NCERT 8th Class (CBSE) Social Science: The National Movement: Second Phase

Question: Why did the Congress start the Non-Cooperation Movement? Why was it withdrawn prematurely?

Answer: Angered by the rigid attitude of the British, the Congress decided to start a Non-Cooperation movement under the leadership of Gandhiji. The movement aimed at protesting against British repression in Punjab (the ‘Punjab wrongs’) and their policy towards Turkey. It was also for the attainment of self-government.
The movement was to be launched in stages. It started with the giving up of honorary titles received by Indians from the government. Gandhiji gave up the title of ‘Kaiser-i-Hindi’.

Along with boycott and non-cooperation, a constructive programme was also launched. It included the:

1. Popularization of charkha and khadi,
2. Promotion of Hindu-Muslim unity,
3. Abolition of untouchability,
4. Spread of education.

Chauri Chaura was a small village in Uttar Pradesh. On 5 February 1922, a crowd of peasants was leading a protest march through the village. After the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Congress was divided into two groups. One group, led by C R Das, Motila Nehru and Vithalbhai Patel, wanted to end the boycott of the Legislative Councils. They wanted the Congress to take part in the elections, join the government and then work to destroy the working of the legislatures from inside. So these pro-changers wanted to enter the legislatures and then make it impossible for the government to function by opposing all its policies.

Question: List the main features of the government of India Act of 1935

Answer: In August 1935, the government announced the government of India Act. Its main features were as follows:-

1. India was to become a federation if more than half of the princely states decide to join it.
2. Provincial autonomy was granted. The minister of the provincial governments were to be responsible to the legislature.
3. The power of the legislature was also increased. The right to vote, however remained limited. Only 14 percent people had voting rights.
4. Dyarchy was abolished at the provincial level but introduced at the centre. The viceroy become more powerful and was pat responsible to the legislature.

Question: Why did Gandhiji decide to break the Salt haw? how did leaders in other parts of India observe the salt Satyagraha?

Answer: The government had a monopoly on the manufacture and sale of salt, people had to buy salt from the government so this was an issue which touched the life of every Indian, so Gandhiji broke the law by making salt. He collected the natural salt lying on the seashore and boiled it make salt. By breaking the law, he threw a challenge to the British Government.

In Tamil Naidu, C. Rajagopalchari led a similar march from Trichinopoly to Vedaranyam. In Gujarat, Sarojini Naidu protested in front of the salt depots.