Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Causes of Decline of British Rule in India
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Textual Questions
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Very Short Answer type Questions
Question 1.
When was the Congress formed ?
Answer:
Congress was formed on December 28, 1885.
Question 2.
When did Quit India movement start?
Answer:
Quit India movement started on August 9, 1942.
Question 3.
Where was Congress founded ?
Answer:
Congress was founded in Bombay.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Mention the works done by Brahmo Samaj.
Answer:
Raja Ram Moham Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj on August 20, 1828. The main objective of Brahmo Samaj was to remove the social evils prevalent in Hindu religion, to check the increasing influence of Christianity and to unite people from all religions. Through Brahmo Samaj, Raja Ram Mohan Roy raised his voice against the evils prevalent in Indian society such as Satipratha child marriage, polygamy, etc.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy Satiprath started, many movements against Sati Pratha, and as a result, the then governor-general Lord William Bentick declared Sati Pratha as illegal. Besides, Raja Ram Mohan Roy also supported women’s education, freedom of press and natural rights of life, freedom and property. He also opposed the zamindari system.
Question 2.
What do you understand by Atlantic Charter ?
Answer:
Atlantic Charter:
The Atlantic Charter was an agreement signed between American president Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, which outlined their plan for the Post world war. On August 14, 1941, FDR and Churchill met talking about situation of the world after the war.
FDR brought the ideals of granting freedom to those colonies ruled by British Imperialism, but Churchill was not ready to grant independence to India. President Roosevelt was adamant for preventing another war in the future. Finally, prime minister Attlee agreed with president Roosevelt and decided to free India.
Question 3.
Name the leaders of moderate and extremist thinking.
Answer:
The leaders with moderate thinking:
Important leaders of moderate thinking in national movement were Gopal Krishana Gokhale, Dadabhai Naoroji, Mahadev Ranade, Pherozeshah Mehta, K.T. Tailang, A.O. Hume, Anand Mohan Ghosh, Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee.
The leaders with extremist thinking:
Main leaders of extremist thinking in Indian National Movement were Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh, etc.
Question 4.
Mention the suppressible policy adopted by Lord Lytton.
Answer:
Lord Lytton was the Viceroy in India from 1876 to 1880. He persecuted the Indians with his suppressible policies. Main suppressible policies adopted by him were:
- He reduced the age of recruitment in Indian Civil Services to 19 years.
- During a severe drought, he arranged a large welcome function in Delhi for Queen Victoria.
- In 1876, he passed the weapons bill for the Indians, according to this, it was necessary for Indians to have a licence for keeping a weapon. This act prevented the Indians from keeping arms without appropriate licence, but this provision was not applied to the Europeans and Anglo-Indians.
- He passed the Vernacular Press Act in 1878. According to it, Indian newspapers could not publish any news against the government.
- For expansion of imperialism, he attacked Afghanistan.
- His economic policy was against India.
- Lord Lytton supported free-trade policy and removed import duty from 29 commodities and reduced the import duty on cotton textiles to half in order to destroy the cottage industry in India.
Question 5.
Describe any three major movements conducted by Mahatma Gandhi.
Answer:
The three major movements conducted by Mahatma Gandhi are given below :
1. Non – cooperation movement:
This movement was launched in January, 1921. The main object of this movement was to boycott all political, social and economic institutions of British India, in order to put pressure on the Government. This movement strengthened the unity between the Hindus and Muslims.
2. Civil – Disobedience movement:
This movement was launched on March 12, 1930, along with “Dandy March”. The main objective of this movement was to violate every rule and regulation of British government through Civil Disobedience. The middle-class, labor-class and farmers also took active part in this movement. The movement started with the demand of right to prepare salt.
3. Quit India movement:
It was an important movement which started on August 9, 1942. Main objective of this movement was a quick end of British rule in India. Gandhi gave the slogan “Do or die”. It was the most aggressive movement. Although the movement could not achieve its goal, yet it awakened the desire of independence among-st Indians.
Question 6.
Describe the objective of Indian National Congress.
Answer:
A retired British Officer Allan Octavian Hume, along with other 72 political workers, laid the foundation of Indian National Congress at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College in Bombay on December 28, 1885. Womesh Chunder Bannerjee was the chairman of its first session. The main cause of the foundation of Indian National Congress was to quell the dissatisfaction and resentment against the British Government.
At the time of its foundation, the party’s objective was to obtain greater participation of educated Indians in the government and to create a forum where political dialogues between educated Indians and the British Raj could be arranged. Besides, Congress was committed to support those Indians who were engaged in the task of national interest and who were acting as a link to develop a direct contact and friendship among people of different castes, colour and creed, developing the feeling of parasitism towards nationalism and improving the social and economic condition of Indians.
Question 7.
How did Mrs Annie Besant impress the Indians ?
Answer:
Mrs Annie Besant, an Irish lady, was much impressed with Indian culture and civilization. She adopted Hinduism and dedicated her life to India and Hindu religion. She worked whole-heatedly for social and religious uplift religious of Indians. She worked to remove social evils such as child marriage, widow marriage, untouchbility, etc. through Theosophical Society. To remove social and economic evils from Hindu religion, she started many movements. Annie Besant founded the Banaras Hindu Sanskrit College in Kashi in 1898.
She launched the Home Rule movement in September, 1916. The British government persecuted her for her deeds. She was appointed the president of Congress in Calculta Session in 1917. After 1919, when Gandhiji started his movements, she stopped her active participation in politics. She once said, “Having made a deep study of all religions, I have concluded that, there is no other religion as perfect, scientific, and motivated by spirituality, as Hindu religion”.
Question 8.
What do you mean by the Vernacular Press Act?
Answer:
Vernacular Press Act: Governor – General Lord Lytton had passed a bill to check the freedom of Indian newspapers which was called the Vernacular Press Act (native language newspaper act). Main reason for introducing this Act was to put restrictions over printing and circulation of such news, which was creating dissatisfaction against British government in the minds of ignorant, uneducated and largely illiterate people of India.
After implementation of this Act, the newspaper publishers had to submit all the proof sheets of contents of papers to the police before publication. The police used to scrutineer the news content. Thus, many of the papers were fined and their editors were sent to jail. There was a great opposition to this suppressible measure, not only by the politicians, but also by the common people. The prominent leaders declared this Act as unjustified and demanded its withdrawal.
Question 9.
