Chapter 4 – Early stages of collective action: characteristics and analyses

Early stages of collective action is an important chapter in WBBSE Class 10 History. It explains the beginning of organized movements and how people came together to demand social and political changes. Here you will get complete questions and answers, and MCQs to help you prepare effectively for the Madhyamik examination.

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers
5. Explanatory questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 mark each]

1. In which year did the Revolt of 1857 break out?
a) 1856
b) 1857
c) 1858
d) 1859

Ans: b) 1857

2. Which association is regarded as the first political association of Bengal?
a) Indian Association
b) Zamindari Association
c) Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha
d) Hindu Mela

Ans: c) Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha

3. Who introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?
a) Lord Wellesley
b) Lord Dalhousie
c) Lord Hastings
d) Lord Canning

Ans: b) Lord Dalhousie

4. Where did the Revolt of 1857 first break out?
a) Delhi
b) Kanpur
c) Meerut
d) Lucknow

Ans: c) Meerut

5. Who led the revolt in Kanpur?
a) Tantia Tope
b) Nana Sahib
c) Kunwar Singh
d) Mangal Pandey

Ans: b) Nana Sahib

6. Who was the first martyr of the Revolt of 1857?
a) Tantia Tope
b) Mangal Pandey
c) Nana Sahib
d) Kunwar Singh

Ans: b) Mangal Pandey

7. Who was the leader of the revolt in Jhansi?
a) Begum Hazrat Mahal
b) Rani Lakshmibai
c) Sarojini Naidu
d) Annie Besant

Ans: b) Rani Lakshmibai

8. The immediate cause of the Revolt of 1857 was
a) Doctrine of Lapse
b) Heavy taxes
c) Greased cartridges
d) Annexation of Awadh

Ans: c) Greased cartridges

9. In which year was the Queen’s Proclamation issued?
a) 1857
b) 1858
c) 1860
d) 1865

Ans: b) 1858

10. The Landholders’ Society was established in
a) 1836
b) 1838
c) 1840
d) 1850

Ans: b) 1838

11. Which Act ended the rule of the East India Company in India?
a) Regulating Act
b) Pitt’s India Act
c) Government of India Act, 1858
d) Charter Act

Ans: c) Government of India Act, 1858

12. Who founded the Landholders’ Society?
a) Raja Rammohan Roy
b) Dwarkanath Tagore
c) Surendranath Banerjee
d) Bankim Chandra

Ans: b) Dwarkanath Tagore

13. The Vernacular Press Act was passed in
a) 1876
b) 1877
c) 1878
d) 1880

Ans: c) 1878

14. Who founded the Hindu Mela?
a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Nabagopal Mitra
c) Bankim Chandra
d) Vivekananda

Ans: b) Nabagopal Mitra

15. The Hindu Mela was established in
a) 1865
b) 1867
c) 1870
d) 1875

Ans: b) 1867

16. The Indian Association was established in
a) 1875
b) 1876
c) 1885
d) 1867

Ans: b) 1876

17. The novel Anandamath is written by
a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Bankim Chandra
c) Vivekananda
d) Sarat Chandra

Ans: b) Bankim Chandra

18. Who painted the image of ‘Bharat Mata’?
a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Abanindranath Tagore
c) Nandalal Bose
d) Jamini Roy

Ans: b) Abanindranath Tagore

19. Who was a famous cartoonist of Bengal?
a) Abanindranath Tagore
b) Gaganendranath Tagore
c) Nandalal Bose
d) Jamini Roy

Ans: b) Gaganendranath Tagore

20. Which rebellion is described in Anandamath?
a) Sepoy Mutiny
b) Santhal Rebellion
c) Sannyasi Rebellion
d) Indigo Revolt

Ans: c) Sannyasi Rebellion

21. The novel Gora was written by
a) Bankim Chandra
b) Rabindranath Tagore
c) Vivekananda
d) Sarat Chandra

Ans: b) Rabindranath Tagore

22. The Ilbert Bill was introduced in
a) 1878
b) 1880
c) 1883
d) 1885

Ans: c) 1883

23. The Bengali magazine of Ramakrishna Mission is
a) Prabasi
b) Udbodhan
c) Som Prakash
d) Tattwabodhini

Ans: b) Udbodhan

24. The founder of the Bengal School of Art was
a) Gaganendranath Tagore
b) Abanindranath Tagore
c) Jamini Roy
d) Nandalal Bose

