Nationalism in India Ch 2 History Class 10 Extra Questions with Answers
Very Short Answer Type Questions
👉 Revision Notes for History Class 10 Ch 2 - Nationalism in India
1. What were the factors responsible for the growth of nationalism in India ?
Answer :
The growth of Indian nationalism started in the nineteenth century. Political unification of the country, destruction of India's old social and economic system, the beginning of modern trade and industry and the rise of new social classes laid the basis of nationalism. The social and religious reform movements and popular anti - British revolts contributed to the growth of nationalism.
2. What were the aims of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements ?
Answer :
Swadeshi, literally means 'of one's own country', aimed at the promotion of indigeneous industries. Along with Swadeshi, boycott of British goods was organized.
3. Give the important events of the Swadeshi and Boycott movements.
Answer :
The Swadeshi and Boycott Movements spread to many parts of the country. Shops selling foreign goods were picketed. Students played important part in these movements. Meetings were held all over the country and associations were formed.
4. What was the main aim of establishing the Home Rule League ? Name two of its prominent leaders.
Answer :
The Home Rule League was established in 1916 by Mrs. Annie Besant. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, after his release from the jail, joined the Home Rule League. Both of them started the Home Rule Movement. Their aim was to awaken the Indians and to agitate for the achievement of Home Rule. Home Rule meant freedom freedom in internal affairs of the country. Mrs. Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak were two prominent leaders of the Home Rule Movement.
5. Why did the Indian leaders oppose Rowlatt Act in 1919 ?
Answer :
The British Government in India passed the Rowlatt Act in 1919 to check the tide of nationalism in India. The Indian leaders opposed this Act tooth and nail because this Act authorised the British Government to imprison anybody without any trial.
6. What was the main of the Non - Cooperation Movement ?
Answer :
The main aim of the Non - Cooperation Movement was to redress the wrongs done to Punjab and Turkey.
7. What repressive measures were taken by the government to crush the movement of Swadeshi and Boycott ?
Answer :
- In 1907, the Seditious Meetings Act was passed.
- In 1910, the Indian Press Act was passed.
- Deportation of many people without trial.
- A number of newspapers were banned.
- Tilak was sentenced to si years' imprisonment and sent to Mandalay for two articles published in Kesari.
8. What were the main provisions of the Morley - Minto Reforms of 1909 ?
Answer :
- The central and provincial legislative councils were enlarged. A few more elected members were added. These members were elected by the landlords and chambers of commerce.
- The councils had no real powers. Separate electrorates were introduced for the Muslims.
9. What is the importance of the revolutionaries in freedom struggle ?
Answer :
The methods of the revolutionaries were not effective against the British Empire. They could not become popular among the masses. Yet the heroism and sacrifices of the revolutionaries inspired the people. It helped in the growth of national feeling among the people.
10. What were the factors for the increase of communal feelings in the early twentieth century ?
Answer :
- There was fear that by opposing the British government, the Muslim middle and upper classes' economic interests would suffer.
- The Muslims also suspected that some of Congress extremist leaders were associted with the revival of Hinduism.
11. What is the importance of declaration made by the Secretary of State on 20 August 1917 ?
Answer :
On 20 August 1917, the Secretary of State declared that the goal of the British policy was progressive realization of responsible government in India.
12. What were to be the various stages of the Non - Cooperation Movement ?
Answer :
It was to be conducted in various stages as follows :
- The renunciation of titles.
- The boycott of legislature, law courts and educational institutions.
- The campaign of non - payment of taxes.
13. What was decided at the Congress Session at Ahmedabad in 1921 ?
Answer :
It was decided to continue the movement until the Punjab and Khilafat grievances were redressed and Swaraj attained.
14. What was the decision of the Congress Working Committee which met on 12 February 1922 ?
Answer :
It decided to follow the programmes as given below :
- The Popularization of Charkha.
- Promotion of Hindu - Muslim unity.
- To oppose untouchability.
15. What was the reaction of the leaders who were in jails on the calling off of Non - Cooperation Movement by Gandhiji ?
Answer :
They were not happy at the decision of Gandhiji to call off the movement. Subhash Chandra Bose called it 'extremly painful'. Pandit Nehru felt distressed. Lala Lajpat Rai, Muhammed Ali and Shaukat Ali too resented the decision.
16. What was the aim of the Congress Khilafat Swarajya Party ?
Answer :
To fight elections to the legislatures and to wreck them from within until the demands were met by the British government.
17. What do you understand by communalism ?
Answer :
- It means the beginning of the movements in the name of promoting the interests of one's own community.
- Protesting against the real or imaginary benefits enjoyed by other communities.
18. What happened at Lahore during the demonstration ?
Answer :
The demonstrators who were headed by Lala Lajpat Rai, the Lion of the Punjab, were lathicharged in 1928. Lala Lajpat Rai was assaulted and soon after died.
19. Which important decisions were taken at the Lahore Session of the Congress in december 1929 ?
Answer :
- Attainment of Complete Independence
- To launch a Civil Disobedience Movement under the leadership of Gandhiji.
- To celebrate 26 January as the Independence Day in the country.
20. Why were salt laws chosen for breaking in the first phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement ?
Answer :
Gandhiji was of the opinion that as the salt was used by each and everyone, the laws banning its preparation by the Indians should be broken. It would encourage all to participate in the movement.
21. What were the instructions given regarding launching of the Civil Disobedience Movement ?
Answer :
- To fetch or manufacture contraband salt.
- Sisters to picket liquor shops, opium dens and shops of foreign cloth.
- Burning of foreign cloth.
22. Why was the Civil Disobedience started again in 1932 ?
Answer :
After the failure of the Second Round Table Conference, Gandhiji came back empty handed. He sought an appointment with the Viceroy Lord Willingdom. The request was rejected and the movement was started again in January 1932.
23. What was the attitude of the communal organisations during the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930 - 34) ?
Answer :
Although millions of people took part in the movement, the Hindu and the Muslim communal organisations concentrated their activities on getting more seats in the legislative councils for their communities. These organisations did not take an active part in the movement.
24. How did the British Government declare India's participation in the Second World War ?
Answer :
The British Government did not consult the Indian leaders. It made India a party to the war by its own decision.
