Extra Question Class 8 History Chapter 8 The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

Q: Who were the leaders of the Indian National Congress in its early years?

A: The early leaders of the Indian National Congress included Dadabhai Naoroji, Surendranath Banerjee, and A.O. Hume.

Q: What was the significance of the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885?

A: The formation of the Indian National Congress marked the beginning of organized political agitation for Indian self-governance within the British colonial system.

Q: What was the main goal of the Swadeshi movement?

A: The main goal of the Swadeshi movement was to promote indigenous industries and boycott British goods as a means of economic resistance against colonial rule.

Q: Who were the leaders of the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22?

A: Mahatma Gandhi was the leader of the Non-Cooperation Movement, supported by other prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Azad.

Q: What was the significance of the Simon Commission?

A: The Simon Commission was significant because it sparked widespread protests in India due to its all-British composition and lack of Indian representation.

Q: What was the demand of the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929?

A: The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 demanded complete independence or 'Purna Swaraj' for India.

Q: Who coined the term "Quit India" during the Quit India Movement of 1942?

A: The term "Quit India" was coined by Mahatma Gandhi during the Quit India Movement.

Q: What was the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, and what did it propose for India?

A: The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 proposed a federal system for India with autonomy for provinces and groupings of provinces, along with a weak center.

Q: Who represented the Indian National Congress in the Round Table Conferences?

A: The Indian National Congress was represented by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Maulana Azad in the Round Table Conferences.

Q: What was the significance of the August Offer of 1940?

A: The August Offer of 1940 was significant as it was the British government's first formal declaration of its intention to grant self-governance to India after the end of World War II. 

Q: What were the main objectives of the Indian National Congress when it was founded in 1885?

A: The Indian National Congress was founded with the primary objective of voicing Indian grievances and seeking political reforms within the British colonial system. Its initial demands included greater representation for Indians in the civil services, legislative councils, and administrative bodies, as well as the promotion of Indian industries and education.

Q: How did the Indian National Congress evolve over time, and what were the key turning points in its history?

A: The Indian National Congress evolved from a platform for educated elites to voice grievances to a mass movement advocating for independence. Key turning points included the emergence of mass participation under leaders like Tilak and Gandhi, the adoption of non-cooperation and civil disobedience as methods of resistance, and the demand for complete independence in 1929.

Q: What were the main causes and consequences of the Partition of Bengal in 1905?

A: The Partition of Bengal was initiated by the British government for administrative purposes, but it had severe socio-political consequences. The main causes were administrative convenience and the British policy of "divide and rule." The consequences included widespread protests and the rise of nationalist sentiment, leading to the annulment of the partition in 1911 and the emergence of a stronger sense of Bengali identity and nationalism.

Q: Discuss the significance of the Swadeshi movement in the Indian nationalist struggle.

A: The Swadeshi movement was a mass movement that aimed to promote indigenous industries and boycott British goods as a means of economic resistance against colonial rule. It fostered a sense of self-reliance and nationalism among Indians and served as a precursor to later mass movements like non-cooperation and civil disobedience.

Q: How did the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22 impact the Indian nationalist movement?

A: The Non-Cooperation Movement marked a turning point in the Indian nationalist movement by mobilizing millions of Indians in nonviolent resistance against British rule. It popularized the use of nonviolent methods of protest and led to the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi as a national leader. Although the movement was suspended in 1922 following incidents of violence, it left a lasting impact on Indian politics and inspired future struggles for independence.

Q: What was the significance of the Salt March in 1930, and how did it contribute to the Indian nationalist movement?

A: The Salt March, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a symbolic act of defiance against British salt laws and monopoly. It galvanized mass participation in the nationalist movement and showcased the power of nonviolent resistance. The Salt March brought international attention to the injustices of British rule in India and inspired widespread acts of civil disobedience across the country.

Q: Discuss the impact of World War II on the Indian nationalist movement.

A: World War II had a significant impact on the Indian nationalist movement. The British government's decision to involve India in the war without consulting Indian leaders led to widespread protests and demands for independence. The failure of the Cripps Mission and the Quit India Movement further strained relations between the British government and Indian nationalists, ultimately hastening the process of Indian independence.

Q: What were the main features of the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, and why did it fail to resolve the issue of Indian independence?

A: The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a federal system for India with autonomy for provinces and groupings of provinces, along with a weak center. However, it failed to resolve the issue of Indian independence due to disagreements between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League over power-sharing arrangements and the creation of Pakistan. Despite initial acceptance by both parties, the plan ultimately collapsed, leading to partition and independence in 1947.

Q: Who were the main leaders of the Muslim League, and what were their objectives in the nationalist movement?

A: The main leaders of the Muslim League included Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal. Their objectives in the nationalist movement included safeguarding the political rights of Muslims in a future independent India and advocating for the creation of a separate Muslim-majority nation, which ultimately led to the formation of Pakistan.

Q: Discuss the role of women in the Indian nationalist movement and their contributions to the struggle for independence.

A: Women played a significant role in the Indian nationalist movement, contributing in various capacities as leaders, activists, and participants. They organized protests, led boycotts, and worked tirelessly to mobilize support for the nationalist cause. Prominent women leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay played instrumental roles in shaping the course of the nationalist struggle and advocating for women's rights within the movement.

