CBSE Class 12 History (2026–27)
Chapter 11: Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement
20 Important Questions and Answers
1. Why did Mahatma Gandhi emerge as a mass leader in Indian politics?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a mass leader because he connected the national movement with the common people. Unlike earlier leaders who mainly worked through petitions and meetings, Gandhi involved peasants, workers, women, and students in the struggle for freedom. He emphasized truth, non-violence, and self-reliance, which appealed to people across India. His leadership in movements such as Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad brought him close to the masses. Gandhi also promoted the use of khadi and encouraged people to boycott British goods. Through simple living and direct communication, he gained the trust of ordinary Indians and transformed the nationalist movement into a broad-based mass movement.
2. What were the main causes of the Champaran Satyagraha?
Answer:
The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was launched to address the problems faced by indigo cultivators in Bihar. European planters forced peasants to grow indigo on a portion of their land under the oppressive Tinkathia system. Farmers received low prices for their produce and suffered exploitation. Raj Kumar Shukla invited Gandhi to investigate the issue. Gandhi conducted a detailed inquiry and mobilized peasants peacefully. His method of non-violent protest compelled the government to appoint a committee to examine the grievances. As a result, the exploitative system was abolished, and peasants received relief. This movement marked Gandhi’s first successful satyagraha in India.
3. Explain the significance of the Kheda Satyagraha.
Answer:
The Kheda Satyagraha was launched in 1918 in Gujarat when farmers suffered crop failure due to drought and were unable to pay land revenue. Despite their hardships, the colonial government insisted on collecting taxes. Gandhi, along with leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, organized the peasants and advised them to withhold payment until their demands were accepted. The movement remained peaceful and disciplined. Eventually, the government agreed to suspend revenue collection from the poorest farmers and granted concessions. The Kheda Satyagraha demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent resistance and strengthened Gandhi’s reputation as a leader who fought for the rights of ordinary people.
4. What was the Ahmedabad Mill Workers’ Strike?
Answer:
The Ahmedabad Mill Workers’ Strike of 1918 was a dispute between textile mill owners and workers regarding wages. Workers demanded a wage increase to compensate for rising prices, while mill owners refused. Gandhi intervened and attempted to mediate between the two sides. When negotiations failed, he advised workers to go on a peaceful strike. To strengthen their resolve and maintain discipline, Gandhi undertook a fast. His moral influence put pressure on the mill owners, who finally agreed to arbitration. The workers received a wage increase. This episode demonstrated Gandhi’s ability to resolve conflicts through non-violent means and highlighted his concern for labour rights.
5. What were the main features of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer:
The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Gandhi in 1920 to protest against British rule, the Rowlatt Act, and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It aimed to weaken colonial authority through peaceful non-cooperation. Indians were asked to boycott government schools, courts, titles, elections, and foreign goods. People were encouraged to promote khadi and indigenous industries. Students left government institutions, lawyers gave up practice, and many people participated actively. The movement became the first nationwide mass struggle against British rule. Although it ended in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident, it significantly expanded public participation in the nationalist movement.
6. Why did Gandhi withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer:
Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident in Uttar Pradesh. During a protest, an angry mob attacked and burned a police station, resulting in the death of several policemen. Gandhi believed that the movement had deviated from the principle of non-violence, which was central to his philosophy. He felt that Indians were not yet fully prepared to maintain discipline in a mass movement. Therefore, he called off the agitation despite criticism from many leaders. The decision reflected Gandhi’s commitment to peaceful methods and his belief that moral principles were more important than immediate political gains.
7. What was the significance of the Salt March?
Answer:
The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, was launched by Gandhi in 1930 against the British monopoly on salt. Gandhi marched about 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi with his followers. On reaching Dandi, he symbolically broke the salt law by producing salt from seawater. Salt was chosen because it was used by all sections of society, making the issue universally relevant. The march attracted national and international attention and inspired widespread civil disobedience across India. It demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance and became a turning point in the struggle for independence.
8. Why was salt chosen as a symbol of protest?
Answer:
Salt was chosen as a symbol of protest because it was an essential commodity used by every individual, regardless of class, caste, religion, or region. The British imposed a tax on salt and maintained a monopoly over its production and sale, which burdened poor people the most. Gandhi believed that protesting against the salt tax would unite Indians and make the freedom struggle more accessible to the masses. The issue was simple, understandable, and directly connected to everyday life. By breaking the salt law, Gandhi challenged colonial authority and transformed a common household item into a powerful symbol of resistance.
9. What were the main objectives of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer:
The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1930 with the aim of achieving greater political rights and ultimately independence from British rule. Unlike the Non-Cooperation Movement, it involved the deliberate violation of colonial laws. People refused to pay taxes, broke salt laws, boycotted foreign goods, and participated in peaceful demonstrations. The movement sought to challenge British authority and mobilize people from different sections of society. It encouraged active participation by peasants, women, students, and workers. Through non-violent resistance, Gandhi aimed to demonstrate that the British government could not function effectively without the cooperation of Indians.
10. What was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?
Answer:
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in March 1931 between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India. The agreement was reached after the Civil Disobedience Movement had gained widespread support. Under the pact, the government agreed to release political prisoners who had not engaged in violence and permitted peaceful picketing. In return, Gandhi agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London. Although the pact did not achieve all nationalist demands, it marked an important step in negotiations between Indian leaders and the British government and recognized Gandhi as a major political leader.