What were the thoughts of Veer Savarkar about the Yevolt of 1857 ?
Answer:
Veer Savarkar was a revolutionary leader who took an active part in independence movement of India. He was a great revolutionary patriot and a freedom fighter. He served the country throughout his life. His dedication, sacrifice and austerity for the cause of the country cannot be expressed in words. People called him as ‘Veer’. His real name was Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, but people liked call him Veer Savarkar.
He was a great warrior of freedom struggle. He not only took active part in many freedom movements, but also motivated thousands of youth to join the struggle. He published a book in Marathi language and described the revolt of 1857 as a war instead of a mutiny. According to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, “The revolt of 1857 was the first war against British governance for achieving independence”.
Question 10.
What were the global causes for the end of British rule in India?
Answer:
After the first and second world wars, the British became weaker and the United States of America and the Soviet Union emerged as the new global powers. Both the countries were against colonization. At the same time, there started many movements against colonization in many countries of the world.
The Russian revolution of 1917 motivated and united the Indians against British Rule. It also provided them moral strength to struggle. Indians also got motivation from other countries who fought bravely and got their independence. Some countries like Japan, Germany and France helped Indian freedom fighters against British government.
They provided Indian freedom fighters place in their country to keep the fight on. The Indians living in foreign countries for higher education also took the freedom movement in a new direction. After the foundation of United Nations Organization in 1945, the member countries of United Nations Organization protested against British colonization. At last, owing to all these causes, the British were forced to quit India and we got independence on August 15,1947.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Essay Type Questions
Question 1.
Write an essay on the causes of the end of British rule in India.
Answer:
The reasons for end of British rule in India are given below:
1. Emergence of various political and social movements: Many social and religious movements started in India in the beginning of the 19th century. These movements tried hard to remove the social evils from the Indian society. Due to these movements, a feeling of national unity developed among Indians.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded Brahmo Samaj. Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj. Swami Vivekananda founded Ramakrishna Mission and Annie Besant founded Theosophical Society in India. Raja Ram Mohan Roy is called the “father of modern India” and the forerunner of advanced India. Swami Dayanand Saraswati developed religious and national renaissance in India.
Through Arya Samaj, he inspired towards nationalism in the country. Annie Besant embraced Hinduism and encouraged Indians to struggle for complete independence from the British. Due to these religious and social movements, the feeling of nationalism was created among the people and united them.
2. The faulty British governance:
The British governance in India was quite different from the traditional Indian political system. The native kings had patronized various religious and educational institutions, poets, artists and sages. The British government ended this system.
In the new system, Indian farmers were also subjected to oppression. The British judiciary was not only a costly, lengthy and unfair affair, but also a faulty system in its administration. English was made the common language and this increased the discontent of common people. Indians were considered inferior to Britishers.
3. Effect of English education:
Although Lord Macaulay wanted to make Indians mentally slave through the expansion of English education and language, but English education and language worked as an international mediator for us. The Indian youths started to take interest in English literature. This inspired them to recognize their strength.
4. Freedom Struggle of 1857:
Although the freedom struggle of 1857 proved to be a failure, but the inhuman torturous acts to crush the revolution, increased the dissatisfaction and hatred among the common men towards the Britishers rulers. The British burnt down many villages, killed many innocents. This type of torture created resentment against British government. Indians became united to take their revenge.
5. Economic exploitation of India:
Indians had deep dissatisfaction towards economic exploitation done by the British government. British destroyed the cottage industries of India. They bought raw materials at very cheap rates from India and sold the ready goods at high rates. The foreign capital was invested in India and it was used to import ready-made goods. In this way, Indian economy was exploited. The drain of Indian wealth became the British policy largely, which destroyed our cottage industries.
6. Social Change:
Due to promotion of English language and education, Indian social and religious system also changed. A new group of young doctors, advocates, teachers and officials arose in India due to this education. They could understand the policies and conspiracies made by British, easily.
7. Glorification of Indian culture and civilization by foreign scholars:
The research done by foreign scholars also created strong feeling of nationalism among-st Indians. Sir William Jones, Max Muller, Jacobi, Colebrooke, A.B. Kieth, Bumak, etc. studied the historical epics written in Sanskrit language deeply and translated them into English.
The western scholars considered Indian social and religious epics to be valuable treasures of the world. They considered Indian culture and civilization to be the best. This enhanced the glory of ancient India in the entire world. Indians could then understand the importance of their religion and culture. Confidence developed in them, and they came forward to join the national movement for Indian independence
8. The contribution of literature and newspapers:
Indian literature and newspapers played an important role in the freedom movement. The nationalists continuously got inspiration through literature and newspapers. The repressive poncy of British government was always criticized in the newspapers and political rights for Indians were demanded. The main newspapers of that time were ‘Sambad Kaumaudi, Tribune’, ‘Hindu Patriot,’ ‘Indian Mirror,’ ‘New India,’ ‘Kesari,’ and ‘Arya Darshan’, etc.
The writings of Dadabhai Naoroji, Lokmanya Tilak, Maithili Sharan Gupta, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Rabindranath Tagore, Bharatendu Harishchandra created feelings of nationalism amongst Indians. Important tool of that time were ‘Anand Matha’ and Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, ‘Jana-Gana-Mana’ by Rabindranath Tagore, Bharat-Bharti by Maithili Sharan Gupt.
9. Dispute on Ilbert Bill:
During the governance of Lord Rippon, a legal member of legistature, Ilbert, passed a bill in 1883. In the bill, Indian magistrates were provided the right of hearing the cases of British criminals and to punish them accordingly. The Britishers united against this bill and protested at large scale. Circumstances compelled the government to take the bill back. The Indians learnt a lesson through this incident. They understood that the British government could also be bent by a united opposition at large scale. It, later, strengthened our struggle.
10. The Repressive policy of Lord Lytton:
During the period (1876 to 1880) of Lord Lytton, many unfair and anti-Indian policies were adopted which made the Indians dissatisfied. The unfair policies of Lord Lytton are given below :
The age limit for the Indians was decreased by 19 from 21 years for the recruitment in public services. A lot of money was spent in the welcome function of Queen Victoria in Delhi, The Vernacular Press Act was enacted to prevent the press from expressing criticism of British policies.
