Oxford Solutions for ICSE Class 8 History Civics Chapter 15 The Indian National Movement 1935 47

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. The menacing presence of the Japanese army on the eastern borders of India posed a serious threat to India’s security.
This situation occurred during World War II when Japan was advancing through Southeast Asia. The British government became very worried about protecting their most valuable colony from this invasion.
Teacher's Tip: Remember Japan as the 'Eastern Threat' that changed the British perspective.
Exam Tip: Ensure you underline the specific word 'security' when writing this in your paper.

2. When the Quit India Resolution was passed in the year 1942, Gandhiji gave the Indians the mantra Do or Die.
This powerful slogan meant that Indians should either win freedom or perish in the attempt. It turned the national struggle into a final, mass-based movement against British rule.
Teacher's Tip: Associate 1942 with 'Do or Die' as they represent the final push for freedom.
Exam Tip: Always put the mantra 'Do or Die' in quotes to show it was a specific slogan.

3. The Quit India Movement had shaken the very foundations of the British rule in India.
The widespread nature of the protests across the country made the British realize they could no longer govern India against its will. It was the largest mass uprising since the Revolt of 1857.
Teacher's Tip: Think of 'shaken foundations' as a building about to fall; the British Empire was that building.
Exam Tip: Keywords like 'foundations' help show the deep impact of the movement.

4. In Tokyo, Subhash Chandra Bose took over the leadership of the Indian Independence Movement in East Asia from Rash Behari Bose.
This leadership change led to the revitalization of the Indian National Army (INA) to fight for freedom. Netaji's arrival brought new energy and discipline to the Indian soldiers abroad.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the 'Two Boses' - Rash Behari started it, and Subhash Chandra Bose led it to glory.
Exam Tip: Be careful not to confuse the names; remember Subhash Chandra Bose came later to take charge.

5. In February 1947, the British government declared that power would be transferred to the Indians by June 1948.
This announcement by Prime Minister Clement Attlee showed that the British were finally ready to leave. However, the actual transfer happened much earlier than this deadline due to various political pressures.
Teacher's Tip: Think of this as the 'Deadline for Freedom' set by the British.
Exam Tip: Memorize 'June 1948' as the original target date, even though independence came in 1947.

B. Match the following:

A
1. Quit India Movement
2. Forward Bloc
3. World War ended
4. Mountbatten Plan
5. Assassination of Gandhi
B
(a) Subhash Chandra Bose
(b) Suppressed by the British
(c) Division of British India into India and Pakistan
(d) 30 January 1948
(e) 1945
Answer:
1. Quit India Movement - (b) Suppressed by the British
2. Forward Bloc - (a) Subhash Chandra Bose
3. World War ended - (e) 1945
4. Mountbatten Plan - (c) Division of British India into India and Pakistan
5. Assassination of Gandhi - (d) 30 January 1948
These historical pairings connect important leaders, political plans, and tragic events in the journey toward independence. Understanding these links helps clarify the sequence of events during the final decade of the British Raj.
Teacher's Tip: Match the leader to the party and the plan to its result to remember these easily.
Exam Tip: Draw straight lines or write the corresponding letter clearly next to the number for maximum clarity.

C. Choose the correct answer:

Question 1: The Cripps Mission was sent to India in 1942, when the British Empire was under the threat of a Japanese/German/ Russian
Answer: The Cripps Mission was sent to India in 1942, when the British Empire was under the threat of a Japanese attack.
The British needed Indian support to defend the borders against the approaching Japanese forces. They sent Sir Stafford Cripps to offer political reforms in exchange for military cooperation.
Teacher's Tip: 'Japanese attack' was the immediate 'danger' that brought the 'Cripps' mission.
Exam Tip: Identify the correct option and then rewrite the entire sentence for a complete answer.

Question 2: The Quit India Resolution was passed by the Congress in 1929/1930/1942.
Answer: The Quit India Resolution was passed by the Congress in 1942.
This resolution marked the beginning of the most intense phase of the struggle for freedom. It was passed at the Bombay session of the Indian National Congress in August.
Teacher's Tip: 1942 is the most significant year for the 'Quit India' cry.
Exam Tip: Be precise with the year as multiple major events happened in the 1940s.

Question 3: Subhash Chandra Bose/Mahatma Gandhi/Rash Behari Bose was the supreme commander of the Indian National Army.
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose was the supreme commander of the Indian National Army.
He is famously known as Netaji and he led the INA forces to the borders of India. His leadership inspired soldiers to fight with the slogan 'Chalo Delhi'.
Teacher's Tip: Associate 'Supreme Commander' with the military-styled leadership of Netaji.
Exam Tip: Use the full name 'Subhash Chandra Bose' rather than just 'Netaji' in formal answers.

