INC Sessions & Presidents — Set 3

Correct Answer: B. Kesari and Mahratta

Bal Gangadhar Tilak published two newspapers — Kesari (in Marathi) and Mahratta (in English) — to spread nationalist ideas among the masses. These newspapers were powerful tools of political awakening and often criticized British policies. Tilak used them to mobilize public opinion against colonial rule. He was imprisoned several times for his writings in these newspapers.

Correct Answer: B. Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it

The famous slogan 'Swaraj (Self-rule) is my birthright and I shall have it' is associated with Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He first said this at Yeola in Nasik district in 1907. This powerful statement became a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement. Tilak was a firebrand leader who believed in aggressive nationalism compared to the moderate approach of leaders like Gokhale.

Correct Answer: B. Ganapati Festival and Shivaji Festival

Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the Ganapati (Ganesh Chaturthi) Festival in 1893 and the Shivaji Festival in 1896 as platforms for nationalist mobilization. These festivals brought people together and were used to spread messages of national unity and anti-colonial resistance. The Ganapati festival transformed from a household puja to a public celebration. These festivals are still celebrated with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra today.

Correct Answer: C. Moderate and constitutional methods

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a leader of the Moderate faction in the Indian National Congress, believing in constitutional methods, petitions, and working within the British system to achieve reforms. He believed in gradual reform through education, social upliftment, and peaceful dialogue with the British. He was a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi, who called him his political guru. Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to promote civic education.

Correct Answer: B. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was called the 'Diamond of India' and was one of the most respected moderate leaders of the Congress. Gandhi regarded Gokhale as his political guru and spent time with him before launching his political career in India. Gokhale advised Gandhi to travel across India to understand its people before engaging in politics. Gokhale's social reform work and dedication to India's poor greatly influenced Gandhi.

Correct Answer: B. Lal-Bal-Pal

Bipin Chandra Pal was part of the famous Lal-Bal-Pal trio, along with Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal) and Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Bal). These three were the most prominent leaders of the Extremist faction of the Indian National Congress in the early 20th century. They advocated for complete independence (Swaraj) rather than gradual reforms. Together they popularized the idea of Swadeshi and economic nationalism.

Correct Answer: B. He popularized the concept of radical nationalism and Swaraj through speeches and writings

Bipin Chandra Pal is known as the 'Father of Revolutionary Thoughts in India' for his role in popularizing radical nationalism. He advocated for complete self-rule (Swaraj) and the Swadeshi movement through his powerful speeches and writings. He was a brilliant orator who inspired millions with his vision of a free India. He also edited the journal 'New India' to spread nationalist ideas.

Correct Answer: A. Lion of Punjab (Punjab Kesari)

Lala Lajpat Rai was known as the 'Lion of Punjab' (Punjab Kesari) for his fierce and courageous leadership against British rule. He was a prominent leader in the Lal-Bal-Pal trio and a key figure in the extremist faction of Congress. He also founded the Punjab National Bank. He played a major role in organizing resistance against the partition of Bengal in 1905 and led protests against the Simon Commission.

Correct Answer: B. He was killed by police lathi-charge during Simon Commission protest

Lala Lajpat Rai was fatally injured in a lathi-charge by police during a peaceful protest against the Simon Commission on October 30, 1928, in Lahore. He died on November 17, 1928, from the injuries sustained. Police Superintendent J.A. Scott ordered the brutal lathi-charge on the protesters. Lajpat Rai's death enraged young revolutionaries, particularly Bhagat Singh, who vowed to avenge his death.

Correct Answer: B. A British commission to review Indian governance with no Indian members

The Simon Commission was a statutory commission set up by the British government in 1927 to review the working of the Government of India Act 1919. It was chaired by Sir John Simon and had seven British members but no Indian representatives. This exclusion of Indians enraged nationalists across the political spectrum. All Indian parties, including Congress and the Muslim League, boycotted the commission with protests across India.