CBSE Class 10 Social Science (History – India and the Contemporary World-II)
Chapter 2: Nationalism in India
20 Important Questions and Answers
(Based on CBSE 2026–27 Syllabus)
1. What was the Rowlatt Act? Why was it opposed by Indians?
Answer:
The Rowlatt Act was passed by the British government in 1919. It gave the government extraordinary powers to arrest and detain people without trial and suppress political activities. Indians strongly opposed this Act because it violated basic civil rights and freedoms. Mahatma Gandhi launched a nationwide satyagraha against it, calling for peaceful protests, strikes, and demonstrations. People believed that the Act was unjust and repressive. The opposition united Indians from different regions and backgrounds against British rule. The Rowlatt Act increased political awareness and strengthened the national movement, making people realize the need to fight collectively for independence.
2. Describe the significance of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Answer:
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab. Thousands of people had gathered peacefully when General Dyer ordered troops to fire on the crowd without warning. Hundreds of innocent men, women, and children were killed or injured. This incident shocked the entire nation and exposed the cruelty of British rule. It led to widespread anger and resentment among Indians. Many people who had previously trusted the British government lost faith in it. The massacre became a turning point in India’s freedom struggle and inspired more people to join the nationalist movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
3. What were the objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer:
The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. Its main objective was to attain self-rule through peaceful and non-violent means. Gandhi urged Indians to withdraw their cooperation from British institutions. People were asked to boycott government schools, colleges, law courts, foreign goods, and titles awarded by the British. The movement also aimed to unite different sections of society, including Hindus and Muslims, through common participation. It encouraged the use of swadeshi goods and promoted national pride. The movement demonstrated the strength of mass participation and significantly increased public involvement in the struggle for independence.
4. Why did Mahatma Gandhi launch the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in response to several events that angered Indians. These included the passing of the Rowlatt Act, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Khilafat issue. Gandhi believed that British rule survived because Indians cooperated with it. Therefore, he called upon people to withdraw support from British institutions and products. The movement aimed to achieve swaraj through non-violent resistance. Gandhi hoped that mass participation would put pressure on the British government and force it to address Indian demands. The movement became one of the first nationwide campaigns involving people from various social and economic backgrounds.
5. Explain the role of the Khilafat Movement in Indian nationalism.
Answer:
The Khilafat Movement was launched by Indian Muslims after World War I to protect the authority of the Ottoman Caliph. Muslim leaders such as the Ali brothers sought support from Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi saw this as an opportunity to promote Hindu-Muslim unity and strengthen the national movement. He supported the Khilafat cause and linked it with the Non-Cooperation Movement. As a result, Hindus and Muslims participated together in protests against British rule. This cooperation helped expand the nationalist movement across India. Although the movement later declined, it played an important role in bringing different communities together during a crucial phase of the freedom struggle.
6. Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement withdrawn?
Answer:
The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn by Mahatma Gandhi in February 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident in Uttar Pradesh. During a protest, an angry mob set fire to a police station, resulting in the deaths of several policemen. Gandhi strongly believed in non-violence and felt that the movement was moving away from its peaceful principles. To prevent further violence, he decided to call off the movement. Although many leaders were disappointed, Gandhi maintained that freedom could only be achieved through non-violent means. The withdrawal highlighted the importance of discipline and peaceful resistance in the Indian national movement.
7. What was the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer:
The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 to challenge British authority. Unlike the Non-Cooperation Movement, it involved the deliberate violation of colonial laws. The movement began with the famous Salt March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi. Gandhi broke the salt law by producing salt from seawater, symbolizing resistance against unjust British policies. People across the country participated by refusing to pay taxes, violating forest laws, and boycotting foreign goods. The movement attracted widespread support from peasants, workers, students, and women. It became a significant phase in India’s struggle for independence and demonstrated the power of mass resistance.
8. What was the significance of the Salt March?
Answer:
The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, began on 12 March 1930 and ended on 6 April 1930. Mahatma Gandhi marched about 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to protest the British monopoly on salt. Salt was a basic necessity used by all people, making the issue relevant to every Indian. By breaking the salt law, Gandhi challenged British authority in a simple yet powerful way. The march attracted national and international attention and inspired millions to join the Civil Disobedience Movement. It became a symbol of peaceful resistance and strengthened the nationalist movement throughout India.
9. How did peasants participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer:
Peasants actively participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement because they faced heavy taxes, high rents, and economic hardships. In many regions, they demanded reductions in land revenue and relief from debts. Inspired by nationalist leaders, peasants organized protests, refused to pay taxes, and joined demonstrations against British policies. They believed that swaraj would improve their economic conditions. However, the Congress often had to balance peasant demands with the interests of landlords. Despite these challenges, peasant participation gave the movement a strong rural base. Their involvement demonstrated that the struggle for freedom was closely connected to social and economic concerns.
10. Discuss the participation of women in the nationalist movement.
Answer:
Women played an important role in the nationalist movement, especially during the Civil Disobedience Movement. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, thousands of women came out of their homes to participate in protests, picketing, and demonstrations. They boycotted foreign cloth and liquor shops and actively supported the production of khadi. Women from different social backgrounds joined the movement, showing their commitment to the cause of freedom. Their participation challenged traditional social norms and increased political awareness among women. Although they did not receive equal representation in political leadership, their contribution greatly strengthened the nationalist movement and encouraged future efforts toward women’s empowerment.
