Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Political Science

Chapter

Politics in India Since Independence: Challenges of nation Building

Question:

Read the passage below and answer questions:

On the 15th August 1947, Mahatma Gandhi did not participate in any of the Independence Day celebrations. He was in Kolkata in the areas which were torn by gruesome riots between Hindus and Muslims. He was saddened by the communal violence and disheartened that the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (active but non-violent resistance) that he had lived and worked for, had failed to bind the people in troubled times. Gandhiji went on to persuade the Hindus and Muslims to give up violence. His presence in Kolkata greatly improved the situation, and the coming of independence was celebrated in a spirit of communal harmony with joyous dancing in the streets. Ganghiji's prayer meetings attracted large crowds. But this was short- lived as riots between Hindus and Muslims erupted once again and Gandhiji had to resort to a fast to bring peace.

While in Kolkata, which of the following were not done by Gandhiji?

Options:

He persuaded both the Hindu and the Muslim communities to give up violence

He held prayer meetings

He went on a fast to restore peace when communal riots erupted after independence

He celebrated the independence day

Correct Answer:

He celebrated the independence day

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → He celebrated the independence day

The passage explicitly states that Gandhi did not participate in any of the Independence Day celebrations. Instead, he was in Kolkata trying to stop communal violence, and he was "saddened by the communal violence and disheartened." This indicates that celebrating was not his focus at the time. The other options are all actions that the text confirms he did while in Kolkata: he persuaded people to give up violence, held prayer meetings, and resorted to a fast to restore peace.