would vote together, ensuring that
representatives would be elected by all sections of society. Gandhi’s
opposition to separate electorates for Dalits led to the Poona Pact of 1932,
which provided for reserved seats for Dalits in the legislative councils, but
without separate electorates.
This debate over separate electorates reflected deeper
concerns about the future of India’s political system and the protection of
minority rights in an independent India.
Project: Find out about the anti-colonial movement in
Indo-China. Compare and contrast India’s national
movement with the ways in which Indo-China became
independent.
India’s anti-colonial movement, led by figures like Mahatma
Gandhi, was characterized by non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.
Gandhi’s methods, such as the Salt March and non-cooperation, aimed to disrupt
British rule through peaceful mass mobilization. India’s movement involved a
range of social groups, and despite internal divisions, it successfully
achieved independence in 1947. However, it led to the partition of India and
Pakistan, largely due to religious tensions. Post-independence, India adopted a
democratic and secular system.
In contrast, Vietnam’s anti-colonial struggle against French
rule was more militant. Led by Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh, the movement
involved guerrilla warfare and was heavily influenced by communist ideology.
Vietnam’s fight for independence culminated in the First Indochina War
(1946-1954), followed by the division of Vietnam into communist North and
non-communist South. Vietnam’s movement was intertwined with the global Cold
War struggle, with significant support from the Soviet Union and China.
While both India and Vietnam sought to end colonial rule,
India’s path was largely peaceful, and Vietnam’s involved armed resistance.
India’s independence led to partition, while Vietnam’s struggle eventually
resulted in unification under a communist regime after the Vietnam War.