Introduction
The Indian independence movement was a long and arduous struggle against British colonial rule, which ultimately led to India gaining independence in 1947. This movement involved widespread public participation, political leadership, social reforms, and revolutionary activities. Understanding
the independence movement is crucial for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, Railways, State PSCs, and Assam Government exams. This article covers the most important events, movements, and leaders of the Indian freedom struggle in a clear and exam-oriented manner.The Indian independence movement was a long and arduous struggle against British colonial rule that spanned from 1857 to 1947, beginning with the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, which marked the first large-scale resistance against British authority. Over these years, the movement went through various phases, including early nationalist activities, socio-religious reform movements, constitutional reforms, and mass movements led by Mahatma Gandhi.The formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 provided a political platform for Indian leaders to demand rights and reforms. The Gandhian era transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement through non-violent methods such as non-cooperation, civil disobedience, and the Quit India Movement. Besides Gandhi, leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel also played crucial roles in shaping the movement.
This post provides 600 carefully crafted GK questions and answers, categorized according to the period from the 1857 revolt to independence in 1947. All answers are written in clear, complete sentences, making them ideal for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, State PSC, Railways, Defence, and other government examinations.
Indian Freedom Movement GK
Period 1: Revolt of 1857 – GK
Basic Facts
1. Q: The Revolt of 1857 is also known as what?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 is also known as the First War of Indian Independence.
2. Q: When did the Revolt of 1857 begin?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 began on 10 May 1857.
3. Q: From which place did the revolt start?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 started from Meerut.
4. Q: Who was the Mughal emperor during the revolt?
Answer: Bahadur Shah Zafar was the Mughal emperor during the Revolt of 1857.
5. Q: Who was declared the symbolic leader of the revolt?
Answer: Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the symbolic leader of the revolt.
6. Q: What was the immediate cause of the revolt?
Answer: The immediate cause of the revolt was the introduction of greased cartridges.
7. Q: Which cartridges were used by British soldiers?
Answer: The cartridges were greased with cow and pig fat.
8. Q: Why did the cartridges anger Indian soldiers?
Answer: The cartridges hurt the religious sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims.
9. Q: Which company ruled India before the revolt?
Answer: The British East India Company ruled India before the revolt.
10. Q: Which act ended Company rule?
Answer: The Government of India Act 1858 ended Company rule.
11. Q: Who became the first Viceroy of India?
Answer: Lord Canning became the first Viceroy of India.
12. Q: What type of revolt was it?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 was a widespread but unorganized uprising.
13. Q: Which year did the revolt end?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 ended in 1858.
14. Q: Who called the revolt the First War of Independence?
Answer: V.D. Savarkar called the revolt the First War of Independence.
15. Q: Which section played a key role in starting the revolt?
Answer: Indian sepoys played a key role in starting the revolt.
16. Q: What was the main aim of the rebels?
Answer: The main aim of the rebels was to end British rule.
17. Q: Which religion was most affected by the cartridge issue?
Answer: Both Hindu and Muslim religions were affected by the cartridge issue.
18. Q: What was the British army composed of in India?
Answer: The British army in India was largely composed of Indian soldiers.
19. Q: Which revolt united soldiers and civilians?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 united soldiers and civilians.
20. Q: What was the nature of leadership in the revolt?
Answer: The leadership of the revolt was local and regional in nature.
Major Leaders & Centers
21. Q: Who led the revolt in Kanpur?
Answer: Nana Saheb led the revolt in Kanpur.
22. Q: Who was Nana Saheb?
Answer: Nana Saheb was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II.
23. Q: Who led the revolt in Jhansi?
Answer: Rani Lakshmibai led the revolt in Jhansi.
24. Q: Why did Rani Lakshmibai oppose the British?
Answer: She opposed the British due to the Doctrine of Lapse.
25. Q: Who led the revolt in Lucknow?
Answer: Begum Hazrat Mahal led the revolt in Lucknow.
26. Q: Who led the revolt in Bihar?
Answer: Kunwar Singh led the revolt in Bihar.
27. Q: Who led the revolt in Delhi?
Answer: General Bakht Khan led the revolt in Delhi.
28. Q: Which leader fought bravely in Central India?
Answer: Tantia Tope fought bravely in Central India.
29. Q: Who was Tantia Tope?
Answer: Tantia Tope was a trusted general of Nana Saheb.
30. Q: Who suppressed the revolt in Kanpur?
Answer: General Havelock suppressed the revolt in Kanpur.
31. Q: Who suppressed the revolt in Delhi?
Answer: British forces suppressed the revolt in Delhi.
32. Q: What happened to Bahadur Shah Zafar after the revolt?
Answer: Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Rangoon.
33. Q: Who captured Delhi from rebels?
Answer: British troops captured Delhi from the rebels.
34. Q: Which woman leader became a symbol of bravery?
Answer: Rani Lakshmibai became a symbol of bravery.
35. Q: Which region remained loyal to the British?
Answer: Punjab largely remained loyal to the British.
36. Q: Which community supported the British?
Answer: Many princes and zamindars supported the British.
37. Q: Which area saw intense fighting?
Answer: North and Central India saw intense fighting.
