Nationalism in India

Source A – Mahatma Gandhi on Satyagraha

Q1. Read the text carefully. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean when he said satyagraha is active resistance?

Answer:

Mahatma Gandhi meant that satyagraha is not a passive or weak method of protest. It is an active form of resistance that requires great inner strength and courage. A satyagrahi does not use physical force or inflict pain on the adversary, but actively resists injustice by appealing to the oppressor's conscience through non-violence and truth. It calls for intense activity, self-discipline, and the willingness to suffer without seeking vengeance. Gandhi emphasised that satyagraha is 'pure soul-force' rooted in truth and love, and that it is the weapon of the strong, not the weak.

Activity (Poster Making)

Q1. The year is 1921. You are a student in a government-controlled school. Design a poster urging school students to answer Gandhiji's call to join the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer:

Poster Title: "Students! Answer the Call of the Mahatma!"

Content:

• Leave government-controlled schools and colleges – they serve colonial rulers.
• Join the Non-Cooperation Movement to win Swaraj.
• Boycott foreign goods and use only Indian-made products.
• Wear khadi and spin the charkha.
• Support the Khilafat cause and unite Hindus and Muslims.
• Your sacrifice today will free India tomorrow.

Slogan: "Swaraj is our birthright! Join the movement!"

Source B – Jawaharlal Nehru on the Awadh Peasants

Q1. If you were a peasant in Uttar Pradesh in 1920, how would you have responded to Gandhiji's call for Swaraj? Give reasons for your response.

Answer:

As a peasant in Uttar Pradesh in 1920, I would have responded enthusiastically to Gandhiji's call for Swaraj because:

• Peasants were suffering under exorbitantly high rents and various cesses demanded by talukdars and landlords.
• They were forced to do begar (unpaid labour) on landlords' farms.
• They had no security of tenure and were regularly evicted from leased land.
• Gandhiji's message of Swaraj promised an end to these sufferings and the abolition of begar.
• The Non-Cooperation Movement, led by leaders like Baba Ramchandra and Jawaharlal Nehru, directly addressed peasant grievances.
• I would have joined the movement hoping for reduction of revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycott of oppressive landlords.

Activity (Find Out)

Q1. Find out about other participants in the National Movement who were captured and put to death by the British. Can you think of a similar example from the national movement in Indo-China (Chapter 2)?

Answer:

Indian National Movement:

• Bhagat Singh – Executed by the British in 1931 at the age of 23.
• Rajguru and Sukhdev – Executed along with Bhagat Singh in 1931.
• Alluri Sitaram Raju – Captured and executed in 1924 for leading the Gudem tribal revolt.
• Mangal Pandey – Executed in 1857 for his role in the Revolt of 1857.

Indo-China (Chapter 2):

• Ho Chi Minh – Though not executed, he was imprisoned and faced death threats for leading the Vietnamese independence movement.
• Phan Boi Chau – A Vietnamese nationalist who was arrested and spent years in prison for anti-colonial activities.

These examples show that anti-colonial movements in both India and Indo-China faced brutal repression from colonial powers, yet the spirit of nationalism continued to grow.

Discuss (Communalism – Source D)

Q1. Read the Source D carefully. Do you agree with Iqbal's idea of communalism? Can you define communalism in a different way?

Answer:

Iqbal's idea of communalism: Muhammad Iqbal argued that communalism is indispensable for the harmonious functioning of a diverse country like India. He believed that each religious community should have the right to develop freely according to its own culture and tradition, and that separate electorates were necessary to safeguard Muslim political interests. He saw India not as a territorial nation but as a land of racial and religious variety where European democracy could not be applied without recognising communal groups.

My view: I do not entirely agree with Iqbal's idea of communalism, as it can lead to the division of society along religious lines and hinder the growth of a unified national identity.

Alternative definition of communalism: Communalism refers to the belief that people belonging to the same religion share common political, social, and economic interests, and that these interests are different from and often opposed to those of other religious communities. It often leads to discrimination, conflict, and violence between communities.

Activity (Bharat Mata Images)

Q1. Look at Figs. 12 and 14. Do you think these images will appeal to all castes and communities? Explain your views briefly.

Answer:

No, these images may not appeal to all castes and communities equally.

