HISTORY (India and the Contemporary World – II) - 10 - Social Science solution
Class 10 - Chapter 2: Nationalism in India
Write in Brief
1. Explain:
(a) Why growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an anti-colonial movement.
The growth of nationalism in colonies was closely linked to anti-colonial movements because colonial rule exploited the people economically, politically and socially. As people experienced discrimination and oppression, they developed a sense of unity and national identity. The struggle against colonial rule united different groups and strengthened nationalist feelings, leading to movements for independence.
(b) How the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India.
The First World War created economic hardships in India. Taxes were increased, prices rose sharply and people suffered from shortages and unemployment. Forced recruitment in the army further increased public resentment. These difficulties led many Indians to lose faith in British rule and support the national movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
(c) Why Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act.
The Rowlatt Act of 1919 gave the British government extraordinary powers to arrest and detain people without trial. It also allowed imprisonment without legal proceedings. Indians considered it unjust and oppressive because it violated basic civil rights and freedoms, leading to widespread protests across the country.
(d) Why Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Gandhiji withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident in Uttar Pradesh, where a violent clash resulted in the death of several policemen. Since Gandhiji believed in non-violence, he felt that the movement was becoming violent and therefore called it off.
2. What is meant by the idea of Satyagraha?
Satyagraha means the force of truth and non-violence. Gandhiji believed that people could resist injustice through peaceful methods without using violence. It emphasized self-discipline, moral strength and willingness to suffer rather than inflict suffering on others. Satyagraha became an important weapon in India's struggle for freedom.
3. Write a newspaper report on:
(a) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Amritsar, 14 April 1919:
A peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar turned into a tragedy
when General Dyer ordered troops to fire on the unarmed crowd. Hundreds of
men, women and children were killed and many others were injured. The
incident has shocked the nation and intensified opposition to British rule.
Leaders across India have strongly condemned this brutal action.
(b) The Simon Commission
Bombay, 1928:
The Simon Commission arrived in India to review constitutional reforms.
Since the commission had no Indian member, people across the country
boycotted it. Demonstrators greeted it with black flags and the slogan
"Simon Go Back." The protests reflected growing dissatisfaction with
British policies and demands for self-government.
4. Compare the images of Bharat Mata in this chapter with the image of Germania in Chapter 1.
Both Bharat Mata and Germania were used as symbols of the nation. Bharat Mata was portrayed as a calm, spiritual mother figure holding symbols of prosperity, learning and strength. She inspired feelings of devotion and patriotism among Indians. Germania, the symbol of Germany, was depicted as a strong warrior woman carrying a sword and wearing a crown of oak leaves, representing heroism and unity. While both represented national identity, their artistic portrayals reflected the cultural traditions and aspirations of their respective nations.
Discuss
1. 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.
The groups that joined the Non-Cooperation Movement included peasants, tribal communities, plantation workers, students, teachers, lawyers, merchants, industrialists and the urban middle class.
Peasants: Peasants hoped for reduced taxes and relief from oppressive landlords. They joined the movement to improve their economic conditions.
Tribal Communities: Tribals participated because they opposed forest laws that restricted their traditional rights to use forest resources.
Industrialists and Merchants: They supported the movement because they wanted protection from foreign competition and favoured the use of Indian-made goods.
2. Discuss the Salt March to make clear why it was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.
The Salt March began on 12 March 1930 when Mahatma Gandhi started a 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. The aim was to break the British salt law, which imposed a tax on salt and prohibited Indians from making it themselves. Salt was a basic necessity used by all people, regardless of class or religion. By choosing salt as the issue of protest, Gandhiji connected with millions of ordinary Indians. The march attracted nationwide attention and inspired people to participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement. It became a powerful symbol of resistance because it challenged colonial authority through peaceful means and united people across the country in the struggle for freedom.
3. Imagine you are a woman participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Explain what the experience meant to your life.
Participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement transformed my life. For the first time, I stepped out of my home to take part in public activities. I joined processions, attended meetings and encouraged people to boycott foreign goods. Although I faced social restrictions and the possibility of arrest, I felt proud to contribute to the struggle for India's freedom. The movement gave me confidence, self-respect and a sense of equality. It showed me that women could play an important role in shaping the future of the nation.
4. Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?
Political leaders differed sharply over separate electorates because they had different views on political representation. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar supported separate electorates for the Depressed Classes to ensure fair representation and protect their interests. Mahatma Gandhi opposed the idea because he believed it would divide Hindu society and weaken national unity. The disagreement eventually led to the Poona Pact of 1932, which provided reserved seats for the Depressed Classes within a joint electorate system.