Question 4: Mahatma Gandhi/Subhash Chandra Bose/Jawahar Lai Nehru gave the slogan, ‘You give me blood, I will give you freedom’.
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose gave the slogan, ‘You give me blood, I will give you freedom’.
This slogan was used to recruit and motivate Indians living in Southeast Asia to join the armed struggle. It highlighted the need for sacrifice to achieve the ultimate goal of independence.
Teacher's Tip: Think of 'Blood' and 'Freedom' as the ultimate exchange offered by a revolutionary leader.
Exam Tip: Slogans are often asked in 'Who said this' questions, so memorize the leader's name correctly.

Question 5: The Constitution of India was introduced on 26 January 1950/26 January 1948/26 January 1949.
Answer: The Constitution of India was introduced on 26 January 1950.
This day is celebrated every year as Republic Day to mark India becoming a sovereign democratic republic. Although the document was ready in 1949, it was formally launched on this symbolic date.
Teacher's Tip: Remember 1950 is the year we officially became a 'Republic'.
Exam Tip: Don't confuse the adoption date (1949) with the introduction/commencement date (1950).

D. State whether the following are true or false:

Question 1: The Quit India Resolution was passed by the Muslim League.
Answer: False
Correct: The Quit India Resolution was passed by the Congress.
The Muslim League actually stayed away from the movement as they had different political goals at the time. The Congress led this nationwide demand for immediate British withdrawal.
Teacher's Tip: Congress = Quit India; Muslim League = Demand for Pakistan.
Exam Tip: Always provide the 'Correct' statement after writing 'False' to secure full marks.

Question 2: The upsurge of 1942 was the last great mass challenge to British authority.
Answer: True.
After 1942, the British realized that their control over India was rapidly slipping away. No other movement of this scale and intensity occurred before independence was granted.
Teacher's Tip: Think of 1942 as the 'Final Exam' that the British failed to control.
Exam Tip: Keywords like 'mass challenge' refer to movements involving common people across the whole country.

Question 3: Subhash Chandra Bose formed a new party called the Forward Bloc.
Answer: True.
He formed this party within the Congress after resigning from the presidency due to ideological differences with other leaders. The Forward Bloc aimed to bring more radical and immediate action against the British.
Teacher's Tip: 'Forward' implies moving quickly toward freedom, which was Netaji's style.
Exam Tip: Remember that the Forward Bloc was established in 1939.

Question 4: The INA, with the help of the Japanese, liberated Imphal and Kohima in 1944.
Answer: True.
The INA soldiers fought bravely on Indian soil during this campaign to drive the British out. Although they eventually had to retreat, it was a significant military effort in the freedom struggle.
Teacher's Tip: Imphal and Kohima are the key cities in Northeast India where the INA fought.
Exam Tip: Historical dates like '1944' are important for confirming the truth of military events.

Question 5: Indian Independence from British rule was finally attained on 15 August 1950.
Answer: False.
Correct: Indian Independence from British rule was finally attained on 15 August 1947.
1950 was the year India became a Republic, while 1947 was the year it became free from British rule. It is essential to distinguish between these two major milestones.
Teacher's Tip: 15 August is Independence Day; 26 January is Republic Day.
Exam Tip: Be very careful with years like 1947 and 1950; they are often swapped to trick students.

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

Question 1: Why was the Cripps Mission sent to India ?
Answer: Japan joined the Second World War against British in 1942. The British desperately needed the active cooperation of the Indians to check the Japanese advance against the British Empire in India. So it sent the Cripps Mission to India to resolve the political deadlock.
The mission was a strategic move by the British to gain military support during a time of crisis. They hoped that promising future self-government would encourage Indians to help in the war effort.
Teacher's Tip: Think of 'Cripps' as a peace offering sent during a 'Crisis'.
Exam Tip: Use the term 'political deadlock' to describe why negotiations were necessary.

Question 2: Why did the Cripps Mission fail?
Answer: Cripps Mission failed because the British were not prepared to transfer any effective power to the Indians during the war.
Indian leaders rejected the offer because it did not grant immediate independence. Gandhiji famously described the offer as a 'post-dated cheque on a crashing bank'.
Teacher's Tip: Failure happened because the British offer was 'too little, too late'.
Exam Tip: Mentioning that 'no effective power' was transferred is the key reason for the failure.

