CBSE Class 10 History Important Questions - Chapter 2 Nationalism in India

1. Jawaharlal Nehru created the design for the Swaraj flag in 1921. Is it true or false?

a) False

b) True

Ans: a) False 

2. Who was one of the Swaraj Party's founding members?

a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

b) C.R. Das

c) Maulana Azad

d) Jawahar Lal Nehru

Ans: b) C.R. Das

3. What would you have done in 1920, if you were an Uttar Pradesh peasant, in response to Gandhiji's cry for Swaraj? Explain your reasoning for your answer.

Ans:

• If I were a peasant in Uttar Pradesh in 1920, I would have responded positively to Gandhiji’s call for Swaraj. As a peasant, I faced heavy taxation, oppressive landlord practices, and poor living conditions. 

• Gandhiji’s message of non-violence and civil disobedience offered a peaceful way to resist British rule and exploitation by landlords. 

• Participating in the Swaraj movement would give me hope for fair treatment, a reduction in taxes, and the possibility of owning the land I worked on. 

• Gandhiji’s emphasis on self-reliance and local self-governance also promised a better, more just future for me and my family.

4. Learn about further National Movement members who were apprehended and executed by the British. Is there another instance from the national struggle in Indo-China that comes to mind?

Ans: 

• During the Indian National Movement, many participants were captured and executed by the British. 

• One notable example is Bhagat Singh, who, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, was hanged in 1931 for his involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case and the killing of British officer J.P. Saunders.

• A similar example from the national movement in Indo-China (Chapter 2) is Nguyen Van Troi, a Vietnamese revolutionary who was captured and executed by the South Vietnamese government (supported by the United States) in 1964. 

• He was involved in an assassination attempt on U.S. Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara. His execution made him a martyr and a symbol of resistance in Vietnam.

5. What are the Non-Cooperation Movement's three root causes?

Ans: 

• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The brutal killing of hundreds of unarmed Indians by British troops in Amritsar in 1919 outraged the Indian population and highlighted the oppressive nature of British rule.

• Rowlatt Act: This act, passed in 1919, allowed the British government to imprison any Indian without trial, leading to widespread anger and protests against the violation of civil liberties.

• Khilafat Movement: The movement, led by Indian Muslims, protested against the disintegration of the Ottoman Caliphate by the British after World War I. Gandhi saw an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims in a common cause against British rule.

6. What does Mahatma Gandhi mean when he talks about non-cooperation?

Ans:

• Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Non-Cooperation was a strategy for resisting British rule through peaceful and non-violent means. It involved the deliberate refusal to cooperate with the British authorities and their institutions. 

• Key elements of this strategy included boycotting British goods, institutions, and services, withdrawing from government schools, courts, and legislative councils, and refusing to pay taxes. 

• The goal was to undermine the British administration and demonstrate India's desire for self-governance, while maintaining a strict commitment to non-violence (ahimsa) and civil disobedience.

7. Why did different Indian social classes and organisations take part in the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Ans:

• They joined the movement to protest against high taxes and oppressive landlord practices. They hoped for the abolition of land revenue systems and a reduction in taxes.

• Indian merchants and industrialists supported the movement to oppose British economic policies that restricted their trade and businesses. They sought protection from foreign competition and greater economic opportunities.

• Educated professionals and students participated in demanding political rights and democratic governance. They were influenced by nationalist ideas and sought greater representation in government.

• Women participated to fight for their rights and to support the nationalist cause. Their involvement also challenged traditional gender roles and aimed at achieving greater social equality.

• Tribals joined the movement to oppose the British policies that affected their traditional rights over forests and lands. They sought the restoration of their customary rights and autonomy.

8. A few leaders in Congress were hesitant to start the Non-Cooperation Movement. What caused that to happen?

Ans:

• They were concerned about the potential for severe British repression and the consequences it could have on the people participating in the movement. They feared mass arrests, violence, and possible loss of life.

• There was scepticism about the ability to mobilize the masses effectively and maintain non-violent discipline among such a large number of people. They doubted whether ordinary citizens could consistently adhere to the principle of non-violence.

• Some leaders worried about the economic impact of boycotting British goods and institutions, especially on the Indian economy and people’s livelihoods. They were concerned that it could lead to economic hardships for many Indians.

