Focus On Solutions for ICSE Class 8 History Civics Chapter 10 Struggle For Freedom Ii

I. Fill in the blanks:

1. The Swaraj Party was led by CR. Das and Motilal Nehru.
2. All India Trade Union Congress was founded by N.M. Joshi in 1920.
3. The Quit India Movement took place in the year 1942.
4. Congress Socialist Party was formed in 1934.
5. The chairman of the Simon Commission was Sir John Simon.
6. The Congress session of March 1940 was presided over by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
7. Subhash Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc in 1939.
8. “Dilli Chalo” and “Jai Hind” were two slogans given to us by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
9. Lord Mountbatten came to India in 1947 as Viceroy.
These facts cover the important leaders and organizations that shaped India’s path to independence. Learning these names and dates helps us create a timeline of our history.
Teacher's Tip: Create a "Freedom Timeline" on a chart paper to remember these dates easily.
Exam Tip: Always double-check the spellings of names like "Subhash Chandra Bose" and "Mountbatten" to avoid losing marks.

II. Match the contents of Column A and Column B:
 

Column A
1. Lord Mountbatten
2. ‘Do or Die’
3. Revolt of Royal Indian Navy
4. Subhash Chandra Bose resigned from Congress presidentship
5. Quit India Movement
6. Azad Hind Fauj
7. Interim government
Column B
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Subhash Chandra Bose
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) Viceroy
(e) 1942
(f) 1939
(g) 1946
Answer: 
1. Lord Mountbatten - (d) Viceroy
2. ‘Do or Die’ - (c) Mahatma Gandhi
3. Revolt of Royal Indian Navy - (g) 1946
4. Subhash Chandra Bose resigned from Congress presidentship - (f) 1939
5. Quit India Movement - (e) 1942
6. Azad Hind Fauj - (b) Subhash Chandra Bose
7. Interim government - (a) Jawaharlal Nehru
This exercise connects key figures and events to their specific years and roles. It helps students understand which leader was responsible for which major movement.
Teacher's Tip: Link slogans like "Do or Die" directly to the Quit India Movement to remember the year 1942.
Exam Tip: In the exam, write the full matching pairs side-by-side rather than just drawing lines.

III. State whether the following statements are True or False:

1. The Charkha was a symbol of progress.
Answer: True.

2. The Congress participated in the first Round Table Conference.
Answer: False.

3. The Congress swept the polls in 8 provinces in the 1937 elections.
Answer: True.

4. Sir Stafford Cripps was an American officer sent to India.
Answer: False.

5. Netaji started the Quit India movement.
Answer: False.

6. It was because of British presence in India that the country was made a target for Japanese attack.
Answer: True.

7. Netaji was the commander of the Indian National Army.
Answer: True.

8. In 1956, the British government announced its decision to quit India.
Answer: False.

These statements test your knowledge of specific details regarding the freedom struggle and international relations. Understanding these helps clarify common misconceptions about the era.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that the Quit India Movement was started by Gandhiji, not Netaji.
Exam Tip: Read each statement carefully; for example, the British decided to quit India in 1947, not 1956.

IV. Answer the following questions:

Question 1: Discuss the main aspects of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer: The growing antagonism of the Indians towards the British led to Khilafat and Non Cooperation Movement. Gandhiji looked upon the Khilafat agitation as an opportunity of uniting Hindus and Muslims as would not arise in a hundred years. The Noncooperation Movement was named so because it decided not to cooperate with the Government by renunication of titles, boycott of legislature, resigning from government jobs, lawyers leaving courts, students leaving British schools and colleges, boycott of British Goods and other activities. People refused to pay taxes, no longer recognising government as legitimate.
The movement was designed to paralyze the British administration by refusing to work within their systems. It encouraged Indians to become self-reliant and proud of their own national identity.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "Non-Cooperation" simply as "Not helping the British run the country."
Exam Tip: List the types of boycotts (titles, jobs, schools, goods) to score higher marks for detail.