Question 3: What did the British realize after the Quit India Movement?
Answer: The impact of this brief, spontaneous and powerful outburst of national sentiment was tremendous. It sounded the death knell of British rule in India. The British realized their days were numbered. Independence was now a matter of time. It demonstrated the great capacity of the masses to suffer and die for the cause of freedom.
The British understood that they could no longer rely on Indian cooperation to sustain their empire. The movement proved that Indians were ready for a final struggle regardless of the consequences.
Teacher's Tip: 'Death knell' means a sign that something is ending; the movement was that sign for the British.
Exam Tip: Use strong phrases like 'capacity of the masses' to emphasize the power of the people.

Question 4: What was the main objective of the Indian National Army?
Answer: The primary objective of the INA was to liberate India through armed struggle.
Unlike the non-violent movements, the INA believed in using military force to drive out the British. They aimed to enter India from the East and inspire a revolution among the Indian people.
Teacher's Tip: 'Armed struggle' is the defining feature of the INA's method.
Exam Tip: Keep the answer focused on 'liberation' and 'armed struggle'.

Question 5: When did India become: (a) an independent dominion (b) a sovereign, democratic, republic?
Answer: (a) British rule in India finally came to an end of 15 August 1947.
(b) The Constitution of India was enacted and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. It was introduced on 26 January 1950-another important landmark in the history of India. On that day, the Indian dominion was transformed into a sovereign, democratic republic.
The status of 'dominion' was a middle step where India was free but still shared some symbolic ties with Britain. Becoming a 'republic' meant India had its own head of state and a supreme constitution.
Teacher's Tip: 1947 = Freedom; 1950 = Full Sovereignty.
Exam Tip: Answer both parts (a) and (b) clearly to ensure full marks for this two-part question.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1: With reference to the Quit India Movement, answer the following:
(a) Why did the Congress pass the Quit India Resolution.How did the government react to it?
(b) Briefly discuss the events of the Quit India Movement.
(c) What was the impact of the Quit India Movement on the national movement?
Answer: (a) The Congress passed the Quit India Resolution on 9 August, before dawn, Gandhiji and all other important nationalist leaders were arrested. The Congress was banned. The news of these arrests, even before the movement began, shocked the nation. A spontaneous, nationwide movement of protests arose; there were demonstrations, hartals and processions. Leaderless and without any guidelines, the Quit India Movement took different shapes in different parts of the country.
The government came down heavily on the people. They were lathi-charged and fired upon. The brutality of the police enraged the people. They reacted violently. Police stations, post offices, and other government buildings were destroyed. Railway, telegraph and telephone lines were disconnected. The army was called in to crush the revolt. Over 10,000 people were killed in police and military firing. The movement was savagely crushed within a very short period of time.
(b) Among the significant causes of this movement were codlin oppression examplified by the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh massacre, economic hardship to the common man due to large chunk of Indian wealth being exported to Britain, ruin, of Indian Artisans due to British factory made goods replacing hand made goods, and popular resentment with the British over Indian soldiers dying in World War I while fighting as part of British army, in battles that otherwise had nothing to do with India.
The movement aimed to ensure that the colonial economic and power structure would be seriously challenged and British authorities would be forced to take notice of the people demand.
(c) The impact of this brief, spontaneous and powerful outburst of national sentiment was tremendous. It sounded the death knell of British rule in India. The British realized their days were numbered. Independence was now a matter of time. It demonstrated the great capacity of the masses to suffer and die for the cause of freedom.
The movement showed that the British had lost all moral authority to rule over India. Even though it was suppressed, it made the ultimate goal of independence inevitable and near.
Teacher's Tip: Use 'Cause, Course, and Consequence' to structure your thoughts on the Quit India Movement.
Exam Tip: Mention specific dates like August 9 and figures like '10,000 killed' to make your answer more detailed.

