UPSC Prelims 2001 Q94: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
Who among the following leaders proposed to adopt Complete Independence as the goal of
the Congress in the Ahmedabad session of 1920?
- (a) Abul Kalam Azad
- (b) Hasrat Mohani
- (c) Jawaharlal Nehru
- (d) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Answer: (b) Hasrat Mohani
Explanation
Leader who proposed Complete Independence as the Congress goal at Ahmedabad
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Proposer | Maulana Hasrat Mohani — poet, Khilafatist |
| Session | Ahmedabad Congress, December 1921 (presided over by Hakim Ajmal Khan for C. R. Das) |
| Outcome | Gandhi opposed it; the resolution was rejected |
| Adopted later | Lahore Congress, 1929, under Jawaharlal Nehru |
Hasrat Mohani moved a resolution for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) at the Ahmedabad session, but Gandhi opposed it as premature. The goal was adopted only at Lahore in 1929. The Ahmedabad session was held in December 1921; the question says 1920.
Answer: (b) Hasrat Mohani.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Abul Kalam Azad did not move this resolution.
- (b) CORRECT. Hasrat Mohani proposed Complete Independence at Ahmedabad.
- (c) Incorrect. Nehru moved Purna Swaraj later, at Lahore in 1929.
- (d) Incorrect. Gandhi opposed Hasrat Mohani's resolution.
Key point
Hasrat Mohani also coined the slogan 'Inquilab Zindabad' and wrote the ghazal 'Chupke Chupke Raat Din'.
Remember
Complete Independence first proposed by Hasrat Mohani (Ahmedabad 1921).
Common mistakes
- Choosing Nehru, who moved Purna Swaraj in 1929.
- Thinking Gandhi himself proposed Purna Swaraj.
- Mixing up the Ahmedabad (1921) and Lahore (1929) sessions.
Exam tip
First proposal (rejected) = Hasrat Mohani; adoption = Lahore 1929.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra et al. — India's Struggle for Independence, chapter on Non-Cooperation and Khilafat
- Indian National Congress — List of sessions and presidents (inc.in)