Ans: b) Abanindranath Tagore

25. Where was the Indian Association established?
a) Bombay
b) Madras
c) Delhi
d) Calcutta

Ans: d) Calcutta

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

1. The Revolt of 1857 first broke out at __________.(Meerut)
2. The Doctrine of Lapse was introduced by __________. (Lord Dalhousie)
3. Mangal Pandey revolted at __________. (Barrackpore)
4. The Government of India Act was passed in __________.(1858)
5. The Queen’s Proclamation was issued by __________. (Queen Victoria)
6. The leader of the revolt in Jhansi was __________.(Rani Lakshmibai)
7. The revolt in Kanpur was led by __________. (Nana Sahib)
8. The Landholders’ Society was established in __________.(1838)
9. The Landholders’ Society was founded by __________.(Dwarkanath Tagore)
10. The Vernacular Press Act was passed in __________.(1878)
11. The Hindu Mela was established in __________.(1867)
12. The Hindu Mela was founded by __________.(Nabagopal Mitra)
13. The rebellion described in Anandamath is the __________ Rebellion. (Sannyasi)
14. The image of ‘Bharat Mata’ was painted by __________. (Abanindranath Tagore)
15. The Ilbert Bill was introduced in __________.(1883)

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

1. The Revolt of 1857 began at Meerut. (True)
2. The immediate cause of the revolt was the greased cartridges. (True)
3. The Revolt of 1857 spread throughout the whole of India.(False)
4. The Government of India Act was passed in 1858. (True)
5. Rani Lakshmibai led the revolt in Jhansi.(True)
6. Nana Sahib led the revolt in Lucknow. (False)
7. The Indian Association was established in 1876.(True)
8. The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878.(True)
9. The Hindu Mela was established in 1867.(True)
10. The Sannyasi Rebellion is described in Anandamath. (True)
11. Abanindranath Tagore founded the Bengal School of Art.(True)
12. Gora was written by Rabindranath Tagore.(True)
13. The Arms Act was passed in 1878.(True)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

1. In which year did the Sepoy Mutiny break out?
Ans: The Sepoy Mutiny broke out in the year 1857.

2. Who introduced the Doctrine of Lapse?
Ans: Lord Dalhousie introduced the Doctrine of Lapse.

3. Who was the Governor-General when the Revolt of 1857 broke out?
Ans: Lord Canning was the Governor-General when the Revolt of 1857 broke out.

4. Where and in which year did the rebellion of Mangal Pandey take place?
Ans: The rebellion of Mangal Pandey took place at Barrackpore in the year 1857.

5. Who was the first martyr of the Revolt of 1857?
Ans: Mangal Pandey is regarded as the first martyr of the Revolt of 1857.

6. Who led the Revolt of 1857 in Lucknow?
Ans: Begum Hazrat Mahal led the Revolt of 1857 in Lucknow.

7. Who was the leader of the Revolt of 1857 at Jhansi?
Ans: Rani Lakshmibai was the leader of the Revolt of 1857 at Jhansi.

8. Who was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II?
Ans: Nana Sahib was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II.

9. Who was the last Mughal Emperor?
Ans: Bahadur Shah II was the last Mughal Emperor.

10. In which year was the Queen’s Proclamation issued?
Ans: The Queen’s Proclamation was issued in the year 1858.

11. In which year was the Landholders’ Society established?
Ans: The Landholders’ Society was established in the year 1838.

12. In which year did the rule of the East India Company in India come to an end?
Ans: The rule of the East India Company in India came to an end in the year 1858.

13. Who was the Queen of England at the time of transfer of power?
Ans: Queen Victoria was the Queen of England at the time of the transfer of power.

14. By whom was the Landholders’ Society founded?
Ans: The Landholders’ Society was founded by Dwarkanath Tagore and other zamindars.

15. Who was the president of the Landholders’ Society?
Ans: Dwarkanath Tagore was the president of the Landholders’ Society.

16. Which organisation is regarded as the first political association of Bengal?
Ans: The Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha is regarded as the first political association of Bengal.