25. When was the Gandhi - Irwin Pact signed ? Mention any one of its provisions ?
Or
Write two major provisions of Gandhi - Irwin Pact of 1931.
Answer :
The Gandhi - Irwin Pact was signed in 1931 A.D. between Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress leader and the Viceroy Lord Irwin. As a result of this Pact, Mahtma Gandhi postponed the Civil Disobedience Movement and agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference and the British Government released all the prisoners arrested during the Civil Disobedience Movement.
26. What was the reaction of the Congress about the participation in the Second World War ?
Answer :
The Congress supported the cause of democracy and freedom. It did not associate with the war activities when the democratic freedom was denied to the Indians. It demanded establishment of responsible government and promise of independence after the war.
27. Name any three tribal movements started in India.
Answer :
- Sanyasi Revolt in 1770 A.D. against the restriction on visiting the religious places.
- Indigo Revolt in 1859 - 61 A.D. against the oppression of Indigo cultivators.
- The Ramossi Revolt in 1822, 1825 and 1823 A.D. against Land Revenue Policy of British Government.
- Movement was started by Seva Ram, the Bheel Chief in 1817 to re-install their old ruler.
28. What is meant by Dyarchy ?
Answer :
Dyarchy is a type of dual government in which both the government are jointly given supreme power. In this type of system provincial governments were given more powers but Governor had the power to veto any bill.
29. Why Gandhiji started Non - Cooperation movement ?
Answer :
In the first world war, Indians gave help to Britishers so that they could be given freedom after war. But Britishers hardly thought about it. Instead British government passed Rowlatt Act in 1919 which gave powers to it to arrest anyone without giving any reason. That's why Gandhiji started Non - cooperation movement in 1920.
30. Why Non - cooperation movement was withdrawn by Mahatma Gandhi ?
Answer :
Mahatma Gandhi always believed in Non - Violence. But on February 1922, people were fired by police without any provocation at Chauri - Chaura in U.P. People got angry and they attacked the police station. Many police men were killed in fire at police station. Violence occured and Gandhiji got hurt with this and he withdrew the movement.
31. Why Simon Commission was appointed by British Government ?
Answer :
British Government sppointed Simon Commission in November, 1927, so that it could look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India and suggest changes. The problem with Commission was that it did not have any Indian member.
32. Why was the Simon Commission boycotted by Indians ?
Answer :
The Simon Commission was appointed to look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India and suggest changes. This commission had no Indian member and all the members were the British. Indians got angry with it and they boycotted the Simon Commission.
33. Give two provisions of Gandhi - Irwin Pact of 1931.
Answer :
- First provision of Gandhi - Irwin Pact of 1931 was that Gandhi will call - off the disobedience movement.
- Second provision of this pact was that government promised to release all the prisoners arrested during the civil disobedience movement.
34. How government responded against Civil Disobedience Movement ?
Answer :
Government followed the policy of repression against the Civil disobedience movement. Pandit Jawaharlal Lal Nehru was sent behind bars. Subhash Chandra Bose was given one year imprisonment. Mahatma Gandhi was also arrested. Policy of repression against people was adopted to suppress the movement.
35. How revolutionaries inspired the general masses of the country ?
Answer :
Indian people were encouraged by the heroism, self sacrifice and patriotism of these revolutionaries. Idealism and zeal of these revolutionaries gave a new life and direction to freedom struggle of the country.
👉 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) for History Ch 3 - Nationalism in India
Short Answer Type Questions
👉 NCERT Solution for Class 10 Hindi
1. What did the slogan of 'Swaraj' mean ? How was the slogan of 'Complete Independence' different from it ? When and where was the slogan of 'Complete Independence' adopted ?
Answer :
'Swaraj' meant the self - government or the government of the people's representatives under the British regime as prevailing in the self - governed British colonies. It did not mean complete independence nor freedom from all foreign control.
The 'Complete Independence' meant full freedom from all internal and external control . Thus 'Swaraj' and 'Complete Independence' differed from each other. Swaraj meant self - government under the British control and Complete Independence meant democratic government without any foreign control.
The resolution of Complete Independence was passed in 1929 at the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress.
2. What was the attitude of the Indian National Congress towards the Second World War ?
Answer :
In September 1939 A.D., the Second World War broke out. The British Government dragged India with the war by a unilateral decision. The Indian nationalists condemned the aggression by the fascist countries and sympathised with the victims of aggression. Britain claimed to be fighting for freedom and democracy. The Congress, therefore, demanded the establishment of responsible government in the Centre and the promise for independence after the war was over. The British Government did not agree and the Congress ministries in the provinces resigned. The Congress again made similar offer in 1940 A.D. but the government rejected it too.
3. Explain the main features of Morley - Minto Reforms. Why did Indian leaders condemn them ?
Answer :
Main features of Morley - Minto Reforms :
- The membership of the central and provincial legislative councils were enlarged and a few more elected members were added.
- Separate electorates were introduced for the Muslims.
Answer :
The students played an important role in Swadeshi Movement.
- They boycotted schools and colleges which were run by the British.
- They joined the anti - partition agitation and Swadeshi Movement with great enthusiasm.
- Student volunteers took to picketing. They dissuaded buyers from purchasing foreign goods.
- Students taking eaminations refused answer books made of foreign paper. English education was only ridiculed.
5. What were the repressive measures taken by the British Government to crush the Swadeshi Movement ?
Answer :
The British Government took the following repressive measures to crush the Swadeshi Movements :
- The shouting of Vande Mataram was banned.
- Various Acts like Seditious Meetings Act and Indian Press Act were passed.
- The government oppressed, harassed and punished students for their contribution to the national cause. Many were fined, imprisoned and flogged.
- Prominent leaders of the Congress were also arrested and kept behind the bars without trial.
6. Bring out the secular aspects of Swadeshi Movement.
Answer :
The Swadeshi Movement was launched in 1906 after the partition of Bengal.
- It was strted against the partition of Bengal which was a delibrate attempt by the British to divide the people of India on communal lines.
- Shops selling foreign goods were picketed. So the movement was going to benefit the common weavers, most of whom were Muslims.
- Students of all religions decided to boycott the schools, colleges and foreign goods.
7. What wa the impact of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements on Indian National Movement ?
Answer :
- The Swadeshi and boycott were powerful instruments directed against foreign rule. They attacked the British rule where it hurt most.
