Freedom Struggle & Gandhi — Set 12

Correct Answer: B. Majoor Mahajan Sangh

The Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association, known as Majoor Mahajan Sangh, was founded by Gandhi in 1920. It was one of the first trade unions in India. It advocated for workers' rights through non-violent negotiations. The union played an important role in the 1918 mill strike that secured a 35% wage increase for workers.

Correct Answer: B. Shyamji Krishna Varma

Shyamji Krishna Varma published 'The Indian Sociologist' monthly journal from London starting in 1905. The journal advocated for complete Indian independence from British rule. It was banned in India by the colonial government. Varma used the journal to expose British exploitation and promote revolutionary nationalism.

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.