38. Q: Who was Begum Hazrat Mahal?
Answer: Begum Hazrat Mahal was the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
39. Q: Which leader fought till his last breath?
Answer: Rani Lakshmibai fought till her last breath.
40. Q: Which leader was over 80 years old during the revolt?
Answer: Kunwar Singh was over 80 years old during the revolt.
41. Q: Which city became the center of revolt?
Answer: Delhi became the main center of the revolt.
42. Q: Who organized rebel forces in Delhi?
Answer: Bakht Khan organized rebel forces in Delhi.
43. Q: Which leader escaped capture for long time?
Answer: Tantia Tope escaped capture for a long time.
44. Q: How was Tantia Tope executed?
Answer: Tantia Tope was executed by the British.
45. Q: Which ruler lost his pension?
Answer: Nana Saheb lost his pension.
46. Q: Which ruler was denied adoption rights?
Answer: Rani Lakshmibai was denied adoption rights.
47. Q: Which city was recaptured first by the British?
Answer: Delhi was recaptured first by the British.
48. Q: Who controlled Awadh during the revolt?
Answer: Begum Hazrat Mahal controlled Awadh during the revolt.
49. Q: Which class strongly opposed British policies?
Answer: Dispossessed rulers strongly opposed British policies.
50. Q: Which leader symbolized unity of Hindus and Muslims?
Answer: Bahadur Shah Zafar symbolized Hindu-Muslim unity.
Causes, Nature & Failure
51. Q: What was the political cause of the revolt?
Answer: The Doctrine of Lapse was a major political cause.
52. Q: What was the economic cause of the revolt?
Answer: Heavy taxation and economic exploitation caused unrest.
53. Q: What was the social cause of the revolt?
Answer: British interference in social customs caused resentment.
54. Q: What was the military cause of the revolt?
Answer: Discrimination against Indian soldiers caused anger.
55. Q: Why were Indian soldiers dissatisfied?
Answer: Indian soldiers were paid less and treated badly.
56. Q: Why did peasants join the revolt?
Answer: Peasants joined due to high land revenue demands.
57. Q: Why did zamindars join the revolt?
Answer: Zamindars lost land due to British revenue policies.
58. Q: What role did religion play?
Answer: Religious interference increased distrust of British rule.
59. Q: Why did educated Indians not support the revolt?
Answer: Many educated Indians feared chaos and instability.
60. Q: Why did the revolt fail?
Answer: The revolt failed due to lack of unity and coordination.
61. Q: Was there a central leadership?
Answer: There was no central leadership in the revolt.
62. Q: Did all regions participate?
Answer: No, the revolt was limited to certain regions.
63. Q: How was British military strength superior?
Answer: British military strength was better organized and equipped.
64. Q: Did the revolt have modern weapons?
Answer: The rebels lacked modern weapons.
65. Q: What was the role of communication?
Answer: Poor communication weakened rebel coordination.
66. Q: Why did princely states not support rebels?
Answer: Many princely states feared loss of power.
67. Q: What was the British response?
Answer: The British used extreme force to suppress the revolt.
68. Q: Was the revolt planned?
Answer: The revolt was not well planned.
69. Q: What was the attitude of the masses?
Answer: Masses actively supported the rebels.
70. Q: Which policy angered rulers the most?
Answer: Doctrine of Lapse angered rulers the most.
71. Q: Did the revolt spread to South India?
Answer: No, the revolt did not spread to South India.
72. Q: What happened to rebel leaders?
Answer: Most rebel leaders were killed or captured.
73. Q: What happened to Delhi after the revolt?
Answer: Delhi lost its political importance.
74. Q: How did British punish rebels?
Answer: British punished rebels with executions and confiscations.
75. Q: Was the revolt a national movement?
Answer: The revolt had national spirit but lacked organization.
76. Q: Which class benefited from British victory?
Answer: British officials and loyal princes benefited.
77. Q: What was missing in the revolt?
Answer: Unity and modern leadership were missing.
78. Q: Did women participate in the revolt?
Answer: Yes, women like Rani Lakshmibai participated actively.
79. Q: What was the role of religion leaders?
Answer: Some religious leaders encouraged rebellion.
80. Q: What did British learn from the revolt?
Answer: British learned to rule India more cautiously.
Impact & Significance
81. Q: What major change occurred after the revolt?
Answer: British Crown took direct control of India.
82. Q: Which post replaced Governor-General?
Answer: The post of Viceroy replaced Governor-General.
83. Q: How did British policy change?
Answer: British avoided social reforms aggressively.
84. Q: How did army composition change?
Answer: British increased European soldiers in the army.
85. Q: What happened to Mughal dynasty?
Answer: Mughal dynasty came to an end.
86. Q: How did British treat princes after revolt?
Answer: British assured princes of their territories.
87. Q: Did nationalism grow after the revolt?
Answer: Yes, nationalism slowly grew after the revolt.
88. Q: What lesson did Indians learn?
Answer: Indians learned the importance of unity.
89. Q: What was the long-term impact?
Answer: It laid foundation for future freedom movements.
90. Q: How did British policy towards religion change?
Answer: British promised non-interference in religion.
91. Q: What happened to East India Company?
Answer: East India Company was dissolved.