Question 2: How and when did the Civil Disobedience Movement start? How did the government suppress it?
Answer: Civil Disobedience Movement was started on 12 March, 1930 when Gandhiji marched from his Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat to Dandi (375 km from Ahmedabad). He carried on this march with 78 followers to break the Salt Law. He defied this law by picking up a handful of Salt formed by the evaporation of Sea water.
This gave a start to the Civil Disobedience movement all over the country. Women also participated in this movement. It spread as far as N.W. Frontier province where it was led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan who is popularly known as the Frontier Gandhi. The Government tried to suppress it with a stern hand. The British declared the congress illegal. There was uprising all over the country followed by refusal to pay Chaukidari Tax and defiance of forest law. Lakhs of Indians offered Satyagraha. Foreign goods were boycotted and peasants refused to pay.
This movement proved that even a basic item like salt could become a powerful symbol of protest against unfair laws. It united people across different regions and backgrounds under a single cause.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Dandi" as the "Salt March" to remember why the movement started.
Exam Tip: Mention the specific date (March 12, 1930) and the nickname "Frontier Gandhi" for extra points.

Question 3: Why did the Congress pass the Quit India Resolution? How did the government react to it?
Answer: The All India Congress Committe met at Bombay on August 8, 1942 and passed the Quit India Resolution. After the Cripps Mission failed, this great Mass struggle for Independence was launched by the Congress. It was the greatest mass challenge to the British authority. It shook the foundations of the British Rule.
Gandhiji declared, “I therefore want freedom immediately, this very night before dawn if it can be had.” He also gave a mantra ‘Do or Die”. He said ‘We shall either free India or die in the attempt.’
The movement was the greatest mass challenge to the British authority. It shook the foundations of the British rule in India and showed the British that the masses had immense capacity to suffer and die for the cause of freedom. The government soon arrested all leaders and declared Congress illegal. The government resorted to stern measures to suppress the movement.
This movement was a turning point because it showed the British that Indians would settle for nothing less than full independence. It was a final, desperate cry for freedom during the difficult times of World War II.
Teacher's Tip: Link the slogan "Do or Die" exclusively to the Quit India Movement of 1942.
Exam Tip: Quote Gandhiji's "Do or Die" mantra exactly as it is shown to demonstrate accuracy.

Question 4: Discuss the main features of the Government of India Act, 1935.
Answer: The Act provided for the establishment of an All India Federation. There was to be a bicameral federal Legislature.
1. Only 14 per cent of the total population in British India was given the right to vote.
2. The federal legislature was denied any real power. Defence and Foreign Affairs remained outside its control while the viceroy retained special control over the other subjects.
3. A new system of government was to be organised in provinces on the basis of provincial autonomy. Ministers responsible to the provincial assemblies were to control all departments of administration.
4. But the Governors were given the powers to veto any legislation and also to legislate on their own. Governors also retained full control over the civil service and the police.
5. The Viceroy and the Governors were to be appointed by the British Government and were to be responsible to it.
This Act was a step toward self-governance, but it still kept significant authority in British hands. It laid the groundwork for the parliamentary system India uses today.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the number "14%" to describe how limited the voting rights were at that time.
Exam Tip: Use the numbered points exactly as they are to clearly present the features of the Act.

Question 5: Why did India accept the partition proposal even though it did not accept the two-nation theory?
Answer: Lord Mountbatten came to India in March 1947 as the new viceroy. He presented a plan for the division of India into two independent states India and Pakistan. In 1946 there had been communal riots in Bihar, Bengal and many other places. When partition was announced, more riots took place especially in Punjab. Thousands of people were killed and many more were rendered homeless.
The Congress agreed to the plan of partition not because of any faith in the two nation theory but because it felt that there was no other way to achieve freedom and prevent and destruction.
Partition was accepted as a last resort to stop the widespread violence and bloodshed between communities. The leaders believed that separating the nations was the only way to ensure future peace and immediate independence.
Teacher's Tip: Think of partition as a "necessary sacrifice" made by leaders to stop the communal riots.
Exam Tip: Clearly state that the Congress did NOT believe in the theory, but accepted the plan only for peace.