Q: What were the factors that led to the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, and what were its early objectives?

A: The formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 was influenced by several factors, including the growth of a politically conscious middle class, the impact of Western education, and the desire for Indian representation in government. The early objectives of the INC were to seek a greater share in government for educated Indians, promote social reform, and advocate for the interests of Indians within the framework of the British colonial system. Although initially moderate in its approach, the INC gradually evolved into a platform for nationalist aspirations and demands for self-rule.

Q: Discuss the significance of the Swadeshi movement in the Indian nationalist struggle, including its methods and impact on the Indian society and economy.

A: The Swadeshi movement, which emerged in response to the partition of Bengal in 1905, aimed to promote indigenous industries and boycott British goods as a means of economic resistance against colonial rule. The movement encouraged the use of Indian-made products, spinning and weaving of khadi (handspun cloth), and the establishment of Swadeshi enterprises. It also sparked a spirit of national pride and unity among Indians, transcending regional and religious divides. The Swadeshi movement had a profound impact on Indian society and economy by fostering self-reliance, promoting indigenous industries, and challenging the economic dominance of the British.

Q: How did the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920-22 mobilize mass participation and what were its major consequences for the Indian nationalist movement?

A: The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, aimed to mobilize mass participation through nonviolent resistance against British rule. Gandhi called for Indians to boycott British institutions, resign from government jobs, and engage in acts of civil disobedience. The movement witnessed widespread participation from people across different regions and social strata, demonstrating the unity and resolve of the Indian masses. However, the movement was suspended in 1922 following incidents of violence at Chauri Chaura, leading to disillusionment among some supporters. Nonetheless, the Non-Cooperation Movement marked a significant shift in Indian nationalist tactics, emphasizing mass mobilization and nonviolent resistance as powerful tools for achieving self-rule.

Q: Discuss the challenges and achievements of the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930-34, and its impact on the Indian nationalist movement.

A: The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, aimed to challenge British colonial rule through nonviolent resistance and disobedience of unjust laws. The movement faced numerous challenges, including repression by colonial authorities, mass arrests of nationalist leaders, and internal divisions within the Congress. However, it also achieved notable successes, such as the Salt Satyagraha, which highlighted the injustice of British salt laws and captured international attention. The Civil Disobedience Movement further galvanized the Indian nationalist movement, mobilizing widespread support and demonstrating the power of nonviolent resistance as a force for social and political change.

Q: Analyze the significance of the Quit India Movement of 1942 in the context of India's struggle for independence, including its goals, methods, and outcomes.

A: The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942, aimed to demand immediate British withdrawal from India and achieve full independence or 'Purna Swaraj'. The movement adopted nonviolent methods of protest, including strikes, demonstrations, and civil disobedience, despite facing harsh repression from colonial authorities. The Quit India Movement galvanized mass participation across India, with people from all walks of life joining the struggle for freedom. While the movement was brutally suppressed by the British, resulting in widespread arrests and violence, it marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence by reaffirming the commitment to nonviolent resistance and strengthening nationalist sentiment.

Q: Discuss the significance of the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929, particularly in relation to the demand for 'Purna Swaraj' or complete independence.

A: The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 was significant as it marked the adoption of the goal of 'Purna Swaraj' or complete independence for India. The session passed a resolution declaring January 26, 1930, as 'Independence Day', and called for nationwide celebrations and protests. The demand for 'Purna Swaraj' represented a radical departure from the earlier Congress demands for constitutional reforms within the British colonial system. It symbolized the growing impatience and disillusionment with British rule among Indians and laid the groundwork for future struggles for independence.

Q: How did the Round Table Conferences of 1930-32 attempt to address Indian political demands, and what were their outcomes?

A: The Round Table Conferences were a series of meetings held in London between 1930 and 1932 to discuss political reforms in India. The conferences aimed to address Indian political demands and negotiate a constitutional settlement between Indian leaders and the British government. However, the talks were largely inconclusive due to disagreements over key issues such as the representation of minorities and the future structure of government in India. While the Round Table Conferences failed to produce a consensus on political reforms, they provided a platform for Indian leaders to articulate their demands and grievances on the international stage.

Q: Analyze the significance of the August Offer of 1940 in the context of India's struggle for independence, including its reception by Indian nationalist leaders and its impact on the course of the freedom movement.

A: The August Offer of 1940 was a significant development in India's struggle for independence as it marked the British government's first formal declaration of its intention to grant self-governance to India after the end of World War II. However, the offer fell short of Indian nationalist demands for immediate self-rule and was met with skepticism and rejection by Indian nationalist leaders, who viewed it as a ploy to maintain British control over India. While the August Offer failed to satisfy Indian aspirations for independence, it heightened nationalist aspirations and intensified the demand for freedom from colonial rule.

Q: Discuss the role of women in the Indian nationalist movement, including their contributions, challenges, and achievements.

