🌟 Introduction

The Rise of Nationalism in India is one of the most important chapters in the Class 10 CBSE History syllabus. For students preparing for CBSE Board examinations, solving Previous Year Questions (PYQs) is the most effective way to understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and frequently repeated themes. At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we have compiled the most important PYQs from this chapter, organized by marks weightage, to help Class 10 students score maximum marks.

This chapter covers the First World War, Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Non-Cooperation Movement, Khilafat Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Salt March, Quit India Movement, and the role of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. These PYQs have been collected from CBSE Board exams across multiple years and are essential for effective board exam preparation.

📚 Why Solving PYQs Is Important for CBSE Class 10

Before diving into the questions, let us understand why Previous Year Questions are crucial for Class 10 CBSE students.

🎯 Benefits of Solving PYQs

• ✅ Understanding Exam Pattern: PYQs reveal how questions are framed

• 📝 Identifying Repeated Themes: Many questions repeat with slight variations

• 🧠 Better Answer Writing: PYQs help practice structured answers

• 🏆 Higher Scores: Familiarity with question types reduces exam stress

• 📊 Time Management: Practice helps allocate time per question correctly

📖 1 Mark Questions (Very Short Answer Type)

These questions are typically asked as MCQs, Assertion-Reason, or one-line answers. They test factual knowledge and basic understanding.

Set A: MCQs and One-Line Answers

Set B: Assertion-Reason Questions

Question 1: Assertion (A): Mahatma Gandhi used a novel method of mass agitation known as Satyagraha. Reason (R): He believed in the dharma of non-violence.
Answer: Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 

Question 2: Assertion (A): In February 1922, Mahatma Gandhi decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement. Reason (R): The movement was turning violent in many places.
Answer: Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. 

📖 2 Marks Questions (Short Answer Type I)

These questions require two points or brief explanations and are designed to test conceptual understanding.

Question 1: Why did Mahatma Gandhi travel to Champaran in Bihar in 1917?

Answer:

• Mahatma Gandhi travelled to Champaran in 1917 to inspire the peasants to struggle against the oppressive plantation system.

• It was his first major Satyagraha movement in India, where he organized peasants against the exploitation by indigo planters. 

Question 2: How was the Simon Commission greeted in India in 1928?

Answer:

• The Simon Commission was greeted with the slogan “Simon Go Back” in 1928.

• Indians opposed it because the Commission had no Indian members. 

Question 3: Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922?

Answer:

• Gandhi withdrew the movement after the Chauri Chaura incident of 5 February 1922, where a local clash turned violent and a police station was set on fire.

• He believed the movement had lost its non-violent character and wanted to restore the principles of ahimsa. 

Question 4: Why was a militant guerrilla movement spread in the Gudem hills of Andhra Pradesh in the early 1920s?

Answer:

• The tribal peasants were angry because the colonial government had closed large forest areas, preventing them from grazing their cattle and collecting firewood.

• The movement was organized under the leadership of Alluri Sitarama Raju, who was inspired by Gandhiji’s ideas. 

Question 5: How did the First World War create a new economic situation in India?

Answer:

• Manchester imports into India declined as British mills were busy with war production, allowing Indian mills to supply the home market.

• As the war prolonged, Indian factories were called upon to supply war needs, leading to the setup of new factories and employment of new workers. 

Question 6: Why did Indians oppose the Simon Commission?

Answer:

• The Simon Commission was opposed because it had no Indian members.

• It was meant to review the functioning of Indian administration but excluded Indians from the process. 

Question 7: Who wrote ‘Vande Mataram’?

Answer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote the song ‘Vande Mataram’. 

Question 8: What was the Rowlatt Act?

Answer:

• The Rowlatt Act (1919) allowed the British government to arrest people without trial and suppress political activities.

• It gave the government the power to detain political prisoners for two years without accusation or trial. 

📖 3 Marks Questions (Short Answer Type II)

These questions require detailed explanations with three distinct points and test analytical understanding.

Question 1: Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to launch a nationwide Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act? Give two reasons.

Answer:

• The Rowlatt Act allowed the British government to arrest people without trial and suppress political activities, which was unjust and undemocratic.

• Gandhi believed that such an unjust law should be opposed through peaceful Satyagraha to protect people’s rights.

• The Act was passed despite strong opposition from Indian leaders, which angered the nationalist sentiment. 

Question 2: How did women participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement?

Answer:

• During Gandhiji’s salt satyagraha, thousands of women came out of their homes and engaged in various activities.

• They participated in protest marches, manufactured salt, and picketed shops selling foreign goods and liquor.

