Solution:

Why were people dissatisfied with British rule in the 1870s and 1880s?

In the 1870s and 1880s, many people in India were dissatisfied with British rule for several reasons:

• Economic Exploitation: The British policies led to the economic exploitation of India. The British took raw materials from India at cheap prices and sold finished goods back to the country at high rates. This harmed local industries and led to widespread poverty.
• High Taxes: The Indian peasants were burdened with heavy land taxes, which they were often unable to pay. This caused economic distress and suffering among the rural population.
• Land Revenue System: The British introduced land revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement, which led to the exploitation of peasants and the destruction of traditional land ownership patterns. This made farmers vulnerable to famine and economic hardship.
• Social Reforms and Cultural Interference: The British introduced several reforms, such as the promotion of Western education, which were seen as a threat to traditional Indian social and religious practices. There was also a growing feeling that the British were disrespecting Indian culture and values.
• Racial Discrimination: The British often treated Indians as inferior. The British officials and citizens enjoyed privileges that Indians could not access, such as the best jobs, education, and healthcare. This led to widespread resentment.
• Lack of Political Representation: Indians had little to no representation in the British administration. The British Government took decisions that affected the lives of Indians without consulting them. This lack of political voice was a significant cause of dissatisfaction.
• Famine and Poverty: During this period, India faced numerous famines, and the British government’s response was often inadequate. The suffering of millions of people during famines deepened the resentment towards British rule.
• Growing Nationalism: With the rise of educated Indians, there was an increasing demand for political rights and self-governance. Organizations like the Indian National Congress were founded, calling for greater Indian involvement in government and an end to British colonial rule.

Solution:

Who did the Indian National Congress wish to speak for?

The Indian National Congress (INC) aimed to represent the interests of all Indians, particularly the Indian middle class and educated elite. Initially, it focused on voicing the concerns of the educated Indians, including issues like economic exploitation by the British, the need for constitutional reforms, and the promotion of Indian self-rule. Over time, the INC expanded its base to include a wider section of society, including farmers, workers, and other marginalized groups, seeking greater representation and autonomy for India within the British Empire.

Solution:

Economic Impact of the First World War on India

The First World War (1914-1918) had significant economic effects on India. The British colonial government used India as a major supplier of resources, troops, and financial support for the war effort. Some of the key economic impacts include:

• Increased Taxation: The British government raised taxes on goods, land, and income to fund the war, which led to economic hardship for many Indians.
• Inflation: The war caused inflation in India, particularly due to the increased demand for war-related supplies and the scarcity of goods. This led to higher prices of essential items such as food and clothing.
• Increase in Industrial Production: The demand for war-related supplies such as weapons, ammunition, and other materials led to the growth of certain industries in India, especially in textiles, steel, and chemicals.
• Supply Shortages: The war disrupted regular supply chains, causing shortages of essential goods like food and raw materials. This affected the rural economy and led to increased poverty in many regions.
• Trade Disruptions: The war disrupted global trade patterns, and India's trade with European countries, particularly Britain, was affected. Exports and imports were reduced, leading to economic stagnation in some sectors.
• Famine and Poverty: The increased prices and shortages of goods led to widespread poverty, and in some areas, it contributed to famine-like conditions, further burdening the Indian population.

Overall, while the war led to some industrial growth, it also deepened poverty, increased hardship for the common people, and created economic instability in India.

Solution:

Muslim League Resolution of 1940

The Muslim League Resolution of 1940, also known as the Lahore Resolution, called for the creation of separate states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India. The resolution demanded that these regions, where Muslims were in the majority, be constituted into independent states. This was proposed as a solution to safeguard the political and cultural rights of Muslims in India. The demand later became the basis for the formation of Pakistan.

Solution:

Who were the Moderates? How did they propose to struggle against British rule?

The Moderates were a group of Indian leaders in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who believed in gradual reforms and working within the British system to achieve political and social change. They were mostly educated elites, including lawyers, teachers, and professionals, who believed in the power of petitions, discussions, and persuasion.

Some of the prominent leaders of the Moderates were Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee. They believed in the principles of constitutional methods and hoped that the British government would be persuaded to grant more rights and opportunities for Indians.

The Moderates proposed to struggle against British rule in the following ways:

• Petitions and Memoranda: They believed in submitting petitions to the British government, highlighting the grievances of the Indian people. These petitions were often polite and formal, seeking reforms in various areas, such as education, economic policies, and civil rights.
• Political Associations: The Moderates formed organizations like the Indian National Congress (INC), which aimed at bringing together Indians to voice their concerns and demand reforms from the British government.
• Appeal to British Sentiments: The Moderates trusted that the British rulers, who were influenced by their own sense of justice and fairness, would eventually grant constitutional reforms and provide more political rights to Indians.
• Focus on Legal and Educational Reforms: They advocated for better educational facilities and the spread of Western-style education, believing that an educated Indian society would be able to demand its rights effectively. They also worked to reform the legal and administrative systems to benefit Indians.