17. In which year was the Indian Association established?
Ans: The Indian Association was established in the year 1876.

18. Where was the Indian Association established?
Ans: The Indian Association was established in Calcutta.

19. Who was the leader of the Revolt of 1857 at Kanpur?
Ans: Nana Sahib was the leader of the Revolt of 1857 at Kanpur.

20. When was the Vernacular Press Act passed?
Ans: The Vernacular Press Act was passed in the year 1878.

21. Who painted the cartoon ‘Millstone of Caste’?
Ans: Gaganendranath Tagore painted the cartoon ‘Millstone of Caste’.

22. When was the Arms Act passed?
Ans: The Arms Act was passed in the year 1878.

23. In which year was the Hindu Mela established?
Ans: The Hindu Mela was established in the year 1867.

24. Who was Manmohan Basu?
Ans: Manmohan Basu was a nationalist and writer who actively participated in the Hindu Mela.

25. Name one historical novel.
Ans: One historical novel is Anandamath.

26. Who painted the famous image of ‘Bharat Mata’?
Ans: Abanindranath Tagore painted the famous image of ‘Bharat Mata’.

27. What vision of Rabindranath is expressed in his novel Gora?
Ans: Rabindranath Tagore expressed the vision of unity beyond caste, religion, and narrow divisions in his novel Gora.

28. Name one well-known cartoonist of Bengal.
Ans: Gaganendranath Tagore was a well-known cartoonist of Bengal.

29. In which literary magazine was Rabindranath Tagore’s Gora serialized?
Ans: Rabindranath Tagore’s Gora was serialized in the magazine Prabasi.

30. Which rebellion was popularised in Anandamath?
Ans: The Sannyasi Rebellion was popularised in Anandamath.

31. What is the English translation of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath?
Ans: The English translation of Anandamath is The Abbey of Bliss.

32. In what spheres did the Indian Association play an important role?
Ans: The Indian Association played an important role in political, social, and national awakening among the people.

33. Which is the largest of Rabindranath’s twelve novels?
Ans: Gora is the largest of Rabindranath Tagore’s twelve novels.

34. Who composed the novel Gora?
Ans: Rabindranath Tagore composed the novel Gora.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. Who was Mangal Pandey? Why was he hanged?
Ans: Mangal Pandey was a sepoy of the 34th Bengal Native Infantry stationed at Barrackpore. He revolted against British officers in 1857 as a protest against the use of greased cartridges, which hurt religious sentiments. For his act of rebellion and attack on British officers, he was arrested and later hanged by the British authorities.

2. What role did the Indian Association play with regard to the Ilbert Bill agitation?
Ans: The Indian Association played a significant role in supporting the Ilbert Bill. It organised meetings and campaigns to mobilise public opinion in favour of the bill. It strongly protested against the racial discrimination shown by Europeans and helped in spreading political awareness among Indians.

3. What assurance was given to Indian rulers in the Queen’s Proclamation?
Ans: The Queen’s Proclamation assured the rulers of Indian states that their territories and rights would be respected by the British government. It declared that no further annexation of states would take place and the Doctrine of Lapse would be abandoned. The rulers were promised protection and were treated as allies of the British Crown.

4. What is the importance of Vivekananda’s Bartaman Bharat?
Ans: The importance of Bartaman Bharat lies in its message of national awakening and social service. It inspired people to take pride in their country and work for the upliftment of society. It also helped in spreading the idea of nationalism.

5. What was the main objective of the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858?
Ans: The main objective of the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858 was to establish direct control of India under the British Crown and to bring peace after the revolt. It aimed to win the loyalty of the Indian people and princes by promising justice, equality before law, and non-interference in religious matters.

6. Who composed the first national song of the Hindu Mela and in which year?
Ans: The first national song of the Hindu Mela was composed by Satyendranath Tagore in the year 1867. The song aimed to inspire patriotic feelings and promote a sense of national identity among the people.

7. What were the characteristics of the Revolt of 1857?
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 began as a sepoy mutiny but gradually turned into a wider popular uprising. It was mainly confined to North and Central India and did not spread throughout the whole country. The revolt lacked unity, proper organisation, and a clear plan of action. It also had both feudal elements, as many dispossessed rulers participated, and anti-British feelings among the people.

8. Name some associations formed in Bengal before the Indian National Congress.
Ans: Several associations were established in Bengal before the formation of the Indian National Congress. These included the Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha, the Landholders’ Society, the British Indian Association, and the Indian Association. These organisations played an important role in developing political awareness.

9. What were the aims and objectives of the Landholders’ Society?
Ans: The Landholders’ Society was formed to protect the interests of the zamindars in Bengal. Its main objective was to secure their rights over land and to demand fair land revenue policies from the British government. It also tried to safeguard property rights and submitted petitions to express their grievances.