• There were differences in political strategies and goals within the Congress. Some leaders preferred a more moderate approach, focusing on constitutional reforms and gradual progress rather than mass civil disobedience.

9. What is the connection between the anti-colonial struggle and the rise of nationalism in the colonies? Describe.

Ans:

• The colonial rule often involved economic exploitation, political domination, and cultural suppression. The shared experience of oppression by a foreign power fostered a sense of unity and common identity among the colonised people.

• Nationalism in the colonies was driven by the desire for self-governance and independence. The colonised people sought to reclaim control over their territories and political systems, rejecting foreign rule.

• Nationalist movements often aimed to revive and protect indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions that were suppressed or marginalised by colonial powers. This cultural resurgence was integral to building a collective national identity.

• The economic policies of colonial rulers often favoured the interests of the colonisers at the expense of the local population. Nationalist movements highlighted these economic injustices and mobilised people to fight for economic independence and reforms.

• The success of nationalist and anti-colonial movements in other parts of the world inspired colonised people to fight for their liberation. They drew lessons from the struggles and achievements of other nations.

10. How did the Non-Cooperation Movement affect the economy?

Ans:

• The widespread boycott of British goods, particularly textiles, led to a substantial decline in their sales. This hit the British economy and forced British industries to reevaluate their policies towards India.

• The boycott encouraged the use of Indian-made goods and promoted indigenous industries. Hand-spun and hand-woven cloth (khadi) became symbols of self-reliance, boosting local textile industries and crafts.

• The refusal to pay taxes and the boycott of British institutions resulted in a decline in British revenue from India. This put financial pressure on the colonial administration.

• The movement disrupted normal trade activities, leading to economic instability. Strikes and boycotts affected both Indian and British-owned businesses, causing a temporary economic slowdown.

• The focus on swadeshi (use of Indian goods) increased support for local businesses and small-scale industries. This helped build a sense of economic independence and national pride among Indians.

11. "People had different interpretations of what the term 'Swaraj' meant." Describe the assertion.

Ans:

• For many peasants, ‘Swaraj’ meant the reduction of taxes and the end of exploitative practices by landlords. They associated it with relief from economic oppression and the ability to own and cultivate their land freely.

• Indian merchants and industrialists viewed ‘Swaraj’ as an opportunity to free themselves from British economic policies that hindered their businesses. They hoped for the protection and promotion of Indian industries and the removal of trade barriers.

• Industrial workers saw ‘Swaraj’ as a means to improve their working conditions, secure better wages, and gain more rights and protections in the workplace.

• For tribal communities, ‘Swaraj’ meant reclaiming their traditional rights over forests and lands, which were often restricted by British policies. They sought autonomy and freedom from external control.

• Many women interpreted ‘Swaraj’ as not only political freedom from British rule but also as social and economic liberation. They hoped for greater rights and participation in both public and private spheres.

• Educated professionals and students associated ‘Swaraj’ with the establishment of democratic governance, civil liberties, and legal equality. They aspired for political reforms and greater representation in government.

• Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi saw ‘Swaraj’ as a holistic concept encompassing not only political independence but also moral and social regeneration. Gandhi emphasized self-reliance, ethical living, and non-violence as integral to true ‘Swaraj’.

12. What exactly about the Rowlatt Act infuriated the Indians? Describe.

Ans:

• The Rowlatt Act passed in 1919, allowed the British government to imprison any person suspected of terrorism without trial for up to two years. This denial of basic civil liberties, such as the right to a fair trial and habeas corpus, was seen as a severe injustice.

• The Act permitted the British authorities to conduct secret trials without juries, which meant that accused individuals had little chance of defending themselves. This was perceived as highly arbitrary and oppressive.

• The Act was intended to curb political activities and suppress nationalist movements. Many Indians saw this as an attempt to stifle their legitimate aspirations for self-rule and freedom of expression.

• Many Indians felt betrayed because they had supported the British during World War I with the expectation of gaining greater political freedoms afterwards. Instead, they were faced with more repressive measures.

• The imposition of the Rowlatt Act led to widespread protests across India. The brutal suppression of these protests, most notably the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre where hundreds of unarmed civilians were killed by British troops, further fueled the outrage and resentment among Indians.