92. Q: Did the revolt inspire future leaders?
Answer: Yes, it inspired future nationalist leaders.
93. Q: How did British attitude change?
Answer: British became more authoritarian.
94. Q: What was the psychological impact?
Answer: It ended British belief of invincibility.
95. Q: How is the revolt remembered today?
Answer: It is remembered as a symbol of resistance.
96. Q: Which act reorganized administration?
Answer: Government of India Act 1858 reorganized administration.
97. Q: Did the revolt achieve independence?
Answer: No, the revolt did not achieve independence.
98. Q: Why is the revolt historically important?
Answer: It was the first large-scale challenge to British rule.
99. Q: What spirit did the revolt create?
Answer: The revolt created a spirit of nationalism.
100. Q: What is the final significance of the Revolt of 1857?
Answer: The Revolt of 1857 marked the beginning of India’s long struggle for independence.
Period 2: Formation of INC & Early Nationalists – GK
Background & Formation of INC
1. Q: When was the Indian National Congress founded?
Answer: The Indian National Congress was founded in the year 1885.
2. Q: Where was the first session of INC held?
Answer: The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay.
3. Q: Who was the first President of the Indian National Congress?
Answer: Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee was the first President of the Indian National Congress.
4. Q: Who played a key role in the formation of INC?
Answer: A.O. Hume played a key role in the formation of the Indian National Congress.
5. Q: How many delegates attended the first INC session?
Answer: Seventy-two delegates attended the first session of INC.
6. Q: What was the main objective of INC at the time of its formation?
Answer: The main objective of INC was to create a platform for political dialogue.
7. Q: Which class dominated the early INC leadership?
Answer: Educated middle-class Indians dominated the early INC leadership.
8. Q: Which language helped unite Indian leaders?
Answer: The English language helped unite Indian leaders across regions.
9. Q: What type of methods did early INC leaders use?
Answer: Early INC leaders used constitutional and peaceful methods.
10. Q: What was the political nature of early INC?
Answer: Early INC was moderate, loyal, and reform-oriented.
11. Q: Which British Viceroy supported early INC activities?
Answer: Lord Dufferin indirectly supported early INC activities.
12. Q: What kind of reforms did early INC demand?
Answer: Early INC demanded administrative and constitutional reforms.
13. Q: Did INC initially demand independence?
Answer: No, INC initially did not demand independence.
14. Q: What was the role of annual INC sessions?
Answer: Annual INC sessions discussed national issues collectively.
15. Q: Which issue united early Indian leaders?
Answer: Opposition to British administrative injustice united leaders.
16. Q: What was the significance of INC formation?
Answer: It marked the beginning of organized nationalism in India.
17. Q: What was the British attitude towards INC initially?
Answer: The British initially viewed INC as a safety valve.
18. Q: Who called INC a safety valve?
Answer: British officials considered INC a safety valve.
19. Q: What was INC’s early slogan?
Answer: INC emphasized constitutional reform and representation.
20. Q: Which regions sent delegates to the first session?
Answer: Delegates came from different parts of British India.
21. Q: What role did newspapers play?
Answer: Newspapers spread nationalist ideas among people.
22. Q: Which social group was excluded from early INC?
Answer: Peasants and workers were largely excluded initially.
23. Q: What was INC’s attitude towards British rule?
Answer: Early INC leaders believed in reforming British rule.
24. Q: Which system inspired INC methods?
Answer: British parliamentary system inspired INC methods.
25. Q: What laid the foundation of modern Indian politics?
Answer: The formation of INC laid the foundation of modern Indian politics.
Moderate Nationalists
26. Q: Who were known as Moderate leaders?
Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Pherozeshah Mehta were Moderates.
27. Q: What was the ideology of Moderates?
Answer: Moderates believed in gradual reforms through petitions.
28. Q: What was Dadabhai Naoroji famous for?
Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji explained the Drain of Wealth theory.
29. Q: What did the Drain of Wealth theory explain?
Answer: It explained economic exploitation of India by Britain.
30. Q: Which book popularized Drain theory?
Answer: “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India” popularized the theory.
31. Q: Who was known as the Grand Old Man of India?
Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji was known as the Grand Old Man of India.
32. Q: Who was Gopal Krishna Gokhale?
Answer: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a Moderate leader and social reformer.
33. Q: Which institution was founded by Gokhale?
Answer: Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society.
34. Q: What was the aim of Servants of India Society?
Answer: Its aim was to train national workers for public service.
35. Q: What methods did Moderates use?
Answer: Moderates used prayers, petitions, and protests.
36. Q: What reforms did Moderates demand?
Answer: They demanded civil rights and administrative reforms.
37. Q: How did Moderates view British rule?
Answer: They believed British rule could be reformed.
38. Q: Which councils did Moderates want Indians included in?
Answer: They wanted Indian representation in legislative councils.
39. Q: What was Moderate contribution to nationalism?
Answer: They created political awareness and unity.
40. Q: What was the limitation of Moderates?
Answer: Their methods were slow and limited.
41. Q: Which social class supported Moderates?
Answer: Educated middle class supported Moderates.
42. Q: Did Moderates support mass movements?
Answer: No, Moderates avoided mass movements.
