Question Answer Chapter 2 Class 8 Social Science CBSE Board

India’s Long Road to Independence

Questions and activities

The following are suggested activities to choose from.

True or False. Find out whether the following statements are true or false:

1. Right from its inception, the Indian National Congress called for India’s independence.
Answer:
False. The Indian National Congress initially sought greater Indian participation in governance, protection of civil rights, and social and economic reforms. Its early leaders believed that dialogue with the British government could bring gradual changes.

2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak turned a Shivaji festival into a popular event.
Answer:
True. Bal Gangadhar Tilak turned traditional festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and the Shivaji festival into popular events. He used religious and patriotic symbols to awaken people and encourage them to resist British oppression.

3. The Ghadar Movement of 1914–15 aimed to start a mutiny within the British Indian Army while British troops were busy with World War I.
Answer:
True. The Ghadar Movement aimed to organise a widespread mutiny within the British Indian Army during World War I. Indian revolutionaries hoped to take advantage of the British government’s involvement in the war to challenge colonial rule.

4. Vallabhbhai Patel earned the title ‘Sardar’ for his leadership during the Satyagraha agitation in Gujarat.
Answer:
True. Vallabhbhai Patel led the Bardoli Movement of 1928 for peasant rights. Because of his successful leadership, Mahatma Gandhi gave him the title ‘Sardar’.

5. The Kakori train robbery of 1925 was carried out to fund the activities of the Hindustan Republican Association.
Answer:
True. The Kakori train robbery was carried out by revolutionaries to obtain funds for their revolutionary activities and the work of the Hindustan Republican Association.

6. The ‘Do or Die’ call was given by Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.
Answer:
False. Mahatma Gandhi gave the ‘Do or Die’ call during the Quit India Movement in 1942, not during the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920.

7. B.R. Ambedkar and Gandhi were in total agreement regarding the issue of ‘separate electorates’ for Dalits.
Answer:
False. Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar disagreed over separate electorates for Dalits. Ambedkar supported separate electorates to protect Dalits’ political representation, while Gandhi opposed the proposal.

8. Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India in 1942 because Winston Churchill supported immediate independence for India.
Answer:
False. The Cripps Mission proposed dominion status for India after the Second World War. It did not offer immediate independence, and Indian leaders rejected its proposals.

9. Subhas Chandra Bose raised an army during his stay in Germany.
Answer:
True. Subhas Chandra Bose sought help from the Axis powers during World War II to organise an army against British rule. He later reorganised the Indian National Army and led its campaigns.

10. The Radcliffe Line, which divided India and Pakistan, was announced a few weeks before Independence Day.
Answer:
True. The Radcliffe Line was drawn to divide the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan. The boundary was announced after independence in August 1947, a few days after 15 August.
Correction to Statement 10: The correct answer is False. The Radcliffe Line was announced on 17 August 1947, after India’s Independence Day on 15 August 1947.

Who Am I? Can you identify these figures?

1. Known as the ‘Lion of Punjab’, I was severely injured during a brutal lathi charge while protesting against the Simon Commission.
Answer: Lala Lajpat Rai.

2. I famously declared, ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!’ I used the Kesari newspaper and festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi to unite people against British rule.
Answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

3. I was a leader of the Nationalist faction of the Congress. In the daily Bande Mataram, I wrote on the need for India to attain absolute autonomy.
Answer: Aurobindo Ghose.

4. I earned my nickname ‘Bagha’ after wrestling a tiger with my bare hands. I was a revolutionary leader who died in a gunfight while waiting for a shipment of German arms to start an uprising.
Answer: Bagha Jatin (Jatin Mukherjee).

5. I organised the daring attempt to throw a bomb at the Viceroy in 1912. I later escaped to Japan, where I spent years working to organise a movement from there.
Answer: Rash Behari Bose.

6. I was martyred at a young age after an attempt on the life of a British judge.
Answer: Khudiram Bose.

7. I was martyred at a young age after throwing non-lethal bombs in Delhi’s Central Legislative Assembly.
Answer: Bhagat Singh.

8. I turned the freedom struggle into a mass movement through the principles of ahimsa and satyagraha, leading campaigns such as the Dandi March.
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi.

9. I sought help from the Axis powers during World War II to organise the Indian National Army.
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose.

10. A British lawyer, I was given just five weeks to draw the boundary line that would partition the Indian subcontinent into two separate nations.
Answer: Sir Cyril Radcliffe.

1. What kinds of sacrifices are needed to achieve freedom?
Think about the lives of Indian soldiers during wars, families suffering during famines, leaders and ordinary people who were arrested, and countless others who lost their homes and safety while participating in protests. If you were living during India’s freedom struggle, would you have chosen to participate in it? What comforts, opportunities, or personal goals might you have been willing to give up for a cause you strongly believed in?
Answer:
Achieving freedom requires courage, unity, dedication, and a willingness to make personal sacrifices. Freedom fighters faced imprisonment, hardships, and separation from their families. If I had lived during India’s freedom struggle, I would have participated in peaceful protests and supported the national movement. I would have been willing to give up personal comforts and opportunities for the freedom of my country.

2. What values does Tilak’s statement, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” reflect? Can these values be meaningful for young people today?
Answer:
Tilak’s statement reflects courage, self-respect, determination, and the desire for freedom. It teaches us to stand up for our rights and work towards our goals. These values are meaningful for young people today because they encourage confidence, responsibility, and determination to overcome difficulties.

3. How did peasants, workers, tribals, and students contribute to the national movement in ways different from political leaders?
Answer:
Peasants participated in movements against excessive land revenue and exploitation. Workers protested against poor working conditions and low wages. Tribals resisted British control over their lands and traditional rights. Students participated in protests, boycotts, and national education initiatives. Their collective participation helped turn the freedom struggle into a mass movement.

