Freedom Struggle & Gandhi — Set 12

Correct Answer: B. Sardar Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of independent India from 1947 to 1950. He is credited with integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union. He also reorganized the Indian Administrative Service and police services. He died in office in December 1950.

Correct Answer: B. Khadi and handloom textiles

The Swadeshi movement in Gujarat strongly promoted khadi (hand-spun cloth) and local handloom textiles. Gandhi used the spinning wheel (charkha) as a symbol of self-reliance and economic independence. Boycotting British cloth and wearing khadi became a form of political protest. Gujarat's textile traditions were revived through the Swadeshi movement.

Correct Answer: B. Pingali Venkayya

The Swaraj Flag featuring the spinning wheel (charkha) was designed by Pingali Venkayya at Gandhi's suggestion. It had three horizontal stripes of white, green, and red. Gandhi believed the charkha symbolized self-reliance and non-violence. After independence, the charkha was replaced by Ashoka's Dharma Chakra in the national flag.

Correct Answer: B. Funding Tilak's Home Rule League

Umar Sobhani and Shankerlal Banker, both Gujarati businessmen, funded Tilak's Home Rule League movement. They were prosecuted by the British government for funding nationalist activities. Their case became famous as they were charged under sedition laws. Their support demonstrated how Gujarat's merchant class contributed to the independence movement.

Correct Answer: C. 1960

Gujarat was carved out as a separate state from the bilingual Bombay state on May 1, 1960 following the Mahagujarat Movement. The movement demanded a separate state for Gujarati-speaking people. Maharashtra was simultaneously carved out for Marathi speakers. May 1 is celebrated as Gujarat Day (Gujarat Sthapana Divas) every year.

Correct Answer: B. Indulal Yagnik

Indulal Yagnik led the Mahagujarat Movement from 1956 to 1960 demanding a separate state for Gujarati-speaking people. He was a veteran freedom fighter and social activist. His charismatic leadership mobilized millions of Gujaratis. The movement's success led to the formation of Gujarat state on May 1, 1960.

Correct Answer: B. Jivraj Mehta

Dr. Jivraj Narayan Mehta became the first Chief Minister of Gujarat when the state was formed on May 1, 1960. He was a doctor by profession and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He implemented several social welfare programmes during his tenure. He later served as India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Correct Answer: A. 1977-1979

Morarji Desai from Bulsar (now Valsad), Gujarat, served as India's Prime Minister from 1977 to 1979. He led the Janata Party government that came to power after the Emergency period. He was the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India. He also received Pakistan's highest civilian award Nishan-e-Pakistan in 1990.

Correct Answer: B. Indigo cultivation

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was against the Tinkathia system where indigo farmers were forced to cultivate indigo on 3/20 of their land. Gandhi's investigation revealed the exploitative conditions. The British government set up an inquiry commission which Gandhi also joined. The Tinkathia system was abolished as a result.

Correct Answer: C. 30%

The British government proposed a 30% increase in land revenue in Bardoli taluka in 1928. The farmers found this unjust especially given poor agricultural conditions. Sardar Patel organized non-payment of taxes as a form of non-violent resistance. After the satyagraha's success, the British reduced the increase significantly.