Rise of Indian Nationalism – ICSE Class 8 History Notes, MCQs & Q&A

The Rise of Indian Nationalism is an important chapter in ICSE Class 8 History that explains how political awareness grew among Indians during British rule. Factors such as Western education, the role of the press, racial discrimination, and repressive British policies led to the formation of political associations and eventually the Indian National Congress. This chapter highlights the role of the Moderates and Extremists and lays the foundation for India’s freedom struggle.

Answer the following questions on Rise of Indian Nationalism as per given instructions:

Fill in the Blanks – Rise of Indian Nationalism (ICSE Class 8)

1. The Vernacular Press Act imposed severe restrictions on newspapers in Indian languages.
2. Allan Octavian Hume founded the Indian National Congress in 1885.
3. The first phase of the Indian National Congress was called the phase of Moderates.
4. The Congress leaders demanded constitutional reforms in the first phase.
5. Lord Dufferin invited some Congress delegates to a garden party in Calcutta.

Match the Following – Rise of Indian Nationalism Class 8 ICSE

A

1. W.C. Banerjee
2. Guru Ram Singh
3. Ilbert Bill Controversy
4. Arms Act
5. Surendranath Banerjee

B

1. 1883
2. 1878
3. Presided over the first session of the Congress
4. Kuka Rebellion
5. Indian Civil Service exams

True or False Questions – Rise of Indian Nationalism ICSE

1. The revolts which took place before 1857 were localized and were easily suppressed. (True)
2. Dadabhai Naoroji founded the Indian National Congress. (False)
3. In its first phase, the Indian National Congress followed a more radical policy against the British. (False)
4. Moderates insisted on peaceful negotiation with the British. (True)
5. The later radical Congressmen criticized the moderate policy. (True)

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Multiple Choice Questions on Rise of Indian Nationalism (ICSE Class 8)

1. The Kuka Rebellion of 1872 was led by:
   
   • Guru Ram Singh ✅
   • Guru Gobind Singh
   • Surendranath Banerjee
2. Indians were allowed into the Indian Civil Service in:
   
   • 1853 ✅
   • 1856
   • 1857
3. The Indian Association was founded by:
   
   • Rabindranath Tagore
   • Surendranath Banerjee ✅
   • Bankim Chandra
4. The first session of the Congress was held in:
   
   • Mumbai ✅
   • Madras
   • Kolkata
5. Who invited the Congress delegates to a garden party in Calcutta (now Kolkata)?
   
   • Lord Dufferin ✅
   • Surveillance Jones
   • Max Muller

Short Answer Questions (1–2 Sentences)

1. What was the difference between the nationalist movements in Europe and India?
Ans: The nationalist movements in Europe were driven by the idea of unification or independence from monarchies, whereas in India, the movement aimed at ending British colonial rule and securing self-governance.

2. Why was the Ilbert Bill controversial?
Ans: The Ilbert Bill was controversial because it proposed allowing Indian judges to try British subjects, which led to strong opposition from the British community in India, who did not want to be tried by Indian magistrates.

3. Mention the main aims of the Indian National Congress.
Ans: The main aims of the Indian National Congress were to promote political awareness, demand constitutional reforms, and secure greater representation of Indians in governance.

4. How were the methods adopted by the Moderates and Radicals different?
Ans: Moderates believed in petitions, negotiations, and constitutional means, while Radicals believed in mass agitation, protests, and direct action against British rule.

5. What was the attitude of the British towards the Moderates?
Ans: The British largely ignored the Moderates’ demands, offering minimal concessions while dismissing their petitions as ineffective.

6. What were the major achievements of the Moderates?
Ans: The Moderates succeeded in creating political awareness, pushing for administrative reforms, and securing representation for Indians in governance.

7. What led to the rise of the Radical phase of the Congress?
Ans: The failure of the Moderates’ methods, increasing British repression, and the rise of leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai led to the Radical phase of the Congress.

Long Answer Questions (ICSE Class 8 History)

1. When and by whom was the Indian National Congress set up?
Ans: The Indian National Congress was set up in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant. He established it to provide a platform for Indians to voice their political demands and to create a bridge between the British government and Indian political aspirations. The first session was held in Bombay (Mumbai) with W.C. Banerjee as its president.

2. What were the main aims of the Indian National Congress?
Ans: The Indian National Congress aimed to promote political unity, demand constitutional reforms, secure Indian representation in governance, and work towards self-government through peaceful negotiations.

3. Describe the methods adopted by the Moderates in dealing with the British.
Ans: The Moderates adopted methods such as sending petitions, making speeches, writing articles, and appealing to British authorities for reforms. They believed in working within the constitutional framework and aimed at gaining gradual reforms through persuasion rather than confrontation.

4. Do you think the Revolt of 1857 played any significance in the growing nationalism? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans: Yes, the Revolt of 1857 played a significant role in Indian nationalism. It was the first large-scale uprising against British rule, highlighting the discontent among Indians. Although it was crushed, it inspired future nationalist movements by showing the possibility of resistance against British imperialism.

5. Mention a few instances which clearly showed that the British considered Indians inferior.
Ans: The British considered Indians inferior by implementing racial laws, restricting Indian entry into high government positions, and treating Indians unfairly in courts. The Ilbert Bill controversy and the exclusion of Indians from prestigious clubs and institutions also demonstrated their racial bias.

6. Name any three political associations formed prior to the Indian National Congress. What led to the formation of it?
Ans: The three political associations formed prior to the INC were the Indian Association (1876), Poona Sarvajanik Sabha (1870), and Bombay Presidency Association (1885). The increasing discontent with British rule, the need for Indian political representation, and growing political awareness led to the formation of the Congress.

7. What led to the rise of the Extremist phase of the Congress?
Ans: The failure of the Moderates to achieve significant reforms, the partition of Bengal (1905), and increasing British repression led to the rise of the Extremist phase. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai adopted aggressive tactics to demand self-rule.

8. What was the role played by the press and social reformers in the Indian awakening?
Ans: The press played a crucial role in spreading nationalist ideas and exposing British exploitation through newspapers like Kesari, Amrita Bazar Patrika, and The Hindu. Social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Vivekananda promoted education, eradicated social evils, and encouraged self-respect, which strengthened the nationalist movement.