- The aim of Swadeshi Movement was to make the country self - respecting, self - reliant and self - supporting.
- Along with swadeshi, boycott of British goods was also organised. As a result the demand of Indian goods went up.
- The movement also changed the policies of the Congress. It declared the attainment of 'Swaraj' as the aim of the Congress.
8. Examine the changes brought about in the working of the Indian - National Congress under the leadership of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.
Answer :
Modern India owes much to Jawaharlal Nehru both for his part in the national movement of India also the part played by him after Independence.
- He gave new direction to the national movement. It was under his leadership that the Congress declared the attainment of Complete Independence as its goal.
- It was decided that the Congress should launch a Civil Disobedience Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
- It was also decided to observe 26th January as Independence Day.
- He also introduced socialistic ideas in the Congress.
- It was much becuse of Nehru's support that the Congress Socialist Party was formed in 1934.
- It was under his leadership that the freedom movement of different states became an integral part of the national movement.
9. Write a note on Dandi March.
Answer :
Dandi March is a very impirtant event in the history of Indian National Movement. The Civil Disobedience Movement began with what is known as Dandi March. Gandhiji along with 78 of his followers, started from his ashram at Sabarmati on a march to Dandi on the sea - coast on foot and broke the law by making salt.
10. Name two communal parties which developed after the calling off of the Non - Cooperation Movement. How did it hamper the National Movement ?
Answer :
Movements of Tabligh and Shuddhi were started which resulted in the growth of communal tension. The Tabligh Movement was started by the Muslim communalists to promote conversion to Islam. The Shuddhi Movement was started by the Hindu communalists to reconvert to Hindusim the persons who had been converted to other religions.
The most negative point of these movements was that they diverted the attention of the people from the need for independence from foreign rule.
Many communal riots occured in various parts of the country as a result of the activities of communal organizations. This also created the atmosphere of disunity which helped the British to rule our India.
11. Discuss the important provisions of the Act of 1919.
Or
Discuss the important provisions of the Montague - Chelmsford Reforms.
Answer :
- It clearly defined the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments.
- The central legislature now consisted of two houses with elected majorities.
- The franchise was limited and the legislature had no real power.
- In the provinces, a system of dyarchy was introduced.
- There were certain provincial subjects which were under the jurisdiction of the legislative councils.
- The governors had wide powers of interference and the legislatures were practically powerless.
12. What was the Rowlatt Act ? How did Indians react over this Act ?
Or
What was the Rowlatt Act ?
Answer :
In 1919, the Rowlatt Act was passed in spite of being opposed by all Indian members of the legislative council. The Act authorized the government to imprison people without trial. Three Indian members - Madan Mohan Malviya, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Mazharul Haque - resigned from the council in protest. The Rowlatt Act aroused a wave of popular indignation and led to the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh.
13. Why did the British change their outlook towards India after 1945 ?
Answer :
The following were the main reasons responsible for the change in the attitude of the British towards India after 1945 :
- The Second World War had changed the balance of power in the world. Britain did not remain a big power. Its place was taken away by the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R.
- The new major world powers such as the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R., supported India's demand for freedom.
- There took place a change in the Government in Britain from the Conservative to the Labour Party. The members of the new Labour Government had already supported the Congress' demands before assuming power.
- The countrywide strikes and agitations had demonstrated the unrest and upsurge among the Indian people, especially, among the peasants and the workers.
14. "The two - nation theory was a total falsification of the entire history of the Indian people." Explain the statement.
Answer :
The two - nation theory was very dangerous and was a total falsification of the entire history of the Indian people. Firstly, during a long stay and intermixing of thousands of years the Hindus and the Muslims had developed a common culture, especially during the medieval times. They had almost become one people. Secondly, suffering commonly under one foreign power, they had developed many common traits. They fought shoulder to shoulder in the Great Rising of 1857 and when they were hunted, caught and imprisoned and led on trial and hanged on a common platform they became one people. Thirdly, when in the 20th century, the nationalist movement became a mass movement, all the people were cemented into one nation.
But when the Muslim League, at the instance of the British Government put forward the two - nation theory, not only the national movement was hampered but also India was divided into two parts.
15. Examine the circumstances which led to the partition of India in 1947.
Answer :
- The British policy of 'Divide and Rule' was the chief cause of the partition of India.
- Communal riots and the observation of the 'Direct Action' by the Muslim League was also one of the causes.
- The Muslim League led by the Mohammad Ali Jinnah was also responsible for it.
- In 1946, the League entered the interim government formed by Nehru but made its smooth working impossible.
- Lord Mountbatten also persuaded the Congress leaders for division of the country.
- The communal parties played into the hands of the British rulers. These parties were propagating the 'two - nation theory'.
- The Congress policy of appeasement towards the Muslim League encouraged the League leaders for partition.
16. Examine the role of Subhash Chandra Bose in the freedom struggle of India.
Answer :
- President of Congress - Subhash Chandra Bose became the President of the Congress in 1938. He decalred that the Congress was fighting for the independence of entire country including British India and princely states.
- Reorganisation of INA - Subhash Chandra Bose went to Singapore in 1943 to work for the Indian Independence League. He reorganised INA to convert it into a powerful organ of the Indian freedom movement.
- Formation of Provisional Government - On 21st October, 1943 he formed the Provisional Government of Independent India or Azad Hind. He hoisted the Indian Flag in the Japanese held Andaman.
- Famous Slogans - He raised the slogans of 'Dilli Chalo' and 'Jai Hind'.
17. How racial arrogance of British led to awakening of national consciousness in second half of 19th century ?
Answer :
The British actually belong to white race and it is known as the superior race of all. That's why they became arrogant and started to insult Indians at all the levels. Even they barred the Indians to enter their clubs, trains etc. But their racial arrogance has led to awakening of national consciousness among Indians in following ways :
- It was unbearable for Indians that they would be treated as inferior within their own country as the British tried to suppress them.
- The British started to insult Indians openly by disallowing them to enter their clubs and and coaches of trains. This thing has created resentment among Indians.
- Ilbert Bill which was passed in 1883 sought equalities for the Indian and European Judges. This had caused resentment among people.