13. Is there a reason Gandhiji chose to end the Non-Cooperation Movement? Describe.

Ans:

• The immediate trigger was the violent incident at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh, where a peaceful protest turned violent. Protesters clashed with the police, setting a police station on fire and killing 22 policemen. This incident went against Gandhi's principle of non-violence (ahimsa), which was the cornerstone of the movement.

• Gandhi was deeply committed to non-violence and believed that any deviation from this path would undermine the moral high ground of the movement. He felt that the participants were not ready to maintain non-violence, and continuing the movement could lead to further violence and loss of life.

• Gandhi believed that the movement needed to be reassessed and that the Indian population required more training in non-violent resistance. He wanted to ensure that future movements would be conducted with strict adherence to non-violent principles.

• By withdrawing from the movement, Gandhi aimed to prevent further brutal repression by the British authorities. Continued violent incidents could have led to harsher crackdowns, resulting in more casualties and suffering among Indians.

• Gandhi sought to maintain the moral integrity and ethical foundation of the struggle for independence. He believed that achieving Swaraj (self-rule) through violent means would not result in a just and ethical society.

14. What does the concept of "Satyagraha" mean? Describe.

Ans:

• Central to Satyagraha is the principle of non-violence. Practitioners of Satyagraha resist oppression and injustice without resorting to violence, even when faced with aggression. The idea is to confront the oppressor with peaceful resistance, thereby appealing to their conscience.

• The foundation of Satyagraha is the pursuit of truth. Gandhi believed that truth is a powerful force that can bring about social and political change. By holding firmly to the truth, Satyagrahis (practitioners of Satyagraha) aim to expose the injustice and immorality of the oppressor's actions.

• Satyagraha involves a willingness to endure suffering without retaliation. Gandhi believed that self-suffering has a moral and persuasive power that can transform the hearts and minds of the oppressors and the broader public.

• The goal of Satyagraha is not to defeat the opponent but to win them over through moral persuasion. By demonstrating ethical and principled behaviour, Satyagrahis seek to create a sense of shame and realisation in the oppressor, leading to voluntary change.

• While non-violent, Satyagraha is not passive. It involves active forms of protest such as boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience, aimed at disrupting the status quo and forcing the oppressor to confront the issue at hand.

15. Write an article about the "Jallianwala Baag Massacre" for your newspaper.

Ans: On April 13, 1919, a peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar turned into a horrific tragedy when British troops, under the command of General Dyer, opened fire on thousands of unarmed men, women, and children. The crowd had assembled to protest against the oppressive Rowlatt Act, which allowed the British government to imprison Indians without trial. The narrow exits were blocked, preventing any escape, and the firing continued for ten minutes, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. This brutal act of violence shocked the nation, igniting widespread outrage and becoming a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre remains a stark reminder of the atrocities committed under colonial rule and the resilience of those who fought for freedom.

16. How did the First World War contribute to the expansion of India's National Movement? Describe.

Ans:

• The war led to increased taxation and widespread economic hardship in India. Prices of essential goods skyrocketed, causing suffering among the Indian population. This economic strain fueled discontent and resentment against British rule.

• The British government forcibly recruited Indian soldiers for the war and demanded financial contributions. This coercion, combined with the high casualties suffered by Indian soldiers, heightened anger and disillusionment with British rule.

• The war exposed Indians to global ideas of self-determination and democracy, as the British used these ideals to gain support for the war effort. Indian leaders used these same principles to argue for greater self-governance and political rights, thereby increasing political awareness and mobilisation.

• The war period saw the rise of new leaders, such as Mahatma Gandhi, who returned to India and began to advocate for non-violent resistance and civil disobedience. These leaders galvanised the masses and provided new strategies for the nationalist movement.

• In response to Indian demands for greater self-governance, the British introduced the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms in 1919, which proposed limited self-government. However, the reforms fell short of Indian expectations, leading to increased demand for full independence.

• The post-war period saw the brutal Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indian protesters. This atrocity intensified nationalist sentiments and unified Indians in their struggle against British rule.

