Class 10 history chapter 2 questions and answers: The second chapter of Class 10 History in the NCERT Solutions discusses the Congress’s efforts in advancing the national movement, the participation of diverse social groups in this movement, and the profound impact of nationalism on people’s imagination.
The outbreak of the First World War in Europe in 1919 had global repercussions, particularly igniting India’s quest for independence. This event kindled a strong sense of nationalism within India, leading to the rise of Satyagraha and the Non-Cooperation Movement. Engaging with the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 2 is integral for a comprehensive understanding of these concepts.
The NCERT class 10 history chapter 2 questions and answers solution have been meticulously crafted by experts in accordance with the latest CBSE guidelines. Regularly consulting these solutions is highly recommended for students, as it will reinforce their grasp on the subject matter and ultimately contribute to achieving higher marks.
NCERT Class 10 History Chapter 2 Questions and Answers Solution
Class 10 History Chapter 2 Questions and Answers
Write in Brief:
a. Why the growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an anti-colonial movement?
Answer:
As colonialism exerted its grip, individuals commenced recognizing their solidarity through the course of their resistance. The feeling of oppression at the hands of colonial rule created a common thread that interlinked various disparate factions.
However, the impact of colonialism was distinct for each class and group, resulting in diverse encounters and divergent conceptions of liberation. Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress endeavored to amalgamate these groups under a single movement, yet the path to unity was fraught with discord.
b. How the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India?
Answer:
The war gave rise to a fresh political and economic landscape.
- It prompted a substantial surge in military spending, which was funded through war loans and heightened taxation. Import tariffs were elevated, and income tax was implemented.
- Compulsory conscription in rural areas incited widespread resentment.
- Crop failures exacerbated the scarcity of food, leading to a critical shortage.
- Famines and epidemics claimed the lives of approximately 12 to 13 million individuals.
c. Why were Indians outraged by the Rowlatt Act?
Answer:
In 1919, the Rowlatt Act was introduced, swiftly pushed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite strong opposition from Indian representatives. This act bestowed the government with extensive authority to suppress political engagements, enabling the imprisonment of political detainees without trial for a duration of two years.
d. Why Gandhiji decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Answer:
In February 1922, Mahatma Gandhi opted to conclude the Non-Cooperation Movement due to increasing instances of violence in various regions. He believed that satyagrahis required adequate training before being prepared for large-scale struggles.
2. What is meant by the idea of Satyagraha?
Answer:
The concept of Satyagraha underscored the potency of truth and the imperative to seek truth. It proposed that when the cause was just and the struggle was against injustice, resorting to physical force against the oppressor was unnecessary.
A satyagrahi could attain victory through nonviolence without seeking revenge or adopting aggression. This approach involved appealing to the oppressor’s conscience, aiming to persuade both the oppressed and the oppressor to embrace the truth willingly, rather than imposing it through violence. Through this endeavor, the triumph of truth was inevitable.
Mahatma Gandhi held the conviction that this principle of non-violence had the potential to unify all Indians.
3. Write a newspaper report on
a) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre
Answer:
The notorious Jallianwala Bagh episode occurred on 13 April. On that day, a significant assembly had congregated within the enclosed premises of Jallianwala Bagh.
Some were present to voice their opposition against the government’s stringent policies, while others had come for the annual Baisakhi fair. Many villagers, unfamiliar with the imposed martial law, had arrived from distant areas.
General Dyer, entering the location, sealed off exit points and unleashed gunfire upon the gathering, resulting in the demise of hundreds. Dyer later stated that his intent was to “create a moral impact” on the satyagrahis’ mindset. The incident induced a pervasive sense of terror and astonishment among the populace.
b) The Simon Commission
Answer:
Upon the arrival of the Simon Commission in India in 1928, it was met with the resounding chant, ‘Simon, go back’. Various political factions, including the Congress and the Muslim League, united in staging protests.
In an attempt to garner their support, Lord Irwin, the Viceroy, unveiled a nebulous proposal in October 1929, offering ‘dominion status’ for India at an unspecified time, along with a Round Table Conference aimed at deliberating on a prospective constitution. However, this gesture fell short of meeting the Congress leaders’ expectations.
4. Compare the images of Bharat Mata in this chapter with the image of Germania in Chapter 1.
Answer:
Germania:
- Representative of Germany
- Created by Philip Veit in 1848.
- Brandishing a sword in one hand and clasping a flag in the other.
- Germania adorns a crown woven from oak leaves, symbolizing heroism, as the mighty oak embodies this quality.
Bharat Mata:
- Symbolic of India
- Crafted by Abanindranath Tagore in 1905.
- Bharat stands poised with a Trishul, flanked by a lion and an elephant, emblematic of potency and dominion.
NCERT
Class 10 History Chapter 2 Questions and Answers
1. List all the different social groups which joined the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1921. Then choose any three and write about their hopes and struggles to show why they joined the movement.
Answer:
Here is a revised version of the provided text:
Diverse Social Groups’ Participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement and Their Struggles
Urban Middle-class Involvement
Numerous students abandoned government-controlled educational institutions, headmasters and teachers resigned from their positions, and lawyers relinquished their legal practices.
The council elections experienced a boycott across most provinces, except for Madras, where the Justice Party, representing non-Brahmans, perceived council participation as a means to access power, a privilege typically reserved for Brahmans.
The economic impact of non-cooperation was notably significant. Foreign goods faced a boycott, liquor establishments were picketed, and foreign cloth met fiery destruction in large bonfires.
Between 1921 and 1922, the import of foreign cloth plummeted by half, its value dwindling from Rs 102 crore to Rs 57 crore. In various locales, merchants and traders declined involvement in foreign trade or financing.
As the boycott movement gained traction, individuals discarded imported attire in favor of Indian garments, leading to increased production in Indian textile mills and handlooms.
However, this urban movement gradually decelerated due to several factors. Khadi cloth often proved costlier than mass-produced mill fabric, beyond the reach of the impoverished.
Similarly, the boycott of British institutions posed a predicament. For the movement’s triumph, viable Indian alternatives had to be established to replace British counterparts, which was a gradual process.
Consequently, students and educators began returning to government schools, and lawyers resumed their activities in courts.
Peasants and Tribals
In Awadh, the leadership of peasants rested with Baba Ramchandra, a former indentured laborer in Fiji who had embraced the life of a sanyasi.
The movement in Awadh targeted talukdars and landlords who imposed exorbitant rents and assorted levies on peasants. Forced labor (begrar) and uncompensated toil on landlords’ farms were common for peasants.
Lacking secure tenure as tenants, they faced regular eviction, depriving them of land ownership. The peasant movement demanded reduced revenue, the eradication of begar, and a societal boycott of oppressive landlords.
Many areas organized ‘nai-dhobi bandhs,’ withholding the services of barbers and washermen from landlords through community action.
Tribal peasants perceived Mahatma Gandhi’s message and the concept of swaraj in a distinct manner. In the Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh, a militant guerrilla movement emerged in the early 1920s—a form of struggle not endorsed by the Congress.
In other forested regions, extensive forest closures by the colonial government hindered access for cattle grazing, fuelwood collection, and fruit gathering.
This incited the hill communities. Not only did their livelihoods suffer, but they also felt their traditional rights were violated. When the government compelled them to contribute begar for road construction, the hill people initiated a rebellion.
Plantation Workers
Plantation laborers in Assam had their own interpretation of Mahatma Gandhi and Swaraj. For them, freedom meant the right to move freely within and beyond the confines of their restricted living spaces, while maintaining connections with their villages of origin.
Bound by the Inland Emigration Act of 1859, plantation workers were prohibited from leaving tea gardens without authorization, a permission rarely granted. Learning of the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers defied authorities, leaving the plantations to return home.
They envisioned the arrival of Gandhi Raj, anticipating land distribution in their villages. However, they never reached their destination. Stranded due to a railway and steamer strike, they were apprehended by the police and subjected to brutal treatment.
2. Discuss the Salt March to make clear why it was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.
Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi discovered a potent emblem of unity in salt, capable of binding the nation. On January 31, 1930, he penned a letter to Viceroy Irwin outlining eleven demands.
While some were of collective interest, others catered to specific needs of diverse segments, spanning from industrialists to peasants.
The intention was to construct a comprehensive array of demands, enabling all strata of Indian society to connect with them and fostering a unified movement. Among these, the most stirring call was for the abolition of the salt tax.
Salt was an essential dietary component for both the affluent and the impoverished, transcending social boundaries. By highlighting the tax on salt and the government’s monopolization of its production, Mahatma Gandhi unveiled the most oppressive facet of British rule.
Initiating his iconic salt march, Mahatma Gandhi embarked on the journey with 78 trusted volunteers. Covering over 240 miles, the march stretched from Gandhiji’s Sabarmati ashram to the coastal town of Dandi in Gujarat.
The volunteers marched for 24 days, averaging around 10 miles daily. Enthusiastic crowds gathered wherever Mahatma Gandhi halted, as he elucidated his vision of Swaraj, urging peaceful resistance against British rule. On April 6, he arrived at Dandi and symbolically flouted the law, producing salt by evaporating seawater.
Across the nation, thousands defied the salt law, manufacturing the commodity and staging protests outside government salt facilities. The movement’s influence propagated, resulting in a boycott of foreign garments and picketing of liquor stores.
Peasants withheld revenue payments and chowkidar taxes, village officials resigned, and in numerous regions, forest-dwellers transgressed forest regulations by entering Reserved Forests to gather wood and graze livestock.
3. Imagine you are a woman participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Explain what the experience meant to your life.
