While in Delhi after Independence, Gandhiji found his prayer meetings…

While in Delhi after Independence, Gandhiji found his prayer meetings disrupted by refugees. What did these refugees object to?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Readings from the Koran held as part of his gatherings

Option (1) His fast on the day the country celebrated its freedom — Incorrect. Gandhiji did fast on 15 August 1947, but in Calcutta. The refugees in Delhi did not object to that fast.

Option (2) Readings from the Koran held as part of his gatherings — Correct. Refugees in the capital <strong>objected to readings from the Koran</strong> at his meetings. They also asked why he did not speak of Hindus and Sikhs still in Pakistan.

Option (3) His support for the plan to divide British India — Incorrect. Gandhiji felt freedom had come at an unacceptable price with a divided nation. The refugees did not attack him for backing Partition.

Option (4) His plan to stay on in Delhi and not visit Punjab — Incorrect. Gandhiji in fact <strong>hoped to move on</strong> from Delhi to the riot-torn districts of Punjab. The refugees did not object to his plans.

NCERT (2026-27): “5. The Last Heroic Days …
Many scholars have written of the months after Independence as being Gandhiji’s “finest hour”. After working to bring peace to Bengal, Gandhiji now shifted to Delhi, from where he hoped to move on to the riot-torn districts of Punjab. While in the capital, his meetings were disrupted by refugees who objected to readings from the Koran, or shouted slogans asking why he did not speak of the sufferings of those Hindus and Sikhs still living in Pakistan. In fact, as D.G. Tendulkar writes, Gandhiji “was equally concerned with the sufferings of the minority community in Pakistan. He would have liked to be able to go to their succour. But with what face could he now go there, when he could not guarantee full redress to the Muslims in Delhi?” …”

While in Delhi after Independence, Gandhiji found his prayer meetings disrupted by refugees. What did these refugees object to?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Readings from the Koran held as part of his gatherings

Option (1) His fast on the day the country celebrated its freedom — Incorrect. Gandhiji did fast on 15 August 1947, but in Calcutta. The refugees in Delhi did not object to that fast.