• Many women were arrested and went to jail; in urban areas, women from high-caste families and in rural areas, women from rich peasant households participated. 

Question 3: Explain any three facts about the new economic situation created in India by the First World War.

Answer:

• Manchester imports into India declined as British mills were busy with war production, paving the way for Indian mills to supply the huge home market.

• As the war prolonged, Indian factories were called upon to supply war needs, leading to new factories, new workers, and longer working hours.

• Cotton production collapsed and exports of cotton cloth from Britain fell dramatically after the war, allowing local industrialists to consolidate their position. 

Question 4: Why did Mahatma Gandhi find salt to be a powerful symbol that could unite the nation?

Answer:

• Salt was an essential commodity consumed equally by both rich and poor.

• The British monopoly and tax on salt affected all sections of society equally, creating a common grievance.

• Gandhi used this common woe to lay seeds of unity and nationality among all sections otherwise divided by caste and class. 

Question 5: How did a variety of cultural processes play an important role in making Nationalism in India? Explain with examples.

Answer:

• Bharat Mata as identity of the nation: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee created the first image of Bharat Mata, representing India as a mother figure.

• Folklore to restore a sense of pride: Rabindranath Tagore revived folk songs, folk tales, and legends to restore pride in Indian culture.

• Flags as identity of the Nation: During the Swadeshi Movement, flags were carried to create a sense of national belonging and defiance. 

Question 6: How had the Non-Cooperation Movement spread to the countryside?

Answer:

• In Awadh, peasants were led by Baba Ramchandra, and the movement was against talukdars who charged high rents.

• The peasant movement demanded a reduction of revenue and the abolition of begar; Jawaharlal Nehru and Baba Ramchandra formed the Oudh Kisan Sabha.

• In Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh, a militant guerrilla movement was organized under Alluri Sitaram Raju against colonial oppression. 

Question 7: Explain the Satyagraha Movement of Mahatma Gandhi against the proposed Rowlatt Act, 1919.

Answer:

• Mahatma Gandhi in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act.

• Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws, starting with a hartal (strike) on 6 April.

• Rallies were organized in various cities, workers went on strike in railway workshops, and shops closed down. 

Question 8: How was the Civil Disobedience Movement different from the Non-Cooperation Movement?

Answer:

• The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1921, while the Civil Disobedience Movement was launched in 1930.

• The Non-Cooperation Movement started with middle-class participation, whereas the Civil Disobedience Movement was first supported by industrialists like GD Birla and Purshottamdas Thakur.

• Large-scale participation of women is one of the most significant features of the Civil Disobedience Movement, which was not the case in the Non-Cooperation Movement. 

Question 9: Why did the Non-Cooperation Movement gradually slow down in the cities?

Answer:

• Khadi cloth was often more expensive than mass-produced mill cloth, and poor people could not afford to buy it.

• Alternative Indian institutions like schools and courts were slow to come up, so students and lawyers began returning to government institutions.

• The boycott of British institutions could not be sustained without adequate alternatives, leading to the movement’s slowdown. 

Question 10: Explain any three suppressive measures taken by the British administration to clamp down on nationalists.

Answer:

• The British government arrested local leaders and started brutal repression to suppress nationalist activities.

• Martial law was imposed in Amritsar after the Jallianwala Bagh incident, and public meetings were banned.

• The government declared the Congress illegal and banned meetings, arresting leaders like Ghaffar Khan and Jawaharlal Nehru. 

Question 11: Describe the spread of Non-Cooperation Movement in the countryside.

Answer:

• In Awadh, peasants were led by Baba Ramchandra, and the movement was against talukdars who charged high rents and demanded begar.

• The peasant movement demanded a reduction of revenue and the abolition of begar; Oudh Kisan Sabha was formed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Baba Ramchandra.

• In Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh, a militant guerrilla movement was organized under Alluri Sitaram Raju against colonial forest laws. 

Question 12: How did the First World War help in the growth of the National Movement in India?

Answer:

• The First World War led to forced recruitment in rural areas, causing widespread anger and resentment.

• High income taxes and customs duties were imposed to pay for the defence budget, causing economic hardship.

• Crops failed in 1918-1920, leading to acute food shortages, which contributed to a generalized protest against British rule. 

📖 5 Marks Questions (Long Answer Type)

These questions require comprehensive answers with five distinct points and test in-depth understanding and analytical skills.

Question 1: Explain the implications of the ‘First World War’ on the economic and political situation of India.

Answer:

• The First World War led to a huge increase in defence expenditure, financed by war loans and increasing taxes; customs duties were raised and income tax introduced.

• Prices increased sharply between 1913 and 1918, causing extreme hardship for the common people.

