UPSC Prelims 2002 Q123: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
During the Indian freedom struggle, the Khudai Khidmatgars, also known as Red Shirts,
called for
- (a) the Union of Pashtun tribal areas in north - west with the Afghanistan
- (b) the adoption of terrorist tactics and methods for terrorising and finally ousting the colonial rulers
- (c) the adoption of communist revolutionary ideology for political and social reform
- (d) the Pathan regional nationalist unity and a struggle against colonialism
Answer: (d) the Pathan regional nationalist unity and a struggle against colonialism
Explanation
Demand of the Khudai Khidmatgars (Red Shirts)
| Option | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Pathan regional nationalist unity and struggle against colonialism | Yes — a non-violent Pashtun nationalist movement |
| Union of Pashtun areas with Afghanistan | No — they did not seek merger with Afghanistan |
| Terrorist methods | No — Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan insisted on non-violence |
| Communist ideology | No — it was a social reform and nationalist movement |
The Khudai Khidmatgars, founded by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan in 1929, were a non-violent movement calling for Pathan nationalist unity, social reform and a struggle against colonial rule, allied with the Congress.
Answer: (d) the Pathan regional nationalist unity and a struggle against colonialism.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. They did not demand union with Afghanistan.
- (b) Incorrect. They rejected terrorist methods and followed non-violence.
- (c) Incorrect. They did not adopt communist ideology.
- (d) CORRECT. They stood for Pathan unity and anti-colonial struggle.
Key point
Red Shirts: 1929, NWFP, Ghaffar Khan ('Frontier Gandhi'), Qissa Khwani Bazaar firing 1930.
Remember
Khudai Khidmatgars: non-violent Pathan nationalism under Ghaffar Khan.
Common mistakes
- Choosing union with Afghanistan because the Pashtuns live on both sides.
- Taking the red uniform for a communist link.
- Linking the movement with terrorism.
Exam tip
Ghaffar Khan was a Gandhian, so non-violent regional nationalism is the answer.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India