18. How growth of Indian literature has awakened the feeling of nationalism among the people ?
Answer :
With the advent of Press in India, Indian literature also started to grow in the country. This Indian literature has played a very important role in awakening the feeling of nationalism among the people in 19th century. Many great writers wrote a lot about nationalism and some of these great writers were Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Navin Chandra Sen, D.L. Roy etc. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote 'Vande Matram' as a hymn to the motherland. Later on it was included in his novel Anandamath and widely sung during Swadeshi movement in Bengal. Rabindranath Tagore himself began collecting ballads, rhymes and myths and led the movement of folk revival. At the same time writings of western thinkers like Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu, Mill etc. also revolutionised the minds of the people.
19. How national movement became a mass movement after the First World War ?
Answer :
Certain factors contributed towards changing of national movement into mass movement after the First World War and these factors are given below :
- During the First World War Gandhiji came to the sense of Indian politics. His methods of non - violence, Satyagraha, truth etc. has changed national movement into mass movement.
- The British had spent a lot of money to win First World War. They imposed many taxes on Indians to levy that money. General masses turned against this step of government.
- In 1919, the British introduced many reforms but they were not according to aspirations of Indians. Indian masses got angry and turned against government.
- In 1919, Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place. People became very angry with this and turned against the government.
20. How economic exploitation of the country aroused national consciousness among Indians in late 19th century ?
Answer :
The British came to India just in the form of traders. But slowly and slowly they gained political control over here and captured whole of India. They started to exploit India economically. They imposed heavy taxes on farmers and peasantry because of which they became starved of everything. Even landlords left them at the mercy of money lenders. Unemployed and exploited peasantary joined the national movement of freedom. Britishers also destroyed Indigeneous trade and industry. They started to take raw material at low price and started to sell finished products at higher products. With this people became poor and then joined national movement to win freedom from Britishers.
21. What were the main defects of Government of India Act, 1935 ?
Or
Why Government of India Act, 1935 was refused by Congress ?
Answer :
There were many defects in Government of India Act, 1935 because of which it was refused by Congress. Its main defects were :
- With Minto-Morley reforms, system of dyarchy was started in provinces. This act put an end to system of dyarchy but this act has introduced this system at the centre.
- This act has suggested that Indian states should join the federation but Indian states refused to do so because the federal part of this act hardly came into operation.
- Till this time, Indians had raised their voice against foreign rule and in favour of complete independence. But the main objective of this act was continuance of foreign rule in the country.
- All the political and economic powers were kept in the hands of British Government. Indians were hardly given any type of power by this act.
22. What is the importance of Civil Disobedience Movement in our freedom struggle ?
Answer :
The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1930 but in 1929, Lahore Session of Congress declared its main objective is the attainment of independence from the Britishers. But his objectives could have been achieved if the British Government could have been pressurised from all the corners of the country. That's why Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1930 with the violation of Salt laws at Dandi. This movement has exerted a great impact on our freedom struggle because with this movement, people came to know about actual nature of foreign rule. They started fighting against the British because the government has lost its faith in the eyes of the people. Moreover during the four years (1930 - 34) of movement, revolutionary movement was also started in India which also awakened the conscious of the people. People came to know that they cannot live a life of self respect in British rule. So they joined the movement in millions. In this way, this movement is of great importance in our freedom struggle.
23. What were the cause of Tribal movements in the country ?
Or
Why tribal movements were started in the country ?
Answer :
Tribal movements were started in the country due to the following reasons :
- Christians missionaries started to propagate Christianity in their area and tribal people started to convert into Christians. This had led to sharp response by the people and they launched movements to save their religion and culture.
- The British government put restrictions on grazing facilities and use of timber by tribal people and these were two main means of their livelihood. That's why they started a movement to get back their right.
- The British government passed certain laws with which it was authorized to interfere in their personal matters. It has aroused sharp response and they started to agitate against government.
- The British government also put restrictions on shifting cultivation because of which people turned against the government.
24. Write short note on 'Satyagraha' and 'Ahimsa', the two main weapons of Gandhiji.
Answer :
Satyagraha - It is the main weapon of armoury of Mahatma Gandhi. Idea of Satyagraha emphasised the power of truth and the need to search for truth. It says that if the cause is true, if the struggle is against injustice then, without using physical force, one can win the battle through non - violence by appealing to the conscience of the oppressor.
Non - violence or Ahimsa - Gandhiji said that it was the main weapon of brave person and is a inseparable part of Satyagraha. It should be used in such a way that violence could not be used to achieve one's goal and goal should be achieved trough self suffering. Gandhiji wrote that, "Complete non violence is complete absense of ill - will against all that live."
25. With which three movements Gandhiji was associated before joining active politics of country ?
Answer :
Champaran - It was a district of Bihar which was famous for indigo plantation. European planters used to suppress the planters and Gandhiji gave his help to these planters. Finally government met the demand and relaxed the pressure on planters.
Kheda - Peasants of Kheda in Gujrat also faced same type of problems. Despite femine, they were forced to pay land revenue. Gandhiji also started Satyagraha and government had to made settlement with the peasants.
Ahmedabad - Mill workers of Ahmedabad called Gandhiji to resolve the dispute between workers and owners. Under the leadership of Gandhi they called strike and finally mill owners agreed to increase the wages.
26. Write a short note on Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Answer :
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on the occasion of Baisakhi in 1919 at Amritsar. Two famous leaders of Amritsar were arrested by government on 10th April 1919 and these leaders were Satya Pal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlu. On 13th April people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar to protest the arrest of their leaders. A narrow lane leads to the perk which was enclosed on three sides by high walls. Meeting was going on peacefully. But suddenly the British military officer 'General Dyer' entered the park with his troops and ordered them to start firing towards people. For next ten minutes, troops fired at innocent and unarmed people. Hundreds of people were killed and hundreds got injured. This massacre changed the course of national movement.
27. Write a note on Poona Pact of 1932.
Or
What was the Poona Pact ?
Answer :
The British Government gave Communal award in 1932 and Gandhiji started indefinite fast on Sept 20, 1932 so that the British government could withdraw this award. Whole of the country got worried by the indefinite fast of Gandhiji. Many leaders approached Dr. B.R. Ambedkar that he should not press for his demand of separate electorate for the depressed classes. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar agreed to this and then Poona Pact was signed between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin. This Pact states that joint electrorate will be there and some seats should be kept reserved for depressed classes.
