UPSC Prelims 2019 Q14: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Gandhi, Colonial Rule and Nationalist Milestones
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gandhi was instrumental in abolishing indentured labour | TRUE | Gandhi campaigned strongly against indentured emigration; formal abolition of the system came in 1917 after sustained agitation. |
| 2 | At Chelmsford's War Conference, Gandhi did NOT support the recruitment resolution | FALSE | At the Delhi War Conference (April 1918), Gandhi DID support the resolution and even acted as a recruiter for the British Army (his 'recruiting sergeant' phase), hoping loyal wartime service would earn Dominion status. |
| 3 | On breaking of Salt Law, INC was declared illegal | TRUE | After the Dandi/Salt Satyagraha (1930), the Government of India outlawed the Congress and mass arrests followed. |
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only.
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is wrong - Gandhi DID support the recruitment resolution at the 1918 War Conference.
- (b) CORRECT. Statement 1 (indentured labour abolition, 1917) and Statement 3 (INC declared illegal after Salt Satyagraha, 1930) are true; Statement 2 is false.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is factually reversed - Gandhi supported the war-recruitment resolution.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is wrong.
Key point
Indentured labour abolished 1917 - Gandhi's campaign a major factor. At Chelmsford War Conference (1918) Gandhi SUPPORTED war recruitment. Salt Satyagraha (1930) -> Congress banned.
Remember
Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of indentured labour (1917), and after the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 the Indian National Congress was declared illegal. However, at Chelmsford's War Conference in 1918 Gandhi DID support the war-recruitment resolution - so only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Gandhi opposed WWI recruitment because he later opposed WWII (Quit India). His WWI stance was cooperation for Dominion status.
- Confusing indentured labour abolition (1917) with the abolition of slavery in British Empire (1833) - different events.
- Missing that Congress was banned repeatedly under colonial rule - after Salt Satyagraha (1930), Quit India (1942).
Exam tip
Gandhi WWI vs WWII: WWI (1914-18) = Gandhi supported recruitment, hoped for Dominion status. WWII (1939-45) = Gandhi opposed cooperation, launched Quit India (1942). This shift reflects the loss of trust after Rowlatt/Jallianwala/Dominion refusal.
Sources
- NCERT Class 12 - Themes in Indian History Part III (Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement)
- Bipan Chandra - India's Struggle for Independence