Gandhi and his Early Movements (Part-III)

Total Questions: 35

1. For whom among the following was Ahmedabad Satyagraha launched? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2015]

(a) Farmers
(b) Cotton Mill Workers
(c) Jewellery artisans
(d) Press Freedom

Correct Answer: (b) Cotton Mill Workers

Solution:Gandhiji’s first great experiment in Satyagraha happened in 1917, in Champaran, in Bihar. Gandhiji’s next activity was in 1918 at Ahmedabad where agitation was going on between the industrial workers and the owners of a cotton textile mill for the Plague bonus. While Gandhiji was negotiating with the mill owners, he advised the workers to go on strike and to demand increase Plague Bonus. Having advised the strikers to depend upon their conscience, Gandhiji himself went on a “fast unto death” to strengthen the workers resolved to continue the strike. The mill owners gave up, and a settlement was reached after 21 days of the strike. The mill owners agreed to give the workers a 35% bonus. The strike was withdrawn and later awarded the 35% Bonus that the workers had demanded, Ambalal Sarabhai’s sister, Anasuya Behn, was one of the main lieutenants of Gandhiji in this struggle in which her brother and Gandhiji’s friend was one of the main advisories.

2. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding propounding the principle of Trusteeship of Mahatma Gandhi? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2013]

(a) South Africa - 1903
(b) London - 1904
(c) Delhi - 1905
(d) Ahmedabad - 1906

Correct Answer: (a) South Africa - 1903

Solution:In 1903, Gandhiji established his law firm in Johannesburg and lived there till 1910. Gandhi had applied the principle of Trusteeship.

3. Which one of the following statements is not correct about Gandhian economy? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2013]

(a) He laid emphasis on the economy based on non-violence
(b) Centralisation lead to exploitation and inequality, hence centralisation is opponent of formation of nonviolent society
(c) He was not in favour of mechanisation in India
(d) He did not favour mechanisation in U.S.A.

Correct Answer: (d) He did not favour mechanisation in U.S.A.

Solution:As per Gandhian ideology - "The economy of every country should be defined on the basis of its climate, land and the nature of its citizens. Hence, considering his ideology, he never opposed the mechanisation in USA. Gandhiji supported the option (a), (b) and (c).

4. According to M. K. Gandhi socio-economic improvement of untouchables can be brought about : [U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2013]

(a) By their temple entry
(b) By providing grant-in-aid
(c) By earmarking funds for their socio-economic development
(d) By establishing cottage industry for them

Correct Answer: (d) By establishing cottage industry for them

Solution:Gandhi’s socio-economic policy opposes all forms of exploitation. India lives in its villages. Naturally, the development of the country depends on the development of villages. That is why Gandhi stressed on the growth of rural industries such as khadi, handlooms, sericulture, handicrafts, etc. Rural industries are based on family labour and require less amount of capital. Raw materials are available in local and surrounding areas and the goods thus produced is sold in local markets. Therefore, there is no problem with production and market. Gandhi has strongly advocated the development of cottage industries in villages, which will reduce the burden on agriculture. Cottage industry can also work as a good support system for villagers. Thus, all villagers can get employment in their respective villages, which will check the migration to urban areas. According to Gandhi, socioeconomic improvement of untouchables can be brought by establishing cottage industry for them.

5. What does ‘Gandhian Innovation’ mean? [U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2015]

(a) To produce more
(b) To produce in domestic economy
(c) To reduce for consumption
(d) To produce more from less input for more people

Correct Answer: (d) To produce more from less input for more people

Solution:The term Gandhian Innovation was coined by Prof. Prahlad and R.A. Mashelkar meaning “serving people with fewer resources and at a lower cost.” Thus to produce more from less input for more people is the correct answer.

6. After returning from South Africa, Gandhiji launched his first successful Satyagraha in: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2011 I.A.S. (Pre) 2000]

(a) Chauri-Chaura
(b) Dandi
(c) Champaran
(d) Bardoli

Correct Answer: (c) Champaran

Solution:Gandhi, the exponent of the Satyagraha Movement, staged his first Satyagraha in Champaran, Bihar in 1917. The poor peasants, the indigo planters of the district, invited Gandhi to come there to see the grievances of the much-exploited peasants. Gandhiji returned from South Africa in 1915, and in 1917 he launched his first successful Satyagraha in Champaran on the request of Rajkumar Shukla.

7. Who invited Gandhiji to come to Champaran? [67th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2022]

(a) Raj Kumar Shukla
(b) Rajendra Prasad
(c) Jayaprakash Narayan
(d) Krishna Sahay
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Correct Answer: (a) Raj Kumar Shukla

8. Who amongst the following invited Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran in connection with indigo cultivation? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]

(a) J.B. Kriplani
(b) Rajendra Prasad
(c) Raj Kumar Shukla
(d) Motilal Nehru

Correct Answer: (c) Raj Kumar Shukla

Solution:Raj Kumar Shukla, an indigo cultivator, persuaded and invited Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran in relation to indigo cultivation. Gandhi arrived in Champaran on 10th April 1917 with eminent lawyers Brajkishore, Rajendra Prasad, Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Acharya Kriplani, and others.

9. Who invited Gandhiji to Champaran? [B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2018]

(a) Rajendra Prasad
(b) Raj Kumar Shukla
(c) Mazharul Haq
(d) Krishna Sahay
(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Correct Answer: (b) Raj Kumar Shukla

Solution:Rajkumar Shukla requested Mahatma Gandhi to visit Champaran, meeting him in Lucknow. Champaran Satyagraha was the first attempt at mobilising the Indian masses by Gandhi on an invitation by Rajkumar Shukla in the context of indigo peasants of Champaran. This Gandhian Movement was the First Civil Disobedience in India. It was mainly due to the tinkathia system of indigo farmers, where peasants were forced to grow indigo on 3/20 part of their total land. Gandhi intervened in the matter but was asked to leave the place by authorities. However, Gandhi refused to leave, thus disobeying the order. Eventually, Gandhi was able to convince the government about the illness of the tinkathia system and look into the matter. The government appointed a committee to go into the matter and nominated Gandhi as a member. As a result, the tinkathia system was abolished, and in a compromise settlement, only 25% of the money taken by peasants was compensated. Participants: Rajendra Prasad, Narhari Parekh, and J.B. Kripalani

10. Which one of the following statements is not correct about Champaran Satyagraha? [U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011]

(a) It was connected with the peasants
(b) It was launched against the 'Tinkathia' system
(c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad and J.B. Kripalani co-operated with M.K. Gandhi in it
(d) It was the first movement launched by M.K. Gandhi on an All-India level

Correct Answer: (d) It was the first movement launched by M.K. Gandhi on an All-India level

Solution:Champaran Satyagraha was limited to Champaran only. The first movement started by Gandhi at the national level was the Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919). The first three options are correct regarding Champaran Satyagraha.

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