The Moderates, therefore, aimed to achieve their goals through peaceful and constitutional methods rather than through direct confrontation or mass movements.

Solution:

Difference Between the Politics of the Radicals and Moderates in Congress

The politics of the Radicals and the Moderates within the Indian National Congress differed significantly in their approach towards British colonial rule and the methods they advocated for achieving self-rule.

Moderates:

• The Moderates, led by leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Pherozeshah Mehta, believed in gradual reforms and dialogue with the British government.
• They followed constitutional means to demand political rights and reforms, such as petitions, resolutions, and memoranda.
• Their primary aim was to gain self-rule for Indians by working within the existing British system and using moderate pressure.
• They sought reforms in administration, education, and civil rights, but they were not in favor of direct confrontation with the British government.

Radicals:

• The Radicals, led by leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, were more aggressive in their approach towards British rule.
• They believed that the Moderates' methods were too slow and ineffective. They demanded immediate self-rule and were in favor of more direct action.
• They used more forceful tactics, including protests, boycotts, and mass mobilization, to challenge British authority.
• They were in favor of cultivating national unity, developing indigenous industries, and using cultural revival to strengthen the independence movement.
• Unlike the Moderates, they were willing to confront the British government and push for complete independence, not just reforms.

In essence, while the Moderates favored dialogue and constitutional methods, the Radicals believed in more direct and confrontational methods to achieve self-rule.

Solution:

Non-Cooperation Movement: Various Forms Across India

The Non-Cooperation Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, aimed to resist British rule in India through non-violent means. It took various forms in different parts of India, depending on the local circumstances and the people involved. The movement united millions of Indians, transcending regional, religious, and class boundaries. Some of the key forms of the movement include:

1. Boycott of Foreign Goods

One of the most widespread forms of protest was the boycott of foreign goods, especially British-made textiles. People burned foreign clothes and promoted the use of Khadi (hand-spun cloth), a symbol of self-reliance. Markets were flooded with Khadi, and many Indian shops stopped selling British goods. The message was clear: "Atmanirbhar" or self-reliance, to weaken British economic control.

2. Boycott of Government Schools and Colleges

Students and teachers, inspired by Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation, left government schools and colleges. Nationalist institutions were set up to replace them, aiming to foster a spirit of independence. This boycott was particularly successful in places like Bengal, where nationalist sentiment was strong.

3. Boycott of Legislative Councils

Gandhi urged Indians to resign from government positions and avoid participating in legislative councils, which were part of the British government structure. This was intended to delegitimize British authority in India and show that Indians were no longer willing to cooperate with colonial rule.

4. Non-Cooperation with British Courts

People were asked not to participate in British courts. Lawyers like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru gave up their lucrative legal practices, and a large number of cases went unheard. In some areas, people also set up their own systems of justice based on traditional customs.

5. Civil Disobedience in Rural Areas

In rural areas, peasants, particularly in places like Champaran, Bardoli, and Kheda, led movements against oppressive taxes and the exploitation by landlords. People defied the British-imposed tax collection and refused to cooperate with authorities. This was a form of passive resistance against colonial policies.

6. Swaraj and Self-Government

In several parts of India, people formed local self-government bodies, called "Swaraj committees," to replace the British administration. These committees took charge of local issues, schools, and welfare activities, thereby asserting Indian autonomy in everyday life. This was most prominent in places like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

Understanding of Gandhiji Among the People

Gandhi's message resonated deeply with a wide section of Indian society. His idea of non-violence (Ahimsa) and his call for unity against British oppression were simple yet powerful. The people understood Gandhiji as a leader who not only fought for political freedom but also addressed social issues like untouchability, poverty, and the empowerment of women. His leadership united people across various strata of society, from peasants to intellectuals, and gave them a common cause to rally behind. His emphasis on peaceful protest rather than violent confrontation made the movement accessible to everyone, including women and children, who played an important role in protests and boycotts.

Solution:

Why did Gandhiji choose to break the salt law?

Gandhiji chose to break the salt law because it was a symbol of British oppression. The salt tax was highly unpopular, as it affected even the poorest people in India. The British government had imposed a monopoly on the production and sale of salt, forcing Indians to buy salt only from the government, and at a high price. Salt was an essential item in everyday life, and the tax was seen as unjust and exploitative.

By breaking the salt law, Gandhiji aimed to challenge British authority and unite the Indian people in non-violent resistance. The Salt March (Dandi March) in 1930 was a direct act of defiance against this law. Gandhiji's decision to break the salt law was also a way to mobilize Indians across the country and to bring attention to the broader issue of British colonial rule.

Solution:

Developments of the 1937–47 Period That Led to the Creation of Pakistan

During the period between 1937 and 1947, several important political and social developments took place, which ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan. These developments were shaped by the demands and actions of the Muslim League, as well as the changing dynamics between the Indian National Congress and the British colonial rulers.

1. The Growth of Muslim Political Consciousness

In the early 20th century, the All India Muslim League was formed to represent the interests of Muslims in India. However, it was during the 1930s that the League, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, began to advocate for a separate nation for Muslims. The fear of being politically marginalized in a future independent India dominated by Hindus led to the demand for a separate state for Muslims.