👉 NCERT Solution for Class 10th Social Science
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Enumerate the factors that helped the growth of Indian nationalism in the nineteenth century.
Or
What were the factors that contributed to the awakening of national consciousness among the Indian people ?
Or
Explain the important factors which promoted national consciousness in India.
Answer :
The growth of Indian nationalism started in the nineteenth century. Various factors contributed to the growth of this nationalism. The chief among them were as following :
- Political Unification of the Country - The first and most important factor was British imperialism. The British imperialism brought all the Indian states together and united them into one. The British imperialism gave political unity to India with one set of administration and law. The anti - imperialist feelings of the people throughout the country created a common national outlook.
- Economic Exploitation of the People - The East India Company and even under the Crown the foreign government followed a policy of economic exploitation of India. Indian wealth was drained to England and economic upliftment of India was completely subordinated. The result was unemployment, poverty and famines all around. The peasants were under the new land tenture system. Such a horrible state of affairs created economic discontentment and prompted the people to oppose the imperialists.
- Western Education and Thought - The British conquest brought the Indians in a very close contact with Europeans. In the 19th century national movements were going on in European countries. It had its impact upon the Indians too. The Indians got Western education and studied the Western literature. The Western ideas of equality, liberty and brotherhood had their influence in India too. It enabled them to study the evil effects of imperialism and exploitation by the imperialist power. This went a long way to awaken the people of India.
- Press - Press is a powerful medium for the growth of consciousness and for mass awakening. Both Indian and English presses did a lot to infuse nationalism among the people. Newspapers like 'The Kesari, The Bombay Samachar, The Hindu and the Amrita Bazar Patrika' played appreciable part in this direction.
- Contribution of Literature - The Indians came in contact with the Western literature. They studied the writings of great Western thinkers and revolutionaries like Burke, Mill, Milton, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Voltaire, etc. Many poets and writers in India too tried their best to infuse national feelings and awakening among the people. 'Anand Math' written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee brought a new awakening among the people.
- Contribution of social and Religious Reform Movements - The social and religious reform movements also contributed a lot to the awakening of national consciousness. Men like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Devendra Nath Tagore, Swami Dayanand, Vivekanand and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar painted a very lively picture of our past glory and made Indians well conscious and self - respecting.
- Racial Arrogance of the English - The British administrators had a feeling of racial superiority. They hated Indians.
- Reactionary Administration of Lord Lytton - The blundering administration of Lord Lytton and his reactionary activities created bitterness and increased anti - British feelings in the country.
- Agitation against Ilbert Bill - The display of violent temper and organised agitation by the Europeans and Anglo - Indians over the Ilbert Bill forced the Indians to organise themselves on the national basis to fight against ijustice and tyranny.
2. In what ways was the British rule detrimental to the interests of almost all sections of Indian society ?
Answer :
The British rule in India was detrimental to the interests of almost all sections of Indian society. The Inian peasants, artisans, craftsmen, the educated class, the capitalists and the merchants - all sections suffered.
- The Indian Peasants - The peasants suffered under the new land tenure system introduced by the British. Under the new system the peasants were overburdened with heavy taxes. They were reduced to utter poverty. The British rulers followed the policy of commercialisationof agriculture. Under this policy, the peasants were forced to grow crops which served as raw materials for the British factories.
- The Indian Artisans and Craftsmen - The British rulers followed the policy of colonisation and imperialism. They purchased the raw materials from Indians at cheap rate for their factories in England. They sold the manufactured goods in the Indian market at high rate. Thus the indian industries were completely destroyed. The economic conditions of craftsmen and artisans became miserable. Many of them were thrown out of employment.
- The Educated Class - The British administrators held the Indians in humilition. The English were appointed on high posts. They were given fat salaries. On retirement they were to get pensions. After their retirement they went back to England with the huge amount of money saved here. A huge amount of money was sent to England as their pensions. The Educated Indians were born to clerks and died as as clerks. There were no avenues of promotion for them. The Western education has infused in them the ideals of equality and liberty and national feeling. They could hardly swallow the humilition and discrimination.
- The Capitalist Class - The Indian industrialists noticed that the economic policy of the British Government was detrimental to their interests. All privileges were reserved for the British capitalists. The banking facilities and investment opportunities were not available for them. In 1882, all import duties on cotton textiles were removed, which harnessed the Indian textile industry.
- The Merchants - The trading classes also suffered. All the foreign trade was controlled and dominated by the British traders. They had the monopoly over all the industries, factories, mines, plantations and banking. The trading classes had no chance to develop internal trade too.
Thus, almost all sections of Indian society realised that their interests were antagonistic to the British rule.
3. Assess the importance of mass movements organised by Gandhiji in the freedom struggle of India during 1920 - 42.
Answer :
In 1920, the Indian National Movement took a new turn. It is usually called the Gandhian Era. Mahatma Gandhi henceforth became the leader and guide of the Indian National Movement and the Congress. He gave a new shape to it. He made the struggle for independence a mass movement and prepared the nation to wage a peaceful movement against the government based on violence. Earlier Gandhiji had co-operated with the government in the First World War. Incidents, like, Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy, Martial Law in the Punjab, Hunter Commission, etc were sufficient to shake his faith.
During the period 1920 - 47 Gandhiji started many mass movements :
- Non - Cooperation Movement, 1921 - 22
- Civil Disobedience Movement, 1930 - 34 and
- Quit India Movement, 1942
(1) The Non - Cooperation Movement - In its annual conference of 1920, the Congress accepted the theory and programme of Non - Cooperation Movement. The people showed great interest in this movement. Every section of the Indian society took part in the movement. In November 1921, Prince of Wales came to India. He was received with complete strike. The movement had a great success. But some people took to violence at Chauri Chaura where 22 policemen were burnt alive. Gandhiji was shocked to know about this ghastly event. This forced him to suspend the movement.
The Congress at Lahore Session of 1929, under the Presidentship of Jawaharlal Nehru declared Complete Independence as the goal of the Congress. On 26th January, 1930, Independence Day was observed throughout the country.
