Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 4 “Second Phase of Indian National Movement” which is part of ICSE Class 10 History (Total History). However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
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Summary
The chapter details the second phase of the Indian National Movement, covering events from 1905 to 1916. It begins with the Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon in 1905, which was justified by the British as necessary for administrative efficiency but was widely seen by Indian nationalists as a tactic to divide and weaken the rising nationalist sentiment. The Partition led to widespread protests and the Anti-Partition Movement, which included various forms of resistance like fasting, hartals, and the promotion of Swadeshi (use of Indian goods) and Boycott (rejection of British goods). Rabindranath Tagore composed the song “Amar Sonar Bangla” to inspire unity among the people, and the movement saw people of different communities tying rakhis to symbolize solidarity.
The chapter also discusses the rise of Assertive Nationalists, a group within the Indian National Congress that emerged as a response to the perceived failures of the Early Nationalists. The Assertive Nationalists, led by figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal (known as the Lal-Bal-Pal trio), rejected the moderate approach of petitions and appeals in favor of more direct action. They advocated for Swadeshi, Boycott, and passive resistance as tools to achieve Swaraj, or self-rule.
The chapter further explores the division within the Congress, known as the Surat Split in 1907, where differences between the Early and Assertive Nationalists led to a significant rift. The Assertive Nationalists were eventually expelled from the Congress, which weakened the movement temporarily.
Despite the challenges, the Assertive Nationalists succeeded in broadening the base of the national movement, inspiring mass participation, and laying the groundwork for future struggles against British rule. The partition of Bengal was eventually annulled in 1911, a victory for the movement, although it was replaced by a new partition based on linguistic lines.
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Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. What measure did Lord Curzon take to reduce the influence of Bengal?
A. Partition of Bengal
B. Swadeshi Movement
C. Boycott Movement
D. Bengal Land Act
Answer: A. Partition of Bengal
2. The Partition of Bengal was annulled and a new scheme was implemented on which grounds?
A. Religious
B. Linguistic
C. Cultural
D. Traditional
Answer: B. Linguistic
3. Both, Early Nationalists and Assertive Nationalists spoke, wrote, and edited newspapers. Which section had a wider reach and why?
A. Early Nationalists because they were well educated
B. Early Nationalists because they held official positions
C. Assertive Nationalists because they used Vernacular press as a medium
D. Assertive Nationalists because they used English language as a medium
Answer: C. Assertive Nationalists because they used Vernacular press as a medium
4. Assertive Nationalists adopted the policy of ____ to oppose the unjust acts of the British.
A. Entreat and beseech
B. Non-cooperation
C. Passive redressal
D. Prayers and petitions
Answer: B. Non-cooperation
5. Which of the following international events led to the rise of Assertive Nationalism?
A. Victory of Japan over Russia
B. Defeat of Britain in the Anglo-Afghan Wars
C. Defeat of France in Ethiopia
D. Defeat of Germany in South Africa
Answer: A. Victory of Japan over Russia
6. Early Nationalists: Ideas of western philosophers :: Assertive Nationalists: ____?
A. Ideas of eastern philosophers
B. Ideas of Swadeshi
C. India’s past
D. Ideas of Karl Marx
Answer: C. India’s past
7. Early Nationalists: Educated middle class:: Assertive Nationalists: ____?
A. Youth and women
B. The masses
C. The British nationals in India
D. The Civil servants
Answer: B. The masses
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) Bengal, according to the British, was too big to be efficiently administered by a single provincial government.
(B) The British wanted to stop the rising tide of nationalism by partitioning Bengal.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The British claimed that the size of Bengal made it difficult to govern efficiently, which was the official reason for the partition. However, the true motive was to curb the growing nationalist movement by dividing Bengal, thus reducing the strength of nationalist forces. Therefore, statement (B) is the underlying reason for the action described in statement (A).
2. (A) The Anti-Partition movement popularised the idea of Swadeshi and Boycott being complementary and one would not succeed without the other.
(B) The Assertive Nationalist leaders were expelled from the Congress at the Surat session in 1907.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: The Anti-Partition movement, which grew out of the opposition to the division of Bengal, indeed promoted the concepts of Swadeshi and Boycott. These ideas were key to the movement but are unrelated to the reasons why Assertive Nationalist leaders were expelled from the Congress. The expulsion at the Surat session in 1907 was due to internal conflicts between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists, not because of the promotion of Swadeshi and Boycott.
