Gandhian Era & Satyagrahas — Set 7

Correct Answer: A. Jallianwala Bagh massacre

The Rowlatt Satyagraha and ensuing protests of 1919 led to the declaration of martial law in Punjab, which directly preceded the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919. The killing of hundreds of unarmed protesters by General Dyer shocked the nation. The massacre deepened Indian resolve to end British rule.

Correct Answer: B. Eradication of untouchability

Eradication of untouchability was a key component of Gandhi's constructive programme. He believed social reform was inseparable from political freedom and organized Harijan uplift campaigns across India. Gandhi argued that true independence could not be achieved while social injustice persisted within Indian society.

Correct Answer: C. Ahmedabad

The Sabarmati Ashram was located on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Gandhi established the ashram in 1917 and used it as his base for organizing movements including the Dandi March of 1930. After leading the march, Gandhi vowed not to return to Sabarmati until India gained independence.

Correct Answer: D. Dandi March and Salt Satyagraha

The Civil Disobedience Movement officially began with the Dandi March and Salt Satyagraha on April 6, 1930. Gandhi's act of picking up salt from the seashore at Dandi symbolically broke the British salt law. The act triggered mass civil disobedience across India with people making salt and boycotting British goods.

Correct Answer: A. A general strike or closure of shops

Hartal refers to a general strike involving the voluntary closure of shops, markets, and other establishments as a mark of protest. Gandhi called for hartals to demonstrate public opposition to British policies, including the April 6, 1919 hartal against the Rowlatt Act. Hartals were a powerful and peaceful form of collective protest in Gandhi's strategy.

Correct Answer: B. Three days

Gandhi's fast during the Ahmedabad Mill Strike lasted three days before the mill owners agreed to arbitration. The fast was directed at the mill workers who were wavering in their resolve, not at the mill owners, though it morally pressured both parties. The arbitrator eventually awarded workers the demanded 35% wage increase.

Correct Answer: C. Ambalal Sarabhai

Ambalal Sarabhai was the mill owner who had a personal friendship with Gandhi during the Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918. Gandhi's position was made morally complex by this friendship, yet he chose to support the workers' just demands. The movement showed Gandhi's commitment to justice over personal relationships.

Correct Answer: D. Use wealth as trustees for society's benefit

Gandhi's concept of Trusteeship held that wealthy individuals should regard themselves as trustees of their wealth for the benefit of society rather than personal owners. He believed this concept could resolve class conflict without violent revolution. Trusteeship was part of Gandhi's broader vision of a moral economic order.

Correct Answer: A. Gandhi-Irwin Pact

The Civil Disobedience Movement was suspended in March 1931 through the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed between Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin. Under the pact, the British agreed to release political prisoners and allow salt collection along the coast. Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference in London.

Correct Answer: B. Untouchability and caste discrimination

The Vaikom Satyagraha is regarded as one of India's pioneering movements against untouchability and caste discrimination. Lower-caste people were denied the right to walk on roads near upper-caste temples in Travancore. The movement helped raise national awareness about caste-based discrimination and influenced the broader social reform movement.