11. Emergence of Indian National Congress:
Hume, a retired British officer, founded the Indian National Congress on December 28, 1885. The Congress wanted to turn the feelings of nationalism and patriotism towards supporting legal governance, so that facilities of social and economic safety and security could be provided to the Indians. The Congress gave a new thought and direction to the freedom movement in India.
12. Global events:
Due to First and Second World War, global scenario changed rapidly and United States of America and Sovient Union arose as superpowers, and it made the British position weaker. On the other hand, a number of revolutions against colonial rule were conducted in many countries. This inspired the Indians and gave the freedom movement a new direction. Newly-emerged superpowers were of opinion to free those nations which were fighting for their independence.
13. Revolutionary movements:
The secret organizations of revolutionary leaders trained the freedom fighters and provided them ammunition. The famous revolutionary organizations were ‘Abhinav Bharat’ in Maharashtra, ‘Anushilan Samiti’ in Bengal and ‘Yugantar’ in Odissa.
Indians living in foreign countries were also active in the struggle for independence at their own level and capacity.
All these developments were main causes of the decline of British rule in India.
Question 2.
Explain the Ilbert bill dispute.
Answer:
The Ilbert bill was a bill introduced in 1883 during the viceroy-ship of Lord Rippon, (1880-1884). Ilbert was the law member of the Viceroy’s council. According to this bill, Indian magistrates could try a European accused, while the previous laws prohibited them from doing so. Lord Rippon wanted to improve the judiciary. Lord Rippon had a long discussion with Sir CP Ilbert to change the bill for favoring Indians. This is called the famous Ilbert bill.
The Europeans living in India looked it as a humiliation and the introduction of the bill led to intense opposition in Britain as well as in India (by the Britishers). So, it was withdrawn and later on reintroduced and enacted in 1884 in a severely compromised state.
The Europeans Would now be tried by European and Indian District Magistrates and sessions Judges alike. However, a defendant could claim trial by a jury, of which at least half the members must be Europeans. Thus, this enactment held that the European criminals would be heard only by the Indian Judges assisted by the European Judges.
1. Ilbert Bill was a bill introduced in 1883 during the viceroy-ship of Marquess of Ripon, which was written by Sir Courtenay. The viceroy actually desired to abolish the racial prejudice from India, and as such, this bill proposed that an Indian Judge can hereby try a European convict in various criminal cases.
2. This changed the decades old provision of barring Indian judges from doing so. This caused huge resentment among the British people as they knew the judges from India would be inclined towards Indians and the European convicts who were being prosecuted under the crime committed against an Indian would be punished according to law.
The main reenters were Indigo planters in West Bengal region who were exploiting the farmers and were forcing them to cultivate Indigo even though they did not want to do so. At the same time, rum-ours began circulating that an English female was raped by an Indian in Calcutta. In reference to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, when it was alleged that English women and girls were raped by Indian Sepoy; many British colonialists expressed great concern over the humiliation of the English.
3. Females would have to appear before Indian judges in the case of rapes and the propaganda that Indian judges cannot be trusted in dealing with cases involving English females helped to raise considerable support against the bill.
4. Finally, a solution was adopted by way of compromise:
jurisdiction to try Europeans would be conferred to a European and Indian district Magistrates and session judges alike. However, a dependent would in all cases have the right to claim trial by a jury of which at least half the members must be Europeans. The bill was then passed an 25 th July, 1884 as the Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Act, 1884, coming into force on 1st May of that year.
Question 3.
Describe the effects of the revolt of 1857 on Indians.
Answer:
The effects of freedom struggle of 1857:
Freedom struggle of 1857 created the feeling of nationalism among-st Indians and proved to be a milestone in the struggle for freedom in India. Main effects of freedom struggle of 1857 are given below:
1. Development of national integration:
Indian freedom struggle of 1857 proved to be a milestone in the struggle of freedom for Indian independence. Various rulers, soldiers and leaders came together for a single cause. The courage, pride and intensity for the demand of freedom arose among the Indian masses, and lifeline of national integrity developed among-st Indians and Hindu – Muslim unity was seen everywhere. This, later took the form of a huge movement.
2. End of the rule of East India Company:
After 1857, British government took away the power and governance from East India Company. The Board of control and Board of directors were removed. The post of Indian secretary was ended. The Indian administration was brought under the British empire directly. The post of Governor – General was re-titled as Viceroy.
3. Renouncement of the policy of territorial expansion:
By order from Queen Victoria, the policy of territorial expansion was discontinued, the local kings and princes were promised to get their pride, glory and rights again. It was also promised to end religious exploitation and discrimination in the public services.
4. Restructuring the Army:
It were soldiers who had taught a lesson to British government in the freedom struggle of 1857. According to Peel Commission Report of 1861, the number of European soldiers in the army was increased and the artillery was not kept with the Indian soldiers. It was also kept under consideration that the soldiers of same community could not live together in the same camps.
5. Divide and Rule Policy:
In the freedom struggle of 1857, Hindus and Muslims set an example of communal warmth and unity. It made the British governance reluctant and they sowed the seeds of distrust and enmity between Hindus and Muslims. The British followed the policy of divide and rule.
6. Partial Partnership of Indians in Administration:
The British government had well understood that the revolution of 1857 had taken place due to lack of direct dialogue between government and public. In Indian Councils Act of 1861, three Indians were made the members of viceroy’s executive council.
7. The Policy of Economic Exploitation Started:
By then, the British government was paying full attention towards colonization. After the revolution (first freedom struggle) of 1857, they abandoned the policy of colonization and started to grab Indian wealth. The burden of the expenditure on suppression of revolution of 1857, was put on Indians. The raw materials were exported to Britain at very cheap rates and the finished products were imported to India and these were sold at very high rates. In this way, the interests of debts and earned capital profits were sent to England while India was left to starve.
Question 4.
How did the British exploit India economically ?
Answer:
Economic exploitation of India by the British:
The British exploited India in the following ways:
1. Drain of Indian Wealth:
India got nothing in exchange for the money that was sent to England from India and this was called the drainage of wealth. The clearance money was not in the form of metallic coins, but it was in the form of export of company in India in the form of coins, the goods were purchased for this amount and exported to England. Dadabhai Naoroji said, “The wealth of India goes outside India and this money returns to India in the form of loans for which they have to pay the interest. It was a vicious cycle which was hard to break.”
