CBSE Class 12 – History

PART IV: Themes in Indian History – Part III (Modern India)

Chapter 13: Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement

Short Answer Type Questions (1–5 Sentences Each)

CBSE Board Examinations | NCERT Based

Short Answer Questions with Answers

1. Why did Gandhi believe non-violence was essential for the nationalist movement?

Gandhi believed non-violence preserved moral authority and prevented hatred and social breakdown. He felt violence weakened the ethical basis of the freedom struggle.

2. Explain the meaning of satyagraha.

Satyagraha meant resisting injustice through truth and non-violence. It relied on moral force rather than physical coercion.

3. What made the Champaran Satyagraha significant?

It was Gandhi’s first successful experiment with satyagraha in India. It exposed colonial exploitation of indigo cultivators.

4. Why did Gandhi support the peasants of Kheda?

Peasants faced crop failure and demanded remission of land revenue. Gandhi supported their refusal to pay taxes until relief was granted.

5. How did the Ahmedabad Mill Strike reflect Gandhian methods?

Gandhi used non-violent protest and fasting to resolve the dispute. The strike ended with workers’ demands being accepted.

6. What was the Rowlatt Act and why was it opposed?

The Rowlatt Act allowed detention without trial. Indians opposed it as it violated civil liberties.

7. How did the Jallianwala Bagh massacre affect Indian nationalism?

It shocked the nation and destroyed faith in British justice. It intensified support for mass movements.

8. What were the main objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

The movement aimed to boycott colonial institutions and promote swadeshi. It sought to achieve swaraj through peaceful means.

9. Why did students participate in the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Students boycotted government schools and colleges. Education became a tool of nationalist protest.

10. Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn in 1922?

Gandhi withdrew it after the Chauri Chaura incident. He felt violence violated the principle of non-violence.

11. How did peasants interpret the idea of nationalism?

Peasants linked nationalism with reduction of taxes and end of landlord oppression. Their participation reflected local grievances.

12. Describe the role of women in Gandhian movements.

Women participated in picketing liquor shops and spinning khadi. Nationalism gave them a public political role.

13. What was swaraj according to Gandhi?

Swaraj meant self-rule combined with moral self-discipline. It was not limited to political independence alone.

14. Why was khadi important in the nationalist movement?

Khadi symbolised self-reliance and economic independence. It challenged British industrial goods.

15. What triggered the Civil Disobedience Movement?

The movement began with the Salt Satyagraha. It protested against unjust colonial laws.

16. Why did Gandhi choose salt as a symbol of protest?

Salt was a basic necessity used by all Indians. The salt tax symbolised colonial exploitation.

17. What was the significance of the Dandi March?

It marked open defiance of British authority. It transformed civil disobedience into a mass movement.

18. How did the British government respond to Civil Disobedience?

The government arrested leaders and used repression. It later negotiated through the Gandhi–Irwin Pact.

19. What were the limitations of the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Participation was uneven among different social groups. Dalit and Muslim concerns were not fully addressed.

20. Why did Gandhi oppose separate electorates for Dalits?

He feared it would divide Hindu society. He believed social unity was essential for nationalism.

21. What was the Poona Pact?

It was an agreement that provided reserved seats for Dalits within the general electorate. It avoided political separation.

22. How did workers contribute to nationalist movements?

Workers joined strikes and demonstrations. Their demands often focused on wages and working conditions.

23. Why was Muslim participation uneven in some movements?

Differences over political representation and communal issues affected participation. The Khilafat issue initially encouraged unity.

24. What impact did the Second World War have on Indian nationalism?

It intensified demands for independence. Britain’s involvement weakened colonial control.

25. Why was the Cripps Mission rejected?

It did not promise immediate independence. Nationalist leaders found its proposals inadequate.

26. What was the main aim of the Quit India Movement?

It demanded immediate British withdrawal from India. It represented the final mass struggle.

27. What slogan did Gandhi give during Quit India?

Gandhi gave the call of “Do or Die”. It encouraged mass resistance.

28. How was the Quit India Movement different from earlier movements?

It was more spontaneous and decentralised. Leadership was quickly arrested.

29. How did the British suppress the Quit India Movement?

They used mass arrests and severe repression. Communication networks were controlled.

30. What were parallel governments during Quit India?

Local nationalist administrations emerged in some regions. They symbolised weakening colonial authority.

31. How did Gandhian movements change Indian politics?

They transformed nationalism into a mass movement. Ordinary people became active participants.

32. Why did Gandhi stress Hindu–Muslim unity?

He believed unity was essential for national freedom. Communal divisions weakened the movement.

33. What role did symbolism play in Gandhian politics?

Symbols like salt and khadi united people. They simplified complex political ideas.

34. How did Gandhian nationalism differ from earlier nationalism?

It focused on mass participation and moral values. Earlier nationalism was elite-driven.

35. Why did Gandhi emphasise village self-sufficiency?

He believed villages were the foundation of India. Self-sufficiency reduced dependence on colonial economy.

36. How did repression strengthen nationalism?

British violence exposed colonial injustice. It increased public sympathy for the movement.

37. What challenges did mass movements face?

Different groups had conflicting interests. Maintaining non-violence was difficult.

38. Why is this chapter important for understanding Indian freedom struggle?

It explains the mass phase of nationalism. It highlights Gandhian ideology and leadership.

39. How did Gandhian ideology link politics with ethics?

It stressed moral conduct in political action. Means were as important as ends.

40. What is the historical significance of Gandhian leadership?

It unified diverse groups under a common cause. It reshaped the nature of anti-colonial struggle.

✅ CBSE Exam Tip

For short answers, define key terms, mention causes or significance, and write clearly within 4–5 sentences using NCERT language.