11. What was Gandhi’s idea of Satyagraha?
Answer:
Satyagraha means “holding firmly to truth.” Gandhi developed this method as a peaceful means of resisting injustice. It was based on truth, non-violence, self-discipline, and moral courage. Instead of using force, satyagrahis aimed to persuade opponents through ethical conduct and peaceful protest. Gandhi believed that suffering willingly for a just cause could awaken the conscience of the oppressor. Satyagraha encouraged people to disobey unjust laws without resorting to violence. It became the foundation of Gandhi’s political campaigns in South Africa and India. Through satyagraha, he demonstrated that moral strength could be more powerful than physical force.
12. How did Gandhi transform the Indian National Congress?
Answer:
Gandhi transformed the Indian National Congress from an elite political organization into a mass movement. He encouraged membership from ordinary people, including peasants, workers, women, and students. Congress activities expanded into villages and small towns, increasing public participation. Gandhi introduced constructive programmes such as promoting khadi, village industries, sanitation, and education. He also emphasized non-violent mass struggles as a means of achieving political goals. Under his leadership, Congress became closely connected with the daily lives and aspirations of Indians. This transformation enabled the organization to lead nationwide movements and play a central role in the struggle for independence.
13. What role did women play in Gandhi’s movements?
Answer:
Women played a significant role in Gandhi’s nationalist movements. Gandhi encouraged them to participate actively in public life and the freedom struggle. During the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements, women joined protests, boycotted foreign goods, spun khadi, and participated in picketing liquor and cloth shops. Leaders such as Sarojini Naidu and Kasturba Gandhi inspired many others. Their involvement challenged traditional social restrictions and expanded the social base of the nationalist movement. Women’s participation demonstrated that the struggle for freedom was not limited to men but was a collective effort involving all sections of society.
14. Why was the Dandi March considered a turning point?
Answer:
The Dandi March was considered a turning point because it transformed the freedom struggle into a powerful mass movement. Gandhi’s march attracted enormous public attention and inspired people across the country to challenge colonial laws. The symbolic act of breaking the salt law highlighted the injustice of British policies and encouraged widespread participation in civil disobedience. The movement gained international publicity, bringing global attention to India’s demand for freedom. It demonstrated that peaceful resistance could effectively challenge a powerful empire. The march also strengthened national unity and increased the legitimacy of the Indian nationalist movement in the eyes of the world.
15. What was the importance of khadi in Gandhi’s programme?
Answer:
Khadi occupied a central place in Gandhi’s constructive programme. He encouraged Indians to spin and wear khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance to British economic exploitation. The use of khadi promoted indigenous industries and reduced dependence on imported British textiles. Gandhi believed that spinning could provide employment to rural people and strengthen village economies. Khadi also became a symbol of national unity because people from different backgrounds adopted it. By wearing simple hand-spun cloth, Indians expressed solidarity with the freedom struggle and demonstrated their commitment to economic independence and national pride.
16. What challenges did Gandhi face from different groups?
Answer:
Although Gandhi was widely respected, he faced criticism from various groups. Revolutionary nationalists believed that non-violence was too slow and ineffective. Some industrialists and landlords disagreed with his economic ideas. Leaders such as B. R. Ambedkar criticized Gandhi’s approach toward caste issues and demanded stronger safeguards for the Depressed Classes. Some Muslim leaders felt that Congress did not adequately represent their concerns. Despite these differences, Gandhi remained committed to dialogue and compromise. His ability to engage with diverse viewpoints helped maintain the broad coalition that supported the nationalist movement.
17. How did peasants participate in Gandhi’s movements?
Answer:
Peasants formed an important part of Gandhi’s nationalist campaigns. They participated in movements such as Champaran, Kheda, and the Civil Disobedience Movement to protest against high taxes, unfair rents, and oppressive colonial policies. Gandhi addressed their grievances and linked local issues with the broader struggle for freedom. Many peasants joined demonstrations, refused to pay certain taxes, and supported boycotts of British goods. Their participation expanded the social base of the nationalist movement and demonstrated that independence was not only a political demand but also connected to economic justice. Peasant involvement greatly increased the strength and reach of the freedom struggle.
18. What was Gandhi’s vision of Swaraj?
Answer:
Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj went beyond political independence from British rule. He believed that true Swaraj meant self-government, self-discipline, and moral responsibility. According to him, individuals and communities should become self-reliant and capable of managing their own affairs. Gandhi emphasized village self-sufficiency, social harmony, economic equality, and ethical living. He wanted India to develop through decentralized governance rather than excessive centralization. His vision included the upliftment of the poor, removal of social evils, and promotion of communal unity. Thus, Swaraj was both a political goal and a broader programme for social and moral transformation.
19. What was the impact of Gandhi on the nationalist movement?
Answer:
Gandhi had a profound impact on the nationalist movement. He introduced non-violent mass politics and mobilized millions of Indians from different social backgrounds. His emphasis on truth, non-violence, and self-reliance gave the struggle a unique moral character. Gandhi connected national issues with local grievances, making the movement relevant to ordinary people. Under his leadership, the Indian National Congress became a mass organization capable of organizing nationwide campaigns. His methods attracted international attention and inspired freedom movements across the world. Gandhi’s leadership played a crucial role in uniting Indians and strengthening the demand for independence.
20. Why is Gandhi called the Father of the Nation?
Answer:
Gandhi is often called the Father of the Nation because of his immense contribution to India’s freedom struggle and national unity. Through his leadership, millions of Indians participated in movements against British rule. He promoted non-violence, truth, and social harmony, which became guiding principles of the nationalist movement. Gandhi worked for the welfare of peasants, workers, women, and marginalized communities. His efforts helped transform the freedom struggle into a mass movement that united people across regions and religions. His moral leadership, dedication to public service, and role in shaping modern India earned him the title of Father of the Nation.