3. (A) The Early Nationalists did not want to extend support to the boycott movement.
(B) Boycott was in conflict with their policy of ‘petition and persuasion.’
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The Early Nationalists believed in achieving their political goals through peaceful and constitutional methods, such as petitions and persuasion. The idea of boycotting British goods conflicted with this approach, as it was seen as a more confrontational and aggressive tactic. Therefore, the conflict between boycott and their policy of petitioning explains why the Early Nationalists did not support the boycott movement.
4. (A) Lord Curzon refused to concede to the demands of annulling the Partition of Bengal.
(B) The administrative capital of British India was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Lord Curzon’s refusal to annul the Partition of Bengal is a separate issue from the decision to move the capital from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911. While both are related to British administrative decisions, they do not directly influence each other. The shift of the capital was a strategic move by the British government for administrative and political reasons, not a response to the demands related to the partition.
5. (A) The Partition of Bengal was revoked in 1911.
(B) A new scheme of Partition of Bengal was implemented on the basis of size of population rather than on religion.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The Partition of Bengal was revoked in 1911, and a new partition scheme was introduced that considered linguistic and population factors rather than religious divisions. The initial partition had been based on creating religious majorities, which was widely opposed. The new approach aimed to address the concerns raised by the first partition, leading to its revocation.
6. (A) The failure of the Early Nationalists to achieve something substantial from the British government led to the demand for more vigorous political action.
(B) The Assertive Nationalists advocated active resistance to British imperialism.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The Early Nationalists’ inability to secure significant concessions from the British led to frustration and a shift towards more assertive and radical approaches. The Assertive Nationalists, advocating for active resistance and non-cooperation, emerged as a response to this dissatisfaction. Therefore, the rise of Assertive Nationalism and its methods were a direct result of the perceived failures of the Early Nationalists.
Short Answer Questions
1. Who composed the Bande Mataram? State the reaction of the masses to the proclamation of the Partition of Bengal.
Answer: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed Bande Mataram. The reaction to the proclamation of the Partition of Bengal was one of strong opposition. On October 16, 1905, when the partition took effect, leaders declared it a day of national mourning across Bengal. It was observed with fasting and hartals in Kolkata. People walked barefoot and bathed in the Ganga. The streets echoed with cries of ‘Bande Mataram,’ which became the national movement’s theme song. Rabindranath Tagore composed the patriotic song, ‘Amar Sonar Bangla,’ sung by crowds parading the streets. The Raksha Bandhan ceremony was celebrated with Hindus and Muslims tying rakhis on one another, symbolizing the unity of Bengal.
2. Name any two prominent leaders of Anti-Partition agitation of Bengal. Name the song composed by Rabindranath Tagore during the Anti-partition agitation.
Answer: The two prominent leaders of Anti-Partition agitation of Bengal were Surendranath Banerjee and Ananda Mohan Bose. The song composed by Rabindranath Tagore during the Anti-partition agitation was ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ (My Golden Bengal).
3. Who were Assertive Nationalists? Why were they so called?
Answer: Assertive Nationalists were a group of younger leaders within the Indian National Congress who emerged during the second phase of the Indian national movement. They were so called because they had a different outlook that advocated active resistance to British imperialism. They condemned British rule in India and held it responsible for the country’s downfall. They called upon the people of India to make sacrifices for the sake of their country.
4. Name three prominent Assertive Nationalist leaders. What was the aim of the Assertive Nationalists as far as the National Movement was concerned?
Answer: The three prominent Assertive Nationalist leaders were Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal. The aim of the Assertive Nationalists as far as the National Movement was concerned was the immediate attainment of ‘Swaraj’, which means complete independence and not just self-government as in the colonies of Australia and New Zealand.
5. How did the Assertive Nationalists expand the social base of the National Movement?
Answer: The Assertive Nationalists expanded the social base of the National Movement by involving the middle class, students, youth, and women in the movement. They infused a spirit of active nationalism and self-confidence among the masses through their writings, speeches, and personal sacrifices. They also promoted self-reliance by setting up Swadeshi stores, educational institutions, and industries, thereby bringing various sections of society into the national movement.