• Forced recruitment in rural areas caused widespread anger among peasants.

• Crops failed in many parts of India in 1918-1920, resulting in acute food shortages.

• An influenza epidemic killed 12 to 13 million people, deepening the misery and contributing to the growth of nationalist sentiment. 

Question 2: How did different social groups conceive of the idea of Non-Cooperation? Explain with examples.

Answer:

• In Awadh, peasants were led by Baba Ramchandra against talukdars who charged high rents and demanded begar; they demanded reduction of revenue and abolition of begar.

• In Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradesh, tribal peasants organized a militant guerrilla movement under Alluri Sitaram Raju against colonial forest laws that closed large forest areas.

• Plantation workers in Assam interpreted the movement as freedom to move freely and retain a link with the village; they defied authorities and left plantations.

• Middle-class students and lawyers left government schools and courts, but the movement slowed down as alternatives were slow to come up.

• Women participated in protest marches and picketed foreign goods, though their participation was initially limited. 

Question 3: Why did Mahatma Gandhi decide to launch the Civil Disobedience Movement? Explain how it was organized.

Answer:

• Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930 to demand Purna Swaraj (complete independence).

• He started the movement with the famous Dandi March on 12 March 1930, walking 240 miles to make salt and violate the salt law.

• Salt was chosen as the symbol because it was consumed by rich and poor alike, and the British monopoly and tax on salt affected all sections of society.

• The movement involved boycott of foreign goods, refusal to pay taxes, and large-scale participation of women.

• The British government responded with repression, arresting leaders and declaring Congress illegal; the movement was eventually withdrawn after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931. 

Question 4: “Nationalism in India developed through a variety of cultural processes.” Justify the statement with examples.

Answer:

• Bharat Mata as identity: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee created the first image of Bharat Mata, representing India as a mother figure; Abanindranath Tagore painted the famous image of Bharat Mata.

• Folklore to restore pride: Rabindranath Tagore revived folk songs, folk tales, hymns, and legends; Natesa Sastri published a collection of Tamil folktales.

• Flags as identity: During the Swadeshi Movement, flags were carried to create a sense of national belonging; carrying the flag became a symbol of defiance.

• Reinterpretation of history: Many Indians wrote about the glorious developments in ancient times, urging readers to take pride in their past.

• National songs: ‘Vande Mataram’ instilled a sense of belonging, uniting people from different languages and regions. 

Question 5: Explain the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the National Movement with reference to the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer:

• Gandhi introduced the idea of non-cooperation in his book Hind Swaraj, declaring that British rule was established with Indian cooperation and would collapse only if Indians withdrew that cooperation.

• The Khilafat issue was used to bring Hindus and Muslims together against British rule.

• The programme of Non-Cooperation was adopted at the Nagpur session of Congress in 1920, starting with surrender of titles, boycott of schools, courts, and foreign goods.

• Gandhi and Shaukat Ali began touring and mobilizing support for the movement across India.

• The movement spread to the countryside with peasant movements in Awadh and tribal movements in Gudem Hills, but was withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922. 

Question 6: How did the Civil Disobedience Movement become a mass movement? Explain with examples.

Answer:

• The movement began with the Dandi March in 1930, where Gandhiji violated the salt law, inspiring millions across India.

• Rich peasants like Patidars and Jats participated enthusiastically, demanding reduction in revenue.

• Poor peasants joined hoping unpaid rent would be forgiven; business classes supported the movement and refused to trade in imported goods.

• Women participated in large numbers, engaging in protest marches, manufacturing salt, and picketing foreign goods shops.

• The movement spread across different regions and social groups, making it a truly mass movement against British rule. 

Question 7: Why did various social groups participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement? What did Swaraj mean to them?

Answer:

• For rich peasants, Swaraj meant reduction in high revenue demands and the right to their lands.

• For poor peasants, Swaraj meant forgiveness of unpaid rents and the abolition of feudal obligations.

• For business classes, Swaraj meant protection against foreign goods and policies that helped their trade and industry.

• For women, participation was a patriotic duty and a step towards a new public role in society.

• For industrial workers, Swaraj meant better wages and working conditions; for Dalits, it meant social equality. 

Question 8: Describe the developments which led to the launching of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer:

• The Rowlatt Act of 1919 allowed the government to arrest people without trial, causing widespread anger.

• The Jallianwala Bagh massacre on 13 April 1919, where General Dyer opened fire on unarmed civilians, shocked the nation.

• The Khilafat issue created an opportunity to bring Hindus and Muslims together against British rule.

• Gandhi believed that British rule was established with Indian cooperation and would collapse if Indians withdrew that cooperation.

