UPSC Prelims 2012 Q71: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history,
because
1. The Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence
2. The rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session
3. A resolution was passed rejecting the two - nation theory in that Session
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Lahore Session of the Congress, 1929
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence | Correct | The Purna Swaraj resolution was passed |
| 2. The rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session | Incorrect | They reunited at the Lucknow Session, 1916 |
| 3. A resolution was passed rejecting the two-nation theory in that Session | Incorrect | The two-nation demand came with the Muslim League's Lahore Resolution of 1940 |
The Lahore Session at a glance:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| President | Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Flag | Tricolour hoisted on the banks of the Ravi at midnight, 31 December 1929 |
| Independence Day | 26 January 1930 fixed as the first Purna Swaraj Day |
| Next step | Authorised the Civil Disobedience Movement |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The session is famous for the resolution demanding complete independence.
- (b) Incorrect. Neither the extremist-moderate reunion nor the two-nation theory belongs to 1929.
- (c) Incorrect. No resolution on the two-nation theory was passed at Lahore in 1929.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are false; only the independence resolution is right.
Key point
Lahore 1929: Nehru president, Purna Swaraj resolution, flag on the Ravi, 26 January 1930 as Independence Day. Extremists and moderates reunited at Lucknow, 1916.
Remember
Lahore 1929 = Purna Swaraj.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Congress's Lahore Session (1929) with the League's Lahore Resolution (1940).
- Placing the reunion of extremists and moderates in 1929; it was in 1916.
- Forgetting why 26 January was later chosen as Republic Day.
Exam tip
Two Lahores: 1929 is the Congress and Purna Swaraj; 1940 is the League and Pakistan.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 21 (The Years of Stagnation and the run-up to Lahore)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India, Ch on Simon Commission and Nehru Report