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

Explanation

The Quit India Movement was one of the largest anti-colonial movements. It started on August 8, 1942, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The immediate causes were the failure of Cripps mission, hardships caused during World War II and the Japanese knocking at the doors of Indian borders. Even before the movement could formally be launched all major leaders of congress were put behind the bars by the British. In this situation various secret and underground activities under the leadership to younger congress leaders kept the movement going. In this environment, Usha Mehta, a young congress leader started an underground Radio to give fuel to the movement.

Explanation

The Cripps Mission of 1942 was sent by the British government to secure Indian support during World War II in exchange for a promise of post war constitutional reforms. The Congress Party engaged in negotiations, although the proposal was ultimately rejected.

Option (c) is correct: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad were the official Congress negotiators with the Cripps Mission. They rejected the proposal because it did not grant immediate independence, allowed provinces to opt out of a united India, and retained British control during the war. Gandhi famously referred to the offer as a "post-dated cheque on a crashing bank", reflecting the discontent with the mission’s limited concessions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Bombay Manifesto openly opposed the preaching of socialist ideals, fearing that such policies would disrupt free enterprise and harm industrial growth. It was a response to the increasing influence of socialism within the Congress Party.

Statement 2 is incorrect: However the manifesto did not get support from a large section of the business community across India. The business community was positive about the government intervention and hand holding in running the enterprises and economy.

Explanation

After the Quit India Movement of 1942, C.

Rajagopalachari proposed a solution to the constitutional deadlock between the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League and the British Government through his pamphlet titled "The Way Out". It suggested that the Congress should accept the League’s demand for Pakistan through a plebiscite in Muslim-majority areas, provided the British granted complete independence to India. His proposal was an attempt to resolve the growing communal tensions and the deadlock over India’s future governance.

Explanation

The Karachi session of 1931, presided over by Sardar Patel, was significant for its adoption of the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru laying the foundation for India’s socio-economic vision.The Resolution advocated for key socio-economic reforms such as labor rights, minimum wages, equality, and universal adult suffrage. The resolution underscored Congress’ commitment to political independence and social justice, serving as a foundation for shaping governance priorities in independent India.

Explanation

The Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, was a pivotal event in India’s independence movement. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, it began on March 12, 1930, from Sabarmati Ashram and ended on April 6, 1930, in Dandi, Gujarat. Covering 240 miles, Gandhi and his followers protested against the British salt tax by producing salt from the sea, violating colonial laws.

Option (c) is correct: This act of nonviolent resistance marked the formal launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement, which aimed to challenge British authority through mass protests and the boycott of imperial policies.

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan "Do or Die" during his speech at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay on August 8, 1942. The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement or August Kranti Movement, began on this day. Gandhi’s speech was a final push to force the British to leave India. He said, "We shall do or die. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery".

Explanation

Mahatma Gandhi chose the Satyagrahis for the Individual Satyagraha movement which is also known as ‘Delhi Chalo Movement’. The movement began on October 17, 1940. It was non-violent and symbolic in nature, and was meant to affirm the right to speech. The movement was a response to the August Offer made by the then Viceroy of India, Linlithgow. Following were the first few satyagrahis in Individual Satyagraha:

Satyagrahi Name 1 Vinoba Bhave 2 Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru 3 Brahma Dutt

Explanation

The Cripps Proposals were introduced by Sir Stafford Cripps in March 1942 during World War II to secure Indian support for the Allied war effort. Cripps aimed to address India’s demand for self-rule by offering a post-war framework.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Cripps Proposals did not offer full independence to India. Instead, it offered the possibility of dominion status for India, which meant self-government within the British Commonwealth.

Statement 2 is correct: The Cripps Proposals included provisions for the creation of a Constitution-making body in India. This body, called the Constituent Assembly, would be responsible for drafting the new constitution. It would consist of representatives from various Indian provinces and political parties, with the authority to shape the country’s future governance

Explanation

Aruna Asaf Ali was an important figure in the Indian freedom struggle. She actively participated in various underground activities and played a significant role in the Quit India Movement. These activities included organizing secret meetings, distributing leaflets and pamphlets, and spreading awareness about the movement. One of the most iconic moments of Aruna Asaf Ali’s involvement in the Quit India Movement was when she hoisted the Indian National Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay (now Mumbai).