Second Phase of the Indian National Movement Questions and Answers

   

I. Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options.

1. What measure did Lord Curzon take to reduce the 'influence of Bengal'?

(a) Partition of Bengal

(b) Swadeshi Movement

(c) Boycott Movement

(d) Bengal Land Act

Ans: a) Partition of Bengal

2. What justification did Lord Curzon give to the Indians for the Partition of Bengal? 

(a) Bengal was too big to be efficiently administered by a single provisional government.

(b) It would cause a hindrance to the national movement.

(c) It would place Bengalis under two administrative units, making them a minority in Bengal.

(d) It would lead to division between Hindu and Muslim Nationalists

Ans: a) Bengal was too big to be efficiently administered by a single provincial government.

3. The Partition of Bengal was annuled and a new scheme was implemented on which grounds?

(a) Religious

(b) Linguistic

(c) Cultural

(d) Traditional.

Ans: b) Linguistic

4. Both Early Nationalists and Assertive Nationalists spoke, wrote, and edited newspapers. Which section had a wider reach and why?

(a) Early Nationalists because they were well educated.

(b) Early Nationalists because they held official positions.

(c) Assertive Nationalists because they used the vernacular press as a medium.

(d) Assertive Nationalists because they used the English language as a medium.

Ans: c) Assertive Nationalists because they used the vernacular press as a medium.

5. Assertive Nationalists adopted the policy of ________ to oppose the unjust acts of the British.

(a) entreat and beseech

(b) non-cooperation

(c) passive redressal

(d) prayers and petitions

Ans: c) passive redressal

6. Which of the following was an achievement of Assertive Nationalists?

(a) Annulment of Partition of Bengal

(b) Annulment of Ilbert Bill

(c) Annulment of Arms Act

(d) Annulment of Indian Universities Act.

Ans: a) Annulment of Partition of Bengal

7. Which of the following international events led to the rise of Assertive Nationalism?

(a) Victory of Japan over Russia

(b)Defeat of Britain in the Anglo-Afghan Wars

(c) Defeat of France in Ethopia

(d) Defeat of Germany in South Africa

Ans: a) Victory of Japan over Russia

8. Early Nationalists: Ideas of western philosophers : : Assertive Nationalists : ....?....

(a) Ideas of eastern philosophers

(b) Ideas of Swadeshi

(c) Ideas of Karl Marx

(d) India's past

Ans: d) India's past

9. Early Nationalists: Educated middle class : : Assertive Nationalists : ....?....

(a) Youth and women

(b) the British nationals in India.

(c) the masses

(d) the Civil servants

Ans: c) The masses

10. Who among the following was NOT an Assertive Nationalist leader?

(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak

(b) Lala Lajpat Rai

(c) Bipin Chandra Pal

(d) Dadabhai Naoroji

Ans: d) Dadabhai Naoroji

11. Why did Swadeshi become a watchword of the National Movement?

(a) It would make India self-sufficient

(b) It would make Indian goods attractive for export.

(c) It would encourage trade

(d) It would encourage British to buy Indian goods.

Ans: a) It would make India self-sufficient

12. The split in the Congress occurred due to differences between the Early Nationalists and Assertive Nationalists. Which of the following was NOT an issue?

(a) Extension of Swadeshi and Boycott to the whole country

(b) Open support to boycott of foreign goods

(c) Candidature for Congress Presidentship

(d) Indianisation of Civil Services

Ans: d) Indianisation of Civil Services

II. Short Answer Questions

1. Who composed the Bande Mataram? State the reaction of the masses to the proclamation of the Partition of Bengal.

Ans: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed Bande Mataram. Reaction of the masses to the proclamation of the Partition of Bengal:

1. The people strongly opposed the Partition of Bengal and observed a day of mourning on 16 October 1905.
2. They tied Rakhi bands to one another as a symbol of unity and brotherhood.
3. Meetings, processions and demonstrations were organised, and people sang Bande Mataram to express their protest.

2. Name any two prominent leaders of the Anti-Partition agitation of Bengal. Name the song composed by Rabindranath Tagore during the Anti-partition agitation.

Ans: Two prominent leaders of the Anti-Partition Agitation:

1. Surendranath Banerjee
2. Anand Mohan Bose

"Amar Sonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal)is the song composed by Rabindranath Tagore during the Anti-Partition Agitation.

3. Who were Assertive Nationalists? Why were they so called?

Ans: The Assertive Nationalists were a group of nationalist leaders who emerged in the Indian National Congress during the early twentieth century. Important leaders among them were Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai.
They were called Assertive Nationalists because they adopted a bold, aggressive and assertive approach towards the British Government. Unlike the Early Nationalists, they did not believe in prayers and petitions and demanded Swaraj through methods such as Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education and Passive Resistance.

4. Name three prominent Assertive Nationalist leaders. What was the aim of the Assertive Nationalists as far as the National Movement was concerned?

Ans: Three prominent Assertive Nationalist leaders were:

1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
2. Bipin Chandra Pal
3. Lala Lajpat Rai

(They were popularly known as Lal-Bal-Pal.)

The main aim of the Assertive Nationalists was the immediate attainment of Swaraj (self-government) and making the National Movement a strong mass movement against British rule.

5. How did the Assertive Nationalists expand the social base of the National Movement?

Ans: The Assertive Nationalists expanded the social base of the National Movement in the following ways:

1. They carried the message of nationalism to the masses through speeches, public meetings and processions.
2. They used newspapers in the vernacular languages, which enabled ordinary people to understand and participate in the movement.
3. Through the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements, they involved students, women, workers and common people in the National Movement.
4. They appealed to India's history, culture and traditions, which helped in creating national pride among the masses.

6. What were the two methods adopted by the Assertive Nationalists in the freedom struggle?

Ans: The Assertive Nationalists adopted the following methods:

1. Swadeshi and Boycott – They encouraged the use of Indian-made goods and the boycott of foreign goods.
2. National Education and Passive Resistance – They promoted national education and opposed unjust British laws through passive resistance.

7. Mention any one reason for the rise of Assertive Nationalism. Why did the educated Indians turn against the British?

Ans: The failure of the Early Nationalists to achieve significant political reforms led to the rise of Assertive Nationalism.

1. The educated Indians realised the true nature of British rule and understood that the British were exploiting India for their own benefit.
2. They were disappointed by the discriminatory and repressive policies of the British Government, such as the Vernacular Press Act, Arms Act and the Partition of Bengal.

8. List any two international events that shattered the myth of European superiority.

Ans: 

1. Japan's victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1905).
2. Ethiopia's victory over Italy in 1896.

These events proved that Asian and African nations could defeat powerful European countries, thereby shattering the myth of European superiority and inspiring Indian nationalists.

9. Mention any two measures that show that Lord Curzon's policies were repressive.

Ans: Measures showing the repressive nature of Lord Curzon's policies were:

1. The Indian Universities Act (1904), which increased government control over universities and restricted their autonomy.
2. The Partition of Bengal (1905), which was intended to weaken the growing nationalist movement and divide the people.
3. The Official Secrets Act (1904), which restricted the freedom of the press and public criticism of the Government.

10. Name the two books written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Ans: The two books written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak were:

1. The Arctic Home in the Vedas
2. Gita Rahasya

11. When and why did Tilak leave the Indian National Congress?

Ans: Bal Gangadhar Tilak left the Indian National Congress in 1907 after the Surat Split.

He left because:

1. There were serious differences between the Early Nationalists (Moderates) and the Assertive Nationalists (Extremists) regarding the methods to be adopted in the National Movement.
2. The Assertive Nationalists wanted the extension of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements to the whole country, while the Moderates opposed this.
3. Disagreements over the election of the Congress President at the Surat Session led to the split of the Congress.

12. Why did Tilak revive Ganapati and Shivaji festivals?

Ans: Bal Gangadhar Tilak revived the Ganapati Festival (1893) and the Shivaji Festival (1895) to:

1. Awaken national consciousness and patriotic feelings among the people.
2. Bring people together and unite them against British rule.
3. Create pride in India's culture, history and heritage.
4. Use these festivals as a platform to spread nationalist ideas among the masses.