• The programme of Non-Cooperation was adopted at the Nagpur session in December 1920, starting with surrender of titles and boycott of British institutions. 

Question 9: How did people in India develop a sense of collective belonging? Explain.

Answer:

• Images of Bharat Mata as a mother figure created a sense of national identity; Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Abanindranath Tagore contributed to this.

• Folk songs, tales, and legends revived by leaders like Rabindranath Tagore restored pride in Indian culture.

• National flags were designed and carried during movements, becoming symbols of defiance and unity.

• Reinterpretation of history highlighted India’s glorious past and colonial exploitation, creating a shared sense of pride.

• National songs like Vande Mataram instilled a sense of belonging, uniting people across different languages and regions. 

Question 10: Explain the significance of the Salt March in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Answer:

• The Salt March began on 12 March 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram and ended at Dandi on 6 April 1930.

• Gandhiji walked 240 miles and made salt by evaporating seawater, violating the British salt law.

• Salt was chosen as the symbol because it was consumed equally by rich and poor, and the British monopoly and tax on salt affected all sections of society.

• The march inspired millions across India to defy British rule, making the movement a truly national struggle.

• It marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement, which became one of the largest mass movements against British rule. 

Question 11: Why did Mahatma Gandhi call off the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?

Answer:

• Mahatma Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident.

• In Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, a local clash turned violent and a police station was set on fire, causing the death of several police officers.

• Gandhi believed that the movement had lost its non-violent character and that satyagrahis needed to be properly trained in peaceful protests.

• To prevent further violence and bloodshed, he withdrew the movement so that its principles of ahimsa could be restored.

• This decision showed Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence and his belief that ends do not justify violent means. 

Question 12: How did the First World War affect the political and economic situation in India?

Answer:

• The First World War led to a huge increase in defence expenditure, financed by war loans and increased taxes.

• Customs duties were raised and income tax introduced, causing economic hardship for common people.

• Prices of goods doubled between 1913 and 1918, making life difficult for the poor.

• Forced recruitment in rural areas caused widespread anger among peasants.

• The war created a new economic situation where Indian industries grew, but also led to food shortages and an influenza epidemic that killed millions. 

📝 How to Use These PYQs for CBSE Exam Preparation

At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we recommend the following strategies to maximize your score using these PYQs.

🎯 Study Tips

1. 📖 Read each question and try to answer before looking at the solution

2. ✏️ Practice writing answers within time limits (1 mark = 1 min, 3 marks = 5 min, 5 marks = 10 min)

3. 🗣️ Focus on repeated themes like Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Salt March

4. 📝 Create flashcards for 1-mark questions

5. 🔄 Revise weekly to ensure long-term retention

6. 📋 Practice Assertion-Reason questions as they are frequently asked

7. ✅ Take mock tests using these PYQs

8. 🎯 Focus on high-weightage topics like the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement

🏫 How Dhingra Classes Nashik Helps Class 10 CBSE Students Master History

At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we provide comprehensive coaching for History and all other subjects for Class 10 CBSE students. Our approach includes:

• 📚 Structured Lessons: Teaching concepts with clear explanations

• 📅 PYQ Analysis: Regular practice with previous year questions

• 📝 Answer Writing Practice: Teaching how to structure answers for maximum marks

• ✏️ Regular Tests: Weekly tests to ensure continuous revision

• 🎯 Doubt Clearing Sessions: Personalized attention to every student

• 📊 Progress Tracking: Regular updates to parents about student progress

• 🏆 Map Practice: Regular map work for better understanding

📞 Contact Dhingra Classes Nashik

• 📱 Phone: 98230 62106

• 📧 Email: dhingraclassesnsk@gmail.com

• 🌐 Website: www.dhingraclassesnashik.com

• 📍 Address: Plot No 3, XQ3G+H3M Deacon Homes, 301C, opp. Metro Zone, near Guru Govind Sing, Samarth Nagar, Dnyaneshwar Nagar, Pathardi Phata, Nashik, Maharashtra 422009

🏁 Conclusion

Mastering The Rise of Nationalism in India PYQs is essential for Class 10 CBSE students to score high marks in History board examinations. This comprehensive collection of 1-mark, 2-mark, 3-mark, and 5-mark questions covers all major themes including First World War, Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Non-Cooperation Movement, Khilafat Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Salt March, and Quit India Movement.

By regularly practicing these Previous Year Questions and using them in your board exam preparation, you can improve your understanding and score better. At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we are committed to helping Class 10 CBSE students excel in History and achieve academic success. Remember, History is not just about memorizing dates—it is about understanding the forces that shaped our nation.