4. What is meant by “redeem our pledge”? How would you define the ‘soul of a nation’?
Answer:
“Redeem our pledge” means fulfilling a promise or commitment. In his speech, Jawaharlal Nehru referred to fulfilling India’s long-standing promise of freedom.
The ‘soul of a nation’ refers to its shared values, hopes, culture, identity, and the aspirations of its people. It represents the spirit that unites people and guides the nation towards a better future.

Imagine you are a freedom fighter.

a) Explain the method you support to achieve freedom.
Answer: I would support Mahatma Gandhi’s method of non-violence and satyagraha. I would participate in peaceful protests, boycott foreign goods, promote Swadeshi products, and encourage people to unite against British rule.

b) Discuss with your classmates any other method they would support. Be respectful in your debate.
Answer: Some classmates might support non-violent resistance, while others might support revolutionary methods. We should listen to each other’s opinions respectfully and explain our views with suitable reasons.

c) What does this debate teach us about unity and disagreement?
Answer: This debate teaches us that people can have different opinions and methods while sharing the same goal. Respecting differences, communicating peacefully, and working together are important for unity.

Write a news report based on an important event in the Freedom Movement (Swadeshi, boycott, satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, Quit India, or Partition).
a) Write a headline.
b) Include one interview or public reaction.
c) Explain why this event was important.

Quit India Movement: A Powerful Call for Freedom

Mumbai, 9 August 1942: The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress in Bombay (now Mumbai). Gandhi gave the powerful slogan, “Do or Die,” urging Indians to unite and fight for freedom from British rule.

Soon after the movement began, many national leaders were arrested by the British government. Despite the arrests, students, workers, farmers, and ordinary citizens continued to participate in protests across the country.

Public Reaction: A student who participated in the movement said, “We want our country to be free. We are ready to work together and support the struggle for independence.”

Importance of the Event: The Quit India Movement was important because it united millions of Indians in the struggle for independence. It showed the British government that Indians were determined to end colonial rule and govern their own country. The movement became a major milestone on the road to India’s independence in 1947.

Imagine you are part of a team creating a small museum exhibition on India’s freedom struggle for students of your age.
a) Choose a title for your exhibit.
b) Select three objects (for example: a letter, a photograph, a newspaper, a prison diary — you can add to these examples) and explain what each object represents.
c) Write a short note on what visitors should learn or feel after seeing this exhibit.

a) Title of the Exhibition

India’s Freedom Struggle: The Journey to Independence

b) Three Objects and What They Represent

1. A Photograph of Mahatma Gandhi

It represents Gandhi’s leadership and his belief in truth, non-violence, and peaceful protest. His methods inspired millions of Indians to participate in the freedom movement.

2. A Piece of Khadi Cloth

It represents the Swadeshi Movement and self-reliance. Indians were encouraged to wear Indian-made clothes and boycott foreign goods to oppose British economic control.

3. A Newspaper Reporting the Quit India Movement

It represents the courage and determination of Indians who protested against British rule in 1942. It also shows how newspapers helped spread information about the freedom struggle.

c) What Visitors Should Learn

Visitors should learn that India’s independence was achieved through the sacrifices, courage, and efforts of countless people. They should understand the importance of unity, non-violence, patriotism, and respect for the country’s freedom. They should also feel proud of India’s freedom fighters and value the freedom they enjoy today.

As a class activity, write and stage a small play or skit based on the Freedom Movement.

Title: The Call for Freedom

Characters: Mahatma Gandhi, British Officer, Indian Student, Indian Farmer, Narrator

Narrator: In 1942, Indians were determined to end British rule. Mahatma Gandhi called upon the people to join the Quit India Movement.

Gandhi: Brothers and sisters, we must unite and fight for our freedom through truth and non-violence.

Indian Student: Bapu, we want to live in a free India. We will support the movement.

Indian Farmer: We may be ordinary people, but together we can make a difference. We want our country to be free.

British Officer: Stop these protests! You must obey the British government.

Gandhi: Freedom is the right of every nation. We will continue our peaceful struggle.

Indian Student: We stand united for our motherland!

All Indians: Quit India! We want freedom!

Narrator: The Quit India Movement spread across the country. Thousands of Indians participated despite arrests and hardships. Their courage and sacrifices helped strengthen the struggle for independence.

All Together: We shall always respect and protect the freedom of our country!

India achieved freedom after great sacrifice. What responsibilities do citizens have today to protect and strengthen this freedom? Write 5 to 10 lines.

1. We should respect our Constitution and follow the laws of our country.
2. We must respect the national flag and national anthem.
3. We should treat all people equally, regardless of their religion, language, or background.
4. We must protect the unity and integrity of India.
5. We should exercise our voting rights responsibly when eligible.
6. We must respect the rights and freedoms of others.
7. We should keep our country clean and protect its natural resources.
8. We must promote peace, non-violence, and brotherhood.
9. We should oppose injustice and discrimination.
10. We must remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters and work towards a better India.

The Big Questions? (Page No .36)

Q 1 . How did a land of diverse geographies, languages and religions come together to challenge and finally end nearly two centuries of British rule?
Answer: India’s people came together through a shared desire for freedom from British rule. Leaders and freedom fighters from different regions and communities used various methods, including protests, public meetings, the Swadeshi and Boycott Movements, and the Non-Cooperation Movement. The Indian National Congress provided a common political platform. Despite differences in their methods and ideas, people worked towards the common goal of ending British rule and achieving independence.