UPSC Prelims 2011 Q68: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well - known for
- (a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement
- (b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference
- (c) Leading a contingent of Indian National Army
- (d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: (a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement
Explanation
Usha Mehta's role in the freedom struggle
Usha Mehta is remembered for a bold act of underground resistance during the Quit India Movement.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Running the secret Congress Radio during Quit India | Correct | Usha Mehta famously ran the underground Congress Radio, broadcasting nationalist messages during the Quit India Movement (1942) |
| (b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference | Incorrect | This is not associated with Usha Mehta; she is known for the underground radio, not conference diplomacy |
| (c) Leading an INA contingent | Incorrect | INA leadership is associated with figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, not Usha Mehta |
| (d) Assisting in forming the Interim Government | Incorrect | This is unrelated to her contribution; she had no role in interim government formation |
Usha Mehta facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Known for | Secret Congress Radio, broadcast during Quit India |
| Period | 1942, Quit India Movement |
| Significance | Kept nationalist messaging alive despite a leadership crackdown |
Answer: (a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Usha Mehta ran the underground Congress Radio, broadcasting during the Quit India Movement.
- (b) Incorrect. The Round Table Conferences are not linked to Usha Mehta's contribution.
- (c) Incorrect. INA leadership belongs to figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, not Usha Mehta.
- (d) Incorrect. She had no role in forming the Interim Government under Nehru.
Key point
Usha Mehta is known for running the secret underground Congress Radio during the Quit India Movement (1942).
Remember
Usha Mehta: ran the underground Congress Radio during the Quit India Movement, 1942.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Usha Mehta with INA figures or Round Table Conference participants.
- Not knowing the specific Congress Radio contribution tied to her name.
- Mixing up her role with later Interim Government formation events.
Exam tip
Usha Mehta = secret Congress Radio during Quit India. A specific, memorable fact pairing.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee et al. — India's Struggle for Independence (Quit India Movement: the Congress Radio)