Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions:
In the words of R. C. Mazumdar, there is, however, no basis for the claim that the Civil Disobedience Movement directly led to independence. The campaigns of Mahatma Gandhi came to an ignoble end about fourteen year before India achieved independence. During the First World War, the Indian revolutionaries sought to take advantage of German help in the shape of war materials to free the country by armed revolt. However, this attempt did not met with desired results. During the Second World War, Subhash Chandra Bose followed the same method, and formed the Indian National Army. In spite of brilliant planning and initial success, the violent campaigns of Subhash Chandra Bose also failed. The battles for India’s freedom were also being fought against Britain, though indirectly, by Adolf Hitler in Europe, and in Japan (Asia). None of these achieved direct success, but few would deny that it was the cumulative effect of all the three that brought freedom to India. In particular, the revelations made by the Indian National Army trial, and the reaction it produced in India, made it quite plain to the British, already exhausted by the war, that they could no longer depend upon the loyalty of the sepoys for maintaining their authority in India. This had probably the greatest influence upon their final decision to quit India.
Question-2
Which of the factors led to the independence of India?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is: OPTION 4 - All of the above
The passage explains that no single factor directly led to India’s independence. Instead, it emphasizes the cumulative effect of several movements and events:
- The Civil Disobedience Movement contributed to the freedom struggle.
- The efforts and sacrifices of the Indian National Army (INA) under Subhash Chandra Bose influenced public opinion and weakened British confidence.
- The passage especially highlights the growing unrest and lack of loyalty among the British Indian Army sepoys, which convinced the British that they could no longer maintain authority in India.