HistoryModern India: Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist movement

Which of the following describes the position of colonial officials o…

Which of the following describes the position of colonial officials on arresting Mahatma Gandhi during the movement?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → They did not know whether to arrest him or what an arrest would mean.

Option (1) They had decided to arrest him as soon as the march began. — Incorrect. There was no such firm decision. Officials were unsure about an arrest throughout the march.

Option (2) They did not know whether to arrest him or what an arrest would mean. — Correct. Officials could not control the movement and were anxious about its spread. They did not know whether to arrest Mahatma Gandhi or what an arrest would mean.

Option (3) They had been ordered by London to avoid arresting him. — Incorrect. No order from London is described. The doubt lay with the officials themselves.

Option (4) They planned to arrest him once the march reached Dandi. — Incorrect. No such plan existed. The officials were still unsure what an arrest would lead to.

NCERT (2026-27): “6.4 From newspapers …
We need to look at these reports but should be careful while interpreting them. Every statement made in these cannot be accepted literally as representing what was happening on the ground. They often reflect the fears and anxieties of officials who were unable to control a movement and were anxious about its spread. They did not know whether to arrest Mahatma Gandhi or what an arrest would mean. …”