Comprehension
During the First World War, Indian merchants and industrialists wanted protection against imports of foreign goods, and a rupee-sterling foreign exchange ratio that would discourage imports. To organise business interests, they formed the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress in 1920 and the Federation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) in 1927. The industrialists attacked colonial control over the Indian economy and supported the Civil Disobedience Movement when it was first launched. They gave financial assistance and refused to buy or sell imported goods. After the failure of the Round Table Conference, business groups were no longer uniformly enthusiastic. They were apprehensive of the spread of militant activities, and worried about prolonged disruption of business, as well as of the growing influence of socialism amongst the younger members of the Congress.
The industrial working classes did not participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement in large numbers, except in the Nagpur region. As the industrialists came closer to the Congress, workers stayed aloof. But inspite of that, some workers did participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement, selectively adopting some of the ideas of the Gandhian programme, like boycott of foreign goods, as part of their own movements against low wages and poor working conditions. There were strikes by railway workers in 1930 and dockworkers in 1932. In 1930, thousands of workers in Chotanagpur tin mines wore Gandhi caps and participated in protest rallies and boycott campaigns. But the Congress was reluctant to include workers' demands as part of its programme of struggle. It felt that this would alienate industrialists and divide the anti-imperial forces.
Another important feature of the Civil Disobedience Movement was the large-scale participation of women. During Gandhiji's salt march, thousands of women came out of their homes to listen to him. They participated in protest marches, manufactured salt, and picketed foreign cloth and liquor shops. Many went to jail.
[Excerpt from Chapter II - Nationalism in India, India and the Contemporary World, NCERT]
Question: 1

Which event in Indian history marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
  • Launch of Non-Cooperation Movement
  • Commencing of Dandi March
  • Signing of Gandhi-Irwin Pact
  • Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The event in Indian history that marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement was the "Commencing of Dandi March." Mahatma Gandhi led this historic march on March 12, 1930, to protest the British salt monopoly and the oppressive salt tax. This act of nonviolent resistance was pivotal in galvanizing the Indian population against British colonial rule.
EventDateSignificance
Commencing of Dandi MarchMarch 12, 1930Start of Civil Disobedience Movement
The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed to resist British laws and taxes through peaceful methods as advocated by Gandhi. The movement saw widespread participation from various segments of Indian society, including women and industrial workers. Women, in particular, became actively involved by joining protests and manufacturing salt as a symbol of defiance. Although industrial workers were not uniformly aligned with the movement, there were notable instances of strikes and protests that aligned with Gandhian ideals. The movement significantly challenged British authority and furthered the cause of Indian independence.
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Question: 2

Which of the following is true in the context of civil disobedience movement?

Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
  • The Indian industrialist preferred partnership with MNCs
  • The Indian industrialist were concerned of disruption of business
  • The working class rejected the civil disobedience movement
  • The Round Table Conference was a partial success
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

In the context of the Civil Disobedience Movement, several key points highlight the roles and concerns of various groups, especially industrialists:
  • During the First World War, Indian merchants and industrialists sought protection from foreign imports and a favorable rupee-sterling ratio to reduce imports. Organizations such as the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress (1920) and the FICCI (1927) were formed to represent business interests.
  • Initially, industrialists supported the movement by opposing colonial economic policies and engaging in boycotts against imported goods. Financial assistance was also provided to the movement.
  • However, following the failure of the Round Table Conference, industrialists grew concerned about business disruptions and the rise of militant activities. Moreover, the growing socialist influence within the Congress added to their apprehensions.
  • Despite initial enthusiasm, the uncertainty caused by these factors led to a tempered support from industrialists as they prioritized business stability.
Thus, the industrialists' concern about the disruption of business is accurately represented in the statement, "The Indian industrialist were concerned of disruption of business," making it the correct answer.
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Question: 3

Which of the following was the predicament for Congress?

Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
  • Danger of division of opposition to the British Government
  • Loss of faith by marginalised sections in Congress
  • Falling value of Rupee against Sterling
  • None of the above
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine which predicament Congress faced, we need to evaluate the given options based on the comprehension passage.
During the First World War, Indian merchants and industrialists sought protection against foreign imports and currency exchange rates favoring imports. They initially supported the Congress's Civil Disobedience Movement by boycotting imported goods.
However, post the Round Table Conference, business groups' enthusiasm waned due to concerns over business disruptions and socialism's influence within Congress.
The passage implies the Congress faced a predicament with marginalized sections losing faith, as workers did not substantially support the Civil Disobedience Movement except in certain regions. Although some workers adopted parts of the Gandhian program, Congress feared including workers’ demands would alienate industrialists and weaken the anti-imperial efforts.
Women participated significantly, but this context does not suggest a predicament related to marginalized groups losing faith.
Given these insights, the predicament for Congress was: Loss of faith by marginalised sections in Congress.
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Question: 4

Which of the following statements is correct with reference to the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
  • It encouraged militancy among workers
  • Breaking of the salt law, manufacturing salt, and demonstrating it in front of government salt factories
  • It urged the industrialists to accept socialism
  • All of the above
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The correct statement regarding the Civil Disobedience Movement is: "Breaking of the salt law, manufacturing salt, and demonstrating it in front of government salt factories".

The Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a significant part of the Indian independence movement. A pivotal moment was the Salt March, where thousands of Indians followed Gandhi to the Arabian Sea coast to produce salt in defiance of the British monopoly. This act symbolized resistance against unjust colonial laws and sparked widespread participation across India.

Key aspects include:

  • The breaking of the salt law was a direct challenge to British authority.
  • Participants manufactured salt and demonstrated in front of government salt factories.
  • Other forms of nonviolent protest included boycotts of British goods and refusal to pay taxes.

In contrast, the movement did not primarily focus on promoting militancy among workers or urging industrialists to adopt socialism. Although there were instances where workers took part in strikes, the main emphasis was on broader civil disobedience rather than militancy. Furthermore, while some industrialists initially supported the movement, they were wary of socialism, especially after the failure of the Round Table Conference. Thus, the correct statement aligns with the significant act of breaking the salt law.

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Question: 5

Which among the following mass movement was supported by the Indian industrialists?

Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
  • Home Rule Movement
  • Civil Disobedience Movement
  • Non-Cooperation Movement
  • Quit India Movement
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

During the period of World War I, the Indian industrialists had specific economic interests that aligned with certain nationalist movements. In the context of the mass movements in India, it was the Home Rule Movement that was notably supported by Indian industrialists. This movement aimed at attaining self-government within the British Empire through constitutional means. The leaders of the movement, such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, garnered support from various sections of society, including Indian industrialists, as it promised greater economic freedom and less dependency on British imports, aligning with their economic goals.
While the Civil Disobedience Movement also saw some support from industrialists, it was primarily characterized by a wide-scale non-cooperation with British economic policies, including refusal to buy British goods. Industrialists initially supported it but showed apprehension due to militant activities and prolonged disruptions, leading to selective support over time.
Therefore, the Home Rule Movement remains the mass movement in which Indian industrialists showed noticeable support, as it strategically aligned with their economic aspirations during challenging economic circumstances caused by World War I.
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Question: 6

Which of the following can be considered as major outcome of civil disobedience movement?

Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
  • A partial support of working class
  • Galvanising women in political sphere
  • Socialistic influence among the Congress cadre
  • All of the above
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The Civil Disobedience Movement was a significant chapter in the Indian freedom struggle, marked by various impactful outcomes:
  • A partial support of working class: Although the industrial working classes largely stayed aloof due to the Congress' careful stance to not alienate industrialists, there was notable participation from workers in regions like Nagpur. This involvement included strikes and protests, aligning labor issues with the broader movement against British rule. Despite Congress' reluctance to take on workers' demands, the movement did see some workers adopting Gandhian principles such as boycotting foreign goods.
  • Galvanising women in political sphere: Women's participation in the movement was an important facet, as thousands came forward during the Salt March and other protests. They were actively involved in the manufacture of salt, picketing of foreign goods, and courting arrest. This involvement not only bolstered the movement but also marked a significant step towards women's active engagement in politics.
  • Socialistic influence among the Congress cadre: The period saw increasing socialist ideas among the younger Congress members, partly due to the industrialists' temporary association with the movement and their subsequent apprehensions about prolonged disruptions and militant activities. This growing influence indicated a shift in thought and approach within sections of the Congress.
  • All of the above: The combination of these elements showcases the diverse and complex responses provoked by the Civil Disobedience Movement. Broad social engagement across different strata, including partial working-class support, women’s political activation, and socialist influences within Congress, highlight its multifaceted impact.
The movements and activities:
Strikes,
boycotts,
protest rallies,
large-scale women's participation,
socialistic discussions.
Each of these elements contributed to the overarching outcome of deepening the Indian Nationalist movement and preparing society for further struggles against colonial rule. The correct answer, therefore, is: All of the above.
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