Question 6: Discuss the contribution of INA in the freedom struggle.
Answer: The Indian National Army was formed with a aim to get freedom from British rule. It comprised Indian prisoners of war. Subhash Chandra Bose became the Supreme Commander of the INA. He gave slogan’ Dilli Chalo’ and ‘Jai Hind’. In 1943 Netaji proclaimed the formation of Azad Hind Fauj in Singapore. He proceeded to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which the Japanese had taken from the British and hoisted India’s flag there. He then conquered Imphal and Kohima. But the victory was short lived. Britain reestablished control over Burma. The INA was defeated. Japan surrendered after the atom bomb attacks.
The INA's struggle proved that Indians were willing to fight militarily for their independence outside of the non-violence movement. It inspired millions of Indians and created a sense of fear among the British rulers.
Teacher's Tip: Connect the INA with the slogan "Jai Hind" and the city of Singapore.
Exam Tip: Mention the names of conquered places like Andaman, Nicobar, Imphal, and Kohima for a complete answer.

Question 7: Discuss the main clauses of the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
Answer: Main clauses of the Indian Independence Act of 1947:
1. Two independent dominions, namely India and Pakistan, shall be set up on August 15, 1947 Pakistan was to be comprised of Sind, Baluchistan N.W.F.P, the West Punjab and East Bengal. Rest of the territories were to be included in India.
2. The British Government was to have no control over the affairs of the dominions after August 15, 1947 and world transfer all powers to the Assemblies of India and Pakistan.
3. The office of the Viceroy was to end forth with and replaced by a separate Governor- General for each dominion.
4. The Constituent Assemblies of both the Dominions would frame their respective Constitutions and would decide whether to stay with the British commonwealth or not.
5. The Constituent Assembly of each Dominion shall exercise the power of the Central Legislatures.
6. The Legislature of each of the new Dominions shall have full powers to make laws for that Dominion.
7. The right of the king to veto laws was given up. This right was given to the Governor-General.
8. Till the new Constitution was framed, each of the dominion and all Provinces were to be governed in accordance with the Act of 1935.
9. The states would have the choice to join with either of the dominions or to retain their independence.
10. The Governor-General was given the powers to modify or adopt the Government of India Act, 1935 by March 31, 1948.
11. The office of the Secretary of State for India was to be abolished.
12. Agreements with the tribes of the NWFP were to be negotiated by the Dominion concerned.
This Act was the legal document that officially ended British rule and created the modern nations of India and Pakistan. It provided the framework for how the new governments would function until they wrote their own constitutions.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that August 15, 1947, is the key date that set everything in motion.
Exam Tip: Try to memorize at least the first five points as they are the most significant for the creation of the two nations.

V. Picture study: Look at the picture given below.

Which conference is in progress.
Answer: Second Round Table Conference.

1. When and where was this conference held?
Answer: It was held in London in 1931.

2. Who were the main participants in this conference?
Answer: It was attended by Agha Khan, B.R. Ambedkar, Madan Mohan Malviya and Gandhiji among others.

3. What was the result of this conference?
Answer: There was no conclusion again at the conference and it ended in a failure
This conference was a significant attempt to discuss India's future constitution directly with British leaders. Although it failed, it highlighted the different viewpoints among Indian leaders and the British government.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that Gandhiji only attended the Second Round Table Conference, not the first or third.
Exam Tip: Be sure to specify "London" and "1931" when asked about the location and time.

Additional Questions

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. Gandhi spent about 22 years in South Africa as a practicing lawyer.
2. Under Gandhiji leadership, the Indian national movement was transformed into a mass movement.
3. To protest against the arrest of their leaders, a public meeting was held at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar in the year 1919.
4. After the British brutalities in Amritsar, Gandhiji declared that it would be a sin to co-operate with the satanic government.
5. At the Lahore session of the Congress in 1929, Poorna Swaraj was declared as its goal.
These blanks highlight Gandhiji's early life and the major turning points that led him to challenge the British. These events helped move the movement from elite circles to the common people.
Teacher's Tip: Associate "1929" with "Poorna Swaraj" (Complete Independence).
Exam Tip: Ensure you know that "Poorna Swaraj" means "Complete Independence."

B. Match the following:

Column A
1. Gandhiji
2. Charkha
3. Jallianwala Bagh
4. Dandi March
5. Non-cooperation Movement
Column B
(a) Symbol of swadeshi
(b) Boycott of British goods
(c) Salt Satyagraha
(d) 13 April 1919
(e) Truth and non-violence
Answer:
1. Gandhiji - (e) Truth and non-violence
2. Charkha - (a) Symbol of swadeshi
3. Jallianwala Bagh - (d) 13 April 1919
4. Dandi March - (c) Salt Satyagraha
5. Non-cooperation Movement - (b) Boycott of British goods
These matches link the most iconic symbols and dates of the freedom struggle. They represent the core philosophies and protests used by Indian nationalists.
Teacher's Tip: Use the word "Swadeshi" to remember the "Charkha."
Exam Tip: Always remember the exact date of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre: 13 April 1919.

