Q1. [4]
The Independence Day Pledge, 26 January, 1930
We believe that it is the inalienable right of the Indian people, as of any other people, to have freedom and to enjoy the fruits of their toil and have the necessities of life, so that they may have full opportunities of growth. We believe also that if any government deprives a people of these rights and oppresses them, the people have a further right to alter it or to abolish it. The British Government in India has not only deprived the Indian people of their freedom but has based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and has ruined India economically, politically, culturally, and spiritually. We believe, therefore, that India must sever the British connection and attain Purna Swaraj or complete independence.
Read the case given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
- (11.1) Why was freedom considered an inalienable right of the Indian people? [1]
- (11.2) Why was Purna Swaraj considered essential by the people of India? [1]
- (11.3) Explain the significance of the Lahore Session of Congress (1930). [2]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2022 32/1/1 Q11
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:55 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(11.1) Freedom was considered an inalienable right because every people has the right to enjoy the fruits of their toil, have the necessities of life, and have full opportunities of growth.
(11.2) Purna Swaraj was considered essential because the British Government had deprived Indians of their freedom, exploited the masses, and ruined India economically, politically, culturally, and spiritually. Therefore, severing the British connection was the only solution.
(11.3) The Lahore Session of Congress (December 1929), presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, formally declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as the goal of the Indian National Congress. It resolved to celebrate 26 January 1930 as Independence Day and authorised the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement. This session marked a turning point in India's freedom struggle.
Source: The Nationalist Movement in Indo-China / The Age of Industrialisation — Nationalism in India, NCERT Class 10 History
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Explanation
- 11.1 & 11.2 must be answered strictly from the passage — use the exact phrases given (inalienable right, fruits of toil, ruined economically/politically/culturally/spiritually).
- 11.2 demands a reason, so quote the exploitation + ruin argument from the passage as justification for Purna Swaraj.
- 11.3 is a textbook-based 2-mark answer (not directly in the passage). Examiners expect: Nehru's presidency, Purna Swaraj resolution, Independence Day pledge on 26 Jan 1930, and launch of Civil Disobedience Movement. Two clear points earn full marks.
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