43. Q: How did British respond to Moderate demands?
Answer: British largely ignored Moderate demands.
44. Q: Which reform act reflected Moderate pressure?
Answer: Indian Councils Act 1892 reflected Moderate pressure.
45. Q: What was the attitude of peasants towards Moderates?
Answer: Peasants remained largely untouched by Moderate politics.
46. Q: What was the political tone of Moderates?
Answer: Their political tone was respectful and loyal.
47. Q: Which idea strengthened national unity?
Answer: Common economic suffering strengthened unity.
48. Q: Did Moderates oppose British officials openly?
Answer: Moderates rarely opposed British officials openly.
49. Q: Which movement marked the end of Moderate dominance?
Answer: The Swadeshi Movement reduced Moderate dominance.
50. Q: What legacy did Moderates leave?
Answer: They laid the intellectual foundation of nationalism.
51. Q: What was Moderate view on education?
Answer: Moderates strongly supported modern education.
52. Q: Which platform helped Moderates express views?
Answer: INC sessions provided the platform.
53. Q: Which leader influenced young nationalists?
Answer: Dadabhai Naoroji influenced young nationalists.
54. Q: What was Moderate demand regarding ICS?
Answer: Moderates demanded simultaneous ICS exams.
55. Q: What did Moderates believe about reform speed?
Answer: Moderates believed reforms would be gradual.
Extremists & Rise of Assertive Nationalism
56. Q: Who were known as Extremists?
Answer: Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal were Extremists.
57. Q: What was the ideology of Extremists?
Answer: Extremists believed in self-reliance and mass struggle.
58. Q: What slogan did Tilak give?
Answer: Tilak gave the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright.”
59. Q: What event triggered Extremist politics?
Answer: Partition of Bengal triggered Extremist politics.
60. Q: Who announced Partition of Bengal?
Answer: Lord Curzon announced the Partition of Bengal.
61. Q: When did Partition of Bengal occur?
Answer: Partition of Bengal occurred in 1905.
62. Q: Which movement emerged from it?
Answer: The Swadeshi Movement emerged from it.
63. Q: What was Swadeshi Movement?
Answer: It promoted use of Indian goods.
64. Q: What was Boycott Movement?
Answer: It rejected foreign goods and institutions.
65. Q: Which methods did Extremists use?
Answer: Extremists used strikes, protests, and boycott.
66. Q: Which regions saw strong Swadeshi movement?
Answer: Bengal and Maharashtra saw strong Swadeshi movement.
67. Q: What was national education?
Answer: It promoted Indian values and culture.
68. Q: Who spread Extremist ideas?
Answer: Nationalist newspapers spread Extremist ideas.
69. Q: What caused the Surat Split?
Answer: Ideological differences caused the Surat Split.
70. Q: When did Surat Split occur?
Answer: Surat Split occurred in 1907.
71. Q: What was the impact of Surat Split?
Answer: INC was divided into Moderates and Extremists.
72. Q: Which group was suppressed by British?
Answer: Extremists were suppressed by British authorities.
73. Q: What was Tilak’s role in nationalism?
Answer: Tilak inspired militant nationalism.
74. Q: What did Lala Lajpat Rai represent?
Answer: He represented nationalism in Punjab.
75. Q: What was Bipin Chandra Pal’s contribution?
Answer: He promoted national awakening in Bengal.
76. Q: What was Extremist goal?
Answer: Extremists aimed for Swaraj.
77. Q: Did Extremists involve masses?
Answer: Yes, Extremists involved masses actively.
78. Q: What weakened Extremists?
Answer: British repression weakened Extremists.
79. Q: What was the British response?
Answer: British passed repressive laws.
80. Q: What did Extremists achieve?
Answer: They transformed nationalism into a mass idea.
81. Q: Which movement revived INC unity later?
Answer: Lucknow Pact revived INC unity.
82. Q: What was Lucknow Pact?
Answer: It was an agreement between INC and Muslim League.
83. Q: When was Lucknow Pact signed?
Answer: Lucknow Pact was signed in 1916.
84. Q: What did it symbolize?
Answer: It symbolized Hindu-Muslim unity.
85. Q: What era ended with Gandhiji’s arrival?
Answer: Early nationalist era ended with Gandhiji’s arrival.
Significance & Transition
86. Q: What role did early nationalists play?
Answer: They politically awakened India.
87. Q: How did Extremists differ from Moderates?
Answer: Extremists preferred action over petitions.
88. Q: What legacy did this period leave?
Answer: It prepared India for mass movements.
89. Q: Which class entered politics during this phase?
Answer: Middle class entered politics actively.
90. Q: What strengthened national unity?
Answer: Common political demands strengthened unity.
91. Q: What prepared ground for Gandhian era?
Answer: Early nationalism prepared the ground.
92. Q: Did this period demand complete independence?
Answer: Complete independence was demanded later.
93. Q: What was INC’s biggest achievement?
Answer: INC united Indians politically.
94. Q: How did British view Extremists?
Answer: British viewed Extremists as dangerous.
95. Q: What ended early nationalist dominance?
Answer: Gandhian mass movements ended it.
96. Q: What political consciousness grew?
Answer: National political consciousness grew.