10. Name two books written by Swami Vivekananda.
Ans: Two important books written by Swami Vivekananda are Bartaman Bharat and Practical Vedanta. These works reflect his ideas on society, religion, and nationalism.

11. What did Vivekananda say in his Bartaman Bharat?
Ans: In Bartaman Bharat, Swami Vivekananda emphasised the need to uplift the poor and the downtrodden sections of society. He urged people to serve the nation selflessly and stressed unity, strength, and national pride among Indians.

12. Which act brought an end to the East India Company’s rule in India? Who passed the act and when was it passed?
Ans: The Government of India Act of 1858 brought an end to the rule of the East India Company in India. This act was passed by the British Parliament in 1858. Through this act, the administration of India was transferred directly to the British Crown.

13. What was the role of the famous image of ‘Bharat Mata’?
Ans: The image of Bharat Mata represented India as a mother figure and created a deep emotional connection among the people. It inspired feelings of patriotism and unity and encouraged people to sacrifice for the nation.

14. When and where was Bartaman Bharat first published?
Ans: Bartaman Bharat was first published in 1899 in Bengal. It was written in Bengali and aimed to address the social and national issues of the time.

15. Mention any two aims of the Indian Association.
Ans: The Indian Association aimed to unite the people of India on a common political platform and to create political awareness among them. It also worked to promote national unity and demand reforms from the British government.

16. Why were cartoons drawn?
Ans: Cartoons were drawn to highlight and criticise the social and political conditions of the time. They exposed the weaknesses, hypocrisy, and blind imitation of Western culture among Indians. Cartoons also helped in spreading awareness in an easy and humorous way.

17. What contribution did Bankim Chandra make in the field of nationalism in the 19th century?
Ans: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay made a significant contribution to nationalism through his writings. His novel Anandamath inspired people to fight for the motherland. He also composed the song “Vande Mataram,” which became a symbol of patriotism and national unity.

18. How did the novel Anandamath incite the feeling of nationalism?
Ans: The novel Anandamath inspired nationalism by encouraging people to resist foreign rule and serve the motherland. The song “Vande Mataram” from the novel became a powerful symbol of patriotism. It created a strong sense of unity and devotion towards the nation.

19. What is ‘University Machine’?
Ans: The term ‘University Machine’ refers to the British system of education in India which focused mainly on producing clerks and government officials. It emphasised bookish knowledge rather than practical skills and did not encourage independent thinking.

20. Name some paintings of Abanindranath Tagore.
Ans: Some famous paintings of Abanindranath Tagore include Bharat Mata, The Passing of Shah Jahan, and Krishna Lila. These works reflected Indian culture and nationalist ideas.

4. Analytical questions and answers [4 marks each]

1. What were the social causes of the Revolt of 1857?
Ans: The social causes of the Revolt of 1857 were mainly related to the interference of the British in Indian society, religion, and traditional customs.

Social Reforms by British: The British introduced reforms like the abolition of Sati and the Widow Remarriage Act, which angered orthodox sections of society.
Impact of Western Education: Western education and English ideas created fear that Indian culture and traditions were being destroyed.
Missionary Activities: The activities of Christian missionaries led to a belief that the British wanted to convert Indians to Christianity.
Threat to Caste System: New laws and social changes threatened the caste system and religious customs.
Introduction of Railways: Modern transport like railways was opposed as it was believed to break caste restrictions.

2. Why is the Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha regarded as the first political association?
Ans: The Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha is regarded as the first political association because it was one of the earliest organised political bodies in India. It actively discussed public and political issues and represented the grievances of Indians before the British government through its activities, it marked the beginning of organised political movements in India.

3. Name the leaders of the Revolt of 1857 and mention their places of operation.
Ans: Several prominent leaders led the Revolt of 1857 in different regions of India.

Bihar: Kunwar Singh
Delhi: Bahadur Shah II
Kanpur: Nana Sahib
Jhansi: Rani Lakshmibai
Central India: Tantia Tope
Awadh (Lucknow): Begum Hazrat Mahal

4. Why is the Revolt of 1857 called a feudal revolt?
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 had strong feudal elements in its leadership and objectives.

Not Purely Feudal: However, since peasants, artisans, and common people also participated, it cannot be called a purely feudal revolt.
Role of Feudal Leaders: Many feudal lords, zamindars, and dispossessed rulers played a leading role in the revolt.
Personal Interests: They joined the revolt mainly to regain their lost kingdoms, power, and privileges taken away by the British.
Leadership Pattern: The leadership of the revolt in many areas remained in the hands of traditional rulers and elites.

