Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

For plantation workers in Assam, swaraj meant the freedom to move freely in and out of the tea gardens and the right to return to their home villages. Under the Inland Emigration Act of 1859, they were not allowed to leave the plantations without permission, which was rarely granted.

When the Non-Cooperation Movement began, thousands of workers defied the authorities, left the plantations, and headed home, believing that Gandhi Raj was coming and everyone would receive land in their villages. However, they never reached their destination — stranded by a railway and steamer strike, they were caught by police and brutally beaten up.

Source: Chapter 2, Section 2.3 – Swaraj in the Plantations

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This question tests understanding of how different groups interpreted swaraj. Examiners look for:

1. What swaraj meant to plantation workers (freedom of movement/return to villages) — 1 mark
2. What they did (defied authorities, left plantations) — 1 mark
3. What happened (stranded, beaten by police) — 1 mark

Mention the Inland Emigration Act of 1859 for full credit. Keep the answer focused — no need to discuss other groups like peasants or businessmen.