CBSE Class 12 – History

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

Chapter 13: Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement

Source-Based Questions with Answers

CBSE Board Examinations | NCERT Based

Instructions for Students (CBSE Pattern)

• Read the source carefully
• Answer the questions strictly on the basis of the source and NCERT content
• Write precise, concept-based answers

Source-Based Questions

Source 1: On Satyagraha

“Satyagraha is not physical force. A satyagrahi does not inflict pain on the adversary but seeks to convert him through suffering.”

Q1. What is satyagraha according to Gandhi?
Satyagraha is a method of resisting injustice through truth and non-violence.

Q2. How does a satyagrahi oppose the adversary?
A satyagrahi appeals to the opponent’s conscience through self-suffering.

Source 2: On Non-Violence

“Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.”

Q3. Why did Gandhi consider non-violence powerful?
Because it preserved moral authority and avoided hatred.

Q4. How did non-violence shape nationalist movements?
It ensured mass participation without fear of violent retaliation.

Source 3: Champaran

“The peasants were forced to cultivate indigo under oppressive conditions.”

Q5. What system was opposed in Champaran?
The tinkathia system of forced indigo cultivation.

Q6. What was the outcome of the Champaran Satyagraha?
The oppressive system was abolished after government inquiry.

Source 4: Ahmedabad Mill Strike

“Gandhi fasted to bring about a just settlement between workers and mill owners.”

Q7. Why did Gandhi undertake a fast during the mill strike?
To apply moral pressure for a fair settlement.

Q8. What does this reveal about Gandhian methods?
They relied on ethical persuasion rather than force.

Source 5: Rowlatt Act

“The Act authorised detention without trial.”

Q9. Why did Indians oppose the Rowlatt Act?
It violated civil liberties and fundamental rights.

Q10. How did Gandhi respond to this Act?
He called for a nationwide hartal.

Source 6: Jallianwala Bagh

“The massacre shattered faith in British justice.”

Q11. What impact did the massacre have on Indian nationalism?
It intensified anger and strengthened mass resistance.

Q12. How did it affect Gandhi’s strategy?
It reinforced the need for non-cooperation.

Source 7: Non-Cooperation Movement

“Students left schools and lawyers gave up practice.”

Q13. What forms of boycott were used in Non-Cooperation?
Boycott of schools, courts, councils, and foreign goods.

Q14. Why was this movement withdrawn?
Due to violence at Chauri Chaura.

Source 8: Swaraj

“Swaraj is self-rule based on self-control.”

Q15. How did Gandhi define Swaraj?
As political freedom combined with moral discipline.

Q16. Why was self-discipline important to Swaraj?
Because freedom required responsible citizens.

Source 9: Salt Satyagraha

“Salt is a necessity of life, taxed by the colonial state.”

Q17. Why did Gandhi choose salt for protest?
It affected all Indians and symbolised colonial exploitation.

Q18. What was the significance of breaking the salt law?
It openly challenged British authority.

Source 10: Quit India

“The call was for immediate British withdrawal.”

Q19. What was the main demand of the Quit India Movement?
Immediate end of British rule in India.

Q20. How was the Quit India Movement different from earlier movements?
It was spontaneous and decentralised with widespread participation.