A: Women played a significant role in the Indian nationalist movement, contributing to various aspects of the struggle for independence. Despite facing social and cultural barriers, women participated in mass protests, organized demonstrations, and played leadership roles in political organizations. Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay were instrumental in mobilizing women and advocating for their rights within the nationalist movement. Women's participation in the freedom struggle helped challenge gender norms and stereotypes, paving the way for greater gender equality and empowerment in post-independence India.

Q: What were the major challenges faced by the Indian nationalist movement during the period of 1870s-1947, and how did it overcome them to achieve independence?

A: The Indian nationalist movement faced numerous challenges during its struggle for independence, including repression by colonial authorities, internal divisions within the nationalist ranks, and the complexities of religious and communal politics. However, the movement overcame these challenges through resilience, unity, and strategic leadership. It adopted a variety of tactics, including mass mobilization, nonviolent resistance, and political negotiations, to advance its goals and gain international support. Despite facing setbacks and obstacles along the way, the Indian nationalist movement succeeded in achieving independence in 1947, marking a historic triumph over colonialism and imperialism.

Q: How did the Indian National Congress evolve from its moderate phase to a more assertive nationalist organization during the early 20th century?

A: The Indian National Congress (INC) evolved from its moderate phase to a more assertive nationalist organization due to several factors. Initially, the INC focused on seeking constitutional reforms and representation within the British colonial system. However, disillusionment with British policies, such as the partition of Bengal in 1905 and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, led to a radicalization of nationalist sentiments within the Congress ranks. The emergence of leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai, who advocated for more assertive forms of protest, further influenced the Congress's shift towards a more radical stance. Additionally, the impact of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance and mass mobilization played a crucial role in shaping the Congress's approach towards achieving independence. As a result, by the early 20th century, the INC had transformed into a powerful nationalist organization committed to challenging British rule through mass mobilization and civil disobedience.

Q: Discuss the role of Mahatma Gandhi in shaping the Indian nationalist movement and his strategies for achieving independence.

A: Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian nationalist movement and guiding its struggle for independence. Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance, known as Satyagraha, emphasized the moral force of truth and the power of passive resistance as effective tools for social and political change. Through methods such as boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience, Gandhi mobilized mass participation and challenged British authority in India. His leadership during key movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement inspired millions of Indians to join the struggle for freedom. Gandhi also emphasized the importance of constructive programs, such as promoting khadi (handspun cloth) and rural self-sufficiency, as a means of empowering ordinary Indians and building a self-reliant nation. Gandhi's moral authority, commitment to nonviolence, and vision of a free and inclusive India made him a towering figure in the Indian nationalist movement and a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression.

Q: What were the major consequences of the Partition of Bengal in 1905, and how did it contribute to the growth of nationalist sentiment in India?

A: The Partition of Bengal in 1905, implemented by the British colonial administration, had significant consequences for Indian society and politics. The partition aimed to divide Bengal along religious lines, with the intention of weakening nationalist sentiments and fostering communal divisions. However, the partition sparked widespread protests and opposition from Indian nationalists, who saw it as a deliberate attempt to undermine Indian unity and empower British interests. The Swadeshi movement, which emerged in response to the partition, promoted indigenous industries and fostered a sense of national pride and unity among Indians. The partition also laid the groundwork for the growth of militant nationalism and political mobilization in Bengal and other parts of India. Ultimately, the failure of the partition to achieve its intended objectives highlighted the resilience of Indian nationalism and the growing strength of the anti-colonial movement.

Q: Discuss the impact of World War I on the Indian nationalist movement, including the emergence of new leaders and the rise of revolutionary activities.

A: World War I had a profound impact on the Indian nationalist movement, leading to significant political developments and changes in Indian society. The British government's decision to involve India in the war without consulting Indian leaders sparked widespread discontent and protests across the country. The war also provided opportunities for Indian nationalists to organize and mobilize support for their cause. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Annie Besant, and Mohandas Gandhi emerged as prominent voices of opposition, advocating for political reforms and self-rule. Additionally, the war contributed to the growth of revolutionary activities, with groups like the Ghadar Party and the Home Rule League advocating for more radical forms of resistance against British rule. The disillusionment and sacrifices of Indian soldiers during the war further fueled nationalist sentiments and strengthened the demand for independence. Overall, World War I marked a turning point in the Indian nationalist movement, laying the groundwork for future struggles against colonial domination.

Q: How did the British government respond to the growing demands for self-rule in India during the interwar period, and what were the consequences of their policies?

A: In response to the growing demands for self-rule in India during the interwar period, the British government adopted a combination of repressive measures and limited reforms aimed at appeasing Indian nationalist sentiments while maintaining colonial control. The Government of India Act of 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced limited provincial autonomy and expanded Indian representation in government institutions. However, these reforms fell short of Indian nationalist demands for full self-governance and failed to address key issues such as communal representation and economic exploitation. The Rowlatt Act of 1919 and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 further fueled resentment and opposition to British rule. The failure of the Round Table Conferences to produce meaningful constitutional reforms further exacerbated tensions between the British government and Indian nationalists. Ultimately, the British government's unwillingness to concede to Indian demands for self-rule contributed to the radicalization of nationalist sentiments and the intensification of the struggle for independence in India.