UPSC STATIC QUIZ – History : 20 January 2024

Solution: c)

The revolt of 1857 did not spread to all parts of the country. Nor was it supported by all groups and sections of the Indian society. South and West India remained largely outside the fold of the revolt. Many Indian rulers refused to help the rebels and some were openly hostile to the rebels and helped the British in suppressing the revolt. The middle and upper classes and the modern educated Indians also did not support the revolt.

Solution: b)

Gandhi’s entry into public life began with the ‘Satyagraha’ in Champaran district of Bihar in 1917. He could mobilize the peasants of this district against the exploitation of European indigo planters. In 1918, Gandhiji led a “no tax campaign” at Kheda in Gujarat where the peasants were not able to pay the revenue due to famine. But, after the Jalianwala Bagh tragedy, the government expressed no sign of regret but went ahead with more repression. Mahatma Gandhi was shocked and suspended the ‘Satyagraha’ declaring it as a “Himalayan Blunder”. It was because he had asked those people to pursue non-violence who could not afford to be non-violent. The Satyagraha movement failed in attaining its object as the government did not withdraw the Rowlatt Act. However, it was the first experiment of non-violence of Gandhiji in Indian politics.

Solution: d)

Khudai Khidmatgar was non-violent struggle against the British Empire by the Pashtuns in North West frontier province.

M K Gandhi coined the term Harijan to address the depressed classes.

Solution: d)

After 1905, the Extremists acquired a dominant influence over the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal. The Extremists believed in the ideology of ‘Swaraj’ which meant complete freedom from British rule. They did not stick to constitutional methods to protest and demand. They resorted to boycotts, strikes, etc. 

Solution: b)

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Gandhiji in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919). This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of the Indian members. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities, and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. Mahatma Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws.