Question 1

Question 1List all the different social groups which joined the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921. Then choose any three and write about their hopes and struggles to show why they joined the movement.

Accepted Answer

The different social groups which joined the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921 were:TeachersStudentsLawyersMerchants and tradersPeasantsTribalsPlantation workersPlantation workers — For plantation workers in Assam, freedom meant the right to move freely in and out of the confined space in which they were enclosed, and it meant retaining a link with the village from which they had come. Under the Inland Emigration Act of 1859, plantation workers were not permitted to leave the tea gardens without permission, and in fact they were rarely given such permission. When they heard of the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers defied the authorities, left the plantations and headed home.Peasants — The movement of peasants was against talukdars and landlords who demanded from peasants exorbitantly high rents and a variety of other cesses. Peasants had to do begar and work at landlords’ farms without any payment. As tenants they had no security of tenure, being regularly evicted so that they could acquire no right over the leased land. The peasant movement demanded reduction of revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycott of oppressive landlords. In many places nai – dhobi bandhs were organised by panchayats to deprive landlords of the services of even barbers and washermen.Tribals — In the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh, the colonial government had closed large forest areas, preventing people from entering the forests to graze their cattle, or to collect fuelwood and fruits. This enraged the hill people. Not only were their livelihoods affected but they felt that their traditional rights were being denied. When the government began forcing them to contribute begar for road building, the hill people revolted. Alluri Sitaram Raju, who was inspired by non-cooperation, became their leader.

Question 2

Question 4Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?

Accepted Answer

The political leaders during that time were of different mentality. While some gave importance to nation others were worried about the fate of community they belonged to. Muslims leaders like Jinnah and Mohammad Iqbal feared that without Separate electorates the interest and desires of Muslims in India would be undermined. Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru were against the system of separate electorates and they believed that this will only add communalism in new India. They believed that Muslims are no different from Hindus in India and in the same way untouchables are no different from Hindus and separate electorates would further slow down the process of their integration into society. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar proposed a separate electorate for Dalits. An atmosphere of suspicion and distrust between communities prevailed which further led to division of India and reservations for minorities. Therefore, we can say that political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates.

Question 3

Question 2If you were a peasant in Uttar Pradesh in 1920, how would you have responded to Gandhiji's call for Swaraj? Give reasons for your response.

Accepted Answer

If I were a peasant in Uttar Pradesh in 1920, I would have responded to Gandhiji's call for Swaraj by supporting him. I would have convinced my village people to do the same. My reasons for supporting him would have been the following:Economic exploitation — I have faced economic challenges due to exorbitantly high rents and a variety of other cesses. I have to do begar and work at landlords' farms without any payment. By supporting Swaraj, I could demand for reduction of revenue, abolition of begar, and social boycott of oppressive landlords.Non-Violent Resistance — Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence appealed to me a lot. The idea of achieving freedom through non-violent means would have provided a moral high ground and a peaceful way to express dissent against oppressive colonial policies.Desire for Political Representation — Supporting Swaraj would mean establishing a more inclusive and representative political system that would address the concerns of all sections of society, including peasants.

Question 4

Question 3Write a newspaper report on:(a) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre(b) The Simon Commission

Accepted Answer

(a) 13th April 1919, Amritsar, a tragic and heinous incident shook the country today. General Dyer ordered to open fire on a crowd killing hundreds. Thousands of people gathered at Jalliawalah bagh, some to peacefully protest against the British government’s repressive measures while others to attend the annual Baishakhi Fair. These people were mostly villagers and were unaware of the imposition of Martial Law in the city. General Dyer, the Commander, blocked the exit points of the campus and opened fire upon the innocent citizens killing women, kids and men. It is being told that General wanted to create a ripple of fear among Indians. He has declared that it was to ‘produce a moral effect’, to create in the minds of satyagrahis a feeling of terror and awe. The country, however, is shocked and in anger over the brutal act.(b) November,1927, Tory government in Britain has constituted a Statutory Commission under Sir John Simon. It has been set up in response to the nationalist movement. The commission is to look into the functioning of the constitutional system in India and suggest changes. The commission do not have a single Indian member. They are all British. How can a committee with no Indian member take decisions about constitution of India? This commission will not be welcomed in India. We deserve the right to make our own constitution.

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