13. Mention any two contributions of Bipin Chandra Pal?

Ans: Any two contributions of Bipin Chandra Pal were:

1. He was a strong supporter of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements and worked to spread these movements throughout the country.
2. He advocated National Education and encouraged Indians to establish national educational institutions free from government control.
3. He popularised the ideals of Assertive Nationalism through his speeches and writings.
4. He is known as the Father of Revolutionary Thought in India.

14. Mention any two achievements of the Assertive Nationalists.

Ans: 

1. They instilled national pride and self-confidence among the Indians and inspired them to fight for Swaraj.
2. They popularised the ideas of Swadeshi, Boycott and National Education, thereby widening the base of the National Movement.
3. They exposed the true nature of British rule.
4. They brought the masses into the National Movement.

III. Structured Questions

1. One of Lord Curzon's administrative measures that resulted in strong resentment from the masses was the Partition of Bengal in 1905. In this context, answer the following questions:

(a) What was Lord Curzon's argument in favour of the Partition of Bengal? How did the nationalists interpret Lord Curzon's motives?

Ans: Lord Curzon argued that Bengal was too large to be efficiently administered by a single provincial government. He claimed that partitioning Bengal would improve administrative efficiency and ensure better governance. The nationalists believed that the real motive behind the partition was:

1. To weaken the growing nationalist movement in Bengal.
2. To reduce the influence of educated Bengalis, who were at the forefront of the national movement.
3. To divide Hindus and Muslims and implement the British policy of "Divide and Rule."

(b) How did the people react to the Partition of Bengal?

Ans: The people reacted strongly against the Partition of Bengal.

1. A day of mourning was observed on 16 October 1905, the day the partition came into effect.
2. People took out processions, held meetings and demonstrations to protest against the partition.
3. Hindus and Muslims tied Rakhi bands to one another as a symbol of unity and brotherhood.
4. Rabindranath Tagore composed the song "Amar Sonar Bangla" to inspire the people.
5. The Swadeshi and Boycott Movements were launched to oppose British policies.

(c) What was the impact of the Anti-Partition Movement?

Ans: The Anti-Partition Movement had far-reaching effects on the Indian National Movement.

1. It gave a great impetus to the growth of nationalism and united the people against British rule.
2. The Swadeshi and Boycott Movements became popular and encouraged the use of Indian-made goods.
3. National educational institutions were established to promote national education.
4. The movement led to the rise of Assertive Nationalism and brought the masses into the National Movement.
5. The movement was successful, and the Partition of Bengal was annulled in 1911. A new scheme was introduced on linguistic rather than religious grounds.

2. With reference to the Surat Split of 1907, answer the following questions:

(a) What were the issues on which the two wings of the Congress had differences of opinion? How did the British exploit the differences between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists?

Ans: Issues on which the two wings had differences of opinion:

1. The Assertive Nationalists wanted the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements to be extended to the whole country, whereas the Early Nationalists wanted to confine them mainly to Bengal.
2. The Assertive Nationalists favoured more aggressive methods such as Boycott, Swadeshi and Passive Resistance, while the Early Nationalists believed in constitutional methods like petitions, prayers and protests.
3. There was disagreement over the choice of the President for the Surat Session of the Congress in 1907.

The British exploited these differences in the following ways:

1. The British followed the policy of "Divide and Rule" and encouraged differences between the two groups.
2. They supported the Moderates and tried to isolate the Assertive Nationalists.
3. As a result, the Congress split into two groups at the Surat Session in 1907, weakening the National Movement.

(b) What was the effect of the split between the two wings of the Congress on the National Movement?

Ans: The Surat Split of 1907 had an adverse effect on the National Movement.

1. The Indian National Congress became weak because the Early Nationalists and Assertive Nationalists worked separately.
2. The British Government took advantage of the division and followed its policy of "Divide and Rule."
3. The Assertive Nationalist leaders were suppressed, and many of them were arrested or persecuted by the Government.
4. The pace of the National Movement slowed down for some time due to the lack of unity among the nationalists.