17. Compose a "Simon Commission" report for your local newspaper.

Ans: February 3, 1928 - The arrival of the Simon Commission in India sparked widespread protests and outrage across the nation. The Commission, led by Sir John Simon and consisting entirely of British members, was tasked with reviewing constitutional reforms in India. However, its exclusion of any Indian representatives has been seen as a blatant disregard for Indian aspirations and self-governance. In cities such as Bombay, Calcutta, and Lahore, thousands of Indians took to the streets, chanting slogans like "Simon Go Back" and waving black flags as a symbol of rejection. Prominent leaders, including members of the Indian National Congress, have condemned the Commission, demanding full representation and the right to self-determination. The nationwide unrest reflects the growing demand for independence and the rejection of British-imposed reforms. The Simon Commission's reception highlights the increasing unity and resolve among Indians to achieve full sovereignty.

18. Enumerate every social group that participated in the 1921 Non-Cooperation Movement. Then, pick three people, and write about their aspirations and challenges to explain why they decided to join the movement.

Ans:

1. Peasants

2. Business Class

3. Urban Middle Class

4. Students

5. Women

6. Workers

7. Tribal Communities

Peasants:

• Hopes: Peasants joined the Non-Cooperation Movement hoping to end oppressive land taxes and high rents imposed by landlords and the colonial government. They sought relief from exploitative practices and a more just and equitable system of land ownership.

• Struggles: Peasants faced severe economic hardships due to high taxes and exploitation. Many were heavily indebted and struggled to make ends meet. Their participation in the movement was driven by the desire for economic justice and better living conditions.

Business Class:

• Hopes: Indian merchants and industrialists supported the movement to oppose British economic policies that restricted their trade and business opportunities. They aimed for economic independence and protection from foreign competition to grow their enterprises.

• Struggles: The business class faced challenges due to British monopolies and restrictive trade practices. They struggled against discriminatory tariffs and laws that favoured British goods over Indian products. Their participation was fueled by the desire for a level playing field and economic self-reliance.

Women:

• Hopes: Women joined the Non-Cooperation Movement with hopes of gaining social and political rights, as well as contributing to the national cause. They aimed to challenge traditional gender roles and assert their presence in the public and political spheres.

• Struggles: Women faced societal norms that restricted their participation in public life. They struggled against gender discrimination and limited access to education and employment. By joining the movement, they sought to break these barriers and play an active role in the fight for independence.

19. Talk about the Salt March and explain why it served as a powerful symbol of anti-colonial struggle.

Ans:

• The Salt March was based on the simple act of making salt, a commodity essential to every Indian. By defying the British monopoly on salt production and sales, Gandhi highlighted the unjust laws imposed by the colonial regime on necessities.

• The march covered 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi. Along the way, thousands of Indians joined Gandhi, transforming the protest into a mass movement. This mass participation demonstrated the widespread discontent with British rule.

• The Salt March epitomised Gandhi's principle of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha). The peaceful nature of the protest contrasted sharply with the oppressive response of the British authorities, garnering sympathy and support for the Indian cause both domestically and internationally.

• By challenging the salt laws, Gandhi targeted a source of significant revenue for the British government. The mass defiance, including the production and sale of illegal salt, economically undermined the colonial administration.

• The simplicity and moral clarity of the Salt March captured the attention of the global community. International media coverage brought the plight of the Indian people and their struggle for independence to the forefront, increasing pressure on the British government.

20. What caused the political leaders to diverge so much on the issue of distinct electorates?

Ans:

• Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi opposed separate electorates, fearing they would divide the nation and foster communal tensions. He advocated for joint electorates with reserved seats to ensure unity.

• Leaders like B.R. Ambedkar supported separate electorates to ensure minorities, like Dalits and Muslims, had fair representation. They feared majority domination in joint electorates.

• Minority communities felt neglected under majority rule and saw separate electorates as protection for their interests.

• The British promoted separate electorates to divide Indian society and weaken the nationalist movement, a tactic opposed by leaders seeking unity.

• Some leaders believed in a unified, secular nation through joint electorates, while others saw separate electorates as necessary for fair representation in a diverse society.

21. What new economic circumstances had the First World War brought about in India? Give three examples to illustrate.

Ans:

1. Increased Taxes and Prices: The British government increased taxes to fund the war effort, leading to higher revenue demands from Indian citizens. Additionally, the war caused inflation, leading to a sharp rise in the prices of essential goods, making life difficult for the common people.