C. Choose the correct answer:

1. Gandhiji studied law in England/South Africa/France.
Answer: Gandhiji studied law in England.

2. Gandhiji organized a workers strike against the exploitative Indian mill owners in Ahmedabad/Kheda/Champaran.
Answer: Gandhiji organized a workers strike against the exploitative Indian mill owners in Ahmedabad.

3. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhiji in 1920/1930/1940.
Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhiji in 1920.

4. A resolution declaring ‘Poorna Swaraj’ was declared as its goal at the Lahore/Surat/Bombay session of the Congress.
Answer: A resolution declaring ‘Poorna Swaraj’ was declared as its goal at the Lahore session of the Congress.

5. The Non-Cooperation Movement/Civil Disobedience Movement/ Quit India Movement was started with the Salt Satyagraha in 1930.
Answer: The Civil Disobedience Movement was started with the Salt Satyagraha in 1930.
These multiple-choice questions test your ability to distinguish between very similar events and locations. Precision in dates and places is key to understanding history.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "Ahmedabad" specifically for the "Mill Strike."
Exam Tip: Cross out the wrong options first to find the correct answer easily.

D. State whether the following are true or false:

1. Gandhiji did not have faith in the capacity of the common masses.
Answer: False. Gandhiji have immense faith in the capacity of the common masses.

2. In 1919, General Dyer had issued an order banning all public meetings.
Answer: True.

3. The Non-Cooperation Movement had ended in failure after the Chauri Chaura incident.
Answer: True.

4. Independence Day was celebrated on 26 January in 1930.
Answer: True.

5. Sarojini Naidu was one of the leaders of the Civil disobedience Movement
Answer: True.

These statements help you understand the motivations behind Gandhiji's actions and the rules imposed by the British. They also highlight important dates in our national journey.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that 26 January was originally celebrated as Independence Day before 1947.
Exam Tip: If a statement is false, try to remember the correct fact to strengthen your knowledge.

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

Question 1: What technique of resistance did Gandhiji evolve in South Africa? What was its basic principle?
Answer: Gandhiji became the leader of a struggle against racial injustice in South Africa. During the struggle, he evolved a technique known as satyagraha which was later applied to the Indian National Movement.
Satyagraha is based on the power of truth and the need to search for truth. It suggests that if the cause is true, there is no need for physical force to fight the oppressor.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Satyagraha as "Truth-Force."
Exam Tip: Mention both "Truth" and "Non-violence" as the twin pillars of Satyagraha.

Question 2: Why did Gandhiji lead campaigns in (a) Champaran (b) Kheda?
Answer: (a) Champaran - Gandhiji championed the cause of the tenant farmers of Champaran district against the oppression of the British indigo planters. The movement was a success and the peasants received compensation. (b) Kheda - Gandhiji advised and convinced the cultivators of Kheda district to stop paying land revenue to the government because the crops had failed. The peasant’s demand for remission of land tax was accepted by the government.
These early campaigns showed Gandhiji's commitment to the poor and marginalized people of India. They also proved that non-violent protest could actually achieve results against the British.
Teacher's Tip: Link "Indigo" to "Champaran" and "Crop Failure" to "Kheda."
Exam Tip: Keep the answers for (a) and (b) distinct and clear.

Question 3: Which incident marked the end of the Non-Cooperation Movement and when?
Answer: The Chauri Chaura incident in 1922 marked an end of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
This event involved a violent clash where a police station was set on fire, killing twenty-two policemen. Gandhiji called off the movement because he believed it was turning violent, which went against his principles.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that Gandhiji valued non-violence above all, even above political victory.
Exam Tip: Mention the year 1922 to ensure your answer is complete.

