UPSC CSE Prelims
Mahatma Gandhi Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Mahatma Gandhi with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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Sedition has become my religion' was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time of
Detailed Explanation:
The statement "Sedition has become my religion" is associated with Mahatma Gandhi's Salt Satyagraha (1930) and the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Gandhi believed that when a government becomes unjust and oppressive, non-violent resistance against it becomes a moral duty. The violation of the Salt Law at Dandi symbolized this spirit of peaceful defiance against British rule.
Why other options are wrong:
| Option | Why not correct? |
|---|---|
| Champaran Satyagraha | Focused on the grievances of indigo farmers in Bihar. |
| Second Round Table Conference | It was a constitutional discussion in London, not linked to this statement. |
| Quit India Movement | Launched in 1942, much later than the Salt Satyagraha. |
📝 Short Notes: Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March)
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1930 |
| Leader | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Route | Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi |
| Distance | About 390 km |
| Objective | Protest against the British Salt Tax |
| Outcome | Beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement |
Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of 'Harijans' in his political and social programme?
Detailed Explanation:
Simple Explanation:
-
Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed untouchability and the British proposal of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes under the Communal Award (1932).
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After the Poona Pact (1932) between Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar, Gandhi made the upliftment of Harijans (Depressed Classes) a major part of his social and political programme.
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He later established the Harijan Sevak Sangh and started the journal Harijan to fight untouchability.
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Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
| Option | Why Incorrect |
|---|---|
| Gandhi-Irwin Agreement (1931) | Related to the Civil Disobedience Movement, not Harijan upliftment. |
| Quit India Movement arrests (1942) | Occurred much later and had no connection with the beginning of Gandhi's Harijan campaign. |
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Concerned constitutional reforms, not the launch of Gandhi's anti-untouchability programme. |
📝 Short Notes: Poona Pact (1932)
What was the Poona Pact?
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Signed on 24 September 1932 between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
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Replaced the proposal of separate electorates for the Depressed Classes with reserved seats in joint electorates.
Importance
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Ended Gandhi's fast unto death in Yerwada Jail.
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Increased political representation of Depressed Classes.
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Marked the beginning of Gandhi's intensive campaign against untouchability.
Important Fact
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Gandhi began referring to the Depressed Classes as "Harijans" (Children of God) and launched nationwide social reform campaigns.
With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:
- Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’.
- In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
- Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 1 and 3 only
This question tests knowledge of Mahatma Gandhi's role in various colonial-era issues and British responses to Indian nationalist movements. Statement 2 is incorrect as Gandhi actually supported the recruitment resolution at the War Conference, while statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect historical facts.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Mahatma Gandhi actively campaigned against the exploitative system of indentured labour, which was finally abolished in 1920 following his persistent efforts and advocacy for labourers' rights both in South Africa and India.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: At Lord Chelmsford's War Conference in 1918, Gandhi actually supported the British war effort and the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War I, believing that Indian loyalty would earn political concessions and dominion status.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Following the Salt Satyagraha launched by Gandhi on March 12, 1930, and the subsequent mass breaking of salt laws, the British government declared the Indian National Congress illegal and arrested thousands of Congress leaders and activists.
📝 Short Notes: Gandhi's Political Movements and British Responses
| Event/Movement | Year | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Indentured Labour System | Abolished 1920 | Gandhi campaigned against this system since South Africa days; system involved bonded labour sent to colonies under exploitative contracts |
| War Conference 1918 | April 1918 | Gandhi supported British war efforts; believed cooperation would lead to Home Rule; faced criticism from nationalists like Tilak |
| Salt Satyagraha | March-April 1930 | Dandi March (March 12-April 6); Gandhi broke salt law at Dandi on April 6; triggered mass civil disobedience nationwide |
| Congress Declared Illegal | 1930-31 | Following Salt Satyagraha; led to arrest of over 60,000 people including Gandhi and Nehru; Congress banned until Gandhi-Irwin Pact 1931 |
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