Early Nationalism & INC Formation — Set 10
National Movement · प्रारंभिक राष्ट्रवाद और INC · Questions 91–100 of 160
What was the significance of the Nagpur session of INC in 1920?
Correct Answer: A. A. Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement was launched and new constitution adopted
The Nagpur session of the INC in December 1920 was a landmark session where Gandhi's Non-Cooperation Movement was formally adopted. A new constitution for the INC was also adopted, making it a mass organization with membership fees set at four annas. Provincial Congress Committees were reorganized on linguistic lines. The session formally launched the era of mass nationalist politics in India.
What was the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919?
Correct Answer: A. A. Government of India Act 1919 introducing dyarchy
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, embodied in the Government of India Act 1919, introduced a system of 'dyarchy' in provincial governments. Under dyarchy, some subjects were 'transferred' to Indian ministers responsible to elected legislatures, while others were 'reserved' for the British Governor. Though a step forward, the reforms were criticized as inadequate. Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement partly in opposition to these limited reforms.
Who was known as 'Deshbandhu' (Friend of the Nation)?
Correct Answer: A. A. Chittaranjan Das
Chittaranjan Das (C.R. Das) was known as 'Deshbandhu' meaning 'Friend of the Nation.' He was a prominent Bengali lawyer and politician who became a major leader of the INC. He defended several nationalists including Aurobindo Ghosh in the Alipore Bomb Case. He founded the Swaraj Party with Motilal Nehru in 1922. He was also known for his advocacy for Hindu-Muslim unity.
What was the Rowlatt Act of 1919 and why was it opposed?
Correct Answer: A. A. It allowed detention without trial and was opposed as oppressive
The Rowlatt Act of 1919 gave the British government emergency powers to imprison anyone suspected of terrorism without trial. It was based on the recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee. Indians called it the 'Black Act' and opposed it fiercely. Gandhi organized a hartaal (strike) against it which led to large-scale protests across India and eventually the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in April 1919.
What was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
Correct Answer: A. A. British troops fired on a peaceful gathering in Amritsar killing hundreds
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919 (Baisakhi) when Brigadier General R.E.H. Dyer ordered troops to fire on a peaceful crowd gathered in an enclosed garden in Amritsar. Hundreds were killed and thousands wounded. The crowd had gathered to protest the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of nationalist leaders. The massacre shocked the world and turned many moderate Indians against British rule, including Rabindranath Tagore who returned his knighthood.
Who presided over the Lahore session of INC 1929 where Purna Swaraj was demanded?
Correct Answer: A. A. Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the Lahore session of the INC in December 1929 where the demand for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) was formally adopted. On December 31, 1929, the Indian flag was unfurled and January 26, 1930 was declared as the first Independence Day. This date was later chosen as Republic Day. The Lahore resolution marked the INC's final break with the demand for Dominion Status.
What was the Civil Disobedience Movement launched in 1930?
Correct Answer: A. A. Gandhi's campaign starting with the Dandi March to make salt illegally
The Civil Disobedience Movement launched in 1930 began with Mahatma Gandhi's famous Dandi March (Salt March) from March 12 to April 5, 1930. Gandhi and 78 followers marched 241 miles to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat to make salt from seawater, defying the British salt monopoly. The movement spread nationwide with mass civil disobedience campaigns. It was one of the most significant campaigns of the Indian independence movement.
What was the Round Table Conference and how many were held?
Correct Answer: A. A. Three Round Table Conferences were held in London (1930-32)
Three Round Table Conferences were held in London between 1930 and 1932 to discuss constitutional reforms for India. The first (1930-31) was boycotted by the INC. Gandhi attended the second (1931) as the sole INC representative after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. The third (1932) was again boycotted by the INC after Gandhi's arrest. The conferences eventually led to the Government of India Act 1935.
What was the Government of India Act 1935?
Correct Answer: A. A. A comprehensive act providing for provincial autonomy and proposed federation
The Government of India Act 1935 was the most comprehensive constitutional legislation for India before independence. It provided for provincial autonomy with elected ministers responsible to provincial legislatures. It also proposed an All-India Federation (which never came into effect). Burma was separated from India under this act. The 1935 Act formed the basis for the Constitution of India adopted in 1950.
Who was the first Indian to be elected INC President twice?
Correct Answer: A. A. Dadabhai Naoroji
Dadabhai Naoroji was the first Indian to be elected President of the INC twice (1886 and 1906). His 1906 presidency was particularly significant as it was at this session that the INC adopted the four major resolutions including the demand for Swaraj. His election showed the enormous respect he commanded across the nationalist spectrum. He was the unifying figure who could bring moderates and extremists together.