97. Q: What was the tone of this era?
Answer: The tone was reformist and assertive.
98. Q: Which idea became central?
Answer: Swaraj became central.
99. Q: What lesson was learned?
Answer: Unity and mass support were essential.
100. Q: Why is this period important?
Answer: It marked the birth of organized Indian nationalism.
Period 3: Gandhian Era (1915–1947) 100 Important GK Questions & Answers
Arrival & Early Movements
1. When did Mahatma Gandhi return to India from South Africa?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in January 1915.
2. From where did Mahatma Gandhi start his first Indian movement?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi started his first Indian movement from Champaran in Bihar.
3. Which movement was Gandhi’s first satyagraha in India?
Answer: The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was Gandhi’s first satyagraha in India.
4. Champaran Satyagraha was related to which issue?
Answer: Champaran Satyagraha was related to the exploitation of indigo farmers by British planters.
5. Which system forced peasants to grow indigo in Champaran?
Answer: The Tinkathia system forced peasants to grow indigo in Champaran.
6. Which movement followed Champaran Satyagraha?
Answer: The Ahmedabad Mill Strike followed the Champaran Satyagraha.
7. Ahmedabad Mill Strike was related to which workers?
Answer: The Ahmedabad Mill Strike was related to textile workers.
8. In which year did the Ahmedabad Mill Strike take place?
Answer: The Ahmedabad Mill Strike took place in 1918.
9. Which method did Gandhi use during the Ahmedabad Mill Strike?
Answer: Gandhi used fasting as a method during the Ahmedabad Mill Strike.
10. Kheda Satyagraha was related to which issue?
Answer: Kheda Satyagraha was related to the demand for tax remission due to crop failure.
Rowlatt Act & Jallianwala Bagh
11. What was the Rowlatt Act passed in 1919 known as?
Answer: The Rowlatt Act was known as the Black Act.
12. Why was the Rowlatt Act opposed?
Answer: The Rowlatt Act was opposed because it allowed detention without trial.
13. Which incident followed the protest against the Rowlatt Act?
Answer: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre followed the protest against the Rowlatt Act.
14. When did the Jallianwala Bagh massacre occur?
Answer: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on 13 April 1919.
15. Who ordered the firing at Jallianwala Bagh?
Answer: General Dyer ordered the firing at Jallianwala Bagh.
16. Where is Jallianwala Bagh located?
Answer: Jallianwala Bagh is located in Amritsar, Punjab.
17. Which festival day did the massacre take place on?
Answer: The massacre took place on the day of Baisakhi.
18. What was Gandhi’s reaction to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?
Answer: Gandhi launched a nationwide movement against British rule after the massacre.
19. Which title did Gandhi return after the massacre?
Answer: Gandhi returned the Kaiser-i-Hind title after the massacre.
20. Which report criticized General Dyer’s action?
Answer: The Hunter Commission Report criticized General Dyer’s action.
Non-Cooperation Movement
21. In which year was the Non-Cooperation Movement launched?
Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1920.
22. What was the main aim of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer: The main aim was to attain Swaraj through peaceful means.
23. Which events led to the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Khilafat issue led to the movement.
24. Which movement was associated with the Khilafat issue?
Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement was associated with the Khilafat issue.
25. Who were the leaders of the Khilafat Movement?
Answer: Maulana Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali were leaders of the Khilafat Movement.
26. What did people boycott during the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer: People boycotted foreign goods, courts, schools, and government jobs.
27. Which title did Rabindranath Tagore renounce?
Answer: Rabindranath Tagore renounced the knighthood title.
28. Which incident led to the withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer: The Chauri Chaura incident led to its withdrawal.
29. In which year did the Chauri Chaura incident occur?
Answer: The Chauri Chaura incident occurred in 1922.
30. Why did Gandhi withdraw the movement?
Answer: Gandhi withdrew the movement due to increasing violence.
Swarajists & Constructive Work
31. Who founded the Swaraj Party?
Answer: C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru founded the Swaraj Party.
32. In which year was the Swaraj Party formed?
Answer: The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923.
33. What was the objective of the Swaraj Party?
Answer: The objective was to enter legislatures and oppose British policies from within.
34. Which program did Gandhi focus on after 1922?
Answer: Gandhi focused on constructive programs after 1922.
35. What was Gandhi’s constructive program related to?
Answer: It was related to khadi, Hindu-Muslim unity, and removal of untouchability.
36. Which cloth symbolized self-reliance during Gandhian era?
Answer: Khadi symbolized self-reliance during the Gandhian era.
37. What was Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj?
Answer: Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj included moral, social, and political freedom.
38. Which ashram did Gandhi establish in Gujarat?
Answer: Gandhi established the Sabarmati Ashram.
39. Where was Sabarmati Ashram located?
Answer: Sabarmati Ashram was located in Ahmedabad.
40. Which spinning wheel became a national symbol?
Answer: The Charkha became a national symbol.
Civil Disobedience & Salt Satyagraha
41. Which movement followed Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer: The Civil Disobedience Movement followed it.
42. In which year was Civil Disobedience Movement launched?
Answer: It was launched in 1930.
43. What was the immediate cause of Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer: The Salt Law was the immediate cause.
