{"id":31907,"date":"2026-09-29T17:24:53","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T11:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mycbseguide.com\/blog\/?p=31907"},"modified":"2026-09-29T17:25:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T11:55:57","slug":"indias-long-road-to-independence-ncert-solutions-class-8-social-science-new","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mycbseguide.com\/blog\/indias-long-road-to-independence-ncert-solutions-class-8-social-science-new\/","title":{"rendered":"India’s Long Road to Independence – NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science (New)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

India’s Long Road to Independence<\/strong><\/strong> – NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science (New) Understanding Society includes all the questions with solutions given in the NCERT Class 8 Social Science Book Understanding Society textbook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NCERT Solutions Class 8<\/h2>\n\n\nEnglish Poorvi<\/a>\n\n\nHindi Malhar<\/a>\n\n\nMaths Ganita Prakash<\/a>\n\n\nScience Curiosity<\/a>\n\n\nSocial Exploring Society<\/a>\n\n\n\n

India’s Long Road to Independence<\/strong><\/strong> \u2013 NCERT Solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Q.1: How did a land of diverse geographies, languages and religions come together to challenge and finally end nearly two centuries of British rule?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

India’s people united against British rule through a common desire for freedom. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose inspired people from different regions, religions, languages, and communities. Mass movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement encouraged widespread participation. Through unity, peaceful protests, sacrifices, and collective action, Indians challenged British authority and finally achieved independence in 1947.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.2: What were the main developments and who were some important figures in India’s struggle for freedom?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Indian freedom struggle saw major movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920\u201322), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930\u201334), and Quit India Movement (1942). These united people against British rule. Important leaders included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Sarojini Naidu, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who inspired people to fight for freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.3: What issues did the leading freedom fighters agree or disagree upon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The freedom fighters agreed that British rule should end and India should become independent. However, they differed on the methods to achieve freedom. Mahatma Gandhi believed in non-violence and peaceful protests, while Subhas Chandra Bose supported armed struggle. They also had different views on economic policies, the role of religion in politics, and the future governance of independent India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.4: How are the values expressed by Swami Vivekananda above relevant in the {tex}21{ }^{\\text {st }}{\/tex} century? Can some of them help you achieve your goals? Share your thoughts with your classmates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swami Vivekananda’s values of self-confidence, hard work, discipline, fearlessness, and service to humanity remain highly relevant in the 21st century. These values help people face challenges, achieve success, and contribute positively to society. They can also help me achieve my goals by encouraging me to stay focused, work sincerely, overcome difficulties with courage, and develop a positive attitude towards life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.5: Why do you think the Bande Mataram daily avoided using the word ‘independence’?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bande Mataram daily likely avoided using the word ‘independence’ because the British government strictly censored newspapers and punished those promoting rebellion. Instead, it used indirect expressions to convey the idea of complete freedom while avoiding immediate suppression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.6:<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Comment on the phrase ‘absolute national autonomy’ in the above quotation from a Bande Mataram article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The phrase ‘absolute national autonomy’ means complete self-rule, with India governing itself without any foreign control. It reflected the growing demand for full freedom and inspired Indians to strive for a sovereign and independent nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.7: In what ways are these two representations of Mother India similar or different?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both representations of Mother India symbolize the nation as a mother deserving love, respect, and devotion. However, they differ in artistic style, clothing, symbols, and expressions. One may appear as a spiritual mother holding sacred objects, while the other may portray a stronger nationalist image reflecting the freedom struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.8: What details can you discern in the front cover of Subramania Bharati’s Vijaya?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The front cover of Vijaya depicts Mother India as a symbol of the nation, often accompanied by the Indian map, the national flag, or patriotic slogans. It reflects the spirit of unity, freedom, nationalism, and the aspiration for India’s independence from British rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.9: Right from its inception, the Indian National Congress called for India’s independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True
(2) False \u2705<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: The Indian National Congress initially demanded constitutional reforms and greater Indian participation in administration. The demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj) was officially adopted only in 1929.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.10: Bal Gangadhar Tilak turned a Shivaji festival into a popular event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True \u2705
(2) False<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: True<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.11: The Ghadar Movement of 1914-15 aimed to start a mutiny within the British Indian Army while British troops were busy with World War I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True \u2705
(2) False<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: True<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.12: Vallabhbhai Patel earned the title ‘Sardar’ for his leadership during the Satyagraha agitation in Gujarat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True \u2705
(2) False<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: True<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.13: The Kakori train robbery of 1925 was carried out to fund the activities of the Hindustan Republican Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True \u2705
(2) False<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: True<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.14: The ‘Do or Die’ call was given by Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True
(2) False \u2705<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: The “Do or Die” slogan was given by Mahatma Gandhi during the Quit India Movement in 1942, not during the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.15: B.R. Ambedkar and Gandhi were in total agreement regarding the issue of ‘separate electorates’ for Dalits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True
(2) False \u2705<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: Gandhi opposed separate electorates for Dalits, while B.R. Ambedkar initially supported them. Their disagreement led to the Poona Pact (1932).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.16: Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India in 1942 because Winston Churchill supported immediate independence for India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True
(2) False \u2705<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: Churchill did not support immediate independence. The Cripps Mission aimed to secure Indian cooperation in World War II by offering limited constitutional proposals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.17: Subhas Chandra Bose raised an army during his stay in Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True
(2) False \u2705<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose reorganised and led the Indian National Army (INA) mainly in Southeast Asia with Japanese support, not in Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.18: The Radcliffe Line, which divided India and Pakistan, was announced a few weeks before Independence Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options:
(1) True
(2) False \u2705<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explanation: The Radcliffe Line was announced on 17 August 1947, after India’s Independence on 15 August 1947.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.19: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?