5. What was the condition of society reflected in the cartoons of Gaganendranath Tagore?
Ans: The cartoons of Gaganendranath Tagore reflected the social condition of contemporary society, highlighting its evils and hypocrisy. Through his work, he criticised the blind imitation of Western culture by Indians, especially the educated middle class. His cartoons also exposed various social problems and inequalities, thereby emphasising the need for social reform.

6. Write a short note on the ‘Age of Association’.
Ans: The period from 1830 to 1885 is known as the Age of Association. During this time, many political organisations were formed in India. These associations aimed to create political awareness among the people and demand reforms from the British government. This period played an important role in laying the foundation of Indian nationalism.

7. Write a note on the formation and activities of the Zamindari Association.
Ans: The Zamindari Association was formed in 1838 by the zamindars of Bengal to protect their interests. Its main objective was to safeguard the rights and privileges of landlords under British rule. The association actively submitted petitions and representations to the British government to address their grievances. It is considered one of the earliest political associations in India and played an important role in the early development of political awareness.

8. Why was the Ilbert Bill opposed?
Ans: The Ilbert Bill was opposed mainly due to racial prejudice among the Europeans in India. They did not want Indian judges to have the authority to try European offenders, as they believed in their racial superiority. The bill challenged this sense of superiority, which led to strong opposition. As a result, the Europeans organised protests and campaigns against the bill.

9. What was Queen’s Proclamation?
Ans: Queen’s Proclamation was issued by Queen Victoria in 1858 after the Revolt of 1857. Through this proclamation, the administration of India was transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown. It assured the people of India that the British government would not interfere in their religious matters and customs. It also promised equal treatment under the law and protection to Indian princes and people.

10. What was the Ilbert Bill controversy? What was its impact?
Ans: The Ilbert Bill controversy arose in 1883 when a proposal was made to allow Indian judges to try European offenders. This led to strong opposition from the European community, and the bill was later modified under pressure.

Impact:

Growth of Nationalism: It strengthened the feeling of nationalism in India.
Exposure of Racial Discrimination: It clearly showed the racial bias of the British in India.
Political Awakening: It increased political awareness among Indians.
Unity Among Indians: It helped to unite Indians against British injustice.

11. What were the objectives behind the foundation of the Hindu Mela?
Ans: The Hindu Mela was founded to promote a sense of unity and national awareness among Indians.

Inspiration of Patriotism: Patriotic songs, speeches, and events were organised to inspire love for the country.
Promotion of National Feeling: It aimed to develop a sense of nationalism and unity among the people of India.
Encouragement of Swadeshi Goods: The Mela encouraged the use of indigenous goods instead of foreign products.
Revival of Culture: It worked to revive and promote Indian culture, traditions, and heritage.

12. Write a note on Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha.
Ans: Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha was founded in 1836 in Bengal and is considered one of the earliest political associations in India. Its main aim was to discuss political and administrative issues affecting the country. The Sabha submitted petitions to the British government to express public grievances and demand reforms. It played an important role in the early growth of political awareness among Indians.

5. Explanatory questions and answers [8 marks each]

1. Analyse the political and economic causes of the Great Revolt of 1857.
Ans: The Great Revolt of 1857 was the result of deep political discontent and economic exploitation under British rule.

Political Causes:

Policy of Annexation: The British policy of expansion created widespread resentment among Indian rulers. Lord Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse led to the annexation of states like Jhansi, Satara, and Nagpur, which angered the ruling families.
Annexation of Awadh: The annexation of Awadh in 1856 on the pretext of misgovernance deeply hurt both the nawab and the people, creating strong opposition to British rule.
Humiliation of Mughal Emperor: The Mughal emperor was gradually stripped of his authority, and his successors were denied royal privileges, which offended Indian sentiments.
Loss of Power of Rulers: Many Indian rulers, nobles, and zamindars lost their power, titles, and pensions, leading to dissatisfaction and anger.

Economic Causes:

Drain of Wealth: A large amount of India’s wealth was transferred to Britain, weakening the Indian economy.
Destruction of Traditional Industries: British policies ruined Indian handicrafts and cottage industries, leading to unemployment and poverty among artisans.
Heavy Land Revenue: High land revenue demands placed a heavy burden on peasants and zamindars, pushing them into poverty.
Exploitation by Moneylenders: Peasants were often exploited by moneylenders, resulting in debt and loss of land.

