Philosophy & Early Experiments of Satyagraha

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Gandhi's method of mass mobilisation based on the power of truth and non-violent resistance was called:

   • A.Satyagraha✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Swadeshi
   • C.Swaraj
   • D.Non-Cooperation

   Explanation: Satyagraha emphasised the power of truth and the need to search for truth without resorting to violence.

2. Q2.In which year did Mahatma Gandhi return to India from South Africa?

   • A.1915✓ Correct Answer
   • B.1905
   • C.1920
   • D.1930

   Explanation: Gandhi returned to India in January 1915, proposing to fight British rule using Satyagraha.

3. Q3.Gandhi's first successful Satyagraha in India, in 1917, was organised in Champaran to support:

   • A.Indigo cultivators against oppressive planters✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Textile mill workers demanding wages
   • C.Salt manufacturers protesting taxation
   • D.Railway employees on strike

   Explanation: The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 mobilised peasants against the oppressive indigo plantation system.

4. Q4.The Kheda Satyagraha of 1917 in Gujarat was organised on behalf of:

   • A.Peasants demanding relaxation of revenue collection after crop failure and plague✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Mill owners seeking tax exemption
   • C.Students protesting tuition fees
   • D.Lawyers protesting the Rowlatt Act

   Explanation: In Kheda, Gandhi supported peasants hit by crop failure and plague who wanted relief from revenue collection.

5. Q5.The 1918 Satyagraha in Ahmedabad was organised by Gandhi in support of:

   • A.Cotton mill workers demanding better wages and working conditions✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Peasants protesting indigo cultivation
   • C.Salt workers protesting the salt tax
   • D.Railway porters demanding pensions

   Explanation: The Ahmedabad Satyagraha of 1918 backed cotton mill workers' demand for better wages.

6. Q6.The core philosophy of Satyagraha emphasised:

   • A.The power of truth and the need to search for truth without violence✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Armed rebellion against colonial rulers
   • C.Total boycott of all British institutions
   • D.Non-payment of all taxes as a first step

   Explanation: Satyagraha was built on the idea that truthful, non-violent resistance could win over even an oppressor.

7. Q7.Which pairing of an early Satyagraha and its cause is correctly matched?

   • A.Champaran -- oppression by indigo planters✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Kheda -- mill workers' strike
   • C.Ahmedabad -- peasant revenue relaxation
   • D.Nagpur -- the Khilafat movement

   Explanation: Champaran Satyagraha (1917) addressed the oppression of indigo cultivators by planters.

8. Q8.What made Gandhi's early Satyagraha movements (Champaran, Kheda, Ahmedabad) significant precursors to later mass movements?

   • A.They demonstrated non-violent methods of mobilising people against local injustice✓ Correct Answer
   • B.They directly overthrew British rule in those regions
   • C.They were led entirely by revolutionary armed groups
   • D.They resulted in immediate full independence

   Explanation: These local campaigns proved that non-violent Satyagraha could successfully mobilise ordinary people, laying groundwork for later nationwide movements.

9. Q9.Which statement about Gandhi's early Satyagraha campaigns is correct?

   • A.All three -- Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad -- took place before the launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement✓ Correct Answer
   • B.They were launched after the Salt March of 1930
   • C.They targeted only urban industrial workers
   • D.They were suppressed without any concessions being made

   Explanation: Champaran (1917), Kheda (1917), and Ahmedabad (1918) all preceded the Non-Cooperation Movement launched in 1920.

10. Q10.Satyagraha, as conceived by Gandhi, relied fundamentally on:

    • A.Truth and non-violence✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Economic sanctions alone
    • C.Military strength
    • D.Diplomatic negotiation with Britain alone

    Explanation: Truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa) formed the twin pillars of Gandhi's Satyagraha.