Chapter 8 – Making of the National Movement (1870s–1947)
Class 8 History
Very Short Answer Type
Why did Indians begin forming political associations in the late 19 th century?
They wanted to discuss public issues and express shared political demands.
What was the main objective of the Indian National Congress when it was founded in 1885?
To create a platform for Indians to present their grievances to the British government.
How did the early leaders of the Congress believe political change could be achieved?
Through petitions, meetings, and discussions with British authorities.
Why was the partition of Bengal opposed by many Indians in 1905?
It was seen as an attempt to divide Indians on religious and regional lines.
How did the Swadeshi movement encourage self-reliance among Indians?
By promoting the use of Indian-made goods and boycotting foreign products.
What role did national leaders play in spreading nationalist ideas among the masses?
They used speeches, newspapers, and public meetings to create awareness.
Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement significant in India’s freedom struggle?
It marked the first mass participation of people against British rule.
How did Mahatma Gandhi involve ordinary people in the national movement?
He used simple methods like peaceful protest and mass participation.
What was the main aim of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
To openly violate unjust laws and demand complete independence.
Why was the Salt March an effective symbol of protest?
It challenged a law that affected all Indians, especially the poor.
How did British repression affect the national movement?
It strengthened Indian unity and resolve against colonial rule.
Why did different social groups join the national movement?
They hoped freedom would improve their social and economic conditions.
What was the significance of the Quit India Movement of 1942?
It demanded an immediate end to British rule in India.
How did the Second World War influence India’s freedom struggle?
It weakened British control and increased pressure for independence.
Why is 1947 considered a turning point in Indian history?
India became an independent nation after long years of struggle.
Short Answer Type
What were the main objectives of the Indian National Congress when it was formed in 1885?
• To provide a platform for Indians to voice their political grievances.
• To promote political dialogue between Indians and the British government.
• To secure reforms in administration and law to benefit Indians.
• To create political awareness among educated Indians.
Explain why the Partition of Bengal in 1905 was opposed by Indians.
• It divided Bengal into two parts based on religion.
• Indians saw it as a divide and rule policy.
• It hurt cultural and economic unity.
• It led to protests and boycotts.
How did the strategy of non-cooperation help in the Indian freedom struggle?
• Encouraged boycott of British schools, courts, and goods.
• Built mass participation.
• Promoted self-reliance.
• Strengthened unity.
Compare the approaches of the Moderates and Extremists.
• Moderates believed in dialogue and reforms.
• Extremists demanded self-rule.
• Moderates wanted gradual change.
• Extremists wanted immediate action.
Who was Bal Gangadhar Tilak and why was he called Lokmanya?
• He was a nationalist leader.
• Promoted Swaraj.
• Respected by the masses.
• Inspired nationalism through festivals and newspapers.
Assess the role of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Introduced mass movements.
• Promoted non-violence and Satyagraha.
• United different sections of society.
• Made the movement inclusive.
Give examples of economic resistance.
• Boycott of British goods.
• Promotion of Swadeshi.
• Refusal to pay taxes.
• Encouragement of local industries.
Why did the Civil Disobedience Movement gain mass support?
• Targeted unjust laws.
• Used non-violent methods.
• Included all social groups.
• Created unity.
How did different movements contribute to independence?
• Moderates created awareness.
• Extremists inspired action.
• Gandhian movements united people.
• Pressure on the British increased.
Why was the Quit India Movement a turning point?
• Demanded immediate independence.
• Showed unity.
• Increased national consciousness.
• Prepared ground for freedom.
Long Answer Type Questions (Point-wise)
1. Describe the early efforts made by Indian leaders to organize the Indian National Congress
in the 1880s.
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 to provide a political platform to Indians.
Leaders like Allan Octavian Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji and Dinshaw Wacha helped in its formation.
The first session of the Congress was held in Bombay with 72 delegates.
The early leaders focused on reforms in British administration.
They raised issues such as unfair taxation and lack of representation.
They used peaceful methods like petitions and discussions.
These efforts helped in creating political awareness and unity.
2. Explain the differences between the Moderates and Extremists in the Indian National
Congress.
Moderates believed in constitutional and peaceful methods.
They used petitions, meetings, and cooperation with the British.
Leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji followed this approach.
They wanted gradual reforms and change.
Extremists believed in direct and strong action.
They encouraged boycotts and mass movements.
Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai led this group.
Extremists demanded Swaraj and immediate action.
Both groups aimed for independence but had different methods.
3. How did British policies like the partition of Bengal help in mobilizing Indians?
The partition of Bengal in 1905 divided people on religious lines.
It created anger and opposition among Indians.
Many saw it as a divide and rule policy.
Leaders like Surendranath Banerjee and Rabindranath Tagore organized protests.
The Swadeshi Movement began to boycott British goods.
People started using Indian products.
Meetings, newspapers, and songs spread awareness.
Students, women, and workers joined the movement.
It made the freedom struggle a mass movement.
4. Analyze the role of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in awakening national consciousness.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak inspired people with the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright.”
He demanded self-rule for India.
He used festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti to unite people.
He spread nationalist ideas through newspapers like Kesari and Mahratta.
He encouraged education and national pride.
He supported mass participation and strong action.
His efforts strengthened the extremist movement.
5. How did different social groups participate in the national movement?
Students and youth organized protests and movements.
Women also played an important role.
Leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Annie Besant encouraged women.
Peasants protested against high taxes and exploitation.
Workers organized strikes in industries.
Writers and intellectuals spread awareness.
This unity made the movement stronger.
6. Assess the impact of Gandhiji’s philosophy of non-violence.
Mahatma Gandhi introduced Satyagraha and Ahimsa.
His methods encouraged peaceful protest.
It allowed mass participation.
Movements like Champaran and the Salt March were successful.
People from all religions and regions joined.
It gained international support.
Non-violence became the main strategy.
7. Strategy to increase rural participation in 1920.
Spread awareness in villages about British injustice.
Organize meetings in rural areas.
Encourage Swadeshi and use of khadi.
Train volunteers for peaceful protests.
Involve youth and women.
Use local festivals and songs to spread ideas.
Help peasants with their problems to gain trust.
Case Study based questions
Case Study 1 – Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)
In April 1919, in Amritsar, a large crowd gathered at Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the
repressive Rowlatt Act. Brigadier General Dyer arrived with troops and ordered them to open fire on
the crowd without warning. Hundreds of people were killed and many were injured. This event
shocked the entire nation and strengthened the demand for independence.
Questions
What law caused the protest at Jallianwala Bagh?
The protest was against the Rowlatt Act, which allowed the British government to arrest and
imprison people without trial.
How did General Dyer respond to the gathering?
General Dyer ordered his soldiers to open fire on the crowd without warning. Hundreds of people
were killed and many were injured.
Why did this incident intensify the demand for independence?
It exposed the cruelty of British rule and made Indians realize that they could not get justice under
colonial rule. It increased anger and support for the national movement led by leaders like
Mahatma Gandhi.
Case Study 2 – Champaran Satyagraha (1917)
In 1917, farmers in Champaran, Bihar, were forced to grow indigo by British planters. They faced
heavy taxes and exploitation. Mahatma Gandhi visited Champaran and supported the farmers. He
collected evidence, organized protests, and negotiated with the British authorities. Finally, the
farmers’ demands were accepted.
Questions
What were the problems faced by the farmers in Champaran?
The farmers were forced to grow indigo, faced high taxes, and were exploited by British planters.
How did Gandhi help the farmers?
He collected information, met the farmers, organized peaceful protests, and negotiated with the
British government.
Why is Champaran Satyagraha considered important?
It was the first successful experiment of non-violent protest in India and became a model for future
movements.
Case Study 3 – Salt March (1930)
In 1930, the British imposed a salt tax. It was illegal for Indians to produce salt. To protest, Mahatma
Gandhi started the Dandi March. Thousands of people joined him. At Dandi, he made salt from
seawater and broke the law. This led to mass civil disobedience.
Questions
What law did Gandhi challenge during the Salt March?
He challenged the salt law, which stopped Indians from making or selling salt.
How did the Salt March mobilize people?
Many people joined the march and started making salt. It spread the movement across India.
What was the significance of the Salt March?
It showed the power of non-violent protest and united people from different regions and social
groups.