Gandhian Era & Satyagrahas — Set 6

Correct Answer: C. Self-rule encompassing political, economic, and moral freedom

In Gandhi's philosophy, Swaraj meant much more than political independence; it encompassed self-rule in political, economic, and moral dimensions. He believed Indians needed to develop inner discipline and self-reliance before they could truly govern themselves. True Swaraj, for Gandhi, began at the individual and village level.

Correct Answer: D. Eradicating untouchability and uplifting lower castes

Gandhi's Harijan campaign was aimed at eradicating untouchability and uplifting the people he called Harijans (children of God), namely the scheduled castes. He organized temple entry movements and campaigns to remove social discrimination. Gandhi regarded untouchability as a blot on Hinduism and fought against it throughout his life.

Correct Answer: A. Indigo

The Champaran Satyagraha was directly related to the forced cultivation of indigo by local farmers for European planters. The tinkathia system compelled farmers to grow indigo on a portion of their land at exploitative prices. Gandhi's investigation and campaign led to the abolition of this forced cultivation system.

Correct Answer: B. Rowlatt Commission (Sedition Committee)

The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee, also called the Sedition Committee, chaired by Justice Sydney Rowlatt. The committee was set up to examine the extent of revolutionary activities in India during World War I. Its recommendations gave the government sweeping powers to arrest and detain persons without trial.

Correct Answer: C. Boycott government schools and colleges

During the Non-Cooperation Movement, Gandhi asked students to boycott government schools and colleges run by the British. He encouraged students to join or establish national schools and colleges instead. This was part of a broader strategy to withdraw cooperation from all British institutions.

Correct Answer: D. Passive resistance implied weakness, satyagraha implied active moral courage

Gandhi replaced the term 'passive resistance' with 'Satyagraha' because he believed passive resistance implied weakness and negativity, while satyagraha conveyed an active, positive, and courageous moral force. Satyagraha required inner strength, courage, and readiness to suffer for truth. The distinction was philosophically significant to Gandhi's method.

Correct Answer: A. 24 days

The Dandi March lasted 24 days, from March 12 to April 5, 1930, covering a distance of approximately 390 kilometres. Gandhi walked from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to the coastal village of Dandi in Navsari district, Gujarat. The march drew enormous domestic and international attention to India's freedom struggle.

Correct Answer: B. Flood and drought causing crop failure

The Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 was triggered by floods and drought that caused widespread crop failure in the Kheda district of Gujarat. Under the revenue settlement rules, peasants were entitled to remission of land revenue when the crop yield fell below a quarter. The British initially refused remission, prompting Gandhi and Patel to organize the satyagraha.

Correct Answer: C. Appointing a committee that reduced the enhanced revenue

As a result of the Bardoli Satyagraha, the British government was compelled to appoint the Maxwell-Broomfield Commission to review the revenue settlement. The commission found the enhanced assessment unjustified and recommended a significant reduction. This was a major victory for the peasants and for Sardar Patel who led the movement.

Correct Answer: D. Bhagavad Gita

Gandhi was deeply influenced by the Bhagavad Gita, which he called his 'spiritual dictionary.' He interpreted the Gita as a call to selfless action and non-attachment to results, which he integrated into his concept of satyagraha. He also drew inspiration from Tolstoy, Thoreau, and John Ruskin.