Question 4: Under whose leadership was the Lahore session of the Congress held in 1929? What resolution was passed in this session?
Answer: In December 1929, the Indian National Congress met in Lahore under the youthful and dynamic leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru. The Congress passed a resolution declaring ‘Poorna Swaraj’ or ‘Complete Independence’ as its goal. 26 January 1930 was fixed as ‘Independence Day’.
This session was historic because it shifted the goal of the Congress from self-rule to total independence from the British. It gave the freedom struggle a clear and final objective.
Teacher's Tip: Associate "Poorna Swaraj" with the banks of the River Ravi in Lahore.
Exam Tip: State clearly that "Poorna Swaraj" means "Complete Independence."

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: With reference to Gandhiji, discuss his views on the following:
(a) Truth and non-violence
(b) Hindu-Muslim unity
(c) Social justice
Answer:
(a) Satyagraha is a combination of two Sanskrit words-satya (truth) and agraha (eagerness). Satyagraha is based on the twin principles of truth and non-violence. A satyagrahi was one who firmly believed in truth and nonviolence and who would resist evil at all costs. A satyagrahi was peaceful, fearless and strong. He/She would have evil but not the ‘evil doer’. In the fight for justice and truth, the satyagrahi would willingly accept suffering and be ready to make sacrifices. The suffering and patience of the satyagrahi was expected to bring about a change of heart in the enemy. The idea behind satyagraha was not to destroy the enemy but the transform and enlighten him. Gandhiji insisted on non-violent methods of struggle. He believed that non-violence was the weapon of the strong and could be effectively used to resist armed attacks by the enemy. A satyagrahi was expected to follow peaceful methods even under extreme provocation.
(b) Gandhiji was a devout Hindu and a passionate believer in the equality of all religions. He was convinced that the path to India’s salvation lay in Hindu-Muslim unity. Gandhiji lived and died for the cause of Hindu-Muslim unity.
(c) Gandhiji was a great believer in social justice. He championed the cause of the poor and the downtrodden, the emancipation of women and improvement of the conditions of the lower caste ‘untouchables’ whom he called ‘Harijans’, i.e., children of God. He worked tirelessly to remove prejudices and change the mindset of the people. He believed that political freedom was meaningless without social reforms.
Gandhiji's philosophy was not just about politics, but about living a life of moral integrity and compassion. He believed that a country could only be truly free if it treated all its citizens with respect and equality.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that for Gandhiji, the "means" (how you fight) were just as important as the "end" (freedom).
Exam Tip: Use the specific terms "Satyagraha" and "Harijans" when explaining these views.

Question 2: In the context of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, answer the following:
(a) Why was a public meeting held in Jallianwala Bagh on 13 April 1919?
(b) Why did the troops open fire on the gathering? What happened as a result of the shooting?
(c) How did the entire nation and Gandhiji react to the events in Amritsar?
Answer:
(a) The British government adopted the policy of repression to crush the anti-British movement against the repressive Rowlatt Act passed by the government in 1919. In some places, particularly in Punjab, the hartals led to violence. Two popular nationalist leaders were arrested in Amritsar. To protest against the arrest of their leaders, a public meeting was held on 13 April 1919 in an enclosed space known as Jallianwala Bagh.
(b) The people were unarmed and peaceful. Unfortunately, they were not aware of the fact that the military commander of Amritsar, General Dyer, had issued an order banning all public meetings. General Dyer surrounded the Bagh with his troops, blocked the only exit and ordered the troops to open fire on the peaceful gathering in the Bagh. The shooting continued till there was no ammunition left. Nearly 400 people were killed and over 1,000 were injured.
(c) Martial law was proclaimed in Punjab. During this period, people were humiliated and tortured. The brutality of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the humiliation and inhuman treatment of the Indians that followed shocked the entire nation. Gandhiji was horrified. He lost all faith in the goodness of the British government and declared that it would be a ‘sin’ to cooperate with the ‘Satanic’ government.
This tragedy became a massive catalyst for the Indian independence movement, turning many moderates into revolutionaries. It showed the world the true, cruel face of British imperial rule.
Teacher's Tip: Link "General Dyer" specifically to the "Jallianwala Bagh Massacre."
Exam Tip: Mention the "Rowlatt Act" as the background reason for the protests.

