Oxford Solutions for ICSE Class 8 History Civics Chapter 14 The Indian National Movement 1917 1934

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

1: Gandhi spent about 22 years in South Africa as a practicing lawyer.
During his time in South Africa, Gandhiji fought against the racial discrimination faced by Indians living there. It was here that he first developed and tested his unique method of non-violent protest known as Satyagraha.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the initials 'SA' for South Africa and 'Satyagraha'.
Exam Tip: Always underline the word you fill in the blank to make your answer clear to the examiner.

2: Under Gandhiji leadership, the Indian national movement was transformed into a mass movement.
Before Gandhiji, the freedom struggle was mostly limited to the educated upper class and urban areas. He successfully brought together peasants, workers, and common people from all over India into the struggle.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Gandhiji as the 'Magnet' who pulled all of India together.
Exam Tip: Check your spelling of 'Gandhiji' as it often appears in fill-in-the-blank questions.

3: To protest against the arrest of their leaders, a public meeting was held at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar in the year 1919.
The meeting was organized to peacefully protest the arrest of Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal under the Rowlatt Act. This event unfortunately led to one of the most tragic massacres in Indian history.
Teacher's Tip: Associate the year 1919 with the tragic '9' in the massacre date.
Exam Tip: Mention both the place and the year if the question asks for the context of the protest.

4: After the British brutalities in Amritsar, Gandhiji declared that it would be a sin to co-operate with the satanic government.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre completely changed Gandhiji's view of British rule in India. He realized that the British government was acting in an evil way and decided to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Teacher's Tip: The word 'satanic' describes something very evil, which is how Gandhi felt about the government then.
Exam Tip: Pay attention to adjectives used by leaders to describe the government in textbook quotes.

5: At the Lahore session of the Congress in 1929, Poorna Swaraj. was declared as its goal.
Poorna Swaraj means 'Complete Independence' from British rule, moving away from the earlier demand for 'Dominion Status'. This session was led by Jawaharlal Nehru and marked a turning point in the struggle.
Teacher's Tip: Connect 'L' for Lahore with 'L' for Liberty (Complete Independence).
Exam Tip: Remember that 'Poorna Swaraj' and 'Complete Independence' mean the same thing in exams.

B. Match the following:

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 represent the core leaders, symbols, events, and methods used during the Indian freedom struggle. Each pair shows how a specific action or tool was used to fight for India's independence.
Teacher's Tip: Use a ruler to draw straight lines or simply write the correct letter next to the number.
Exam Tip: It is always safer to rewrite the full correct pairs instead of just drawing criss-cross lines.

C. Choose the correct answer:

1: Gandhiji studied law in England/South Africa/France.
Answer: Gandhiji studied law in England.
Gandhiji traveled to London in 1888 to pursue his legal education and become a barrister. After finishing his studies there, he returned to India before later moving to South Africa for work.
Teacher's Tip: Remember that he went to England for 'Education'.
Exam Tip: If the question is multiple choice, strike out the wrong options mentally first.

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.
In 1918, Gandhiji intervened in a dispute between cotton mill owners and workers who were demanding a wage hike. This was one of his earliest successful uses of a hunger strike as a form of protest in India.
Teacher's Tip: Connect 'A' for Ahmedabad with 'A' for Ahmedabad Mill Strike.
Exam Tip: Do not confuse Champaran (farmers) with Ahmedabad (mill workers).

3: The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhiji in 1920/1930/1940.
Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhiji in 1920.
This movement was started in response to the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It encouraged Indians to stop supporting British institutions and buy local products instead.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the decades: 1920 (Non-Cooperation), 1930 (Civil Disobedience), 1942 (Quit India).
Exam Tip: Dates ending in zero are often the start of major decades-long movements.

4: A resolution declaring ‘Poorns Swaraj was declared as its goal at the Lahore/Surat/Bombay session of the Congress.
Answer: A resolution declaring ‘Pooms Swaraj was declared as its goal at the Lahore session of the Congress.
The Lahore session was significant because the leaders decided they would no longer settle for anything less than total freedom. They even hoisted the tricolor flag on the banks of the River Ravi.
Teacher's Tip: Note the textbook spelling 'Pooms' or 'Poorns' but always remember it stands for 'Poorna'.
Exam Tip: Mention the river 'Ravi' if you want to add extra detail to your answer.

