ICSE Class 10 History and Civics: Indian National Movement — Important Questions with Answers 2026

Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

• Q: Describe the causes and significance of the First War of Independence (1857).
  Ans: Causes: (1) Political — Doctrine of Lapse, annexation of Awadh. (2) Economic — exploitation, drain of wealth, destruction of Indian industries. (3) Military — discrimination, Enfield rifle cartridge controversy (greased with cow/pig fat). (4) Social/Religious — interference with customs, fear of forced conversion. Significance: Though it failed, it was the first united struggle against British rule. It led to the end of East India Company rule and transfer of power to the British Crown (Queen's Proclamation 1858).
• Q: Explain the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to the freedom struggle (any three movements).
  Ans: (1) Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22): Boycott of British institutions, courts, schools. Ended after Chauri Chaura violence. (2) Civil Disobedience Movement (1930): Salt March from Sabarmati to Dandi (385 km). Broke salt law. Spread nationwide. (3) Quit India Movement (1942): 'Do or Die' call. Demanded immediate British withdrawal. Leaders arrested, but movement continued through underground networks. Gandhi's methods of satyagraha and ahimsa inspired millions.
• Q: What were the causes and effects of the Partition of Bengal (1905)?
  Ans: Causes: Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal into East Bengal (Muslim majority) and West Bengal (Hindu majority) — claimed for administrative efficiency but aimed to divide Hindus and Muslims and weaken the growing nationalist movement. Effects: (1) Swadeshi Movement — boycott of British goods, promotion of Indian products. (2) National Education — Indian schools and colleges established. (3) Extremism rose — Tilak, Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal (Lal-Bal-Pal). (4) Bengal partition annulled in 1911.

Long Answer / Application Questions (4-6 Marks)

• Q: Describe the role of Subhash Chandra Bose in India's freedom struggle.
  Ans: Bose was a radical nationalist who believed in armed revolution. He was elected Congress President twice but resigned due to differences with Gandhi. He escaped British surveillance and reached Germany, then Japan. He formed the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army/INA) with ~40,000 soldiers from Indian POWs. Gave the call 'Give me blood, I will give you freedom' and 'Jai Hind'. Though the INA's military campaign failed, the INA trials at Red Fort awakened nationalist sentiment.

Exam Tips for This Chapter

• Revise all definitions and laws from Indian National Movement — they are commonly asked as 1-2 mark questions
• Practice diagrams related to Indian National Movement — neat labelled diagrams carry 2-3 marks
• For numericals, always show formula → substitution → answer with correct units
• Previous year analysis shows Indian National Movement carries 8-12 marks in the board exam