2. Destruction of Handicraft Industries of India: The British government destroyed Indian industries. The British adopted such type of policies that completely destroyed Indian handicraft industries. Indian goods were banned in England. Heavy taxation was applied on their production and export. Indian markets were dumped with British goods.
The machine – made goods of Britain were cheaper than the handmade goods of India. The people started buying cheaper goods made in England. Indian industries started declining, and as a result, thousands of Indian artisans and craftsmen became unemployed. The local people became unable to fulfill even their daily needs. In this way, the local industries lost not only the foreign markets but the local market also.
3. Destruction of Agriculture:
Indians were self-dependent before arrival of the British in India. But after their arrival, Indian agriculture started declining. Heavy taxation was levied on farmers, due to which economic condition of farmers went from bad to worse. The farmers abandoned agriculture and adopted other means of livelihood. British government recovered taxes from farmers by force.
Agricultural lands were snatched from those farmers, who were unable to pay heavy taxes. Later, commercialization of agriculture took place, and due to this, there was a shortage of food grains. The conditions of drought arose all around. People started starving. Due to exploitative British policies, Indian agriculture was crushed into dust.
4. Free – Trade Policy of the British:
The British government formed a free trade policy. The provisions of this policy destroyed Indian economy. The British government decided such trade polices which served their own economic interests and unsuitable for Indians. The industrialization in Britain ruined Indian cottage industries. Britain wanted more and more capital through this trade policy. They exploited Indian economy badly and became successful in their objective.
Question 5.
What was the contribution of literature and newspapers in the decline of British Rule in India?
Answer:
Indian literature and newspapers played important role in the decline of British rule in India and it also ignited the independence movement and quickened the pace of freedom struggle. Following are the main points of their contribution in this regard:
1. Invention of Printing press:
First printing press was started in India at Shampooer near Calcutta in 1800. It made the work of printing of newspapers and books much easier and newspapers and books were now being printed on large scale at lower cost. The markets were filled with cheap books. The number of readers and subscribers increased tremendously. All this encouraged the movement of freedom struggle.
2. Contribution of Literature:
During the national movement, Indian writers and poets wrote books on nationalism and patriotism. ‘Anand Matha’ and ‘Neel Darpan’ inspired the sense of nationalism and promoted the feelings of patriotism among Indians. ‘Anand Matha’ written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was a symbol and synonym of patriotism at that time. The National song ‘Vande Mataram’ is his gift.
‘Vande Mataram’ was the main source of inspiration for national movements. The writings of Indians such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Anand Matha and Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, ‘Bharat Bharati’ by Maithili Sharan Gupta and the plays of writer Bharatendu Harishchandra filled the feelings of revolution for independence amongst Indians and propagated a new hope and energy among them.
Subramanyam Bharati praised the Russian revolution and composed many songs in praise of freedom struggle. Other writers like Hemchandra Bannerjee, Navinchandra Sen, R.C. Datta, Badri Narayan Chaudhari, Pratapnarayan Mishra and Balkrishna Bhatt, etc. also made important contribution in the awakening of nationalism.
3. Contribution of newspapers:
Newspapers and magazines were the best means of communication. In the beginning, most of the newspapers were published in English language. The British had a monopoly over them, but later, the publication of newspapers in local languages also started. These newspapers criticized the repressive policies of the British government. Later, the British government passed the Vernacular Press Act in 1879. This Act banned the freedom of Indian newspapers and magazines. This angered the Indians and the feeling of nationalism further in the hearts of people.
Indian newspapers played very important role in shaping public opinion and in expanding the platform for nationalism. Indian newspapers such as the Indian Mirror, The Bengali, The Chronical, The Hindu Patriot, The Maratha, The Kesari, The Andhra Prakashika, The Hindu, The Indu Prakash, The Kohinoor, etc. published the wrong deeds and policies of British governance. Moreover, they made the concepts of representative governance, independence and democratic institution popular among common Indians.
Newspapers openly opposed and criticized colonialism and the policies of colonization. Indian social reformers, politicians, and patriots expressed their thoughts through newspapers, which motivated common Indians greatly. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar published “Som Prakash” and Harishchandra Mukherjee published the Hindu Patriot”. ‘Amrit Bazar Patrika’ was published in 1868.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the publication of the Kesari in Marathi language and the ‘Maratha’ in English. These newspapers created the environment of sacrifice and nationalism. In this way, it can be said that Indian newspapers and magazines were the mirrors of nationalism. These newspapers educated common Indians and inspired to join in the freedom struggle whole – hardheartedly to drive out the Britishers from Indian soil.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Multiple Choice Type Questions
Question 1.
The father of Indian Cultural Renaissance is:
(a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(b) Swami Vivekananda
(c) Swami Dayanand
(d) Madam Blavatsky
Answer:
(a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Question 2.
When was Ramakrishna Mission founded ?
(a) In 1893
(b) In 1895
(c) In 1875
(d) In 1897
Answer:
(d) In 1897
Question 3.
When was Arya Samaj founded ?
(a) On April 10, 1875
(b) On April 6, 1883
(c) On August 22, 1857
(d) On April 2, 1902
Answer:
(a) On April 10, 1875
Question 4.
Who founded the Indian National Congress ?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) A.O. Hume
(c) Pattabhi Sitaramaiya
(d) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer:
(b) A.O. Hume
Question 5.
Who started the Aligarh Movement ?
(a) Dadabhai Naoroji
(b) Swami Vivekananda
(c) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
(d) Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Answer:
(c) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
Question 6.
Annie Besant was related to the Institution:
(a) Brahmo Samaj
(b) Theosophical society
(c) Arya Samaj
(d) Ramakrishna Mission
Answer:
(b) Theosophical society
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Other Important Questions
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Objective Type Questions
Question 1.
The sun of freedom rose in India:
(a) On August 15, 1947
(b) On January 26, 1950
(c) On November 1, 1956
(d) On May 1, 1897
Answer:
(a) On August 15, 1947
Question 2.
The founder of Brahmo Samaj was.
(a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(b) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
(c) Swami Vivekananda
(d) Colonol Olcott
Answer:
(a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Question 3.
Brahma Samaj was founded on:
(a) August 15, 1857
(b) August 20, 1828
(c) May 5, 1897
(d) January 26, 1950
Answer:
(b) August 20, 1828
Question 4.
The supporter of Monotheism was:
(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Madam Blavatsky
(c) Lord Lytton
(d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Answer:
(d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Question 5.