5: The Non-Copperation 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.
The Salt Satyagraha began with the famous Dandi March where Gandhiji broke the British salt law. This act of defiance signaled the start of a nation-wide movement to disobey unjust British laws.
Teacher's Tip: Salt starts with 'S', and so does 'Satyagraha' in 1930.
Exam Tip: Make sure you clearly distinguish between 'Non-Cooperation' and 'Civil Disobedience' as they started in different years.

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.
Gandhiji believed that the real strength of India lay in its villages and the common people. He knew that without their participation, the freedom struggle could never be successful.
Teacher's Tip: 'False' because Gandhi was the 'People's Leader'.
Exam Tip: When an answer is False, always write the correct statement to earn full marks.

2: In 1919, General Dyer had issued an order banning all public meetings.
Answer: True.
General Dyer imposed this ban to stop the protests against the Rowlatt Act in Amritsar. Many people who gathered at Jallianwala Bagh were unaware that such an order had been passed.
Teacher's Tip: Remember General 'Dyer' for the 'Dire' (terrible) situation he created.
Exam Tip: Ensure you mention the year 1919 if the question asks for more details.

3: The Non-Cooperation Movement had ended in failure after the Chauri Chaura incident
Answer: True.
Gandhiji called off the movement because it turned violent, which went against his principle of non-violence. He felt that the people were not yet fully ready for a non-violent struggle.
Teacher's Tip: Chauri Chaura sounds like a repetitive name for a repetitive act of violence that stopped the movement.
Exam Tip: Define 'Chauri Chaura' briefly if asked why the movement ended.

4: Independence Day was celebrated on 26 January in 1930.
Answer: True.
After the Lahore session, the Congress called upon the people to celebrate January 26 as Independence Day every year. This is why January 26 was later chosen as India's Republic Day in 1950.
Teacher's Tip: January 26 is a date we still celebrate today as Republic Day because of this historical event.
Exam Tip: Connect the year 1930 with the first 'symbolic' Independence Day.

5: Sarojini Naidu was one of the leaders of the Civil disobedience Movement.
Answer: True.
Sarojini Naidu, also known as the 'Nightingale of India', was a key leader who participated in the Salt Satyagraha. She even led the protest at the Dharasana Salt Works after Gandhiji was arrested.
Teacher's Tip: Remember her as a prominent woman leader who worked closely with Gandhiji.
Exam Tip: Knowing the nicknames of leaders (like 'Nightingale of India') helps in identification questions.

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 a method of non-violent resistance that relies on the power of truth. It involves resisting evil without using physical force or hatred toward the opponent.
Teacher's Tip: Break the word: 'Satya' (Truth) + 'Agraha' (Firmness/Insistence).
Exam Tip: Mention both the name 'Satyagraha' and the principle 'Non-violence' for a complete answer.

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.
In Champaran, the issue was forced indigo cultivation, while in Kheda, it was about unfair taxes during a famine. Both movements established Gandhiji as a leader who could solve the problems of the poor peasants.
Teacher's Tip: Champaran = Indigo; Kheda = Tax relief.
Exam Tip: Write separate points for (a) and (b) to make your answer easy to read.

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.
During a protest, a mob set fire to a police station in Chauri Chaura, killing 22 policemen. Because Gandhiji believed in absolute non-violence, he immediately stopped the movement to prevent further bloodshed.
Teacher's Tip: Think of '1922' and '22' policemen to remember the year and the scale.
Exam Tip: Always mention the year (1922) when asked 'when' an incident happened.

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 youthfiil and dynamic leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru. The Congress passed a resolution declaring ‘Pooma Swaraj’ or ‘Complete Independence’ as its goal. 26 January 1930 was fixed as ‘Independence Day’.
Jawaharlal Nehru represented the younger generation of leaders who wanted faster action toward freedom. This session changed the demand from partial self-rule to total independence from the British Empire.
Teacher's Tip: Remember Nehru as the young leader who brought the 'New' goal of total freedom.
Exam Tip: Use the term 'Poorna Swaraj' as it is a specific historical term used in the textbook.

