Question

During the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920–22, some 40,000  were jailed for various terms. The Salt Satyagraha of 1930 saw over 60,000 people jailed and a large number brutalised by the police. The Civil Disobedience Movement during 1931–34 saw another 40,000 freedom fighters jailed. During the Quit India Movement of 1942–45, over 100,000 freedom fighters were imprisoned and nearly 10,000 killed during the brutal repression of the movement.

You need not remember these figures. However, conduct a class discussion about their significance in terms of the huge collective sacrifice suffered by the Indian people.

Answer 1

The figures show the enormous sacrifices made by Indians during the freedom struggle. They prove that the movement was not limited to a few well-known leaders but involved millions of ordinary people. The high number of arrests and deaths reflects the people’s willingness to face hardship and suffering for independence. These sacrifices demonstrate the strong desire for freedom, courage, and determination of Indians despite severe British repression. They also show that the movement was a collective effort, with students, farmers, women, workers, and people from different sections of society actively participating in the struggle.