Indian National Movement III (1930-1947): UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)

Explanation

The Quit India Movement (QIM) was a mass civil disobedience campaign launched by the Indian National Congress in August 1942, led by Mahatma Gandhi, demanding an end to British rule in India. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: Mahatma Gandhi promoted non-violent resistance during the Quit India Movement but did not ask government servants to quit their roles. He focused on mass civil disobedience and non-cooperation, urging Indians to refuse support for British rule and demand independence. Gandhi ji did not ask soldiers to leave their posts.

Statement 3 is correct: Gandhi preached self-rule (Swaraj) and independence from British rule, advocating for the princely states to embrace their people’s sovereignty.

Explanation

In the 1936-37 elections, the Indian National Congress formed a ministry in 8 out of 11 provinces under the Government of India Act, 1935. Congress did not secure a majority in Punjab. Instead, the Unionist Party, a coalition of landlords and representatives of various religious communities, led by Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, formed the government with support from the Muslim League.

Explanation

The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, held in December 1929, was a landmark event in India’s struggle for independence. Under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, this session marked a significant shift in the Congress’s approach towards British rule. The Congress formally adopted the resolution of Purna Swaraj (complete independence), rejecting the earlier goal of dominion status within the British Empire.

Option (b) is correct: One of the key outcomes was the authorization given to the Congress Working Committee to launch a program of civil disobedience if the British government failed to meet Indian demands.

Explanation

The Shimla Conference (1945) aimed to discuss India’s future governance but failed due to Congress-Muslim League disagreements. The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946) saw Indian sailors revolt against British rule, protesting poor conditions and discrimination.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The conference took place in June

1945 under Lord Wavell, who served as Viceroy from 1943 to 1947. Mountbatten only assumed the role in March 1947, shortly before India’s independence.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indian Navy Revolt began on February 18, 1946, with sailors in Bombay and Karachi protesting poor conditions and discrimination. They demanded national independence and the release of INA and political prisoners, symbolizing India’s growing nationalist sentiment.

Explanation

The Round Table Conferences (1930-1932) were three meetings in London between British officials and Indian leaders to discuss constitutional reforms.

Statement 1 is correct: At the First Round Table Conference in London in 1930, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar represented the depressed classes (now Scheduled Castes) and demanded separate electorates to ensure their adequate representation and protect their interests.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Poona Pact was an agreement between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi(his representatives) in 1932. It provided reserved seats for the depressed classes (Scheduled Castes) in provincial legislatures and ensured their political representation. This pact replaced the separate electorates initially proposed for depressed classes.

Statement 3 is correct: The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, boycotted the Third Round Table Conference in London in 1932. The Congress had reservations about the British government’s proposals, believing the discussions would not yield a satisfactory outcome for India’s future.

Explanation

Government of India Act, 1935, which introduced significant constitutional reforms. All the three given statements are correct: The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for:

Provincial autonomy, granting greater powers to provincial legislatures. The establishment of a Federal Court to resolve disputes between the central and provincial governments. The creation of an All-India Federation at the center, though it was never fully implemented. The expansion of the electorate, allowing more Indians to vote. The introduction of a bicameral legislature at the center, consisting of the Council of States and the Federal Assembly.