NCERT Class 10 Social Science India and the Contemporary World-II: Chapter 2 — The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation
This chapter, 'Nationalism in India,' from NCERT's Class 10 Social Science textbook 'India and the Contemporary World-II,' explores the emergence of modern nationalism in India, intimately linked to the anti-colonial movement. It details how the struggle against colonialism fostered a sense of unity among diverse groups, despite varied experiences and notions of freedom. The chapter focuses on the period from the 1920s, examining the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements. It analyzes how the Congress, under Mahatma Gandhi, attempted to unite different social groups, the development of the national movement, and the ways in which nationalism captured the public imagination. The text also highlights the economic and political hardships caused by World War I, including increased taxes, rising prices, forced recruitment, and food shortages, which fueled widespread anger and hardship.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | India and the Contemporary World-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 586 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the connection between anti-colonial movements and the rise of modern nationalism in India.
- Analyze the impact of World War I on India's economic and political situation.
- Learn about Mahatma Gandhi's return to India and the concept of Satyagraha.
- Identify the different social groups and their varied experiences within the national movement.
- Explore the development of the national movement from the 1920s onwards.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nationalism | A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country. |
| Colonialism | The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. |
| Anti-colonial movement | A movement or struggle against colonial rule. |
| Satyagraha | A policy of passive political resistance, not only passive resistance but active resistance, as a soul force. |
| Forced recruitment | A process by which the colonial state forced people to join the army. |
| Civil Disobedience Movement | A movement where people break specific laws considered unjust. |
| Non-Cooperation Movement | A movement where people withdraw cooperation from the colonial government. |
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Practice questions
- How did the growth of modern nationalism in India relate to the anti-colonial movement? Answer: The growth of modern nationalism in India was intimately connected to the anti-colonial movement, as people discovered their unity and sense of belonging while struggling against colonialism.
- What were the economic hardships faced by common people in India after 1919? Answer: Prices increased significantly, customs duties were raised, income tax was introduced, and forced recruitment caused anger, while crop failures and an epidemic led to food shortages and extreme hardship.
- What is Satyagraha? Answer: Satyagraha is a method of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience, emphasizing truth and non-violence as a means of fighting injustice.
- When did Mahatma Gandhi return to India? Answer: Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in January 1915.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Nationalism in India'?
The chapter discusses the rise of modern nationalism in India, its connection to the anti-colonial struggle, and the key movements like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience.
How did World War I affect India?
World War I led to increased defence expenditure, higher taxes, rising prices, forced recruitment, and severe food shortages due to crop failures and epidemics, causing widespread hardship.
What is Satyagraha, and who introduced it in India?
Satyagraha is a method of non-violent resistance. Mahatma Gandhi introduced this concept in India after his return in 1915.
What was the significance of the period after 1919 in the Indian national movement?
After 1919, the national movement spread to new areas, involved more social groups, and developed new modes of struggle, including Satyagraha.
Did all groups in India experience colonialism in the same way?
No, each class and group felt the effects of colonialism differently, leading to varied experiences and notions of freedom.
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NCERT Class 10 Social Science — India and the Contemporary World-II — Chapter 2 — The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.