6. What were the two methods adopted by the Assertive Nationalists in the freedom struggle?
Answer: The two methods adopted by the Assertive Nationalists in the freedom struggle were Swadeshi and Boycott. Swadeshi involved producing necessary items within the country and using them, while Boycott involved the rejection of foreign goods and institutions, thereby encouraging the growth of indigenous industries and promoting self-reliance.
7. Mention any one reason for the rise of Assertive Nationalism. Why did the educated Indians turn against the British?
Answer: One reason for the rise of Assertive Nationalism was the recognition of the true nature of British rule. The educated Indians turned against the British because they realized that instead of giving them more rights, the British were taking away even their few existing rights. This was evident through political events such as the reduction in the number of Indian members in the Calcutta Corporation and the restrictions on the press. These developments convinced Indians that progress could not be made under British imperialism, leading to the rise of Assertive Nationalism.
8. List any two international events that shattered the myth of European superiority.
Answer: For the first time, Japan, an Asian country, defeated Russia. Italian forces were defeated by the Abyssinians in Ethiopia.
9. Mention any two measures that show that Lord Curzon’s policies were repressive.
Answer: These measures included: (i) the Act of 1898 which made it an offence to provoke people against the British; (ii) The Calcutta Corporation Act (1899) which reduced the strength of elected members from India, thereby giving the British a majority.
10. Name the two books written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Answer: He wrote two well-known books – the Gita Rahasya and The Arctic Home of the Vedas.
11. When and why did Tilak leave the Indian National Congress?
Answer: The Assertive Nationalists proposed the name of Lala Lajpat Rai as President while the Early Nationalists proposed the name of Rashbehari Ghosh. When the session at Surat began in December 1907, there was utter confusion. This led to the split in the Congress and the Assertive Nationalist leaders were expelled.
12. Why did Tilak revive Ganapati and Shivaji festivals?
Answer: Tilak started using the traditional religious Ganapati festival to propagate nationalist ideas through songs and speeches. In 1895 he glorified Chatrapati Shivaji and started the Shivaji festival to encourage young Maharashtrians.
13. Mention any two contributions of Bipin Chandra Pal.
Answer: (i) He opposed the caste system and other rigid rules concerning inter-dining and inter-mixing. (ii) He advocated widow remarriage.
14. Mention any two achievements of the Assertive Nationalists.
Answer: (i) These leaders were able to inculcate national pride by extolling India’s past. (ii) They gave new slogans to the Indian nationalist movement like ‘non-cooperation, passive resistance, mass agitation, and self-reliance’.
Structured Questions
1. One of Lord Curzon’s administrative measures that resulted in a strong resentment from the masses was the Partition of Bengal in 1905. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) What was Lord Curzon’s argument in favour of the Partition of Bengal? How did the nationalists interpret Lord Curzon’s motives?
Answer: Lord Curzon’s argument in favour of the Partition of Bengal was that the province of Bengal was too large to be efficiently administered by a single provincial government. However, the nationalists interpreted Lord Curzon’s motives as an attempt to curb Bengali influence by placing Bengalis under two administrations, reducing them to a minority in Bengal itself, and fostering division on the basis of religion by creating a Muslim-majority East Bengal and a Hindu-majority West Bengal.
(b) How did the people react to the Partition of Bengal?
Answer:
- The Partition came into effect on October 16, 1905. The leaders of the protest movement declared it a day of national mourning throughout Bengal. It was observed as a day of fasting. There was hartal in Kolkata. People walked barefooted and bathed in the Ganga in the early morning hours.
- The streets of Kolkata were full of the cries of ‘Bande Mataram’ which became the theme song of the national movement.
- Rabindranath Tagore composed the patriotic song, ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ (My Golden Bengal), for the occasion which was sung by huge crowds parading the streets.
- The ceremony of Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in a new way. Hindus and Muslims tied rakhis on one another’s wrists as the symbol of unbreakable unity of the Bengalis and the two halves of Bengal.
(c) What was the impact of the Anti-Partition Movement?
Answer:
- The Partition of Bengal, along with the Anti-Partition Movement, accelerated the Nationalist Movement by spreading it among the general masses. The people rose in unity to resist, to suffer and to sacrifice.