2. Demand for Raw Materials and Production: The war led to increased demand for raw materials like jute, cotton, and other commodities from India to support the British war effort. This demand boosted certain sectors of the Indian economy but also caused shortages of these goods for local use, affecting everyday life.

3. Industrial Growth and Employment: The disruption of imports from Britain and other countries during the war led to a push for local manufacturing in India. Indian industries, particularly in textiles and steel, saw growth to meet wartime needs, creating new employment opportunities but also leading to exploitative labour practices and harsh working conditions.

22. In what ways were women and wealthy peasants involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Ans:

Rich Peasants:

• Economic Grievances: Rich peasants, particularly from regions like Gujarat and the United Provinces, were burdened by high land revenue demands from the colonial government. They joined the movement to demand the reduction of these taxes.

• Boycott of Revenue Payments: These peasants actively participated in the boycott of revenue payments. They refused to pay taxes and revenues, which directly challenged the economic authority of the British administration.

• Organizing Protests: Rich peasants used their resources and influence to organize and lead local protests, mobilizing other farmers and rural communities to join the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Women:

• Symbol of Nationalism: Women saw their participation as a way to contribute to the national struggle and assert their role in society. They viewed the movement as a fight for both national freedom and social change.

• Public Demonstrations: Women participated in public demonstrations, picketing liquor shops, and foreign cloth stores. They marched in processions, distributed pamphlets, and gave speeches to inspire others to join the cause.

• Domestic Support: Women also played a crucial role in supporting the movement from home by encouraging their family members to participate, making donations to the movement, and spreading the message of non-cooperation within their communities.

23. List the primary components of the "Poona Pact."

Ans:

• Reserved Seats for Depressed Classes: The Poona Pact, agreed upon between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, provided for reserved seats for the Depressed Classes (now known as Scheduled Castes) in provincial legislatures. It allocated 148 seats for them, a significant increase from the 71 seats originally proposed by the British government's Communal Award.

• Joint Electorates: Instead of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes, as proposed in the Communal Award, the Poona Pact introduced a system of joint electorates. This meant that members of the Depressed Classes would be elected by the general electorate but from reserved constituencies.

• Increased Representation: The Pact also provided increased representation for the Depressed Classes in the central legislature, ensuring that their political voice would be stronger within the broader Indian electoral system.

• Primary and Secondary Elections: The Poona Pact introduced a system where primary elections would be held in reserved constituencies for the Depressed Classes to choose four candidates. The general electorate would then elect one of these candidates in the final election. This system aimed to ensure that the elected representatives truly represented the interests of the Depressed Classes.

• Assurances for Social and Economic Upliftment: The Poona Pact included assurances for the social and economic upliftment of the Depressed Classes. It emphasized the need for effective measures to improve their educational and economic conditions, recognizing the importance of addressing social inequalities.

Important Topics of Class 10 History Chapter 2 Nationalism in India

Nationalism in India Class 10 Important Questions include the rise of Indian nationalism in the early 20th century and the impact of major movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement in India's quest for independence.

Benefits of Learning with Class 10 History Chapter 2 Nationalism in India Important Questions 

Studying the important questions from Class 10 History Chapter 2 Important Questions and Answers offers students several benefits.

• Nationalism in India Class 10 Important Questions provides a deep understanding of India's struggle for independence, focusing on pivotal events and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose. 

• It encourages critical thinking by analysing the strategies and ideologies that shaped the nationalist movement, such as non-violence and civil disobedience.

• These questions help in connecting historical events with their broader socio-political contexts, fostering a comprehensive grasp of India's journey towards freedom. 

• Engaging with important questions enhances students' analytical skills and historical awareness, preparing them to appreciate the complexities of India's nationalist history and its relevance to contemporary global issues.

Conclusion 

Nationalism in India Class 10 Important Questions, helps students understand India's fight for independence. Students learn about key leaders, movements, and ideas, and see the different strategies used in the struggle. This knowledge deepens their appreciation of India's history and develops their critical thinking and empathy for the challenges faced by people at that time. Class 10 History Chapter 2 Important Questions and Answers highlights how principles like non-violence and civil disobedience are still relevant in today's world. To prepare for your exams, download the important questions from the chapter 2 of Class 10 History.

Important Study Materials for Class 10 History Chapter 2

CBSE Class 10 History Chapter-wise Important Questions

Additional Study Materials for Class 10 History