(2) Civil Disobedience Movement - Mahatma Gandhi started the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930 with famous Dandi March and Salt Satyagarah. This movement continued upto 1934. In 1935, the new Act called the Government of India Act 1935, came into operation. According to this Act, provincial autonomy was introduced and in 1937 elections were held. The Congress Party formed ministries in seven out of eleven provinces. The Congress ministries worked successfully and welfare schemes were taken up.
(3) The Quit India Movement - In March 1942, the British Government sent a mission to India under Sir Stafford Cripps. The Cripps Mission failed. The Cripps proposals were an attempt to satisfy the Congress by the promised Constituent Assembly and the League by the provision that any province would be at liberty to reject the constitution and form a new constitution by agreement with the British Government. The Congress rejected the proposal and Sir Stafford left for London.
The Congress demanded immediate transfer of power. The Churchil government did not pay any heed. So the Congress decided to start a non - violence mass struggle known as the Quit India Movement. Next day early in the morning, all important leaders of the country were arrested. The Congress was decalred illegal. The government followed repressive policy and let loose the reign of terror. Thereupon the public took up the movement. In the absence of leaders and in retaliation, the public restored to violence and sabotage. Many police stations, railway stations and post offices were set on fire. Railway tracks and government buildings were damaged. The government came out with heavy hands. Troops were deployed to crush the movement. The movement failed but it made clear that the British rule would not continue any longer.
4. What was the significance of Lahore Session of 1929 of the Indian National Congress ?
Answer :
The 44th session of the Indian National Congress was held at Lahore in December, 1929 under the Presidentship of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. At that time India was passing through a tense situation. Due to arrival of the Simon Commission the national movement once again gathered momentum. Due to the death of Lala Lajpat Rai in 1928 as a result of the lathi - blow while holding an anti - Simon demonstration, the Indian nationalists were agitated. A resolution for Complete Independence was passed in the session of the Congress. The Congress declared the attainment of Complete Independence as its goal. It resolved, 'the British Government has ruined India economically, politically, culturally and spiritually. We believe, therefore, that India must attain Purna Swarajya or 'Complete Independence'. It further decided by another resolution that the Congress should launch a Civil Disobedience Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. It was decided to observe 26th January as the Independence Day all over the country year after year. Accordingly 26th January 1930 was celebrated as the first Independence Day thorughout India.
5. Discuss the role of the revolutionaries in India's freedom movement.
Answer :
Along with open political movements various revolutionary groups were organised in India in the first decade of the 20th century. The repressive measures of Lord Lytton and reactionary policies of Lord Curzon, particularly the partition of Bengal, gave birth to revolutionary ideas.The revolutionaries had no faith in the constitutional and peaceful means. They believed that by terrorising British officials they would succeed to bring about freedom. The revolutionary groups were active mainly in Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Punjab.
The British Government suppressed the open political agitations and imprisioned large number of nationalist leaders. Then the revolutionaries continued the nationalist movement by intensifying their activities. They organised assassination of unpopular police officials, magistrates and officers. They continued political dacoities to collect money and looted arms. Attempts were made on the lives of two Viceroys - Lord Minto and Lord Hardinge.
The revolutionary movements were organised outside India in Europe and America also. These movements collected money to help the revolutionaries in India and tried to smuggle arms into India. They helped in mutinees of Indian soldiers in Burma, Singapore and India.
The Hindustan Republic Association was formed in 1924, with a view to organising an armed rising against the British rule. But its members were arrested and put on trial in Kakori Conspiracy Case. In 1918, on April 8 Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutta threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly to protest against the passage of the Public Safety Bill. They were arrested. Bhagat Singh, Azad and Raj Guru squared the account by shooting down Superintendent of Police of Lahore.
Revolutionary activities spread out in Maharashtra and Bengal too. In 1930, a raid was organised on the government armoury at Chittagong under the leadership of Surya Sen. Young women in Bengal also joined the revolutionary groups and took part in the terrorist activities.
The revolutionaries could not succeed in dislodging the English from India. Many of them were arrested and hanged. Their courage and bravery greatly inspired the Indians. They encouraged national sentiments among the masses.
6. Narrate briefly the causes of India's partition in 1947.
Or
Examine the causes which led to the partition of India in 1947.
Answer :
There were many causes which led to the partition of India in 1947.
- Divide and Rule Policy - The British Government followed the policy of Divide and Rule. This policy was much responsible for the Partition of India. In order to stem the tide of nationalism in India, the British tried to divide the country one way or the other.
- Obstinacy of the Muslim League - The Muslim League was preaching that the Hindus and the Muslims were two separate nations. This type of preaching was bound to result in the partition of the country.
- Appeasement Policy of the British Government - The British Government encouraged the Muslims leaders to ask for more and more things and even to raise the demand for a separate country for them. They adopted the Policy of appeasement to keep the Muslims happy. A separate nation could not be created without the partition of the country.
- Missions sent by the British Government - Some of the missions sent by the British Government to settle the political problem of India themselves accepted the claim of the Muslim League for Pakistan. The Cripps Mission sent to India in 1942, itself suggested that any province of British India that was not prepared to merge with the Indian Union would be allowed to retain its existing position and be given the same status as the Indian Union. What could be more suicidal than this ? That was why the Indian National Congress described the Cripps Proposals as a severe blow to the conception of Indian unity.
So, the things had come to such a pass that it was next too impossible to work jointly. Hence, there was no way out except to separate and accept the partition of the country.
7. Give an account of the circumstances which led to the Non - Cooperation Movement.
Or
Why was the Non - Cooperation Movement started and why Gandhiji took this movement back ?
Answer :
After the First World War several factors led to the growth of nationalist movement in India. The reforms that were announced at the end of the war came as disappointment. The frustration led to an unprecedented upsurge of nationalist sentiments. Three ruling dynasties were overthrown - Hohenzollen in Germany, Ramanov in Russia and Habsburg in Austria. The Ottoman Empire was on the verge of collapse. The russian Revolution had deeply influenced the political condition of the country. The repressive measures taken by the government, like the Rowlatt Act and massacre at Jallianwala Bagh provoked unparalled indignation in India.
In 1920, the Congress adopted the new programme of Non - violent Non - Cooperation Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
Aim and Programmes - The aim of the Non - Cooperation Movement was to redress the wrongs done to Punjab and Turkey.