Question 2: With reference to Indian national movement, answer the following:
(a) What were the objectives of the Forward Bloc ?
(b) Examine the role of Subhash Chandra Bose in the Indian freedom struggle.
(c) Why do Indian still respect and revere Netaji?
Answer: (a) Objectives of the Forward Bloc
1. To win freedom from the British without any further delay.
2. To rebuild India, after Independence, on the principles of socialism e. economic equality, freedom and justice, equitable distribution of wealth etc.
3. To promote world peace.
(b) Subhash Chandra Bose believed that the only way India could get her freedom was to drive the British out of India by use of armed force. Subhash Chandra Bose had resigned from the Congress in 1939 and formed a new party called the Forward Bloc.
He decided to go abroad to join hands with the enemies of the British and drive the British out of India. He was put under house arrest in Calcutta, but he managed to escape in 1941. He first went to Russia and then to Germany and finally to Japan. In Tokyo, he took over the leadership of the Indian Independence Movement in East Asia from Rash Behari Bose.
Captain Mohan Singh (a formar captain in the British Indian army) had organized the Azad Hind Fauz of the Indian National Army (INA).
Subhash Chandra Bose became the supreme commander of the INA. In 1944 at a meeting in he took an oath to liberate India. ‘Give me blood and I will give you freedom,’ he declared. Netaji infused a new life and spirit into the INA.
He fired the imagination of his soldiers with passionate, inspiring speeches, They were ready to lay down their lives for the liberation of their motherland. With the battle cry of ‘Dilli Chalo’ the INA advanced into India along with the Japanese army.
(c) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose lives on in the memories of successive generations of Indians. He was a true patriot who dedicated his life to the cause he passionately believed in-India’s freedom.
He fired the imagination of a nation with his intense patriotism, personal courage, unwavering conviciton and bold leadership. He restored to India her pride and is greatly admired and revered throughout the country even to this day.
Netaji's life story is a testament to the power of courage and the will to fight for justice. His efforts to build an international alliance for India's freedom remain a unique chapter in our history.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the three main locations of his travel: Russia, Germany, and Japan.
Exam Tip: When discussing 'Socialism' in the Forward Bloc objectives, use keywords like 'economic equality' and 'justice'.

Question 3: With reference to Indian independence, answer the following questions:
1. What was the importance of the Mountbatten Plan
2. What was the significance of the Indian Independence Act, 1947
3. What is the significance of 26 January 1950 ?
Answer: (a) Mountbatten announced his plan for the division of British India into India and Pakistan and the transfer of power to the two dominions. The North-West Frontier Province, Sind, baluchistan, West Punjab and East Bengal separated from the rest of India to form a new country called Pakistan.
(b) On the basis of the Mountbatten Plan, the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act in July 1947. British rule in India finally came to an end of 15 August 1947.
(c) Constitution of India was introduced on 26 January 1950. It was another important landmark in the history of India. On that day, the Indian dominion was transformed into a sovereign, democratic republic. With confidence in their capacity and a determination to succeed, the people of India set out to build the country of their dreams-a country based on liberty, equality, justice and fraternity.
These steps represent the final legal and constitutional procedures that ended colonialism. They paved the way for India to become the world's largest democracy with its own set of laws.
Teacher's Tip: Mountbatten Plan = Partition; Independence Act = Freedom; 1950 = Republic.
Exam Tip: List the specific provinces (Sind, Punjab, etc.) to show a detailed understanding of the Mountbatten Plan.

G Picture study.

This is the picture of a leader who formed a new party called the Forward Bloc in 1939.

1. Identify the leader in the picture.
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose
He was a visionary who believed that Indian independence required both domestic struggle and international support. His presence in military uniform in pictures often represents his role as Netaji.
Teacher's Tip: Look for the characteristic cap and glasses to identify Netaji easily.
Exam Tip: Always provide the full name for picture identification questions.

2. What was the name of the army of which he was the supreme commander.
Answer: INA (Indian National Army)
Also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, this army was composed of Indian prisoners of war and civilians in East Asia. It was the first modern Indian military force to fight for independence from outside the country.
Teacher's Tip: INA and Azad Hind Fauj are the same; you can use either name.
Exam Tip: Writing the abbreviation 'INA' followed by the full form in brackets looks professional.

3. What was his slogan for the liberation of India?
Answer: Dilli Chalo
This slogan was a direct call to march to the capital of British India and reclaim it for the Indian people. It served as a powerful rallying cry for the soldiers of the INA.
Teacher's Tip: Think of 'Dilli Chalo' as the military goal of the freedom struggle.
Exam Tip: Ensure you spell the slogan exactly as it appears in the text.

4. Write a few lines on the leadership qualities of this person.
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose was bom on 23 January 1897, popularly known as Netaji (literally respected leader), was one of the most prominent leader in the Indian Independence Movement and a legendary figure in India today. Bose was elected president of Indian National Congress for two successive terms but has to resign from the post following ideological conflicts with Mohandas K. Gandhi.
He established a separate political party, the All India Forward Bloc and continued to call for the full and immediate independence of India from British rule. He was imprisoned by the British authorities eleven times. His famous motto was “Give me Blood and I will give you Freedom”.
He is presumed to have died on 18 August, 1945 in a plane crash in Taiwan. However, contradictory evidence is believed to be extent regarding his death in the accident.
Netaji possessed extraordinary courage and the ability to inspire people from different backgrounds to unite for a common cause. His commitment to total independence without compromise made him a hero to millions.
Teacher's Tip: Highlight his 'fearlessness' and 'organizational skills' when describing his leadership.
Exam Tip: Mentioning that he was imprisoned 11 times shows his deep dedication and sacrifice for the country.