44. What was the Dandi March also called?
Answer: The Dandi March was also called the Salt Satyagraha.
45. When did the Dandi March start?
Answer: The Dandi March started on 12 March 1930.
46. From where did Gandhi start the Dandi March?
Answer: Gandhi started the march from Sabarmati Ashram.
47. Where did the Dandi March end?
Answer: The Dandi March ended at Dandi village.
48. How long was the Dandi March?
Answer: The Dandi March was about 240 miles long.
49. What law did Gandhi break at Dandi?
Answer: Gandhi broke the Salt Law at Dandi.
50. Why was salt chosen as a symbol?
Answer: Salt was chosen because it affected every Indian.
Round Table Conferences & Poona Pact
51. How many Round Table Conferences were held?
Answer: Three Round Table Conferences were held.
52. Where were the Round Table Conferences held?
Answer: They were held in London.
53. Which Round Table Conference did Gandhi attend?
Answer: Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference.
54. What was the outcome of the Second Round Table Conference?
Answer: The conference failed to reach a consensus.
55. What was the Communal Award related to?
Answer: The Communal Award was related to separate electorates.
56. Who announced the Communal Award?
Answer: British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announced it.
57. Which groups were given separate electorates?
Answer: Depressed Classes were given separate electorates.
58. Why did Gandhi oppose separate electorates?
Answer: Gandhi opposed it because it divided Indian society.
59. What was the Poona Pact?
Answer: The Poona Pact was an agreement between Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar.
60. In which year was the Poona Pact signed?
Answer: The Poona Pact was signed in 1932.
Quit India Movement
61. In which year was the Quit India Movement launched?
Answer: The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942.
62. What was the slogan of Quit India Movement?
Answer: The slogan was “Do or Die”.
63. Where was the Quit India resolution passed?
Answer: It was passed at the Bombay session of INC.
64. Who gave the call of “Do or Die”?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi gave the call of “Do or Die”.
65. What was the British response to Quit India Movement?
Answer: The British arrested major leaders immediately.
66. Which leaders were arrested in 1942?
Answer: Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and other Congress leaders were arrested.
67. Which movement saw mass participation without leaders?
Answer: Quit India Movement saw mass participation without leaders.
68. Which parallel governments emerged during this movement?
Answer: Parallel governments emerged in Ballia, Tamluk, and Satara.
69. Why was Quit India Movement important?
Answer: It made British rule in India impossible.
70. Which organization led the Quit India Movement?
Answer: The Indian National Congress led the movement.
Towards Independence
71. What was the Cripps Mission related to?
Answer: The Cripps Mission was related to constitutional proposals.
72. In which year did the Cripps Mission come to India?
Answer: The Cripps Mission came in 1942.
73. Why did Gandhi reject the Cripps proposals?
Answer: Gandhi rejected them because they offered dominion status after the war.
74. Which plan finally led to independence?
Answer: The Mountbatten Plan led to independence.
75. In which year was the Mountbatten Plan announced?
Answer: It was announced in 1947.
76. Who was the last Viceroy of India?
Answer: Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India.
77. When did India gain independence?
Answer: India gained independence on 15 August 1947.
78. What was Gandhi’s role at the time of independence?
Answer: Gandhi worked for peace and communal harmony.
79. Why did Gandhi oppose partition?
Answer: Gandhi opposed partition because it divided the nation.
80. Which principle defined Gandhi’s struggle?
Answer: The principle of non-violence defined Gandhi’s struggle.
Gandhian Philosophy & Legacy
81. What is Satyagraha?
Answer: Satyagraha means insistence on truth through non-violence.
82. Which book explains Gandhi’s ideas?
Answer: “Hind Swaraj” explains Gandhi’s ideas.
83. When was Hind Swaraj written?
Answer: Hind Swaraj was written in 1909.
84. Which value was central to Gandhian ideology?
Answer: Non-violence was central to Gandhian ideology.
85. What did Gandhi call untouchables?
Answer: Gandhi called untouchables Harijans.
86. Which movement focused on social equality?
Answer: The Harijan Movement focused on social equality.
87. Gandhi believed political freedom was linked to what?
Answer: Gandhi believed political freedom was linked to moral reform.
88. Which day is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti?
Answer: 2 October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti.
89. Which international day is celebrated on Gandhi’s birthday?
Answer: International Day of Non-Violence is celebrated on 2 October.
90. Which leader called Gandhi “Father of the Nation”?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose called Gandhi the Father of the Nation.
91. When was Mahatma Gandhi assassinated?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948.
92. Who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi?
Answer: Nathuram Godse assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.
93. Where was Gandhi assassinated?
Answer: Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi.
94. Which prayer meeting was Gandhi attending?
Answer: Gandhi was attending an evening prayer meeting.
95. What was Gandhi’s last message?
Answer: Gandhi’s last message emphasized peace and forgiveness.
96. Gandhi’s method inspired which global leaders?
Answer: Gandhi’s method inspired leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.
97. Which movement showed the power of masses?
Answer: The Civil Disobedience Movement showed the power of masses.
98. Gandhi’s leadership united which sections of society?
Answer: Gandhi’s leadership united peasants, workers, and women.