The founder of Arya Samaj was:
(a) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
(b) Swami Vivekananda
(c) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
(d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Answer:
(a) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Question 6.
An ardent supporter of Swarajya, Swadharma and Swadeshi was:
(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Swami. Dayanand Saraswati
(c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) Swami. Dayanand Saraswati
Question 7.
Which of the following social reformers emphasized the importance of the Vedas?
(a) Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa
(b) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
(c) Radhaswami Periyar
(d) Swami Vivekananda
Answer:
(b) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
Question 8.
Ramakrishna Paramhansa was the guru of the social reformer:
(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(c) Govind Guru
(d) Jambhoji
Answer:
(a) Swami Vivekananda
Question 10.
Who of the following founded the Ramakrishna Mission ?
(a) Govind Guru
(b) Swami Vivekananda
(c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(d) None of these
Answer:
(b) Swami Vivekananda
Question 10.
The Muslim social reformer who gave the message to the Muslims to remain faithful towards the British governance was:
(a) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
(b) Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
(c) Muhammad Qasim
(d) Abdul Latif
Answer:
(a) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan
Question 11.
The main cause of end of British rule in India was:
(a) Emergence of various social and political institutions
(b) Economic exploitation
(c) The profound effect of western education
(d) All of these
Answer:
(d) All of these
Question 12.
Which of the following social reformers gave Hindu religion and culture a global recognition ?
(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Ramakrishna Paramhansa
(d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Answer:
(a) Swami Vivekananda
Question 13.
The writer of the book “Poverty and Un – British Rule of India” is:
(a) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
(b) Swami Vivekananda
(c) Dadabhai Naoroji
(d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Answer:
(c) Dadabhai Naoroji
Question 14.
The famous nationalist Newspaper was:
(a) The Hindu Patriot
(b) Amrit Bazar Patrika
(c) The Kesari
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 15.
The Author of the Novel, ‘Anand Matha’ is:
(a) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
(b) Maithili Sharan Gupt
(c) Rabindranath Tagore
(d) Bharatendu Harishchandra
Answer:
(a) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Question 16.
Which of the following Viceroys organised a grand function in the honor of Queen Victoria in Delhi ?
(a) Lord Clive
(b) Lord Irwin
(c) Lord Dufferin
(d) Lord Lytton
Answer:
(d) Lord Lytton
Question 17.
The Ilbert Bill dispute arose in the tenure of Viceroy:
(a) Lord Rippon
(b) Lord Irwin
(c) Lord Dufferin
(d) Lord Minto
Answer:
(a) Lord Rippon
Question 18.
Which of the following freedom fighters called the revolt of 1857 as “The first war of Indian Independence” ?
(a) Khudiram Bose
(b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(c) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer:
(c) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Question 19.
The Indian National Congress was founded in the year:
(a) 1885
(b) 1985
(c) 1950
(d) 1930
Answer:
(a) 1885
Question 20.
The President of the first session of Indian National Congress was:
(a) Surendranath Bannerjee
(b) Dadabhai Naoroji
(c) Mahadev Govind Ranade
(d) Womesh Chunder Bannerjee
Answer:
(d) Womesh Chunder Bannerjee
Question 21.
In which of the following years, Gandhi ji made an entry in Indian politics ?
(a) in 1915 A.D.
(b) in 1947 A.D.
(c) in 1920 A.D.
(d) in 1885 A.D.
Answer:
(a) in 1915 A.D.
Question 22.
A major revolutionary leader was:
(a) Shyamji Krishna Verma
(b) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
(c) Rash Behari Bose
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 23.
In which of the following years, the Russian revolution took place ?
(a) in 1917
(b) in 1919
(c) in 1939
(d) in 1945
Answer:
(a) in 1917
Question 24.
Who was a moderate leader of the Congress ?
(a) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
(b) Dadashai Naoroji
(c) Mahadev Govind Ranade
(d) All these
Answer:
(d) All these
Question 25.
Who was an extremist leader of the Congress ?
(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(b) Lala Lajpat Rai
(c) Bipin Chandra Pal
(d) All of these
Answer:
(a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Write down any two causes for the end of British rule in India.
Answer:
- Faulty British governance system.
- Revolutionary movements.
Question 2.
Who was the father of Indian Cultural Renaissance?
Answer:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Question 3.
Who founded the Brahmo Samaj and when ?
Answer:
Raja Ram Mohan Ray founded the Brahmo Samaj on August 20, 1828.
Question 4.
How was Raja Ram Mohan Ray the pioneer of Indian cultural renaissance?
Answer:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the first to fight against the social, religious and cultural evils prevalent in the Indian society. So, he was called the pioneer, of Indian cultural renaissance.
Question 5.
Name any three newspapers published by Reg a Ram Mohan Roy.
Answer:
- Sambad Kaumudi (Bangla language)
- Mirat U1 Akhbar (Persian language)
- Bangdoot (Hindi language)
Question 6.
Which Indian social reformer was a supporter of independence and autonomy in administration ?
Answer:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Question 7.
By whom and when was Ary a Samaj founded?
Answer:
Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati on April 1, 1875.
Question 8.
On what did Swami Dayanand Saraswati emphasize?
Answer:
Swami Dayanand Saraswati accepted the importance of Vedas and he considered that God is one and we all are his children and hence all of us are brothers.
Question 9.
Who was the Guru of Swami Vivekananda ?
Answer:
The Guru of Swami Vivekananda was Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
Question 10.
What did Swami Ramakrishna Paramhans think about Indian culture ?
Answer:
Swami Ram Krishna Paramhans considered the Indian culture to be spiritual, eternal, and the best in world.
Question 11.
Who was the founder of Ramakrishna Mission ?
Answer:
Swami Vivekananda.
Question 12.
Describe the contribution of Swami Vivekananda.
Answer:
Swami Vivekananda gave Hindu culture a global recognition and fame and infused religious and political consciousness among-st Indians.
Question 13.
By whom was the Theosophical Society founded and when ?
Answer:
Theosophical society was founded by Madam Blavatsky and American Colonel Olcott in February, 1875 in New York.
Question 14.
Which social institution was propagated by Annie Besant in India ?
Answer:
The Theosophical Society.
Question 15.
Who was the pioneer of English education in India ?
Answer:
Lord Macaulay.
Question 16.
Name the book written by Dadabhai Naoroji in which the British economic conspiracy was revealed ?
