Non-Cooperation & Civil Disobedience — Set 7
National Movement · असहयोग और सविनय अवज्ञा · Questions 61–70 of 200
Which movement preceded the Non-Cooperation Movement in terms of mass mobilisation of Indians against the British?
Correct Answer: A. Swadeshi Movement (1905)
The Swadeshi Movement of 1905–08, triggered by the partition of Bengal, was the major mass movement preceding the Non-Cooperation Movement. It promoted boycott of British goods and use of Indian-made products. However, the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) was far larger in scale and represented a qualitative leap in mass political mobilisation.
The Congress adopted a policy of 'constructive programme' after which movement's suspension?
Correct Answer: B. Non-Cooperation Movement
After the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922, Gandhi shifted focus to a 'constructive programme' that included promotion of khadi, Hindu-Muslim unity, and eradication of untouchability. This phase focused on building social and economic foundations for independence rather than direct confrontation with the British. The constructive programme remained central to Gandhi's vision throughout the freedom struggle.
During the Civil Disobedience Movement, Indian women participated in large numbers for the first time. What roles did they play?
Correct Answer: C. As active participants — picketing shops, breaking salt laws, going to jail
During the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–34), Indian women participated as active political protesters for the first time in large numbers. They picketed liquor shops and foreign cloth shops, violated salt laws, courted arrest, and endured imprisonment. This marked a transformation in women's public role and their integration into the mainstream independence movement.
What does 'Satyagraha' mean?
Correct Answer: B. Truth-force or soul-force
Satyagraha means 'truth-force' or 'soul-force' — a concept developed by Gandhi combining the Sanskrit words 'satya' (truth) and 'agraha' (firmness or holding on to). It is distinct from mere passive resistance as it involves active but nonviolent resistance to injustice. Gandhi first developed and applied satyagraha in South Africa before bringing it to India.
The Indian National Congress passed the Purna Swaraj resolution on:
Correct Answer: B. December 26, 1929
The Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) resolution was passed by the Indian National Congress at the Lahore Session on December 26, 1929, under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru. The Congress declared that henceforth the goal was complete independence, not dominion status. January 26, 1930 was then designated as Independence Day.
Who was the Viceroy of India when the Second Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1932?
Correct Answer: B. Lord Willingdon
Lord Willingdon was the Viceroy of India during the Second Civil Disobedience Movement in 1932. Unlike Lord Irwin, Willingdon took a hard-line approach and immediately arrested Gandhi and other Congress leaders. His policy of swift repression significantly weakened the movement.
Which major British policy, announced just before the Civil Disobedience Movement, further angered Indian nationalists?
Correct Answer: C. Simon Commission Report (1930)
The Simon Commission Report, published in 1930, further angered Indian nationalists as it made no recommendation for dominion status or significant transfer of power to Indians. Congress had already declared Purna Swaraj as its goal in December 1929. The report's inadequate response to Indian aspirations contributed to the momentum of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
In which state did the Civil Disobedience Movement have particularly strong participation from forest dwellers through 'forest satyagraha'?
Correct Answer: D. Andhra Pradesh and Central Provinces
Forest satyagraha — violation of forest laws — was a significant form of civil disobedience in Andhra Pradesh and the Central Provinces (now Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh). Forest communities violated British restrictions on collecting forest produce. This showed that the Civil Disobedience Movement had rural and tribal dimensions beyond the urban, middle-class participation.
Which famous American journalist's eyewitness account of the Dharasana Salt Works raid brought international attention to India's Civil Disobedience Movement?
Correct Answer: B. Webb Miller
Webb Miller, an American journalist of the United Press, witnessed and reported on the non-violent raid on Dharasana Salt Works in May 1930. His graphic account of Indian protesters being beaten by police without retaliation was published in newspapers worldwide. Miller's reports generated enormous international sympathy for India's independence movement and embarrassed the British government.
What was the significance of the Lahore Session of Congress (1929) for India's independence movement?
Correct Answer: B. It declared Purna Swaraj as the goal and set January 26 as Independence Day
The Lahore Session of December 1929 was a turning point as it formally declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as the Congress goal, abandoning the earlier demand for dominion status. It authorised the Working Committee to launch civil disobedience. January 26, 1930 was fixed as Independence Day — a date later immortalised as Republic Day on January 26, 1950.