INC Sessions & Presidents — Set 12

Correct Answer: B. He fought alone against British police, and shot himself to avoid capture

On February 27, 1931, Chandrashekhar Azad was surrounded by British police at Alfred Park (now Chandrashekhar Azad Park) in Allahabad while meeting with fellow revolutionaries. He fought alone against numerous armed policemen, using a pistol. When surrounded and his ammunition almost exhausted, he shot himself in the head with his last bullet rather than surrender, staying true to his pledge to die free. His heroic last stand made him an enduring symbol of fearless patriotism.

Correct Answer: B. British colonialism systematically drained India's resources without equivalent return

Dadabhai Naoroji first articulated the 'Drain of Wealth' theory in his book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' (1901), arguing that British colonialism was systematically extracting India's wealth. Lala Lajpat Rai further developed this critique in his writings. This economic critique became a powerful argument in the nationalist arsenal against British colonial rule. The drain theory helped nationalists explain India's poverty under British rule.

Correct Answer: B. The Imphal-Kohima Campaign

The Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) participated in the Imphal-Kohima Campaign of 1944 alongside Japanese forces in an attempt to break through into India. The INA advanced into northeastern India, capturing parts of Manipur and reaching the outskirts of Imphal and Kohima. However, the Allied counterattack and the monsoon season turned the tide, and the INA was forced to retreat with heavy losses. The INA hoisted the Indian tricolor at Moirang, Manipur, in 1944.

Correct Answer: B. A revolutionary movement organized by Indians abroad, especially Lala Har Dayal

The Ghadar (Revolution) Movement was organized primarily by Indian emigrants, especially Sikhs, in North America under the leadership of Lala Har Dayal. The Ghadar Party was founded in 1913 in San Francisco. They published the Ghadar newspaper in several Indian languages to inspire revolution back in India. Many Ghadarites returned to India during World War I to foment an uprising, but the conspiracy was discovered by the British and suppressed.

Correct Answer: C. New India

Bipin Chandra Pal edited the journal 'New India' (started 1902), which was one of the most influential nationalist publications in British India. He also contributed extensively to other nationalist publications. His writing style was forceful and inspiring, advocating complete independence and mass resistance. Pal's journals played a crucial role in spreading radical nationalist ideas among educated Indians in the early 20th century.

Correct Answer: B. Bharat Ratna

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1990 by President R. Venkataraman. This was a recognition of his enormous contributions to the Indian Constitution, to the rights of Dalits, and to Indian society and polity. During his lifetime, he had been awarded honorary degrees by Columbia University and Osmania University. His legacy continues to be celebrated through Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14 every year.

Correct Answer: B. Nehru was Gandhi's chosen political successor and they had a father-son like bond

Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi shared a unique father-son like political relationship. Gandhi groomed Nehru as his political successor despite their differences on some issues like industrialization and socialism. Gandhi chose Nehru over Sardar Patel to be the first Prime Minister of India. Nehru revered Gandhi as his mentor and guide, calling him 'Bapu' (Father). Their relationship was central to the success of the Congress-led independence movement.

Correct Answer: B. A vision of India as a federation of self-sufficient villages with local governance

Gandhi's concept of Gram Swaraj envisioned independent India as a federation of self-governing, self-sufficient villages. He believed that true democracy and freedom could only come from the grassroots level when every village managed its own affairs. This vision stood in contrast to Nehru's vision of a centralized, industrialized modern state. Gandhi emphasized the charkha (spinning wheel) as the symbol of village self-sufficiency. While Nehru's model prevailed in practice, Gandhi's ideas continue to influence Indian rural development policy.

Correct Answer: B. The day Congress declared complete independence as its goal and it was observed as Independence Day

January 26, 1930, was declared as Purna Swaraj Day (Independence Day) by the Indian National Congress following the Lahore Session of December 1929. On this day, Congress workers across India hoisted the tricolor and took the pledge of complete independence. This date became significant and was later chosen as Republic Day when India adopted its Constitution on January 26, 1950. The connection between January 26 and national aspirations thus has deep historical roots.

Correct Answer: B. They led the Extremist faction demanding Swaraj, Swadeshi and Boycott of British goods

The Lal-Bal-Pal trio — Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal — were the most prominent leaders of the Extremist faction of the Congress in the early 20th century. They advocated complete Swaraj (self-rule), Swadeshi (Indian-made goods), boycott of British goods, and national education. They inspired millions with their fiery speeches and writings. Together they transformed Indian nationalism from moderate petitioning to assertive mass resistance.