UPSC Prelims 2010 Q84: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Checking two claims about Gandhi's Champaran investigation
The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was Gandhi's first major civil disobedience campaign in India, involving several key associates.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad persuaded Gandhi to come to Champaran | Incorrect | It was actually Raj Kumar Shukla, a local peasant, who persuaded Gandhi to visit Champaran and investigate the indigo-planters' exploitation of peasants |
| 2. Acharya J.B. Kripalani was one of Gandhi's colleagues in the Champaran investigation | Correct | J.B. Kripalani was indeed among the associates (along with Rajendra Prasad, Mazharul Haque, and others) who joined Gandhi's Champaran investigation team |
Champaran Satyagraha facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who persuaded Gandhi | Raj Kumar Shukla, a local peasant |
| Key associates who joined | Rajendra Prasad, J.B. Kripalani, Mazharul Haque, and others |
| Issue | Exploitation of peasants under the indigo (tinkathia) system |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It was Raj Kumar Shukla, not Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who persuaded Gandhi to come to Champaran.
- (b) CORRECT. J.B. Kripalani genuinely was one of Gandhi's colleagues in the Champaran investigation.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is factually wrong, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
It was RAJ KUMAR SHUKLA, a local peasant, who persuaded Gandhi to come to Champaran — not Rajendra Prasad. J.B. Kripalani genuinely was one of Gandhi's colleagues in that investigation.
Remember
Champaran Satyagraha: Raj Kumar Shukla (not Rajendra Prasad) persuaded Gandhi to come; J.B. Kripalani was genuinely one of his investigation colleagues.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Raj Kumar Shukla's role (the persuader) with Rajendra Prasad, who joined later as an associate.
- Not knowing J.B. Kripalani's genuine participation in the Champaran investigation team.
- Mixing up the roles of the multiple associates involved in this landmark satyagraha.
Exam tip
Champaran: Raj Kumar Shukla persuaded Gandhi to come; Rajendra Prasad, J.B. Kripalani, and Mazharul Haque joined the investigation team. Keep the persuader separate from the later associates.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- M. K. Gandhi — An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Navajivan), Part V (Champaran)