- The ideas of Swadeshi and Boycott, born of the popular feelings in 1905, took shape and it was realised that Swadeshi and Boycott were complementary and one would not succeed without the other. Swadeshi and Boycott were used as weapons of political agitation and a training in self-sufficiency for the attainment of Swaraj.
- The people lost their faith in the fair play and justice of the British. Lord Curzon refused to concede to the demands of annulling the partition. He said, “Partition of Bengal is a settled fact and what is settled cannot be unsettled.”
- The Anti-Partition agitation backfired on the plans of Lord Curzon. It gave added strength to the National Movement. The methods adopted by the Early Nationalists lost their appeal and gave an opportunity to the Assertive Nationalists to lead the National Movement.
2. With reference to the Surat Split of 1907, answer the following questions:
(a) What were the issues on which the two wings of the Congress had differences of opinion? How did the British exploit the differences between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists?
Answer: The two wings of the Congress had differences of opinion on the issues of Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education. The Assertive Nationalists wanted to extend the Swadeshi and Boycott to the rest of India and make it a vehicle for a full-fledged political mass struggle leading to Swaraj, whereas the Early Nationalists did not approve it for the whole of India and wanted it to be confined to Bengal only. The British exploited these differences by adopting a policy of ‘concession and repression’—concession for the Early Nationalists as well as the Muslims, and repression for the Assertive Nationalists.
(b) What was the effect of the split between the two wings of the Congress on the National Movement?
Answer: The split in the Congress was unfortunate because it gave an opportunity to the British to exploit the situation to their advantage. The Surat Split weakened the national movement, as the Assertive Nationalist leaders were expelled from the Congress, and for nine years, they remained out of the Congress. The Early Nationalists largely captured the Congress organisation, and in the Allahabad convention held in April 1908, the split was formalised.
(c) Why did the Assertive Nationalists adopt the policy of non-cooperation with the British Government? Name the Assertive Nationalist leader who organised akharas and lathi clubs. Why were these organised?
Answer: The Assertive Nationalists adopted the policy of non-cooperation with the British Government because they believed that political rights could not be won by an organisation that could not “distinguish between begging rights and claiming them.” They believed in adopting the policy of non-violent resistance and vigorous political action to achieve their aims. The Assertive Nationalist leader who organised akharas and lathi clubs was Bal Gangadhar Tilak. These were organised with the objective of inculcating courage, self-defence, and patriotism among the masses.
3. In the second phase of the national movement, there emerged a new younger group of leaders within the Congress who did not agree with the old leadership. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) Explain how the repressive policies of Lord Curzon and the influence of International events led to the Assertive Nationalism.
Answer: The repressive policies of Lord Curzon, including the Partition of Bengal, the reduction in the number of Indian members in the Calcutta Corporation, restrictions on the press, and the imposition of official control over Indian universities, created resentment in India and exposed the true character of British rule. These measures convinced the Indians that progress could not be made under British imperialism. Additionally, international events such as the victory of Japan over Russia, the defeat of Italian forces by the Abyssinians, and the Boer War in South Africa inspired the Assertive Nationalists by breaking the myth of European invincibility and showing that united masses could resist and overthrow colonial rule.
(b) Name the Assertive Nationalist leader who was wounded when he was leading a protest against Simon Commission. How were his words, when he was wounded, prophetic?
Answer: The Assertive Nationalist leader who was wounded when leading a protest against the Simon Commission was Lala Lajpat Rai. His words, “Lathi blows inflicted on me would prove some day as nails in the coffin of the British empire,” were prophetic as they symbolised the growing resistance against British rule, which eventually led to India’s independence on August 15, 1947.
(c) Differentiate between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists in their objectives and achievements, stating one objective and two achievements of each wing of the Congress.
Answer:
- Objective:
- Early Nationalists: They wanted to achieve self-government and strove for autonomy within the Empire and not for absolute independence.
- Assertive Nationalists: They aimed at nothing short of Swaraj as it existed in the United Kingdom.
- Achievements:
- Early Nationalists: They held good positions under the British government and had faith in the British sense of justice and fair play.
- Assertive Nationalists: They denounced British rule and defied it, drawing their support from the masses and rejecting British rule as responsible for the poverty of the Indian people.
4. Bipin Chandra Pal was said to be “One of the mightiest prophets of nationalism”. In this context:
(a) Mention his political aims.