Answer:
Poverty and UN British Rule in India.
Question 17.
Name the British Policy that destroyed the Indian economy.
Answer:
Free Trade Policy.
Question 18.
Name any two European scholars who glorified the Indian culture and civilization.
Answer:
Max Muller and William Jones.
Question 19.
Name the nationalist newspapers that played an important role in independence movement.
Answer:
The Hindu Patriot, The Hindi Mirror, Amrit Bazar Patrika and Kesari, etc.
Question 20.
When was the Vernacular Press Act implemented in India?
Answer:
In 1879.
Question 21.
By whom was Vande Mataram written?
Answer:
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Question 22.
Who was the composer of National Anthem Jana Gana Mana?
Answer:
Rabindranath Tagore.
Question 23.
Name any four writers whose books were helpful in the spread of revolutionary feelings amongst Indian masses.
Answer:
- Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
- Dadabhai Naoroji
- Rabindranath Tagore
Question 24.
What was Ilbert Bill related to ?
Answer:
To the judicial system.
Question 25.
Name a member of the legal council of Lord Rippon.
Answer:
Ilbert.
Question 26.
What objective of Congress was declared by Dadabhai Naoroji in the session of 1906 in Calcutta?
Answer:
To achieve the independence of India just like the United States of America and other colonies.
Question 27.
Name any four moderate leaders of Congress.
Answer:
- Dadabhai Naoroji
- Mahadev Govind Ranade
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
- Pherozeshah Mehta
Question 28.
Name any four extremist leaders of Indian National Congress.
Answer:
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Lala Lajpat Rai
- Bipin Chandra Pal
- Aurobindo Ghosh
Question 29.
Name any two movements conducted under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
Answer:
- Civil Disobedience Movement
- Quit India Movement.
Question 30.
Name any four Indian revolutionary leaders who carried out revolutionary activities in India from foreign countries.
Answer:
- Shyamji Krishna Verma
- Madam Bhikaji Cama
- Rash Behari Bose
- Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Describe the works done by Ary a Samaj.
Answer:
Works of Arya Samaj:
Arya Samaj was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati on April 10, 1875. Swamiji was an ardent supporter of Swarajya, Swadharma and Swadeshi. Swamiji always criticized social evils prevalent in the country and raised popular support to end these evils. He opposed untouchability, child marriage, purdah system, Idol worshipping, memorial feast, religious superstition, etc. He supported women’s education.
He considered that women have equal rights as men for the study of Vedas. Arya Samaj had faith in Shuddhi movement. He emphasized to take the Hindus, who had left Hinduism and had joined other religions, back in the Hindu fold after their purification.
Question 2.
What do you know about Ramakrishna Mission ?
Answer:
Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa considered that Indian culture and civilization and the Hindu religion was the best spiritual, culture and eternal religion of world. His worthy follower Swami Vivekananda founded this mission on May 5, 1897, after the demise of Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Besides India, branches of Ramakrishna Mission were started in other countries such as America, Fiji, Mauritius, etc.
Ramakrishna Mission provides help to the sufferers of drought, floods, earthquakes and epidemics. The mission also provides education and medical facilities to the poor. Swami Vivekananda tried hard to remove conservatism, superstitions, poverty, illiteracy and untouchability, through Ramakrishna Mission. He also promoted the concept of public welfare.
Question 3.
Write a short note on “Islamic Religious Reforms Movement.”
Answer:
Islamic Religious Reforms Movement:
A decline was seen in the conditions of Muslims after the end of Mughal rule. The Muslims opposed English education. It was a sway of evil customs in Muslim society due to which their social and political participation started declining. During this crucial time, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a social reformer, tried to remove these improper and evil customs from the society. He established a school in Aligarh in 1875, which later turned into a college in the same year and was named as Mohammadan Anglo Oriental College.
It was made a University in 1920 and was named as Aligarh Muslim University. He sent a message to Muslims that they should remain faithful towards the British governance. He conducted the Wahabi movement and spread education among Muslims. After that movement, a social and political awareness rose up among Muslims and they started thinking about independence.
Question 4.
Write a short note on Theosophical Society.
Answer:
A Russian lady Madam Blavastky and American colonel Henry Steel Olcott founded the Theosophical Society in New York in September, 1875. Both of them were the founder presidents and they visited India in 1879. The international office of Theosophical Society was opened at Adyar in Chennai in 1886.
The main objectives of the establishment of this institution was a comparative study of ancient religions and cultures. The society made several efforts for uplift of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of Persia. The society supported Hindu religion, spiritual philosophy, theory of karma and the theory of rebirth of spirit.
The society increased the love and affection towards national flag and patriotism among-st Indians. Swami Dayanand Saraswati invited them to visit India. In 1893, an Irish lady Annie Besant supported this movement, and later, she became the president of Theosophical Society in 1907, after the death of Colonel Olcott.
Question 5.
How did faulty British governance become a cause of decline of British rule in India? Explain.
Answer:
Faulty British governance was also a major cause for the decline of British rule in India. Before the arrival of British in India, there was a different type of governance here. The native kings had provided free-hold land to the poets, artists, monks and saints, religious and educational institutions, etc. Besides, the judiciary system in country was also cheap, quick and fair.
After arrival of the British, all this came to an end. The farmers came under heavy debts due to new taxtion policy. The British judiciary system was not only relatively costly, lengthy and unfair, but it was also faulty from the perspective of administration. The official language English increased additional public woes. The Indians were considered inferior to the British.
Question 6.
How did the expansion of western education play important role in the end of the British governance in India ?
Or
Western education proved to be a gift for the national movement in India. Explain this statement.
Answer:
On the suggestion of Lord Macaulay, Lord William Bentick started providing western education in India. Main objective of western education was to completely destroy Indian culture and civilization and to generate such a class of youth who were Indians by birth, blood and creed, but who had the thoughts and mentality like the British. The British English succeeded in achieving their objective, as the educated Indians started keeping a distance from their own culture and started glorifying western culture and education.
But it had a good effect also on the Indians. Indian youth began to study the west-en literature and understand it. The educated Indians could get knowledge about American freedom movement, the revolution of France, the struggle against foreign governance in Italy and the Irish freedom revolution, etc. All this could become possible because Indian youth could read and understand English language and literature.