11. Why did industrialists support the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer:
Many Indian industrialists supported the Civil Disobedience Movement because they wanted protection from foreign competition and greater opportunities for Indian businesses. British economic policies often favored imported goods, which affected Indian industries. Industrialists believed that self-government would help promote Indian economic interests. They provided financial support to the Congress and participated in nationalist campaigns. The boycott of foreign goods also benefited Indian manufacturers. However, their support sometimes weakened when the movement disrupted business activities. Despite occasional differences, industrialists played a significant role in strengthening the nationalist movement and promoting economic nationalism in India.
12. 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 to reduce tensions during the Civil Disobedience Movement. Under the pact, the British government agreed to release political prisoners and allow peaceful picketing of foreign goods. In return, Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement and attend the Second Round Table Conference in London. Although the pact did not fulfill all nationalist demands, it was significant because it recognized the Congress as an important political force. It also demonstrated the effectiveness of negotiations in the freedom struggle.
13. Why did some Muslims feel alienated from the Congress?
Answer:
Some Muslims felt alienated from the Congress because they feared that their political interests would not be adequately represented in a future independent India. The decline of Hindu-Muslim unity after the Khilafat Movement increased these concerns. The demand for separate electorates and political safeguards became important issues. Many Muslim leaders believed that the Congress primarily represented Hindu interests. Differences over political representation and constitutional reforms further widened the gap. As a result, support for the Congress among certain sections of Muslims declined. These developments contributed to growing communal tensions during the later stages of the nationalist movement.
14. What role did the Congress play in the national movement?
Answer:
The Indian National Congress played a leading role in India’s struggle for independence. It organized nationwide movements, mobilized people from different regions, and provided political leadership. Under leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel, the Congress promoted non-violent resistance against British rule. It launched major campaigns including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement. The Congress also worked to unite people across religious, social, and economic backgrounds. Through its activities, it raised political awareness and strengthened nationalist sentiments. Its leadership was crucial in transforming the freedom struggle into a mass movement.
15. What were the limitations of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Answer:
Although the Civil Disobedience Movement achieved significant success, it had certain limitations. Not all social groups participated equally, and some communities had different expectations from the Congress. Many peasants and workers focused on economic issues, while industrialists prioritized business interests. Some Muslims remained distant from the movement due to political concerns. The British government responded with arrests and repression, weakening the campaign. Internal differences also affected unity among participants. Despite these limitations, the movement successfully challenged British authority, increased political participation, and strengthened the demand for independence. It remained an important milestone in India’s freedom struggle.
16. How did nationalism spread among the common people?
Answer:
Nationalism spread among common people through political movements, public meetings, newspapers, songs, and symbols. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi connected national issues with the everyday problems faced by ordinary Indians. Campaigns such as the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements encouraged mass participation. The use of the national flag, patriotic songs, and slogans created a sense of unity and shared identity. Educational institutions and local organizations also helped spread nationalist ideas. As more people became politically aware, they began to see themselves as part of a larger national community. This growing awareness strengthened the struggle against British rule.
17. What was the importance of swadeshi in the national movement?
Answer:
Swadeshi was an important aspect of the national movement because it encouraged the use of Indian-made goods and the boycott of foreign products. The idea aimed to reduce dependence on British imports and promote indigenous industries. People were encouraged to wear khadi, support local businesses, and avoid foreign cloth. Swadeshi became a symbol of self-reliance and national pride. It also helped strengthen the Indian economy by supporting local production. The movement united people through a common economic goal and demonstrated that economic actions could contribute to political freedom. Swadeshi remained a powerful tool in the struggle for independence.
18. Why was the concept of ‘Swaraj’ important?
Answer:
The concept of Swaraj, meaning self-rule, was central to the Indian national movement. It represented the desire of Indians to govern themselves without foreign control. For Mahatma Gandhi, Swaraj was not only political freedom but also social and moral self-discipline. Different groups interpreted the idea according to their needs and aspirations. Peasants associated it with economic relief, while industrialists linked it to business opportunities. The demand for Swaraj united diverse sections of society under a common goal. It inspired people to participate in nationalist movements and became a powerful symbol of India’s aspiration for independence.
19. How did the British government react to nationalist movements?
Answer:
The British government often responded to nationalist movements with repression and strict measures. It passed laws such as the Rowlatt Act, arrested political leaders, censored newspapers, and used police force to suppress protests. During the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements, thousands of activists were imprisoned. The government also attempted negotiations when public pressure increased, leading to agreements such as the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. Despite these efforts, nationalist sentiments continued to grow. British repression often strengthened public support for the freedom struggle by exposing the undemocratic nature of colonial rule and encouraging more people to join the movement.
20. Explain the significance of nationalism in India.
Answer:
Nationalism played a crucial role in uniting Indians against British colonial rule. It created a sense of shared identity among people from different regions, religions, languages, and social backgrounds. Nationalist leaders inspired citizens to participate in movements demanding freedom and self-government. Through campaigns such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement, nationalism transformed the freedom struggle into a mass movement. It encouraged political awareness, self-reliance, and collective action. The growth of nationalism ultimately led to the weakening of British authority and paved the way for India’s independence in 1947. It remains an important part of India’s historical legacy.