Nationalism in India (NCERT Solutions for class 10th)

Q.1 Explain

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

Answer: Nationalism in India grew because people became more aware of their identity and culture. As they faced British exploitation, economic struggles, and discrimination, they demanded freedom. The Indian National Congress (INC) and leaders like Gandhi promoted self-rule and unity. Nationalism and the fight against colonial rule were closely linked and seen in movements like the Quit India Movement (1942) and the Non-Cooperation Movement.

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

Answer: – The economic hardship caused by the war, such as high taxes and rising prices, angered the Indian population.

– The British betrayal of promises made during the war to grant political reforms led to widespread disillusionment.

– Repressive measures like the Rowlatt Act triggered mass protests, strengthening the National Movement and leading to movements like Non-Cooperation under Gandhi.

c. Why Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act.

Answer: Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act because it gave the British government the power to arrest and imprison Indians without trial. It allowed for the suppression of political activities and curtailed civil liberties, such as the freedom of speech and assembly. This act was seen as unjust and repressive, as it allowed the British to control and silence any form of dissent, leading to widespread protests and anger across India.

d. Why Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer: Gandhiji withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922. In this incident, a mob killed 22 policemen, which went against Gandhiji’s principle of non-violence. Gandhi felt the movement was turning violent and decided to stop it to prevent further harm.

Q.2 What is meant by the idea of satyagraha?

Answer: The idea of Satyagraha means truth force or soul force. It is a method of non-violent resistance, where people protest against injustice without using violence. The goal is to win over the opponent through truth, love, and peaceful methods. Gandhiji used Satyagraha during India’s freedom struggle to peacefully fight against British rule.

Q.3 Write a newspaper report on:

a) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Answer: Date: April 13, 1919
Location: Amritsar, Punjab

On Baisakhi day, people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh, some for the fair, others for a peaceful protest against the Rowlatt Act. British troops, led by General Dyer, opened fire on the crowd without warning. Over 300 people were killed, and many more were injured. This massacre shocked the country and fueled the demand for independence.

b) The Simon Commission

Answer: Date: 1928
Location: India

The Simon Commission, set up by the British, arrived in India without any Indian members. Indians were upset by this and protested across the country. The commission’s arrival made it clear that Indians wanted more say in their own governance and led to stronger demands for independence.

Note: During the protests, Lala Lajpat Rai was injured by police and later died, becoming a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the fight for independence.

Q.4 Compare the images of Bharat Mata in this chapter with the image of Germania
in Chapter 1

Answer: Germania symbolizes Germany’s strength and unity, often shown as a powerful woman with a crown and sword. Bharat Mata represents India as a nurturing mother, depicted with a book or flag. Germania highlights power and struggle, while Bharat Mata emphasizes devotion and sacrifice. Both became key symbols in their nationalist movements.

Discuss:-

Q.1 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: Middle-class people in towns and cities, Peasants, Tribals, Plantation, workers, Students and teachers, Merchants and traders, Workers in some industrial areas.

1. Peasants:
Led by Baba Ramchandra in Awadh, peasants protested against high rents and forced labor by landlords.

2. Plantation Workers:
Under the Inland Emigration Act, workers couldn’t leave plantations . They believed Gandhi would give them land and left for their villages which marked their joining in NCM. However, on the way to their home they were stopped and beaten.

3. Middle-Class People:
Students, teachers, and lawyers participated by boycotting government institutions. Foreign goods and liquor shops were boycotted, and foreign clothes were burned.

Q.2 Discuss the Salt March to make clear why it was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.

Answer: The Salt March (1930) was an important protest against British rule in India. Here’s why it was effective:

1. Non-Violent Protest: Gandhi’s peaceful approach, despite arrests and violence, gained global attention and showed the power of non-violent resistance.

2. Challenged British Control: Gandhi led the march to make salt, defying the British monopoly and salt taxes that affected everyone.

3. United People: It inspired many Indians, from farmers to city dwellers, to join the movement, showing that everyone could take part in the fight for freedom.

Q.3 Imagine you are a woman participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Explain
what the experience meant to your life.

Answer:

1. Empowerment: It allowed me to break social barriers and contribute to India’s freedom struggle, showing that women could be strong leaders.

2. Challenge: I faced resistance from society and risked arrest, but my desire for independence kept me going.

3. Unity: It brought women together to fight for our rights and support the nation’s freedom, giving us strength and pride.

Q.4 Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?

Answer: Political leaders differed on separate electorates due to different views:

1. British Influence: The British used separate electorates to “divide and rule,” which worried leaders about its impact on India’s future unity.

2. Minority Protection: Leaders like Muslim representatives supported separate electorates to safeguard minority rights and ensure fair political representation.

3. National Unity: Gandhi and Congress leaders opposed it, believing it would divide Indians along religious lines and harm unity.

Note: Answering styles vary with different perspectives. Some write in paragraphs, others prefer point-wise formats. Choose your own way of writing, but make sure your answers include the required examples and highlight important points first. This flexibility helps you present your answers more clearly and effectively!

Here are other related Links:-

Nationalism in India (Easy Notes)

Nationalism in India (Multiple Choice Questions)

Nationalim in India (Case based Questions)

Nationalism in India (Assignment Questions)

Nationalism in India (Quiz)