Educated Indians began to participate in political and social movements. Their desire of independence and democratic values increased. They could understand the conspiracy of British governance. And hence, they began to fight for their independence and for their rights. They reacted against the British in their own language. So, it can be said that western education proved to be a boon for Indian independence movement.
Question 7.
How did the economic exploitation of India by the British government play an important role in the decline of the British rule ?
Answer:
There was serious dissatisfaction among-st Indians against the economic exploitation done by the British government. The British industrial policy ruined the ancient handicraft and cottage industries of India. The free-trade policy of British completely ruined Indian economy. Raw materials from India were exported to England at very low price and the ready goods were imported in India at very high price.
Large – scale unemployment was seen all over India. Cotton, woolen, silk, Iron, leather and sugar industries were ruined due to British policy. Heavy duties were levied on Indian goods to discourage their export. Indian industries and artisans were ruined. Indian farmers had to face great hardships due to the high land revenue policy. British government compelled Indian farmers to cultivate commercial crops instead of food grains.
Soon, there appeared a shortage of food grains in the country. People started starving. At last, famous freedom fighter Dadabhai Naoroji disclosed British conspiracy through his book and people started opposing British government. National movement took place in India under the leadership of Gandhiji and several other prominent leaders. Quit India Movement and various international circumstance and affairs forced the British to quit India forever.
Question 8.
How did European scholars glorify Indian culture and civilization ?
Answer:
The research and revalations by foreign scholars provided momentum to the feeling of nationalism in India. The foreigners such as Sir Willian Jones, Max Muller, Jacobi, Colebrook, Rauth, A.B. Keith, Monier and Burnak, etc. studied the Sanskrit language deeply and they also studied the Hindu Epics written in Sanskrit.
They translated them into many other languages. The foreign scholars considered that the Indian Epics were the most valuable treasures of knowledge in the world. According to them, Indian culture was the best in. the world. The world famous archaeologist, Cunnigham, presented the picture of Indian pride and glory that attracted the world towards it.
These scholars and learned persons also proved the supremacy of Hindu religion and Indian culture and civilization before the world. Many of the foreigners tried to prove that the Indian culture and civilization was in no less way greater than the ancient Roman and Greek civilizations. A psychological respect and honor were felt by the Indian youths through all these revelations. They also gained a sense of self-confidence, patriotism and nationalism.
Question 9.
Name important revolutionary leaders of Indian Independence Movement.
Answer:
The revolutionary leaders who played important role in Indian national movement. Without their contribution, the freedom movement of India could not be imagined. These revolutionaries not only operated their activities in India, but also in foreign countries. Main revolutionary leaders of Indian independence movement were –
- Praffulla Chaki
- Khudiram Bose
- Aurobindo Ghosh
- Varindra Kumar
- Shyamji Krishna Verma
- Madam Bhikaji Cama
- M. Barkatulla
- Ajit Singh
- V.S. Ayyar
- Lala Hardayal
- Rash Behari Bose
- Sohan Singh Bhakna
- Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
- Uvaidulla Sindhi
- Manvendra Nath Rai, etc.
Question 10.
Write a short note on the chronology of National Movement (1920 – 1947).
Answer:
The time period of national movement is considered from 1920 to 1947. During this period, the freedom movement in our country got new direction under the leadership of Indian National Congress. Having returned from South Africa, Gandhiji entered in the active politics of India. He led all the non – violent movements and included the common Indians in the movement.
Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, several movements were conducted during the British rule. Non-cooperation movement (1920), Civil Disobedience movement (1929), Quit India movement (1942), were conducted under his leadership. These movements played important role in ousting the British from India. The speech made by Mahatma Gandhi at the time of launching Quit India movement on August 8, 1942, was very effective, impressive and heart touching. The movement got active support from the entire country, Many foreign nations also supported the movement.
Question 11.
Which superpowers pressed hard the British government to declare Indian independence ? Explain.
Answer:
After the First and Second World War, the United Sates of America and Soviet Union emerged as superpowers. This made the position of the British weaker. Both the powers opposed the policy of colonization. The revolutions in other countries of the world were being conducted against colonization. France, Japan and Germany provided place to the Indian freedom fighters to conduct the movement against British governance from their countries.
The newly-founded United Nations Organization also opposed the policy of colonization. The British government did not follow the Atlantic Charter agreement in the beginning with America. The U.S.A. pressed Britain to make India free. Australian parliament also advocated the right of self governance to India.
Germany, Russia, Japan, China, etc. supported Indian independence movement. In the general election held in 1945, Ruling party of Britain lost. Clement Attlee of Lab-our party became the Prime Minister of England. Attlee was a supporter and well-wisher of India. Moreover, he had promised to make India free in his manifesto. This paved the way for Indian independence.
RBSE Class 11 Political Science Chapter 19 Essay Type Questions
Question 1.
Name the social and political organizations of the I9 th century, which developed the feelings of nationalism among-st Indians. Explain in detail.
Answer:
Due to faith in religious revival and historical pride and glory of India, many social and political institutions of 19th century did an important task of developing the feeling of nationalism among-st Indians. A few of these are:
1. Brahmo Samaj:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded Brahmo Samaj on August 20, 1828. Brahmo Samaj was mainly based on Vedas and Upanishads. Brahmo Samaj was tolerant towards most of the religions. Raja Ram Mohan Roy opposed the “Sati Pratha”, through Brahmo Samaj. He convinced the British Governor – General William Bentick to pass a law against sati pratha.
Besides, Raja Ram Mohan Roy also opposed several social evils like child marriage, polygamy, untouchability, etc. He considered western education to be necessary for the development and progress of India. He was the supporter of Indian independence. He demanded reforms in legislature, reduction in land taxes, and Indianization of army. He also tried to develop a sense of nationalism among-st Indians. Main principles of Brahmo Samaj were –
- God is one and he is the creator, cherisher, eternal, endless and formless,
- God must be horsewhipped without using a specific spiritual method of a caste or community.
- Salvation can be possible only by giving up bad habits,
- The soul is immortal and eternal, it is responsible only towards God.
- Prayer is essential for spiritual progress,
- God is alike for all and He accepts all prayers alike,
- Brahmo Samaj believes in karma,
- Brahmo Samaj believes in the concept of truth.
2. Arya Samaj:
Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj on April 10, 1875. Swami Dayanand Saraswati was an ardent supporter of Swarajya, Swadharma and Swadeshi concepts. He criticized the evils prevalent in the country and received popular support.against female infanticide.
