Topic : Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
1. “The participation of Northeast in India’s freedom struggle is a tale of velour and courage which started in the 19th century”. Discuss. (250 words)
Reference: Indian modern history by Spectrum publications
Why the question:
The North-East threw up constant challenges to the British hegemony in India and the question aims to analyse the same.
Key Demand of the question:
One must discuss British rule in India and how it affected the North East and in return how did the north east people fight back with great courage and velour.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduce about the British rule in India and how it affected the North East.
Body:
One can start by highlighting the different anti-colonial struggles in the North-East. Explain the early stage of national struggle. Initially the rebellions were spontaneous in nature with it mostly involving disbanded rulers, disgruntled landlords and tribals who were evicted from their lands. But later in the 20th century, the struggles followed the patterns of the national movements being an inherent part of them. Talk about the Ahom revolt, khasi revolt etc. and justify the question statement. Also discuss contributions of individual leaders.
Conclusion:
Despite the significant contributions of the North-East, unfortunately history continues to discard and ignore their brave nationalists. The govt must take immediate steps to commemorate the contributions of these ‘forgotten heroes’.
