Textbook Q&A

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Why growth of nationalism in the colonies is linked to an anti-colonial movement?

Nationalism in colonies grew because people wanted freedom from foreign rule.

1. Unfair treatment – Colonies were taxed heavily. Their resources were taken away. This made people angry.
2. No political rights – People could not make their own laws. They wanted to rule themselves.
3. Disrespect for culture – Foreign rulers looked down on local traditions and languages. Nationalism made people proud of their culture again.
4. Unity among people – The fight against the foreign rulers brought people together as one nation.
5. Aim for independence – Nationalism gave the idea. Anti-colonial movements took action to make it real.

In short: Nationalism was the dream of freedom. Anti-colonial movements were the fight to get it.

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How the First World War helped in the growth of the National Movement in India?

The First World War (1914–1918) gave a big push to India’s national movement.

1. Higher taxes and prices – The British increased defence spending. Taxes went up. Prices of food and goods rose sharply.
2. Shortages and hardship – Basic goods became scarce. Common people suffered.
3. Forced recruitment – Many men were forced to join the army, causing anger in villages.
4. Influenza epidemic – A deadly disease spread after the war, killing millions.
5. Economic strain – Industries faced problems, and Indian workers suffered low wages.

Result: People lost faith in British rule and began to support the national movement more strongly.

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Why Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act?

Indians were angry about the Rowlatt Act (1919) because:

1. No fair trial – It allowed the British to jail people without giving them a trial.
2. Against basic rights – It took away freedom of speech and freedom to protest.
3. Unjust powers – Police could arrest anyone on suspicion and keep them in prison for two years without proof.
4. Nationwide protests – People saw it as an insult after helping the British in World War I.

In short: Indians felt cheated and treated like criminals in their own country.

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What is meant by the idea of satyagraha?

The idea of satyagraha means fighting for truth and justice without using violence.

• It comes from two words: Satya (truth) and Agraha (firmness or holding on).
• It teaches that you can win over an opponent through truth, patience, and non-violent protest, not by harming them.
• The goal is to change the wrongdoer’s mind and make them see the truth, not to destroy them.

In short, Satyagraha = Truth + Non-violence as a weapon.

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Write a newspaper report on:

a) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre b) The Simon Commission

a) Newspaper Report – Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Date: April 14, 1919

Place: Amritsar, Punjab

Headline: Hundreds Killed in Amritsar Firing

Amritsar, April 14 – A peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919, turned into a tragedy when troops under General Dyer opened fire without warning.

The people had assembled to protest against the Rowlatt Act and to discuss their grievances peacefully.

The only exit from the Bagh was blocked, leaving no escape. Firing continued for 10 minutes, killing hundreds and injuring over a thousand.

The incident has shocked the nation. Leaders across India have condemned the act as inhuman and brutal. This massacre has intensified the freedom struggle and deepened the call for complete independence from British rule.

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b) Newspaper Report – Simon Commission

Date: February 4, 1928

Place: Across India

Headline: Nation Boycotts Simon Commission – “Go Back Simon”

New Delhi, February 4 – The British Government sent the Simon Commission to India to suggest constitutional reforms.

The commission, however, had no Indian members, causing widespread anger. People saw it as an insult to India’s self-respect.

When the commission arrived, protests broke out across the country. Leaders, including Lala Lajpat Rai in Lahore, led mass demonstrations with the slogan “Simon Go Back”.

During one such protest, police lathi-charged the crowd, injuring Lala Lajpat Rai, who later died from his injuries.

The boycott of the Simon Commission has united Indians in demanding complete self-rule and rejecting reforms without Indian participation.

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