He opposed social and religious evils like untouchability, child marriage, and female foeticide, Purdah (veil) system, idol worship-ping, memorial feasts, religious superstitions, useless customs and caste and creed system. He supported women’s education and their rights.
He said that the women had equal rights for the study of Vedas just as men. Arya Samaj had faith in Shuddhi movement. It was in the favor of taking those Hindus who had joined other religions back in the Hindufold after their purification. Common Indians especially from North India adopted Arya Samaj and engage themselves in the service of promoting nationalism among-st Indians. The principles of Arya Samaj are:
- Emphasis on truthfulness of the Vedas.
- Performing havens through Vedic system and chanting of mantras.
- Offering prayers to God in front of fire.
- Belief in stress on gaining truth and giving up untruth.
- Belief in ruin of ignorance and development of intelligence.
- Opposing traditional and dogmatic faiths, idol worship-ping, and manifestation of dirty.
- Promoting women’s education and encouragement to remarriage of widows.
- Belief in omnipotence of God. God is formless and universal.
- Considering importance of love and humanism of Sanskrit and Hindi language and supporting their propagation.
- To believe that progress of self is in the progress of all and self welfare is in others welfare. It means ‘all things are good for the good’.
3. Islamic Religious Reform Movement:
After the decline of Mughal rule, the position of Muslims also declined. The Muslims protested against English education. There was a sway of bad customs in Muslim community, by which their social and political participation decreased. At the same time, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a Muslim social reformer, tried to remove social evils spread among the Muslims.
He founded the Aligarh Muslim University. He suggested Muslims to remain faithful to British government. The Wahabi movement removed several bad customs from Muslim community and spread education among them. Due to all this, the Muslims were able to think about politics and they too started participating in social and political movements.
4. Ramakrishna Mission:
Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa considered Indian culture the best in the world. After his death, his most worthy pupil, Swami Vivekananda, founded this institution on May 5, 1897. Ramakrishna Mission had its branches in Fiji, Mauritius, etc. countries.
Ramakrishna Mission propounded such type of thoughts and principles that might be adopted by the people of every religion. Ramakrishna Mission is engaged in helping the sufferers of drought, famine, floods, and epidemics. Swami Vivekananda tried hard to remove social evils as superstitions, poverty, ignorance, untouchability and distinction on the basis of caste, co-lour and creed. Moreover, he promoted the feeling of welfare of all.
5. Theosophical Society:
Theosophical society was founded by a Russian lady Madam Blavatsky and American Colonel Olcott in 1875. They arrived in India in 1886. They visited India on the invitation of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. They considered Indian culture and civilization as spiritual and the best in the world. An Irish lady Annie Besant encouraged and supported the Theosophical Society in India. She became a stage manager of conceptual revolution. She was the president of Theosophical Society from 1907 to 1933.
Question 2.
Describe in detail the rise and and development of Indian National Congress.
Answer:
The Indian National Congress was founded on December 28, 1885 by a British Officer Allan Octavian Hume.
Hume laid the foundation of Indian National Congress in Gokul Das Tejpal Sankrit College in Bombay along with 72 political workers. Dadabhai Naoroji, Pherozeshah Mehta, Dinshaw Edalji Vacha, Kashinath Telang, V. Raghavacharya, N.G. Chandravarkar and M. Subramanyam were some famous names among these 72 political workers.
The Chairperson of first session of Congress was a famous Bengali advocate Womesh Chunder Bannerjee and the chief secretary was A.O. Hume himself. The Viceroy Lord Duffer-in himself was present at the time of foundation of the Congress. The primary objective of Congress was to soothe the possible explosion of resentment due to dissatisfaction among-st Indians against the British Government. ,
It can be said that Congress was founded by A.O. Hume as a safety valve to let out Indian resentment peacefully.
It was said in the Calcutta Session held in December, 1906, whose chairperson was Dadabhai Naoroji, that main objective of Congress was to achieve self governance just like America and other colonial countries of the world achieved their self governance and independence. The period of Indian National Congress can be divided into three categories:
1.Period of Moderate Nationalism (1885 – 1905):
With the foundation of Indian National Congress, the dominance of national leaders was established. Main moderate leaders of that time were Dadabhai Naoroji, Mahadev Govind Ranade, Pherozeshah Mehta, Surendranath Bannerjee, Dinshaw Edalji Vacha, Womesh Chundev Bannerjee, Gopal Krishan Gokhale and Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya.
During the first 20 years after the foundation of Congress, policy of the leaders was quite moderate. So, this period is considered as the time of moderate nationalism in the history of Congress. The moderate leaders considered that India can get its independence, only by adopting constitutional means. It was the time when the rich, middle-class, intellectuals like advocates, doctors, engineers, journalists and writers dominated the Congress.
The moderate leaders had full faith in British judiciary and they took them as their friends, not as an enemy. These leaders put their demands before the British government through petitions, reminder letters, memorandums and delegations. Due to their flexibility and moderate behaviour, exterminate leaders declared them as “political beggars”.
2. The Extremist, Period of Extreme Nationalism (1906 – 1919):
On one side, there were extremists and on the other side, there were revolutionary movements held at this time. Both were fighting against British to oust their rule and to get self – governance. At the one side the extremist leaders were fighting through boycott movements, and on the other hand, revolutionary leaders were fighting with the help of guns and bombs and ammunition. Where the extremist leaders believed in peaceful political movements, the revolutionary leaders were using violence and force to oust British from India.
Main extremist leaders were Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh, etc. The movements operated by these leaders created the feeling of nationalism among-st Indians and a fear in British rulers. Common public began to consider these movements as the only way for gaining independence. A feeling of self-respect and self dependence started running in their veins.
3. The Period of National Movements (1920 – 1947):
Mahatma Gandhi made an entry in the Indian politics in 1915. Gandhiji was one of the shining stars who dedicated their all for Indian independence and sacrificed their lives for national integrity. He joined the common people of the country in the freedom movement through non – violent means.
The movements conducted under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi were Non Co – operation movement (1920), Civil Disobedience movement (1929), and Quit India movement (1942), which did the work of striking the final nail in the coffin of British imperialism, and under the leadership of Congress, independence movement got a new direction and a new way. India got independence on 15th August, 1947. Soon after independence, Gandhiji was of the opinion to dissolve the Congress in public interest, but no one listened to him.