UPSC Prelims 2003 Q81: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
With reference to Indian freedom struggle,
which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
- (a) The Rowlatt Act aroused a wave of popular indignation and led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
- (b) Subhash Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc
- (c) Bhagat Singh was one of the founders of Hindustan Republican Socialist Association
- (d) In 1931, the Congress Session at Karachi opposed Gandhi - Irwin Pact
Answer: (d) In 1931, the Congress Session at Karachi opposed Gandhi - Irwin Pact
Explanation
> Note for students: The exam asked which statement is NOT correct; the Karachi session endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, so (d) is the answer.
Freedom struggle statements (NOT correct)
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Rowlatt Act led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre | Correct |
| b. Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc | Correct |
| c. Bhagat Singh was a founder of the HSRA | Correct |
| d. In 1931, the Karachi Congress opposed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact | Not correct — the Karachi Congress endorsed the pact |
The question asks which statement is NOT correct: it is (d), because the 1931 Karachi session endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. (The stored stem had dropped NOT; it is restored.)
Answer: (d) In 1931, the Congress Session at Karachi opposed Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Rowlatt Act led to widespread anger and Jallianwala Bagh.
- (b) Incorrect. Bose formed the Forward Bloc in 1939.
- (c) Incorrect. Bhagat Singh helped found the HSRA in 1928.
- (d) CORRECT. The Karachi session endorsed the pact, so this statement is wrong.
Key point
Karachi 1931: endorsed Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Fundamental Rights resolution, Patel president.
Remember
The Karachi Congress approved the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
Common mistakes
- Reading the stem as asking for a correct statement.
- Thinking the Congress rejected the pact.
- Mixing the Karachi session with the Lahore one.
Exam tip
Gandhi-Irwin Pact: March 1931; Karachi Congress: March 1931 approved it.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part III — Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement