UPSC Prelims 2005 Q59: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
At which Congress Session was the Working Committee authorized to launch a programme
of Civil Disobedience?
- (a) Bombay
- (b) Lahore
- (c) Lucknow
- (d) Tripuri
Answer: (b) Lahore
Explanation
Congress session authorising civil disobedience
| Session | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Lahore, December 1929 | Purna Swaraj resolution; Working Committee authorised to launch civil disobedience |
| Bombay | Different sessions, no such authorisation |
| Lucknow | 1916 and 1936 sessions |
| Tripuri | 1939; Bose vs Pattabhi |
At the Lahore session of 1929, under Nehru's presidency, the Working Committee was authorised to launch a programme of civil disobedience.
Answer: (b) Lahore.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bombay sessions did not give this authorisation.
- (b) CORRECT. Lahore (1929) authorised civil disobedience.
- (c) Incorrect. Lucknow is associated with the 1916 Pact.
- (d) Incorrect. Tripuri was in 1939 with the Bose-Gandhi conflict.
Key point
Lahore 1929: Purna Swaraj, 26 January 1930 as Independence Day, civil disobedience authorised.
Remember
The Lahore session (1929) authorised civil disobedience.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Lucknow because of the 1916 Pact.
- Choosing Tripuri because it was a significant split.
- Forgetting Nehru presided at Lahore.
Exam tip
Lahore 1929: Nehru, Purna Swaraj, Ravi river banks.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part III — Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement
- Indian National Congress — Resolution on Purna Swaraj, Lahore session (31 December 1929)