UPSC Prelims 2004 Q29: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who among the following proposed that Swaraj should
be defined as complete independence free from all foreign control?
- (a) Mazharul Haque
- (b) Maulana Hasrat Mohani
- (c) Hakim Ajmal Khan
- (d) Abul Kalam Azad
Answer: (b) Maulana Hasrat Mohani
Explanation
Swaraj as complete independence
| Person | Link |
|---|---|
| Maulana Hasrat Mohani | Proposed at the 1921 Ahmedabad Congress that Swaraj mean complete independence |
| Mazharul Haque | Nationalist, Bihar |
| Hakim Ajmal Khan | Congress and Khilafat leader |
| Abul Kalam Azad | Congress president 1923 and 1940 |
Maulana Hasrat Mohani moved the resolution at the 1921 Ahmedabad session defining Swaraj as complete independence free from foreign control.
Answer: (b) Maulana Hasrat Mohani.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Mazharul Haque did not propose the resolution.
- (b) CORRECT. Hasrat Mohani proposed it at Ahmedabad in 1921.
- (c) Incorrect. Hakim Ajmal Khan did not propose it.
- (d) Incorrect. Azad is not linked with this resolution.
Key point
Hasrat Mohani: first to demand Purna Swaraj (1921), coined 'Inquilab Zindabad'.
Remember
Hasrat Mohani first demanded complete independence in 1921.
Common mistakes
- Crediting Nehru or Gandhi with it.
- Mixing the 1921 demand with the 1929 Lahore resolution.
- Not knowing Mohani's role in the Muslim League and Congress.
Exam tip
Hasrat Mohani: Ahmedabad 1921, Inquilab Zindabad slogan.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Indian National Congress — Thirty-sixth Session, Ahmedabad (December 1921)