Answer: Bipin Chandra Pal’s political aim was to achieve Swaraj or complete independence for India. He believed in the need for national education and economic self-reliance as essential components for achieving political freedom.
(b) State his ideas on National Education.
Answer: Bipin Chandra Pal believed that National Education should be the basis of the freedom movement. He felt that it would arouse nationalistic passions and become an effective instrument of social progress. He advocated for education that was free from British control and emphasized the use of vernacular languages.
(c) What remedies did he propose to eradicate India’s poverty and unemployment?
Answer:
- He stressed the need to develop indigenous industries in the country and preached the use of Swadeshi and the boycott of foreign goods to eradicate poverty and unemployment.
- He also proposed taxing the rich more heavily than the poor and advocated for a forty-eight-hour workweek with increased wages to improve the economic conditions of the people.
5. Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:
It is a mistake to suppose that the Swadeshi movement requires sacrifice from poor people. We, the middle classes are the greatest offenders in this respect. The poor Kumbi villagers, require not many foreign articles at all, probably none at all. It is we, the middle classes, who are the consumers of foreign goods; and since this Government is not going to stop the drain by imposing a protective duty it becomes imperatively necessary to adopt a measure by which we can do ourselves what the Government is bound to do and what the government ought to have done long ago. That one point was self-help and another point was determination; and the third sacrifice. You will find that all this included in this resolution, joined with the declaration made in the Presidential address that Swadeshism is a forced necessity in India owing to unnatural economic conditions in India, makes up a complete case for you. I trust that resolution of self-help adopted this year will form the basis of other resolutions of self-help in years to come.
—Bal Gangadhar Tilak (At the 1906 session of Indian National Congress, where the resolution on Swadeshi was moved.)
(a) What was the main aim of Swadeshi as referred to in the extract? How does it relate to boycott?
Answer: The main aim of Swadeshi, as referred to in the extract, was self-help and self-reliance by producing and using goods made in India, without being dependent on imported goods. It relates to the boycott because by adopting Swadeshi, the people of India were encouraged to boycott foreign goods, thus harming British economic interests and promoting Indian industries.
(b) What are the reasons for focusing on Swadeshi?
Answer: The reasons for focusing on Swadeshi were the unnatural economic conditions in India caused by British exploitation, the need for self-reliance in the absence of protective duties imposed by the government, and the belief that the government was not going to stop the economic drain. Therefore, it was necessary for the people to adopt measures of self-help, determination, and sacrifice to counteract these issues.
(c) In what ways is the speaker of this extract the forerunner of Gandhiji?
Answer: The speaker of this extract, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, is considered a forerunner of Gandhiji in several ways:
- Tilak’s idea of Swadeshi and self-reliance was similar to Gandhi’s emphasis on Swadeshi and the boycott of foreign goods.
- Tilak’s focus on self-help and the empowerment of the masses through self-reliance and sacrifice laid the groundwork for Gandhi’s later mass movements.
- Tilak’s methods of non-cooperation and passive resistance were precursors to Gandhi’s strategy of non-violent resistance against British rule.
Picture Study
(a) Identify the persons ‘A’ and ‘B’ given above. To which section of the Congress did each belong and what were their ultimate objectives?
Answer: A is Dadabhai Naoroji, and B is Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Dadabhai Naoroji belonged to the Early Nationalists, while Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a part of the Assertive Nationalists. The ultimate objective of Dadabhai Naoroji and the Early Nationalists was to achieve self-government and autonomy within the British Empire. In contrast, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the Assertive Nationalists aimed for the immediate attainment of Swaraj or complete independence.
(b) Highlight three different methods of struggle adopted by each section of the Congress.
Answer:
- Early Nationalists (Dadabhai Naoroji):
- Constitutional agitation within the law.
- Petitions and appeals to the British authorities for reforms.
- Faith in the British sense of justice and fair play.
- Assertive Nationalists (Bal Gangadhar Tilak):
- Non-cooperation and passive resistance.
- Boycott of British goods and promotion of Swadeshi.
- Mass agitation and involvement of the general public.
(c) State two contributions of persons ‘A’ and ‘B’ to the freedom struggle.
Answer:
- Dadabhai Naoroji:
- He was a key figure in promoting the Drain Theory, which highlighted the economic exploitation of India by the British.
- He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Indian National Congress and worked tirelessly to raise the issue of Indian self-governance in British Parliament.
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak:
- He popularised the idea of Swaraj as a birthright and actively promoted it through public events and his writings.
- He established the Home Rule League to demand self-governance for India.
Thinking Skills
1. Imagine you are a student, who witnessed the protest movement organised by the people of Bengal on October 16, 1905. How did the people react to the Partition of Bengal and what was its impact?
Answer: The Partition of Bengal came into effect on October 16, 1905, a day that became one of the most significant in the history of India’s struggle for independence. On this day, the leaders of the protest movement declared it a day of national mourning throughout Bengal. The entire region was engulfed in a deep sense of sorrow and defiance. It was observed as a day of fasting, symbolising the people’s rejection of the British-imposed division. In Kolkata, there was a hartal (a general strike), where businesses and markets shut down as a mark of protest. The streets of Kolkata were filled with people walking barefooted, a gesture of humility and resistance, as they made their way to the banks of the Ganga for an early morning ritual bath, seeking divine intervention and expressing their collective grief.
The air was filled with the patriotic cries of ‘Bande Mataram’, which had by then become the anthem of the national movement, inspiring people to unite against colonial rule. Rabindranath Tagore, a towering figure in Bengali culture and literature, composed the patriotic song ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ (My Golden Bengal) specifically for this occasion. This song, which spoke of the beauty and unity of Bengal, was sung by massive crowds parading through the streets, reinforcing their commitment to resist the partition.
The day also saw the traditional ceremony of Raksha Bandhan being celebrated in a new and profound way. Hindus and Muslims, united in their opposition to the partition, tied rakhis (protective threads) on one another’s wrists. This act symbolised the unbreakable bond and unity of the Bengali people, transcending religious divides and reinforcing the idea that Bengal, though divided by the British, would remain united in spirit.
In the afternoon, a grand demonstration took place where the veteran leader Ananda Mohan Bose laid the foundation of a Federation Hall. This hall was to stand as a permanent symbol of the indestructible unity of Bengal. Those gathered at the event took a solemn vow to follow the principles of Swadeshi (self-reliance) and boycott foreign goods, further intensifying the nationalistic fervour against the partition.
The impact of this protest was profound. It not only united the people of Bengal against the British policy but also served as a catalyst for the broader national movement, encouraging similar actions across India. The protest movement marked a significant shift in the Indian independence struggle, from moderate petitions and appeals to more assertive and mass-based forms of resistance.
2. Imagine that you met one of the Assertive Nationalists. After talking to him, you realised the difference in the methods adopted by them and the Early Nationalists. State three of these differences.
Answer:
- Objective and Approach: The Early Nationalists aimed to achieve self-government within the British Empire. They believed in gradual reforms and sought autonomy rather than complete independence. In contrast, the Assertive Nationalists aimed at nothing short of Swaraj, or complete independence, similar to the sovereignty enjoyed by the United Kingdom itself. They were not satisfied with mere concessions and sought full self-rule.
- Methods of Struggle: The Early Nationalists adhered to constitutional methods, working within the legal framework established by the British. They used petitions, speeches, and resolutions to express their demands and grievances. On the other hand, the Assertive Nationalists were more aggressive in their approach. They believed that British rule needed to be directly challenged through non-cooperation, passive resistance, and mass agitation. They were willing to defy the law and face the consequences to achieve their goals.
- Faith in British Justice: The Early Nationalists had faith in the British sense of justice and fair play. They believed that by appealing to the moral conscience of the British, they could secure more rights for Indians. However, the Assertive Nationalists rejected this belief entirely. They held British rule responsible for the poverty and suffering of the Indian people and believed that justice could only be achieved by overthrowing British rule altogether.
3. Suppose you are a follower of one of the Assertive Nationalist leaders. How would you justify the methods adopted by the Assertive Nationalists to achieve their goal of attainment of Swaraj?
Answer: As a follower of an Assertive Nationalist leader, I would justify the methods adopted by the Assertive Nationalists by highlighting the urgency and necessity of their approach in the context of British rule in India. The Early Nationalists had spent years petitioning and appealing to the British authorities, but these efforts had yielded little tangible progress. The British government continued to exploit India economically, suppress its people politically, and disregard their cultural identity.
