Instructions
Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. This worksheet will guide you through the important story of how India gained its independence.
Part 1: Match the Meanings
Draw a line to match the term on the left with its correct meaning on the right.
| 1. East India Company | A. The period when the British government directly ruled India. |
| 2. British Raj | B. The division of British India into two separate countries: India and Pakistan. |
| 3. Independence Movement | C. A powerful British trading company that grew to control large parts of India. |
| 4. Partition | D. The long struggle by the people of India to gain freedom from British rule. |
Part 2: Fill in the Blanks
Use the words from the word bank below to complete the paragraph. Each word is used only once.
The journey to India's freedom was long. It began with a trading company but soon turned into the ____________________, where Britain ruled India directly. Many Indians wanted to rule their own country and joined the independence movement. A very important leader, Mahatma ____________________, believed in fighting for freedom using peaceful, ____________________ methods. Another leader, ______________________________, believed that Muslims needed their own nation. When independence was finally granted in 1947, the land was partitioned, creating the new country of ____________________ alongside India.
Part 3: Who Am I?
Read the descriptions below and write the name of the correct historical figure.
-
I am known as the 'Father of the Nation' in India. I led the country to freedom using peaceful protests, like the Salt March. I believed in non-violence to bring about change.
Who am I? _________________________ -
I was a major leader in the independence movement and the first Prime Minister of Pakistan. I argued that a separate nation was necessary to protect the interests of Muslims.
Who am I? _________________________
Part 4: Think About It
Mahatma Gandhi encouraged people to protest without using violence. For example, they would peacefully march or refuse to buy British-made clothes. Why do you think this was a powerful way to challenge the rulers?
Answer Key
Part 1: Match the Meanings
1. East India Company → C. A powerful British trading company that grew to control large parts of India.
2. British Raj → A. The period when the British government directly ruled India.
3. Independence Movement → D. The long struggle by the people of India to gain freedom from British rule.
4. Partition → B. The division of British India into two separate countries: India and Pakistan.
Part 2: Fill in the Blanks
The journey to India's freedom was long. It began with a trading company but soon turned into the British Raj, where Britain ruled India directly. Many Indians wanted to rule their own country and joined the independence movement. A very important leader, Mahatma Gandhi, believed in fighting for freedom using peaceful, non-violent methods. Another leader, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, believed that Muslims needed their own nation. When independence was finally granted in 1947, the land was partitioned, creating the new country of Pakistan alongside India.
Part 3: Who Am I?
- Who am I? Mahatma Gandhi
- Who am I? Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Part 4: Think About It
(Answers will vary, but should include ideas like the ones below.)
Possible answers:
- It showed self-control and moral strength, which made the British look like bullies.
- It made it hard for the British to justify using violence against peaceful people.
- Many people could join in, including women and the elderly, who might not be able to join a violent fight.
- Refusing to buy British goods hurt them economically (it cost them money).