99. Which era transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement?
Answer: The Gandhian Era transformed it into a mass movement.
100. Why is the Gandhian Era important in Indian history?
Answer: The Gandhian Era is important because it led India to independence through non-violence.
Period 4: Quit India Movement to Independence (1942–1947)
Quit India Movement (1942)
1. In which year was the Quit India Movement launched?
Answer: The Quit India Movement was launched in the year 1942.
2. On which date was the Quit India resolution passed?
Answer: The Quit India resolution was passed on 8 August 1942.
3. Where was the Quit India resolution adopted?
Answer: The Quit India resolution was adopted at the Bombay session of the Indian National Congress.
4. Who gave the slogan “Do or Die”?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan “Do or Die”.
5. What was the main demand of the Quit India Movement?
Answer: The main demand was the immediate end of British rule in India.
6. Why did the British government arrest Congress leaders in 1942?
Answer: The British government arrested Congress leaders to suppress the Quit India Movement.
7. Which major leaders were arrested after the Quit India call?
Answer: Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and other senior Congress leaders were arrested.
8. Which movement is also called the “August Revolution”?
Answer: The Quit India Movement is also called the August Revolution.
9. Why was Quit India Movement different from earlier movements?
Answer: It involved mass participation without centralized leadership.
10. Which sections of society actively participated in the Quit India Movement?
Answer: Students, peasants, workers, and women actively participated.
Spread & Impact of Quit India Movement
11. Which method did people adopt after leaders were arrested?
Answer: People adopted strikes, protests, and sabotage of communication lines.
12. Which transport systems were targeted during the movement?
Answer: Railways and telegraph lines were targeted.
13. Why did the Quit India Movement fail immediately?
Answer: The movement failed immediately due to severe British repression.
14. Which areas saw the formation of parallel governments?
Answer: Parallel governments emerged in Ballia, Tamluk, and Satara.
15. The Ballia parallel government was formed in which state?
Answer: The Ballia parallel government was formed in Uttar Pradesh.
16. The Tamluk parallel government was formed in which state?
Answer: The Tamluk parallel government was formed in West Bengal.
17. Which leader led the Ballia parallel government?
Answer: Chittu Pandey led the Ballia parallel government.
18. Which movement proved that British control had weakened?
Answer: The Quit India Movement proved that British control had weakened.
19. Why is Quit India Movement considered a turning point?
Answer: It made British rule practically ungovernable.
20. Which party supported Quit India Movement actively?
Answer: The Indian National Congress supported the movement actively.
Role of INA & Subhas Chandra Bose
21. Who reorganized the Indian National Army (INA)?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose reorganized the Indian National Army.
22. What was the aim of the INA?
Answer: The aim of the INA was to liberate India through armed struggle.
23. Which slogan was given by Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose gave the slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”
24. Where was the INA formed?
Answer: The INA was formed in Southeast Asia.
25. Which government did Subhas Bose form in exile?
Answer: He formed the Provisional Government of Free India.
26. In which year was the Provisional Government formed?
Answer: It was formed in 1943.
27. Which women’s regiment was formed in INA?
Answer: The Rani of Jhansi Regiment was formed for women.
28. Who led the Rani of Jhansi Regiment?
Answer: Captain Lakshmi Sahgal led the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
29. Which islands were renamed Shaheed and Swaraj?
Answer: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were renamed Shaheed and Swaraj.
30. Why did INA fail militarily?
Answer: INA failed due to lack of resources and strong British resistance.
Post-War Developments (1945–46)
31. In which year did World War II end?
Answer: World War II ended in 1945.
32. How did World War II affect British power in India?
Answer: It weakened British economic and military strength.
33. Which trials created nationwide sympathy after the war?
Answer: The INA trials created nationwide sympathy.
34. Where were the INA trials held?
Answer: The INA trials were held at the Red Fort in Delhi.
35. Which leaders defended INA soldiers legally?
Answer: Nehru, Bhulabhai Desai, and Tej Bahadur Sapru defended INA soldiers.
36. Which revolt occurred in the Royal Indian Navy in 1946?
Answer: The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny occurred in 1946.
37. Why was the Naval Mutiny significant?
Answer: It showed discontent within the armed forces.
38. Which cities were affected by the Naval Mutiny?
Answer: Bombay, Karachi, and Calcutta were affected.
39. Which political parties supported the mutiny morally?
Answer: Congress and Muslim League supported it morally.
40. What message did the Naval Mutiny send to the British?
Answer: It showed that the British could no longer rely on Indian forces.
Cabinet Mission & Interim Government
41. In which year did the Cabinet Mission come to India?
Answer: The Cabinet Mission came to India in 1946.
42. Who were members of the Cabinet Mission?
Answer: Pethick-Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander were members.
43. What was the aim of the Cabinet Mission?
Answer: The aim was to transfer power peacefully.
44. Did the Cabinet Mission propose immediate independence?
Answer: No, it proposed a federal structure.
45. Why did the Cabinet Mission fail?
Answer: It failed due to disagreement between Congress and Muslim League.
46. Who became the head of the Interim Government?
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru became the head of the Interim Government.
47. In which year was the Interim Government formed?
Answer: The Interim Government was formed in 1946.