• Fig. 12 (Abanindranath Tagore's Bharat Mata): This image portrays Bharat Mata as an ascetic figure dispensing learning, food, and clothing. While it is relatively universal in its symbolism, it is still rooted in Hindu iconography (the mala, ascetic qualities), which may not resonate with Muslims, Christians, or other non-Hindu communities.
• Fig. 14 (Bharat Mata with trishul, lion, and elephant): This image is more explicitly Hindu in its symbolism. The trishul (trident) is associated with Lord Shiva, and the lion and elephant are symbols of power in Hindu iconography. This would likely alienate Muslims, Christians, and other minority communities who do not identify with these symbols.

Therefore, while these images helped create a sense of nationalism among Hindus, they may not have appealed equally to all castes and communities, especially religious minorities.

Discuss (Civil Disobedience Participation)

Q1. Why did various classes and groups of Indians participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Answer:

Various classes and groups participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement for different reasons:

Write in Brief

Q1. Explain: a) Why growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an anti-colonial movement. b) How the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India. c) Why Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act. d) Why Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer:

a) Why growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an anti-colonial movement:

In colonies, the growth of modern nationalism is intimately connected to the anti-colonial movement because:

• People began discovering their unity in the process of their struggle against colonialism.
• The sense of being oppressed under colonialism provided a shared bond that tied many different groups together.
• Each class and group felt the effects of colonialism differently, but the common experience of colonial exploitation united them.
• The Congress under Mahatma Gandhi tried to forge these groups together within one movement.

b) How the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India:

• The war created a new economic and political situation.
• It led to a huge increase in defence expenditure, financed by war loans and increasing taxes.
• Customs duties were raised and income tax was introduced.
• Prices increased, doubling between 1913 and 1918, causing extreme hardship for common people.
• Villages were called upon to supply soldiers, and forced recruitment in rural areas caused widespread anger.
• In 1918-19 and 1920-21, crops failed in many parts of India, resulting in acute food shortages.
• An influenza epidemic killed 12 to 13 million people according to the 1921 census.
• People hoped their hardships would end after the war, but that did not happen, leading to discontent and growth of nationalism.

c) Why Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act:

• The Rowlatt Act (1919) was hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of Indian members.
• It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities.
• It allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
• This was seen as unjust and against the principles of civil liberty.
• Mahatma Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws, starting with a hartal on 6 April.

d) Why Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement:

• In February 1922, at Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur, a peaceful demonstration in a bazaar turned into a violent clash with the police.
• Hearing of the incident, Mahatma Gandhi called a halt to the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• He felt the movement was turning violent in many places.
• Satyagrahis needed to be properly trained before they would be ready for mass struggles.

Q2. What is meant by the idea of satyagraha?

Answer:

The idea of satyagraha emphasised the power of truth and the need to search for truth. It suggested that if the cause was true, if the struggle was against injustice, then physical force was not necessary to fight the oppressor. Without seeking vengeance or being aggressive, a satyagrahi could win the battle through non-violence. This could be done by appealing to the conscience of the oppressor. People – including the oppressors – had to be persuaded to see the truth, instead of being forced to accept truth through the use of violence. Mahatma Gandhi believed that this dharma of non-violence could unite all Indians.

Q3. Write a newspaper report on: a) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre b) The Simon Commission

Answer:

a) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

AMRITSAR, APRIL 13, 1919 – A peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh turned into a scene of horror today when General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on an unarmed crowd. Thousands had gathered to protest against the government's repressive Rowlatt Act and to attend the annual Baisakhi fair. Many villagers, unaware of the martial law imposed in the city, were also present. General Dyer blocked the exit points and opened fire, killing hundreds. His declared object was to 'produce a moral effect' and create terror in the minds of satyagrahis. The incident has sparked widespread outrage across north India, with crowds taking to the streets in protest. Mahatma Gandhi has called off the movement in response to the violence that followed.

b) The Simon Commission

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 3, 1928 – The Statutory Commission under Sir John Simon arrived in India today to a hostile reception. The commission, set up by the new Tory government in Britain to look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India and suggest changes, has no Indian member – all members are British. When the commission arrived, it was greeted with the slogan 'Go back Simon'. All parties, including the Congress and the Muslim League, participated in the demonstrations. The exclusion of Indians from the commission has united political parties in protest. Lala Lajpat Rai was assaulted by British police during a peaceful demonstration against the commission and later succumbed to his injuries.

Q4. Compare the images of Bharat Mata in this chapter with the image of Germania in Chapter 1.

Answer:

Comparison between Bharat Mata and Germania:

Discuss

Q1. List all the different social groups which joined the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921. Then choose any three and write about their hopes and struggles to show why they joined the movement.