Known as the ‘Lion of Punjab’, I was severely injured during a brutal lathi charge while protesting against the Simon Commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lala Lajpat Rai<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.20: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I famously declared, ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!’ I used the Kesari newspaper and festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi to unite people against British rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Bal Gangadhar Tilak<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.21: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?
I was a leader of the Nationalist faction of the Congress. In the daily Bande Mataram, I wrote on the need for India to attain absolute autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Aurobindo Ghosh<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.22: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?
I earned my nickname ‘Bagha’ after wrestling a tiger with my bare hands. I was a revolutionary leader who died in a gunfight while waiting for a shipment of German arms to start an uprising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Bagha Jatin (Jatindranath Mukherjee)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.23: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I organised the daring attempt to throw a bomb at the Viceroy in 1912. I later escaped to Japan, where I spent years working to organise a movement from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Rash Behari Bose<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.24: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?
I was martyred at a young age after an attempt on the life of a British judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Khudiram Bose<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.25: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?
I was martyred at a young age after throwing non-lethal bombs in Delhi’s Central Legislative Assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Bhagat Singh<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.26: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?
I turned the freedom struggle into a mass movement through the principles of ahimsa<\/em> and satyagraha<\/em>, leading campaigns such as the Dandi March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Mahatma Gandhi<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.27: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?
I sought help from the Axis powers during World War II to organise the Indian National Army.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Subhas Chandra Bose<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.28: Who Am I? Can you identify this figure?
A British lawyer, I was given just five weeks to draw the boundary line that would partition the Indian subcontinent into two separate nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Sir Cyril Radcliffe<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.29: What kinds of sacrifices are needed to achieve freedom? Think about the lives of Indian soldiers during wars, families suffering during famines, leaders and ordinary people who were arrested, and countless others who lost their homes and safety while participating in protests. If you were living during India’s freedom struggle, would you have chosen to participate in it? What comforts, opportunities, or personal goals might you have been willing to give up for a cause you strongly believed in?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: Achieving freedom often requires great sacrifices such as risking one’s life, enduring imprisonment, giving up education or employment, facing financial hardship, and being separated from family. Many freedom fighters and ordinary citizens accepted these hardships for the nation’s independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I had lived during India’s freedom struggle, I would have chosen to participate peacefully. I would have been willing to give up personal comfort, leisure, and career opportunities to support the cause of freedom, justice, and equality for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.30: What values does Tilak’s statement, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” reflect? Can these values be meaningful for young people today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tilak’s statement, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” reflects the values of patriotism, courage, self-respect, determination, and the desire for freedom. These values remain meaningful for young people today as they encourage confidence, responsibility, perseverance, and standing up for justice, rights, and the welfare of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.31: How did peasants, workers, tribals, and students contribute to the national movement in ways different from political leaders?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peasants, workers, tribals, and students strengthened the national movement through mass participation. Peasants opposed unfair taxes, workers organised strikes, tribals resisted British exploitation of forests and land, and students joined protests, boycotts, and public campaigns. Unlike political leaders who planned and guided the movement, these groups spread it across the country through their active involvement and sacrifices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.32: Discuss in class this extract from Nehru’s speech on 15 August 1947:
“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance…”
What is meant by “redeem our pledge”? How would you define the ‘soul of a nation’?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Redeem our pledge” means fulfilling the promise that Indian leaders and people had made to achieve freedom after years of struggle and sacrifice. It signifies turning their long-held dream of independence into reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The “soul of a nation” refers to the shared identity, values, culture, hopes, and spirit of its people. In this context, it means that after years of foreign rule, India was finally able to express its true aspirations as a free and independent nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Q.33: Imagine you are a freedom fighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Explain the method you support to achieve freedom.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Discuss with your classmates any other method they would support. Be respectful in your debate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. What does this debate teach us about unity and disagreement?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. I would support the method of non-violent protest (ahimsa and satyagraha). Peaceful marches, boycotts, and civil disobedience can unite people and oppose injustice without violence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Some people may support revolutionary methods or armed resistance, while others may prefer peaceful protests. Every opinion should be discussed respectfully.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. This debate teaches that people can have different opinions but still work together for a common goal. Unity and mutual respect are essential for success.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      Q.34: Write a news report based on an important event in the Freedom Movement (Swadeshi, boycott, satyagraha, Non-Cooperation, Quit India, or Partition).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Write a headline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Include one interview or public reaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Explain why this event was important.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. Headline:<\/strong>
          Quit India Movement Launched: Nation Unites for Complete Independence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Public Reaction:
          “We are ready to sacrifice everything for India’s freedom,” said a young volunteer participating in the movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Why this event was important:<\/strong>
          The Quit India Movement of 1942 united millions of Indians against British rule. It became a major step towards independence and strengthened the demand for complete freedom.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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          Q.35: Imagine you are part of a team creating a small museum exhibition on India’s freedom struggle for students of your age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Choose a title for your exhibit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Select three objects (for example: a letter, a photograph, a newspaper, a prison diary – you can add to these examples) and explain what each object represents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Write a short note on what visitors should learn or feel after seeing this exhibit.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            1. Title:\u00a0<\/strong>India’s Freedom Struggle: The Journey to Independence\n