48. Which party initially opposed the Interim Government?
Answer: The Muslim League initially opposed the Interim Government.
49. What was Direct Action Day?
Answer: It was a call by the Muslim League for achieving Pakistan.
50. On which date was Direct Action Day observed?
Answer: Direct Action Day was observed on 16 August 1946.
Communal Violence & Partition
51. Where did Direct Action Day lead to massive violence?
Answer: It led to massive violence in Calcutta.
52. What was the result of communal riots in 1946–47?
Answer: They led to widespread deaths and displacement.
53. Which regions were most affected by partition violence?
Answer: Punjab and Bengal were most affected.
54. Why did the British decide to partition India?
Answer: They decided to partition India to ensure a quick transfer of power.
55. Who was the last Viceroy of India?
Answer: Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India.
56. In which year did Mountbatten arrive in India?
Answer: Mountbatten arrived in India in 1947.
57. What was the Mountbatten Plan?
Answer: It was a plan for partition and independence.
58. When was the Mountbatten Plan announced?
Answer: The Mountbatten Plan was announced on 3 June 1947.
59. Which two nations were created by partition?
Answer: India and Pakistan were created.
60. Which boundary commission drew the partition lines?
Answer: The Radcliffe Commission drew the partition lines.
Independence of India
61. Who chaired the Radcliffe Commission?
Answer: Sir Cyril Radcliffe chaired the commission.
62. On which date did India become independent?
Answer: India became independent on 15 August 1947.
63. On which date did Pakistan become independent?
Answer: Pakistan became independent on 14 August 1947.
64. Who became the first Prime Minister of India?
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India.
65. Who became the first Governor-General of independent India?
Answer: Lord Mountbatten became the first Governor-General.
66. What was Gandhi’s reaction to independence celebrations?
Answer: Gandhi was saddened by communal violence.
67. Where was Gandhi during independence?
Answer: Gandhi was in Noakhali.
68. Why did Gandhi fast in 1947?
Answer: Gandhi fasted to stop communal violence.
69. Which speech did Nehru deliver on independence night?
Answer: Nehru delivered the “Tryst with Destiny” speech.
70. Where was the speech delivered?
Answer: The speech was delivered in the Constituent Assembly.
Legacy & Significance
71. Which act ended British rule in India legally?
Answer: The Indian Independence Act, 1947 ended British rule.
72. Which British Prime Minister passed the Independence Act?
Answer: Clement Attlee passed the act.
73. What was the biggest challenge after independence?
Answer: Communal harmony was the biggest challenge.
74. Which movement finally forced the British to leave India?
Answer: Quit India Movement finally forced the British to leave.
75. Why is 1947 important in Indian history?
Answer: 1947 marks the end of colonial rule.
76. Which ideology guided the freedom struggle?
Answer: Nationalism guided the freedom struggle.
77. Which leader emphasized non-violence till the end?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi emphasized non-violence till the end.
78. How did freedom change India politically?
Answer: It made India a sovereign nation.
79. What was the role of mass movements in independence?
Answer: Mass movements created pressure on British rule.
80. Which event proved British authority had collapsed?
Answer: The Naval Mutiny proved British authority had collapsed.
Final Phase
81. Which body drafted the Indian Constitution later?
Answer: The Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution.
82. When did the Constituent Assembly start functioning?
Answer: It started functioning in 1946.
83. Who was the President of the Constituent Assembly?
Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the President.
84. Which freedom struggle phase was most decisive?
Answer: The Quit India to Independence phase was most decisive.
85. Why did Britain leave India quickly?
Answer: Britain left due to economic weakness and mass resistance.
86. Which movement united Indians emotionally?
Answer: The Quit India Movement united Indians emotionally.
87. Which struggle involved both political and armed resistance?
Answer: The final phase involved political and armed resistance.
88. Who played a key role in negotiations for power transfer?
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel played key roles.
89. Which leader ensured integration of princely states later?
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ensured integration.
90. Which idea finally succeeded against colonialism?
Answer: The idea of complete independence succeeded.
Conclusion:-
91. Why is Quit India Movement remembered today?
Answer: It showed the final resolve of Indians for freedom.
92. Which year marked the end of British colonial rule?
Answer: The year 1947 marked the end of British colonial rule.
93. How long did British rule last in India?
Answer: British rule lasted nearly 200 years.
94. Which value remained central till independence?
Answer: Unity remained central till independence.
95. Which event symbolized sacrifice and struggle?
Answer: Partition symbolized sacrifice and struggle.
96. Which freedom fighter worked till his last breath?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi worked till his last breath.
97. Why is independence a historic milestone?
Answer: It restored self-rule and dignity to Indians.
98. Which phase completed the freedom struggle?
Answer: The Quit India to Independence phase completed it.
99. What lesson does this period teach?
Answer: It teaches the power of unity and sacrifice.
100. Why is this period crucial for exams?
Answer: It explains how India finally achieved independence.
Conclusion
The Indian independence movement showcases the courage, unity, and sacrifice of millions of people who fought for freedom. Understanding this movement is crucial for competitive exams and for comprehending India's democratic values, and it's something every Indian should know. Regularly reviewing important events and leaders strengthens exam preparation.
No comments:
Post a Comment