Here are the answers to the questions on Lesson 2: Growth of Nationalism:
1. Short Answer Type Questions:
1. What were the main repressive policies of the British government in India after the Revolt of
1857?
• Indian Arms Act (1878): Restricted Indians from possessing arms without a license.
• Vernacular Press Act (1878): Censored the Indian press to prevent criticism of British policies.
• Divide and Rule Policy: Created divisions among Indians based on religion and caste.
• Indian Council Act (1861): Limited Indian participation in governance while maintaining
British control.
2. Explain the impact of the Indian Arms Act (1878) on the Indian population.
• It disarmed the Indian population while allowing Europeans to carry weapons.
• It increased resentment as Indians viewed it as a symbol of British distrust and racial
discrimination.
3. What was the Vernacular Press Act (1878)? How did it suppress the Indian press?
• It was a law to curb freedom of the press in Indian languages.
• Allowed the government to seize publications that criticized British rule.
• Created fear among Indian journalists and reduced free expression.
4. How did the British government react to the rise of Indian nationalism after the Revolt of
1857?
• They implemented repressive laws (e.g., Arms Act and Press Act).
• They promoted divide-and-rule to prevent unity among Indians.
• Increased surveillance on nationalist leaders and organizations.
5. What were the provisions of the Indian Council Act of 1861? How did it impact Indian
participation in governance?
• Introduced non-official Indian members in the legislative councils.
• Allowed for limited participation but did not give real power.
• Strengthened British control while offering minimal representation.
2. Long Answer Type Questions:
1. Discuss the repressive policies of the British government in India after the Revolt of 1857.
How did these policies affect Indian society?
• Policies:
• Indian Arms Act (1878) – Disarmed Indians.
• Vernacular Press Act (1878) – Censored free speech.
• Racial discrimination and economic exploitation.
• Impact:
• Increased anger and resentment among Indians.
• Strengthened nationalist movements.
• Limited freedom of expression and political participation.
2. Explain how the Arms Act (1878) and the Vernacular Press Act (1878) were aimed at
controlling the Indian population.
• Arms Act: Disarmed the population to prevent future revolts.
• Press Act: Controlled the media to suppress anti-British sentiment.
3. What were the main objectives of the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in
1885?
• Political Awareness: Educate Indians on their rights.
• Representation: Demand greater participation in governance.
• Social Reforms: Improve the conditions of Indians.
• National Unity: Bring together leaders from different regions.
4. Discuss the role of the Indian National Congress in the early stages of India’s freedom
struggle. How did it evolve over time?
• Early Stage: Focused on moderate demands like better governance.
• Later Stage: Became radical, demanding Swaraj (self-rule) by 1905.
• Leadership: Key figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and later Bal
Gangadhar Tilak led the movement.
3. Objective Type Questions:
1. Which Act was introduced by the British to suppress the activities of the Indian press?
c) Vernacular Press Act
2. Who was the first president of the Indian National Congress (INC)?
c) Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee
3. The Indian Arms Act of 1878 prohibited Indians from:
a) Carrying weapons
4. Case Study or Application-Based Questions:
1. Discuss the role of Allan Octavian Hume in the formation of the Indian National Congress
(INC). Why was his involvement significant in the early stages of the INC?
• Role of Hume:
• Founded INC in 1885 to provide a platform for Indian voices.
• Acted as a mediator between Indians and the British.
• Significance:
• Gave Indians a peaceful forum to express grievances.
• Helped create a political consciousness among educated Indians.
2. Analyse the impact of repressive policies like the Arms Act (1878) and the Vernacular Press
Act (1878) on the Indian freedom movement.
• Impact:
• Increased distrust of the British government.
• Encouraged nationalist leaders to organize against British policies.
• Strengthened the freedom movement by uniting different groups.
5. Conceptual Questions:
1. How did the British repressive policies (such as the Arms Act and Vernacular Press Act)
contribute to the rise of Indian nationalism?
• Created a sense of injustice and racial discrimination.
• Increased political awareness and unity among Indians.
• Inspired the formation of political organizations like the INC.
2. What was the role of the Indian National Congress in the growth of political awareness among
Indians during the late 19th century?
• Provided a platform to discuss Indian grievances.
• Spread awareness of British exploitation.
• Fostered national unity and political engagement.
6. Analytical Questions:
1. Analyse the significance of the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC). How did it
provide a platform for Indian demands?
• It allowed Indians to present moderate demands peacefully.
• Created political unity and educated the masses.
• It evolved to demand self-rule and Swaraj by the 20th century.
2. What were the main reasons behind the British government’s adoption of repressive policies
after the Revolt of 1857? How did these policies affect Indian society?
• Reasons:
• Fear of another uprising.
• Control and subjugation of the Indian population.
• Impact:
• Increased political unrest.
• Fostered a spirit of resistance and nationalism.
Let me know if you want further elaboration or additional questions answered!