2. Discuss the reasons for the failure of the Revolt of 1857.
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 failed due to several weaknesses in organisation, leadership, and support.

Support to British: Many Indian princes, zamindars, and sections of the educated class supported the British.
Lack of Unity: There was no common leadership or coordination among the rebels, and different groups acted independently.
Limited Spread: The revolt was mainly confined to North and Central India, while regions like South and East India remained largely unaffected.
Absence of National Feeling: It was not a fully national movement, as many rulers and communities did not participate.
Superior British Strength: The British had better weapons, a disciplined army, and modern communication systems like railways and telegraph.
Lack of Clear Aim: The rebels did not have a clear plan or unified objective, which weakened their efforts.

3. How did the Hindu Mela contribute towards spreading the idea of nationality among the people?
Ans: The Hindu Mela played an important role in developing early nationalist feelings among Indians.

Physical and Moral Development: Activities like physical training and exhibitions encouraged strength, discipline, and self-reliance among Indians.
Promotion of Cultural Pride: It encouraged people to take pride in Indian culture, traditions, and heritage, strengthening their sense of identity.
Encouragement of Swadeshi: The Mela promoted the use of indigenous goods and discouraged dependence on foreign products.
Use of Literature and Songs: National songs, poems, and speeches were presented to inspire patriotic feelings and emotional attachment to the country.
Creation of Unity: It helped to unite people by spreading the idea of a common national identity beyond regional differences.

4. What was the contribution of Bankim Chandra’s Anandamath to the cause of nationalism in India?
Ans: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel Anandamath played a significant role in inspiring nationalist feelings among Indians.

Spirit of Resistance: It motivated people to resist oppression and work towards the liberation of the country.
Idea of Freedom and Sacrifice: The novel inspired people with the ideals of freedom and sacrifice for the motherland.
‘Vande Mataram’: The song Vande Mataram from the novel became a powerful symbol of patriotism and national unity.
Concept of Bharat Mata: It presented India as a mother figure (Bharat Mata), encouraging devotion and respect for the nation.
Encouragement of Unity: The novel promoted unity among Indians to stand against foreign rule.

5. How is nationalism shown in Rabindranath Tagore’s novel Gora?
Ans: Rabindranath Tagore’s novel Gora presents a deep and thoughtful idea of Indian nationalism.

National Pride: The novel encourages pride in Indian culture and values while promoting a broader and more humanistic outlook.
Idea of True Identity: The novel explores Indian identity beyond narrow divisions like caste, religion, and social customs, showing that nationalism is above such barriers.
Character of Gora: The protagonist, Gora, shows intense love for his country and strong patriotic feelings, which reflect the spirit of nationalism.
Unity Among People: The story emphasises the need for unity among Indians despite differences in religion and society.
Self-realisation: Gora’s journey of self-discovery helps him understand the true meaning of nationalism, which is inclusive and not limited by rigid beliefs.

6. Mention the primary agenda or steps taken by Bharat Sabha or Indian Association.
Ans: The Bharat Sabha, also known as the Indian Association, took several important steps to promote political awareness and unity among Indians.

Growth of Nationalism: Through its activities, it helped to develop nationalism and political consciousness among the people.
Promotion of Unity: It aimed to bring together people from different regions, religions, and communities on a common political platform.
Demand for Government Jobs: The association demanded greater opportunities and fair representation of Indians in government services.
Opposition to ICS Age Reduction: It strongly opposed the reduction of the age limit for the Indian Civil Service examination, which disadvantaged Indian candidates.
Organisation of Meetings: It organised public meetings, campaigns, and discussions to spread political awareness among the masses.
Demand for Rights: The association actively worked for political rights, administrative reforms, and representation of Indians.

7. How did the image of ‘Bharat Mata’ create nationalist feelings among Indians?
Ans: The image of Bharat Mata became a powerful symbol that helped to awaken and strengthen nationalist feelings among Indians.

Growth of Patriotism: The symbol encouraged feelings of patriotism, devotion, and responsibility towards the nation.
Motherly Representation: It portrayed India as a loving and protective mother, which created a deep emotional attachment and sense of belonging among the people.
Sacred Identity of the Nation: By representing the country as a divine mother, people began to consider the nation sacred and felt it was their duty to protect and serve her.
Unity in Diversity: The image helped to unite people of different regions, religions, and languages under a single identity as children of the same mother.
Inspiration for Sacrifice: It inspired people to make sacrifices for the country, just as one would do for one’s own mother.