Question 5: What do you understand by the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer: Civil Disobedience Movement was a form of non-cooperation involving the breaking of government laws. Its objective was to defy the British government and pressurize it to give in to the demands of the nationalists.
Unlike non-cooperation which meant not helping the government, civil disobedience meant actively breaking unjust laws like the Salt Law. This was done peacefully to show that the people no longer accepted British authority.
Teacher's Tip: 'Civil' means peaceful/polite, and 'Disobedience' means refusing to follow rules.
Exam Tip: Define the objective clearly as 'defying the government' to get full marks.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: With reference to Gandhiji, discuss his views on the following issues:
1. Truth and non-violence
2. Hindu-Muslim unity
3. 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 poof 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 mindest of the people. He believed that political freedom was meaningless without social reforms.
Gandhiji's philosophy was holistic, meaning he believed that personal character, religious unity, and social fairness were all necessary for a free nation. His methods aimed to win over the opponent's conscience rather than defeating them through force.
Teacher's Tip: Group these three points as: Method (Truth/Non-violence), Unity (Religions), and Reform (Social Justice).
Exam Tip: Use the specific term 'Harijans' when discussing social justice to show your knowledge of Gandhiji's terminology.

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. 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.
(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.
The Jallianwala Bagh incident was a major turning point that stripped away any remaining trust Indians had in British justice. It turned the freedom struggle into a mass movement led by a deeply hurt but determined nation.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the sequence: Protest -> Gathering -> Blocked Exit -> Shooting -> Nation-wide Shock.
Exam Tip: Mention 'General Dyer' by name as he is the central figure in this tragedy.

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.
The Non-Cooperation Movement taught Indians the power of united, non-violent action and self-reliance. It proved that the British could not rule India if Indians simply refused to help them run the country.
Teacher's Tip: 'Non-Cooperation' means exactly that: refusing to cooperate with the system.
Exam Tip: When listing the 'Programme', use clear bullet-style points for better marks.

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 if 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.
By picking salt, Gandhiji chose a simple item that everyone needed, making the protest relatable to every Indian citizen. This movement showed the world that Indians were ready to face jail and violence to win their freedom.
Teacher's Tip: The 'Dandi March' is the most famous part of the Salt Satyagraha.
Exam Tip: Mention the number '90,000' to show the massive scale of arrests during this period.

G. Picture study:

This is the picture of an Indian leader who was known as the ‘Father of the Nation’,

Question 1: Identify the person.
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi is widely recognized as the leader who led India to independence through non-violence. He is often called 'Bapu' or the 'Father of the Nation' because of his central role in the country's freedom.
Teacher's Tip: He is easily identified by his simple clothes and use of the spinning wheel.
Exam Tip: Always provide the full name 'Mahatma Gandhi' or 'Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi'.

Question 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 nonviolence.
This method allowed people to protest against injustice without resorting to physical force. It focused on winning the moral battle by being truthful and peaceful even when faced with violence.
Teacher's Tip: Think of 'Truth' and 'Peace' as his two main tools.
Exam Tip: Spell 'Satyagraha' correctly to show you have studied the text well.

Question 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.
The goal of a Satyagrahi was to make the opponent realize their mistake through peaceful persistence. This required great mental strength and a willingness to undergo personal hardship for the sake of the truth.
Teacher's Tip: Satyagraha isn't just 'not fighting'; it is actively seeking the truth.
Exam Tip: Use the words 'transform' and 'enlighten' to explain the goal of Satyagraha.

Question 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.
He lived a simple life, dressed like the poor, and spoke in languages people understood, which helped him connect with millions. Because he fought for the rights of every citizen, people from all walks of life followed him.
Teacher's Tip: He was a leader of the 'Masses' because he became 'one of them'.
Exam Tip: Highlight the transformation from an 'elite' movement to a 'mass' movement.

Question 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.
These features were designed to make the British administration impossible to run without using any weapons. By promoting khadi and boycotting foreign goods, Gandhiji also aimed to strengthen the Indian economy from within.
Teacher's Tip: Think of these as a 'Peaceful Toolkit' for freedom.
Exam Tip: Mention 'Charkha' and 'Khadi' as they were essential symbols of his non-violent struggle.