The following were the programmes of this movement :
- Boycott of foreign goods and use of India - made goods.
- Titles conferred by the British Government be renounced.
- Indians to resign from the local institutions.
- The children were not be sent to the government or government aided schools.
- The courts and the British lawyers to be boycotted.
- The soldiers, the workers and clerks to refuse to serve in the foreign countries.
Progress of the Movement - The movement soon gained momentum and was a great success. About two - third voters refused to vote in the election to the legislatures. Educational institutions were deserted. National Educational Scheme was introduced. Jamia Millia and Kashi Vidyapeeth were established. Many Indians resigned their government jobs. Foreign clothes were burnt in bonfire. There were strikes all over the country. Thousands of persons joined as volunteers. The Prince of Wales who arrived on 17 November 1921, was greeted by general strike and demonstrations.
End of the Movement - In Chauri Chaura, people turned violent and set ablaze a police station in which 22 policemen died. Gandhiji, therefore, decided to call off the Non - cooperation Movement. He was opposed to violence.
The government tried its best to suppress the movement with a heavy hand. More than 30,000 people including important leaders were arrested.
Importance of the Movement - The Non - Cooperation Movement failed to achieve its aim. Yet it has its own significance in the nationalist movement of India.
- The Khilafat Movement and the Non - Cooperation Movement went hand in hand. The Hindus and the Muslims took active part in the movements. This made the Congress movement a mass movement. The Nationalist Movement got mass basis for the first time.
- It helped in the growth of the confidence, unity and co-operation in the people to fight against the foreign rule.
8. What do you know about Civil Disobedience Movement ?
Or
Discuss some reasons of launching Civil Disobedience Movement by the Congress.
Answer :
After the calling of the Non - cooperation Movement, there was lull in the political scene for a short period. Soon the Congress adopted the slogan of Complete Independence. A mighty movement was launched to achieve it. This movement is known as the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Causes - The following were in the causes due to which the mighty agitation called Civil Disobedience Movement was launched :
- In 1928 A.D., the Simon Commission visited India. The Indians boycotted this Commission. The Commission published its report despite the protest from the Indians. The nationalist leaders were not happy on the recommendations of the Commission. It caused great resentment among the people.
- The Nehru Report was published. It was the first attempt by Indians in respect of the Indian Constitution. The government did not accept it and this showed no respect to the sentiments of the people.
- In anti - Simon Commission agitation, the demonstrators were brutally assaulted. Lala Lajpat Rai had a fatal injury. This created a feeling of anti- British rule in India.
- There was a successful peasant movement in Bardoli. This inspired Gandhiji to launch a serious agitation against the government.
- In 1929, two important events - Meerut and Lahore Conspiracy cases aroused popular resentment against the British Government.
- In 1929, the Congress had declared Complete Independence as its aim in the Lahore Session. On 26th January 1930, Independence Day was celebrated all over the country.
Because of these reasons, Gandhiji decided to start the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Progress of the Movement - The movement started with Gandhiji's Dandi March on foot. At seashore, Gandhiji and his followers manufactured salt from sea water and violated the Salt Act. From there the movement spread throughout the whole country. People violated the government laws at different places. The government used repressive measures to crush the movement. About one lakh people including leaders were arrested. Sixty - seven papers were banned at Peshawar. The Indian soldiers refused to open fire on the demonstrators. In Sholapur, Martial Law had to be imposed. In Chittagong, the revolutionaries captured the armoury. There was a pact between Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Irwin, known as the Gandhi - Irwin Pact. The Congress agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference at London. The Civil Disobedience Movement was suspended.
The new viceroy Lord Willingdon was incapable to understand the importance of the Gandhi - irwin Pact. He followed repressive policy and as such the movement was revived and it continued for two years. It was called off in 1934.
9. Tell in brief about the national movement between 1920 to 1930.
Answer :
In 1919, Mahatma Gandhi came in picture of national movement of freedom. He was already popular among the masses due to his achievement in South Africa and India. In 1920, Rowlatt Act was passed and in 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place. That's why Gandhiji started Non - cooperation Movement in the country. Students left the educational institutions, people gave their jobs, they gave up their medals and titles. But this movement could not remain peaceful. People showed a lot of interest in this movement. But due to violence at Chauri - Chaura, a place in U.P., many people were killed. Gandhiji was always in favour of non - violence, that's why in 1922, he withdrew the movement.
During this time, Swaraj Party was formed by Moti Lal Nehru, C.R. Dass, Lala Lajpat Rai etc. and they contested the elections. But they were unable to change the repressive policies of government. That's why they resigned from their seats in 1926. In 1928, the British government appointed the Simon Commission to look into functioning of Constitutional reforms. This Commission was boycotted all over the country as it has no Indian member. During one demonstration against Commission, Lala Lajpat Rai was beaten and was died in later part of 1928. In 1929, Congress held its annual session at Lahore and it passed a resolution to achieve complete independence from the Britishers. That's why Gandhiji started 'Civil Disobedience Movement' in 1930 by breaking Salt Law at Dandi.
10. Tell in brief the National Movement between 1940 to 1947.
Answer :
This period of National Movement was much more faster and stronger than earlier periods. In 1939, Second World War was started and in 1940 Muslim League demanded a separate country for Muslims. In 1941, Japan came in picture of Second World War and she won Indo - China,Malaya, Burma etc. It came near to Indian boarder. British government got scared with this and dragged Indians into war. Mahatma Gandhi started 'Quit India Movement' in 1942 and demanded immediate transfer of power to Indians. During the period of war, Subhash Chandra Bose formed Indian National Army with the help of Japan and tried to liberate India with the help of Japanese forces. But this step of I.N.A. became unsuccessful and war ended in 1945 with the defeat of Japan.
After second world war, government changed in U.K. and Labour Party came in to power. It sent many missions to find viabilities of giving freedom to India. In 1946, Cabinet Mission proposed that Union of India should be formed comprising British India and Princely States, setting up of Constituent Assembly, to draft Constitution for India and to establish an Interim Government. In the same year of 1946, elections were held in which Muslim League boycotted the elections and Congress won the majority. Communal violences broke out in different parts of the country and the British government started to give serious thought to give freedom to the country.
