CBSE Class 10 Social Science: Nationalism in India NCERT Solutions

1. The growth of nationalism in colonies is intrinsically linked to anti-colonial movements because the experience of colonial rule often fostered a shared sense of oppression and exploitation among diverse groups of people. This common struggle against imperial domination created a unifying bond, leading to the development of nationalist sentiments and the desire for self-rule. The fight against foreign rule naturally gave rise to a collective identity and a spirit of nationalism.
2. The First World War significantly contributed to the growth of the National Movement in India in several ways. The British government imposed forced recruitment from rural areas, increased taxes and customs duties to finance war expenses, and faced widespread crop failures leading to acute food shortages during 1918-19 and 1920-21. These hardships caused immense suffering and anger among Indians, strengthening their opposition to British colonial rule and pushing the national movement towards a more decisive phase.
3. Indians were deeply outraged by the Rowlatt Act because it was passed hastily by the Imperial Legislative Council, despite strong opposition from Indian members. The Act granted the government autocratic powers to suppress political activities and allowed for the detention of political prisoners without a trial for up to two years. This was perceived as a highly undemocratic and oppressive measure that violated fundamental rights and hurt national dignity.
4. Mahatma Gandhi decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement primarily due to incidents of violence that occurred during the movement. The most significant of these was the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where a mob attacked and set fire to a police station, resulting in the death of several policemen. Gandhi ji felt that the masses were not yet adequately trained or prepared for a large-scale, non-violent struggle and that satyagrahis needed proper training in non-violent methods.

The idea of Satyagraha, conceptualized by Mahatma Gandhi, is a unique philosophy and method of mass agitation that emphasizes the power of truth and the necessity of seeking truth. It is founded on the principle that if a cause is just and the struggle is against injustice, then physical force or coercion against the oppressor is unnecessary. Satyagraha advocates for non-violent resistance, aiming to appeal to the conscience of the oppressor and awaken their sense of justice. Gandhi ji believed that this adherence to the 'dharma' of non-violence could be a powerful force for achieving national unity and harmony.

1. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: On April 13, 1919, a large crowd of innocent people, including women and children, had gathered in the enclosed Jallianwala Bagh ground in Amritsar. Some had come to protest against the British government's repressive measures, while others were attending the annual Baisakhi fair. General Dyer, the British military commander, deliberately blocked the exits of the ground and ordered his soldiers to open fire indiscriminately on the unarmed gathering. His stated objective was to 'produce a moral effect' and instill terror. Hundreds of people were killed, and many more were injured in this brutal act of violence. The massacre sparked widespread outrage across India, leading to large-scale strikes, protests, clashes with the police, and attacks on government buildings by enraged citizens.
2. The Simon Commission: The Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928 to review the working of the Indian constitution and suggest further constitutional reforms. However, the commission faced widespread protests and boycotts, with slogans like "Go Back Simon" echoing across the country. The reason for this strong opposition was that the commission consisted solely of British members and did not include a single Indian. This lack of Indian representation was seen as an affront to national dignity and a clear indication that the British were not serious about involving Indians in decisions about their own governance. Both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League jointly demonstrated against the commission. In response to the growing unrest, Lord Irwin, the Viceroy, announced a vague promise of 'dominion status' for India, leading to the convening of a Round Table Conference in October 1929.