Question 3: In the context of the Non-Cooperation Movement, answer the following questions:
(a) Discuss the programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
(b) Why did Gandhiji abruptly suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement?
(c) State the significance of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Answer:
(a) Programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement:
1. Boycott of foreign goods.
2. Boycott of government schools, colleges, law courts, legislatures and all British institutions.
3. Boycott of elections and government functions. 4. Renunciation of titles and honours awarded by the British.
(b) Early in 1922, a procession of peasants were fired upon by the police at Chauri-Chaura a village in U.P. The people reacted violently and burnt down the Chauri-Chaura police station. Twenty-two policemen were killed. Gandhiji immediately called off the movement.
(c) The Non-cooperation Movement was a significant phase of the Indian struggle for freedom from British Rule. This movement which lasted from 1920 to 1922 was led by Mohandas Gandhi and supported by the Indian National Congress. It aimed to resist British occupation of India through non-violent means. Protestors would refuse to buy British goods, adopt the use of local handicrafts and try to uphold the values of Indian honour and integrity. The Gandhian ideals of ahimsa or non-violence, and his ability to rally hundreds of thousands of common citizens toward the cause of Indian Independence, were first seen on a large scale in this movement.
This movement was the first time the common people of India felt they had the power to challenge the British Empire together. It changed the freedom struggle from a small protest into a massive, national wave.
Teacher's Tip: Use the term "Mass Movement" to describe the scale of Non-Cooperation.
Exam Tip: Be clear that the movement was suspended due to "violence" at Chauri-Chaura.

Question 4: In the context of the Civil Disobedience Movement, answer the following:
(a) Give an account of the Salt Satyagraha.
(b) How did the government react to the movement?
(c) What impact did the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) have on the nation?
Answer:
(a) The Salt Satyagraha began with the historic Dandi March. Gandhiji set out from Sabarmati Ashram with 78 followers, on a 385-km journey to the coastal village of Dandi. Thousands of people joined him on the way. On his arrival in Dandi, he picked up a handful of salt from the beach. This act symbolized defiance of the salt law. It was a signal for every Indian to violate the salt law. Throughout India, people began to manufacture salt and sell it openly.
(b) The government suppressed the movement with force and brutality, Gandhiji, Nehru and all other important leaders were arrested. Hundreds of people were injured or killed in lathi charges and police firing. Over 90,000 people were imprisoned.
(c) Civil Disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government, or of an occupying international power. Civil Disobedience is usually but not always, defined as being non-violent resistance. Civil Disobedience is one of the many ways people have rebelled against what they deem to be unfair laws. It has been used in many well-documented nonviolent resistance movement in India.
The movement showed that even simple, everyday things like salt could be used to resist a mighty empire. It proved that millions of Indians were now ready to go to jail for their freedom.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the specific number of followers (78) who started the Dandi March.
Exam Tip: Mention the "90,000 prisoners" to show the massive scale of the British crackdown.

G Picture study:

1. Identify the person.
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi

2. What method did he use in the Indian struggle for freedom?
Answer: Gandhiji used ‘Satyagraha’ in the Indian struggle for freedom. Satyagraha is based on the twin principal of truth and non violence.

3. What are the principles on which his method is based?
Answer: Gandhiji Method of Struggle ‘Satyagraha’ is a combination of two Sanskrit words: satya (truth) and agraha (eagerness). It is based on the twin principles of truth and non violence. The suffering and patience of the satyagrahi was expected to bring about a change of heart in the enemy. The idea behind satyagraha was not to destroy the enemy but to transform and enlighten him.

4. Why is he called the leader of the masses?
Answer: Gandhiji had immense faith in the capacity of the common people to struggle against oppression. Under his leadership, the Indian national movement was transformed into a mass movement.

5. Mention the features of his non-violent struggle against the British.
Answer:
1. Peaceful demonstration
2. Defiance of unjust British laws
3. Boycott of British goods, institutions and services.
4. The use of the charkha and khadi to promote self-reliance and the swadeshi spirit.
5. Non-payment of the oppressive taxes. The idea was to bring the government to a standstill.
Gandhiji's methods were unique because they relied on moral strength rather than physical weapons. He believed that the heart of the enemy could be changed through peaceful sacrifice.
Teacher's Tip: Associate the "Charkha" with Gandhiji's idea of self-reliance (Swadeshi).
Exam Tip: When explaining "Satyagraha," always mention that it means "holding onto truth."