Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Modern India: Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist movement

Question:

Read the passage and answer the questions:

This is how a Hindi newspaper in Gorakhpur reported the atmosphere during his speeches:

At Bhatni, Gandhiji addressed the local public and then the train started for Gorakhpur. There were not less than 15,000 to 20,000 people at Nunkhar, Deoria, Gauri Bazar, Chauri Chaura and Kusmhi (stations)... Mahatmaji was very pleased to witness the scene at Kusmhi, as despite the fact that the station is in the muddle of a jungle there were not less than 10,000 people here. Some, overcome with their love were seen to be crying. At Deoria, people wanted to give bhent (donations) to Gandhiji, but he asked them to give theses at Gorakhpur. But at Chauri Chaura, one Marwari gentleman managed to hand over something to him. Then there was no stopping. A sheet was spread and currency notes and coins started raining. It was a sight... Outside the Gorakhpur station the Mahatma was stood on a high carriage and people had a good darshan of him for a couple of minutes.

During the visit many people were seen crying on the sight of Gandhi, because:

Options:

They were suffering with extreme poverty.

The power of the British rule was brutal on them.

They had lost their close ones in the First World War.

They were able to relate with Gandhi as a leader who dressed like them, lived like them and spoke in their languages.

Correct Answer:

They were able to relate with Gandhi as a leader who dressed like them, lived like them and spoke in their languages.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → They were able to relate with Gandhi as a leader who dressed like them, lived like them and spoke in their languages.

Simplicity and Relatability: The passage describes Gandhi addressing the local public and mentions that people were pleased to witness him in the midst of a jungle at Kusmhi. This suggests that people were impressed by Gandhi's simplicity and his ability to connect with them in diverse settings, including remote areas.

Emotional Connection: Gandhi's emphasis on simplicity, his choice of clothing, and his ability to speak in local languages endeared him to the masses. People may have felt a strong emotional connection to Gandhi, seeing him as a leader who understood their struggles and lived a life that resonated with theirs.

Shared Lifestyle: The reference to people wanting to give donations and the spontaneous generosity, including the raining of currency notes and coins, indicates a sense of shared values and lifestyle. People may have seen Gandhi as someone who shared in their challenges and aspirations.

Symbol of Hope: Gandhi's presence and the emotional reactions of the people could signify that he represented a symbol of hope and inspiration. His leadership style, which emphasized nonviolence, simplicity, and connection with the masses, might have instilled a sense of optimism and identification among the people.

So, the correct option is [4].