(c) Why did the Assertive Nationalists adopt the policy of non-cooperation with the British Government? Name the Assertive Nationalist leader who organised akharas and lathi clubs. Why were these organised?

Ans: 

1. The Assertive Nationalists had lost faith in the British sense of justice and fair play.
2. They realised that petitions and prayers had failed to achieve significant results.
3. They believed that British rule could be weakened through non-cooperation, Swadeshi, Boycott and Passive Resistance.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak organised akharas and lathi clubs.

1. They were organised to develop physical strength, courage and discipline among the youth.
2. They were also organised to awaken national consciousness and prepare people for the struggle against British rule.

3. In the second phase of the national movement, there emerged a new younger group of leaders within the Congress who did not agree with the old leadership. In this context, answer the following questions:

(a) Differentiate between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists in their objectives and achievements, stating one objective and two achievements of each wing of the Congress.

Ans: Early Nationalists
Objective:

• To achieve self-government gradually through constitutional and peaceful methods.

Achievements:

• They created political consciousness and national unity among Indians.
• They exposed the economic exploitation and true nature of British rule.

Assertive Nationalists
Objective:

• To achieve the immediate attainment of Swaraj.

Achievements:

• They instilled national pride, self-confidence and self-reliance among Indians.
• They popularised the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements and brought the masses into the National Movement.

(b) Name the Assertive leader known as the forerunner of Gandhiji. Why is the person known as the forerunner of Gandhiji?

Ans: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was known as the forerunner of Gandhiji. Because:

• He was the first nationalist leader to adopt the policy of boycott, Swadeshi, and passive resistance against the British.
• Like Gandhiji, he believed in involving the masses in the National Movement.
• He encouraged people to refuse cooperation with unjust British policies.
• His methods and ideas later influenced Gandhiji's movements such as Non-Cooperation and Swadeshi.

(c) Explain how the repressive policies of Lord Curzon and the influence of International events led to the Assertive nationalism.

Ans: Repressive Policies of Lord Curzon

• Lord Curzon passed the Indian Universities Act (1904) and increased government control over universities.
• He passed the Official Secrets Act (1904), which restricted criticism of the Government.
• He partitioned Bengal in 1905 to weaken the nationalist movement and follow the policy of Divide and Rule.
• These repressive measures created widespread resentment and encouraged the growth of Assertive Nationalism.

Influence of International Events

• Japan's victory over Russia (1905) proved that an Asian nation could defeat a powerful European country.
• Ethiopia's victory over Italy (1896) shattered the myth of European superiority.
• These events inspired Indians and increased their confidence in their ability to challenge British rule.
• As a result, many nationalists began to favour a more assertive approach in the struggle for freedom.

4. Bipin Chandra Pal was said to be "One of the mightiest prophets of nationalism". In this context:

(a) Mention his political aims.

Ans: Political aims of Bipin Chandra Pal:

• He aimed at achieving Swaraj (self-government) for India.
• He wanted Indians to become self-reliant and free from dependence on the British.
• He strongly supported the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements as means of attaining national freedom.
• He advocated National Education to develop national consciousness and patriotism among Indians.

(b) State his ideas on National Education.

Ans: Bipin Chandra Pal's ideas on National Education:

• He believed that education should be controlled and managed by Indians, not by the British Government.
• He wanted education to promote patriotism, national pride, and love for the country.
• He opposed the British system of education, which he felt encouraged loyalty to the British Government.
• He supported the establishment of National Educational Institutions free from government control.

(c) What remedies did he propose to eradicate India's poverty and unemployment?

Ans: Remedies proposed by Bipin Chandra Pal to eradicate India's poverty and unemployment:

• He advocated the Swadeshi Movement and urged Indians to use goods made in India.
• He encouraged the development of indigenous industries to create employment opportunities.
• He supported the Boycott of foreign goods so that Indian industries could grow.
• He believed that National Education and technical education would help Indians become self-reliant and reduce unemployment.