Answer:

Social groups that joined the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921:

• Middle-class students, teachers, and lawyers
• Merchants and traders
• Peasants in Awadh (led by Baba Ramchandra)
• Tribal peasants in the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh (led by Alluri Sitaram Raju)
• Plantation workers in Assam
• Women

Three groups and their hopes and struggles:

1. Middle-class students, teachers, and lawyers:

• Hopes: They hoped to win Swaraj and end British rule.
• Struggles: Thousands left government-controlled schools and colleges, headmasters and teachers resigned, and lawyers gave up their legal practices.

2. Peasants in Awadh:

• Hopes: They hoped for reduction of revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycott of oppressive landlords.
• Struggles: They were led by Baba Ramchandra against talukdars and landlords who demanded exorbitantly high rents and various cesses. They had to do begar and had no security of tenure.

3. Plantation workers in Assam:

• Hopes: They hoped for freedom to move freely in and out of the confined space, and to retain a link with the village from which they had come.
• Struggles: Under the Inland Emigration Act of 1859, they were not permitted to leave the tea gardens without permission. When they heard of the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands defied authorities, left the plantations, and headed home, but were caught by police and brutally beaten.

Q2. Discuss the Salt March to make clear why it was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.

Answer:

The Salt March was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism because:

• Salt was consumed by rich and poor alike: It was one of the most essential items of food, making it a universal symbol that could unite the nation.
• Government monopoly over salt production: The tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production revealed the most oppressive face of British rule.
• Direct violation of law: Mahatma Gandhi ceremonially violated the salt law by manufacturing salt from sea water at Dandi, marking the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Mass participation: Thousands in different parts of the country broke the salt law, manufactured salt, and demonstrated in front of government salt factories.
• Unified the nation: The march from Sabarmati to Dandi, covering over 240 miles in 24 days, brought together people from different regions and communities.
• Symbol of defiance: The Salt March became a powerful symbol of Indian resistance against British colonial rule, inspiring millions to join the freedom struggle.

Q3. Imagine you are a woman participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Explain what the experience meant to your life.

Answer:

As a woman participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement, the experience meant:

• Emergence from home: For the first time in my life, I moved out of my home onto a public arena, participating in protest marches and picketing foreign cloth and liquor shops.
• Sense of purpose: I began to see service to the nation as a sacred duty of women, inspired by Gandhiji's call.
• Participation in struggle: I manufactured salt, participated in demonstrations, and went to jail for the cause of Swaraj.
• Solidarity with others: I joined thousands of other women from high-caste families in urban areas and rich peasant households in rural areas.
• Limited change in status: Despite increased public role, there was no radical change in the way women's position was visualised. Gandhiji believed it was women's duty to look after home and hearth. The Congress was reluctant to allow women to hold positions of authority.
• Personal transformation: The experience gave me confidence, courage, and a sense of empowerment, even though societal attitudes towards women remained largely unchanged.

Q4. Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?

Answer:

Political leaders differed sharply over the question of separate electorates because:

• Dr B.R. Ambedkar: He demanded separate electorates for dalits, believing that political empowerment would resolve the problems of their social disabilities. He organised dalits into the Depressed Classes Association in 1930.
• Mahatma Gandhi: He opposed separate electorates for dalits, believing that it would slow down the process of their integration into society. He began a fast unto death when the British government conceded Ambedkar's demand.
• Muslim League: Leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah demanded separate electorates for Muslims as a safeguard for their minority political interests.
• Congress: Many Congress leaders opposed separate electorates, seeing them as contrary to the spirit of true nationalism.
• Outcome: The Poona Pact of September 1932 gave the Depressed Classes reserved seats in provincial and central legislative councils, but they were to be voted in by the general electorate.

Project

Q1. Find out about the anti-colonial movement in Indo-China. Compare and contrast India's national movement with the ways in which Indo-China became independent.

Answer:

Anti-colonial movement in Indo-China:

• Indo-China (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) was colonised by the French.
• The Vietnamese national movement was led by Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party.
• It involved armed struggle against the French and later the Americans.
• Vietnam became independent in 1954 after the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Comparison between India and Indo-China:

Contrast: India's national movement was largely non-violent under Gandhi's leadership, while Indo-China's movement was primarily armed and revolutionary. India gained independence through negotiations, while Indo-China had to fight prolonged wars against France and later the USA.