With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements : 1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'. 2. In Lord Chelmsford's 'War Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War. 3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 1 is correct: Gandhi's campaign of 1916–17, threatening satyagraha, forced the Government to abolish the indentured labour system (announced 1917).
• Statement 3 is correct: after the Salt Satyagraha began in 1930, the Government banned the Congress Working Committee and provincial committees, declaring the Congress an unlawful organisation.
• Statement 2 is wrong: at Chelmsford's Delhi War Conference (April 1918) Gandhi supported the recruitment resolution and even campaigned as a 'recruiting sergeant' in Kheda.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: Gandhi supported war recruitment in 1918.
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is wrong; statement 1 is correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.