Answer:
As a woman deeply engaged in the Civil Disobedience Movement, the experience has been nothing short of transformative for my life. This movement has provided me with a profound sense of empowerment, purpose, and camaraderie, allowing me to break free from societal constraints and actively contribute to the larger struggle for India’s freedom.
Participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement has shattered the barriers that traditionally confined women to domestic roles. It has allowed me to step out of the confines of my home and into the forefront of a nationwide movement. This experience has shown me that my voice matters, that my actions can make a difference, and that I have an essential role to play in shaping the destiny of our nation.
The movement has given me a purpose that transcends personal concerns. Every step, every protest, and every act of civil disobedience is a declaration of my unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom. This sense of purpose has infused my life with a newfound meaning, inspiring me to endure hardships, face challenges, and remain resolute in the face of adversity.
Moreover, being part of this movement has allowed me to forge connections with like-minded individuals who share my aspirations and determination. I have met countless men and women who, like me, are driven by a burning desire to see our country liberated from colonial rule. Together, we form a tightly-knit community that supports and uplifts one another, reinforcing the idea that we are not alone in this struggle.
The Civil Disobedience Movement has also exposed me to the power of nonviolent resistance. It has demonstrated that we can wield significant influence and bring about change without resorting to violence. This realization has not only shaped my activism but has also left a lasting impact on how I approach conflicts and challenges in my personal life.
Undoubtedly, the Civil Disobedience Movement has left an indelible mark on my identity as a woman and as an Indian. It has shown me the strength that lies within me, the potential I possess to drive change, and the importance of standing up for justice and equality. Through this movement, I have become a proud participant in the ongoing journey towards a free and independent India.
4. Why did political leaders differ sharply over the question of separate electorates?
Answer:
In 1930, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar organized the Dalits into the Depressed Classes Association, leading to a clash with Mahatma Gandhi during the second Round Table Conference.
Ambedkar demanded separate electorates for Dalits, a demand that was eventually granted by the British government.
In response, Mahatma Gandhi embarked on a fast unto death, concerned that this move would hinder the integration of Dalits into society. Ambedkar eventually conceded to Gandhi’s stance, resulting in the Poona Pact of September 1932.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was willing to forgo the call for separate electorates if Muslims were guaranteed reserved seats in the Central Assembly and representation proportionate to their population in Muslim-majority provinces like Bengal and Punjab.
Negotiations persisted regarding representation, but hopes of resolving the matter at the All Parties Conference in 1928 faded when M.R. Jayakar of the Hindu Mahasabha vehemently opposed any attempts at compromise.
Class 10 History Chapter 2 Questions and Answers Solution Summary
The second chapter of the NCERT Social Science History textbook “India and the Contemporary World-II” bears the title ‘Nationalism in India’.
The flame of Nationalism ignited amidst the anti-colonial movement, sparked by the suffocating oppression imposed by British rule. A surge of revolts and struggles ensued, as Indians endeavored to break free from the grip of colonial powers.
Delve into the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science to explore the varied responses of different groups to this burgeoning sense of Nationalism.
This chapter also delves into the following themes:
1. The First World War, Khilafat, and Non-Cooperation
2. The Concept of Satyagraha
3. The Rowlatt Act
4. The Rationale behind Non-Cooperation
5. Diverse Strands within the Movement
6. The Movement’s Impact in Urban Areas
7. Uprisings in Rural Regions
8. Attaining Self-Governance on Plantations
9. Transitioning to Civil Disobedience
10. The Salt March and the Evolution of Civil Disobedience
11. The Movement from Participants’ Perspectives
12. The Boundaries of Civil Disobedience
13. A Sense of Collective Identity
“Issues and Solutions for Class 10 Social Science” is an indispensable resource. In addition to the comprehensive NCERT Solutions for this chapter, the linked article offers a complete set of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Class 10 History Chapter 2 Questions and Answers
1. What is nationalism in the context of India’s history?
Nationalism refers to a strong sense of loyalty and devotion towards one’s nation. In the context of India’s history, it signifies the collective efforts and aspirations of Indians to secure freedom and independence from British colonial rule.
2. What were the factors that contributed to the rise of nationalism in India?
The oppressive rule of the British, economic exploitation, cultural subjugation, and the desire for self-governance were among the key factors that contributed to the rise of nationalism in India.
3. How did the First World War influence India’s nationalist movement?
The First World War led to economic hardships and increased repression by the British, prompting Indians to demand greater political rights and self-determination. This period also witnessed the emergence of movements like the Khilafat and the Non-Cooperation Movement.
4. What is the significance of Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Satyagraha in the nationalist movement?
Satyagraha, which translates to “truth force” or “soul force,” was Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance. It played a pivotal role in India’s nationalist movement by advocating peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and non-cooperation as effective tools against British rule.
5. What was the Rowlatt Act, and why did it lead to widespread protests?
The Rowlatt Act was a repressive law passed by the British colonial government that allowed for the arrest and detention of individuals without trial. It sparked outrage among Indians, leading to protests and demonstrations across the country.