Lord Mountbatten was appointed new Viceroy of Indi in March, 1947. He suggested that India should be divided into two parts i.e. India and Pakistan. That's why the British Parliament passed an Act in July 1947 to give freedom to India. On 15th August 1947, India became a free country.
11. Discuss in brief about role of Mahatma Gandhi in National Movement of Indpendence.
Answer :
We can not find any other Indian who gave such a great contribution in national movement of independence. He arrived in the country from South Africa during First World War but he joined National Movement in 1919. Then he dominated the whole scenario from 1919 till 1947. This age is also known as 'Gandhian Era' in our freedom struggle. He gave a united front to all the Indians to fight against the Britishers. He not only guided other leaders to follow his footprints but he himself also actively participated in national movement.
The British Government used the policy of repression and violence against Indians but Gandhiji adopted the policy of Satyagraha and non - violence against repressive policy of the Britishers. He even started many movements to get freedom from the Britishers such as Non - cooperation movement, Civil Disoedience movement, Quit India Movement. He gave his full support to unity of Hindu - Muslims which was in danger because of divide and rule policy of the Britishers. He went to jails many a times and even many a times was beaten up by the police but he never left this policy of non - violence and Satyagraha. He did a lot of depressed classes and gave the name of 'Harijan' to lower classes. He attached the general masses to national movement through the movements started by him like Non - cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India Movement etc. Common people also realized their strength and joined Mahatma Gandhi to fight against the Britishers. In this way he gave that leadership to masses which was required to fight against imperialism of the Britishers.
12. Read the following extract from the textbook and answer the questions that follow :
The Independence Day Pledge, 26 Jan. 1930 : we believe that it is inalienable right of the Indian People, as of any other people, to have freedom and to enjoy the fruits of their toil and have the necessities of life, so that they may have full opportunities of growth. We believe also that if any government deprives a people of these rights and oppresses them, the people have a further right to alter it Or to abolish it. The British Government in India has not only deprived the Indian people of their freedom but has based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and has ruined India economically, politically, culturally and Spiritually. We believe, therefore, that India must sever the British connection and attain Purna Swaraj or complete independence.
(a) In what two ways was the British rule in India oppressive ?
(b) Explain the immediate effects of the Lahore Session of the Congress on the Indian National Movements.
Answer :
(a) The British Government in India has not only deprived the Indian people of their freedom but has based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and has ruined India from all aspects.
(b) The immediate effect of the Lahore session of the Congress on the Indian National Movements was that the freedom movement has gained momentum. 26th January was celebrated as Independence day and more people started to join the National Movement.
13. Read the following extract from text book and answer the following questions :
On 6 January 1921, the police in United Provinces fired at peasants near Rae Bareli. Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to go to the place of firing, but was stopped by the police. Agitated and angry, Nehru addressed the peasants who gathered around him. This is how he later described the meaning :
They behaved as brave men, calm and unruffled in the face of danger. I do not know how they felt but I know what my feelings were. For a moment my blood was set up, non - violence was almost forgotten, but for a moment only. The thought of the great leader, who by God's goodness has been sent to lead us to victory, came to me, and I saw the Kisans seated and standing near me, less excited, more peaceful than I was - and the moment of weakness passed. I spoke to them in all humility on non - violence - I needed the lesson more than they - and they headed me and peacefully dispersed.'
Quoted in Sarvapalli Gopai, Jawaharlal Nehru : A Biography, Vol. I.
(a) Who behaved as brave men at the time of police firing ?
(b)What were Nehru's views about peasants ?
Answers :
(a) Peasants of United Provinces behaved as brave men at the time of police firing.
(b) Nehru was of the view that peasants of United Provinces were very brave as thay stood in front of bullets of police non - violent. He said that even I got excited to fight against police but they fought with humility and non - violence. He said that we should take lessons from their at and should act non - violently.
14. Read the following extract from the textbook and answer the following questions :
In 1930, Sir Muhammad Iqbal, as president of the Muslim League, reiterated the importance of separate electorates for the Muslims as an important safeguard for their minority political interests. His statement is supposed to have provided the intellectual justification for the Pakistan demand that came up in subsequent years. This is what he said :
'I have no hesitation in declaring that if the principle that the Indian Muslim is entitled to full and free development on the lines of his own culture and tradition in his own Indian home - lands is recognised as the basis of a permanent communal settlement, he will be ready to stake his all for the freedom of India. The principle that each group is entitled to free development on its own lines is not inspired by any feeling of narrow communalism....A community which is inspired by feelings of ill - will towards other communities is low and ignoble. I entertain the highest respect for the customs, laws, religions and social institutions of other communities. Nay, it is my duty according to the teachings of the Quran, even to defend their places of worship, if need be. Yet I love the communal group which is the source of life and behaviour and which has formed me what I am by giving me its religion, its literature, its thought, its culture and thereby its whole past as living operative factor in my present consciousness.
Communalism in its higher aspect, then, is indispensible to the formation of a harmonious whole in a country like India. The units of Indian society are not territorial as in European countries. The Principal of European democracy cannot be applied to India without recognising the fact of communal groups. The Muslim demand for the creation of a Muslim India within India is therefore, perfectly justified.
The Hindu thinks that separate electorates are contrary to the spirit of true nationalism, because he understands the word "nation" to mean a kind of universal amalgamation in which no communal entity ought to retain its private individuality. Such a state of things, however does not exist. India is a land of racial and religious variety. Add to this the general economic inferiority of the Muslims, their enormous debt, especially in the Punjab, and their insufficient majorities in some of the provinces, as at present constituted and you will begin to see clearly the meaning of our anxiety to retain separate electorates.'
(a) Do you agree with Iqbal's idea of communalism ?
(b) Can you define communalism in a different way ?
Answer :
(a) No, we do not agree with Iqbal's idea of communalism because he gave the idea of dividing the country for the sake of Muslims. India is a country of many religions and ideas of Iqbal divides the country on the basis of religion. His views promote narrow feelings among people which should not be allowed.
(b) Yes, communalism can be defined in a different way. Communalism should be promoted in such a way that it could not hurt sentiments of followers of other religions. Instead communalim should promote peace and harmony among the people instead of spreading hatredness among people. Communalism should encourage values of humanism like love, honesty, service, sacrifice, truth, co-operation, etc.