2. The Lahore Resolution (1940)

In March 1940, the All India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution. This resolution called for the creation of separate states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India. It marked the formal demand for Pakistan and signified a turning point in Muslim political strategy.

3. The Failure of the Congress-League Cooperation

Throughout the 1930s and early 1940s, the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League attempted to work together to achieve self-rule for India. However, these efforts failed, primarily due to differences over representation and the structure of government in a future independent India. The Congress, dominated by Hindu leaders, did not fully accommodate Muslim political aspirations, leading the League to distance itself from the Congress and pursue its own path.

4. The Impact of World War II

World War II (1939-1945) played a significant role in the independence movement. The British were weakened by the war and were no longer able to maintain tight control over India. During the war, the Congress launched the Quit India Movement (1942), demanding an immediate end to British rule. The Muslim League, on the other hand, supported the British in exchange for political concessions for Muslims. This difference in approach further deepened the divide between the two major political parties.

5. The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)

In 1946, the British government sent the Cabinet Mission to India to resolve the constitutional deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League. The plan proposed a federal structure with considerable autonomy for provinces. While the Congress agreed to the plan, the Muslim League felt that it did not offer enough protection for Muslim interests. This led the League to demand direct action to achieve the creation of Pakistan.

6. Direct Action Day (1946)

On August 16, 1946, the Muslim League called for Direct Action Day to press for the demand of Pakistan. This led to widespread communal riots, particularly in Bengal and Bihar. The violence escalated tensions between Hindus and Muslims and showed the deep divisions in Indian society, further highlighting the necessity for a separate Muslim state.

7. The Partition and Independence of India (1947)

In the aftermath of the Direct Action Day violence and growing communal unrest, the British decided to partition India. The Mountbatten Plan, which was accepted by both the Congress and the Muslim League, led to the creation of two separate states—India and Pakistan—in August 1947. Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims, while India remained a secular state with a Hindu majority.

Solution:

National Movement in [Your City/District/Area/State]

The national movement in [Your City/District/Area/State] was an important part of the broader struggle for Indian independence from British rule. It involved various local leaders, social reformers, and common people, who participated in different phases of the national movement. The participants in the movement came from various sections of society, including farmers, workers, students, and intellectuals.

The movement in this area was led by prominent leaders such as [Name of Local Leader 1], [Name of Local Leader 2], and sometimes, national figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose had influence in mobilizing support. Local leaders often worked closely with the Indian National Congress (INC) and other organizations like the All India Muslim League or the Socialist groups to organize protests and raise awareness.

The key events that took place in this region during the national movement included [mention significant local events such as Salt March, Quit India Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement, etc.]. These events were significant in mobilizing the local population to join the freedom struggle. The participants actively engaged in non-violent protests, boycotts of British goods, and strikes against colonial policies.

The movement in [Your City/District/Area/State] achieved several milestones, such as [mention any specific outcomes like educational reforms, local independence movements, or participation in major national movements]. The struggle in this area helped spread the message of national unity, resistance against colonial oppression, and the fight for self-rule. It also contributed to the overall success of India's struggle for independence in [year of independence].

Solution:

Life and Work of Two Leaders in the National Movement

1. Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent leader in the Indian freedom struggle, known for his strong patriotism and leadership. Born in 1865 in Punjab, Lajpat Rai was deeply influenced by the social reform movements of his time. He was an active member of the Indian National Congress and worked relentlessly to unite the people of India against British colonial rule. Lajpat Rai is famously known as 'Punjab Kesari' or 'Lion of Punjab' due to his fierce opposition to British policies. He was one of the key leaders who led protests against the Simon Commission in 1928, which was set up by the British government without any Indian representation. During this protest, Lala Lajpat Rai was severely injured in a police baton charge, and he later succumbed to his injuries. His sacrifice became a symbol of the struggle for freedom and inspired many future freedom fighters. Apart from his role in the national movement, Lajpat Rai was also a social reformer. He worked towards promoting education and fought against the caste system and untouchability. His contributions to Indian society and the national movement continue to be remembered and honored.

2. Subhas Chandra Bose

Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, was one of the most influential leaders of the Indian freedom struggle. Born in 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, Bose was an ardent nationalist who believed in the need for a more aggressive approach to attaining independence from British rule. He was an early member of the Indian National Congress but became disillusioned with its leadership and their policies of non-violence. Bose's leadership qualities came to the fore when he became the President of the Indian National Congress in 1938 and 1939. However, his differences with the Congress leadership, especially Mahatma Gandhi, led him to resign from the post. Determined to secure India's independence, Bose sought international support and, during World War II, sought help from Axis powers like Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. He formed the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army), which aimed to liberate India through armed struggle. Bose's efforts inspired millions of Indians to take part in the freedom movement. Although he could not achieve his goal of freeing India during his lifetime, his legacy as a courageous and determined leader lives on. His famous slogan, "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom," continues to inspire generations of Indians.