Chapter 6
Three Great Indians
1.Who was Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji, and why is he considered an important figure in Indian history?
Ans: Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji, born on February 3, 1816, in Raiyan, Ludhiana, was a religious and social reformer who led the Kuka Movement in Punjab. He promoted social reforms, opposed British rule, and inspired thousands to live morally and fight for the freedom of India.
2.What were the main teachings of Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji?
Ans: He taught belief in one God, a simple and honest life, helping the poor, opposing child marriage, female foeticide, alcohol, non-vegetarian food, dowry, religious fanaticism, cow slaughter, and casteism.
3.When and where did Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji deliver his first sermon?
Ans: His first sermon was delivered on Baisakhi Day in 1857 at Shri Bhaini Sahib in Ludhiana.
4.What slogan did Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji give against British rule, and what did it signify?
Ans: He gave the slogan “Unite and Fight,” urging Indians to unite against the British instead of being divided, opposing the British policy of “Divide and Rule.”
5.What concept did Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji introduce to encourage Indian self-reliance?
Ans: He introduced the concept of “Be Indian, Buy Indian” to promote national economic self-reliance and reduce dependence on British goods.
6.What does the word ‘Kuka’ signify, and why were his followers called Kukas?
Ans: ‘Kuka’ means ‘roar.’ His followers, known as Namdharis, were called Kukas because they raised a loud voice against British oppression.
7.How did the British react to the rise of the Kuka Movement?
Ans: The British reacted brutally. Nine Namdharis were hanged in 1871, and 65 were executed by cannon fire in 1872 at Malerkotla, Punjab.
8.Who was Bishan Singh, and how did he die?
Ans: Bishan Singh was a 12-year-old Namdhari martyr. He refused to renounce his allegiance, attacked a British officer, lost both hands, and was beheaded for his bravery.
9.What happened to Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji during the British crackdown?
Ans: He was arrested and exiled to Burma and other unknown foreign lands, but his teachings and spirit continued to guide his followers.
10.What values do the followers of Sri Satguru Ram Singh Ji promote today?
Ans: They continue to spread messages of universal brotherhood, national unity, secularism, simple living, and high thinking.
11.Who was Rani Laxmi Bai, and why is she celebrated in Indian history?
Ans: Rani Laxmi Bai, born Manikarnika on November 16, 1834, in Varanasi, became the Rani of Jhansi. She is celebrated for her bravery in the First War of Independence (1857) and her indomitable spirit against the British.
12.What was Rani Laxmi Bai’s childhood name, and what skills did she acquire?
Ans: Her childhood name was Manikarnika or Manu. She learned horse-riding and martial arts while living in Bithur with her father.
13.When did she get married, and to whom?
Ans: She was married at the age of eight to Raja Gangadhar Rao of Jhansi, becoming the Rani of Jhansi.
14.What tragedy befell Rani Laxmi Bai’s family by 1853?
Ans: Both her husband and her son died, leaving her widowed and childless.
15.What was the 'Policy of Lapse,' and how did it affect Jhansi?
Ans: The Policy of Lapse, enforced by the British, did not recognize her adopted son as heir and annexed Jhansi in 1853, depriving her of sovereignty.
16.How did the people of Jhansi react during the rebellion of 1857?
Ans: The sepoy regiment rebelled, British control collapsed, and the people obeyed Rani Laxmi Bai as their leader.
17.Who led the British forces against Jhansi, and what was the outcome?
Ans: Sir Hugh Rose led the British forces, eventually besieging Jhansi. The Rani had to leave the fort and continue fighting elsewhere.
18.Where did Rani Laxmi Bai go after leaving Jhansi, and whom did she join?
Ans: She reached Kalpi, where she merged her forces with Tantia Tope, the Nawab of Banda.
19.How did Rani Laxmi Bai die, and when?
Ans: She was fatally wounded while organizing a retreat on June 18, 1858, and died on the battlefield.
20.Why is Rani Laxmi Bai remembered as an indomitable leader?
Ans: Her courage, leadership, and sacrifice for her country’s independence made her an enduring symbol of resistance against British colonialism.
21.Who was Udham Singh, and when was he born?
Ans: Udham Singh was a revolutionary freedom fighter, born on December 26, 1899, in Sunam, Punjab.
22.What tragedy in Udham Singh’s childhood influenced his life?
Ans: He lost his parents and was admitted to Khalsa Orphanage, Amritsar, during a time when revolutionary activities against the British were widespread.
23.What was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and how did it affect Udham Singh?
Ans: On April 13, 1919, General Dyer opened fire on peaceful protestors against the Rowlatt Act, killing hundreds. Udham Singh, serving water at the site, was deeply affected and vowed revenge against the British.
24.What revolutionary organization did Udham Singh join in America?
Ans: He joined the Gadar Party, a revolutionary group working for India’s independence.
25.What name did Udham Singh adopt after imprisonment, and why?
Ans: He wrote his name as Ram Muhammad Singh Azad, symbolizing India’s unity beyond religion.
26.Who did Udham Singh assassinate in London, and why?
Ans: On March 13, 1940, he killed Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, responsible for approving Dyer’s actions during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
27.How did Udham Singh respond to the death sentence?
Ans: He remained fearless, saying he was dying for a purpose and was not worried about the sentence.
28.When and where was Udham Singh executed?
Ans: He was executed on July 31, 1940, in London.
29.Why is Udham Singh considered a martyr?
Ans: He sacrificed his life for India’s liberation, avenging atrocities committed against Indians by the British.
30.What motivated Udham Singh’s revolutionary activities?
Ans: The brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre and British oppression fueled his determination to fight for India’s freedom.
Answer by Mrinmoee