The Assertive Nationalists recognised that mere appeals and petitions were insufficient to bring about meaningful change. They understood that the British would not voluntarily relinquish control unless they were compelled to do so through direct action. Therefore, they adopted methods like non-cooperation, passive resistance, and mass agitation. These tactics were designed to disrupt the functioning of the British administration in India and demonstrate the people’s refusal to accept colonial rule.
By promoting Swadeshi, the Assertive Nationalists encouraged Indians to rely on their own resources, thereby weakening the economic foundations of British rule. The boycott of British goods was not just an economic strategy but also a political statement of defiance. National Education was another critical aspect of their approach, aiming to create a generation of Indians who were aware of their rights and responsibilities towards their nation, free from British influence.
Passive resistance, as advocated by the Assertive Nationalists, was a powerful tool because it allowed Indians to resist British laws and policies without resorting to violence. This method required immense courage and self-discipline, and it served to unite the people in a common cause. The goal of Swaraj (self-rule) was not just a distant dream but a tangible objective that the Assertive Nationalists believed could be achieved through collective effort and sacrifice.
4. If you were asked to enact the role of one of the Assertive Nationalist leaders, on the occasion of Independence Day, whom would you choose and why?
Answer: If I were asked to enact the role of one of the Assertive Nationalist leaders on the occasion of Independence Day, I would choose to portray Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Tilak is often regarded as the Father of Assertive Nationalism and played a pivotal role in shaping the course of India’s struggle for independence.
Tilak’s famous declaration, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it,” resonated deeply with millions of Indians and became a rallying cry for the independence movement. His belief in the power of the masses, his efforts to popularise the concepts of Swadeshi (self-reliance) and Boycott, and his advocacy for National Education were all groundbreaking. These ideas not only inspired immediate action but also laid the groundwork for the broader nationalist movement that would eventually lead to India’s independence.
Moreover, Tilak’s approach to integrating cultural and religious symbols into the political struggle, such as through the Ganapati and Shivaji festivals, demonstrated his understanding of the need to connect the independence movement with the everyday lives of ordinary Indians. His ability to mobilise people from diverse backgrounds, including students, women, and the working class, showed his commitment to making the freedom struggle a mass movement.
Tilak’s life was marked by personal sacrifices, including multiple imprisonments, yet he remained steadfast in his resolve. His writings in Kesari and Mahratta were instrumental in spreading nationalist ideas far and wide. By choosing to enact Tilak, I would be honouring a leader whose contributions were critical in transitioning the Indian independence movement from a phase of moderate, constitutional agitation to one of assertive, mass-based resistance. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination needed to achieve true freedom.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. When did Lord Curzon serve as the Viceroy of India?
A. 1895-1901
B. 1899-1905
C. 1900-1906
D. 1902-1908
Answer: B. 1899-1905
25. In what year was the partition of Bengal annulled?
A. 1907
B. 1911
C. 1915
D. 1920
Answer: B. 1911
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. When was the Partition of Bengal implemented?
Answer: The Partition of Bengal was implemented on October 16, 1905.
44. Discuss the contributions of Bal Gangadhar Tilak to the Indian freedom struggle, including his influence on Mahatma Gandhi.
Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle, earning him the title “Father of Assertive Nationalism.” He was the first leader to openly demand Swaraj, declaring it his birthright. Tilak was instrumental in shifting the Indian political discourse from petitions to demanding political rights. He sought close contact with the masses, organizing akharas and lathi clubs to inculcate courage, self-defense, and patriotism.
Tilak also revived traditional festivals like Ganapati and Shivaji to propagate nationalist ideas and started the newspapers Mahratta and Kesari to preach nationalism. He established the Home Rule League in 1916, advocating for dominion status for India. Tilak’s ideas of Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, and Prohibition were later embraced by Mahatma Gandhi, making Tilak a forerunner in the movement for complete independence.
Tilak’s selfless patriotism, strong determination, and courage inspired the masses to rise against British rule, opening a new chapter in India’s freedom struggle. His influence on Gandhi and other nationalist leaders was profound, as he laid the groundwork for the mass movements that would follow.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger. He manages Online Free Notes and reads Victorian literature. His favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and he hopes to travel the world. Get in touch with him by sending him a friend request.
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