Question

What was the dominant contradiction within the Indian national movement concerning the caste system?

• A. Nationalist leaders considered the abolition of untouchability undesirable while opposing social reforms.
• B. Nationalist leaders worked for upliftment of lower castes while denying education to upper castes.
• C. Nationalist leaders did not consider colonialism a social evil but regarded caste system a menace.
• D. Nationalist leaders worked against discrimination of lower castes while also prioritizing the interests of upper castes.

Hint:

Think of the social background of the leaders. They preached equality, but they also came from the groups that gained from the old order. Compare each choice with this fact.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Indian national movement wanted to unite all Indians against colonial rule. Many leaders also spoke against untouchability and caste discrimination. But the movement was led mostly by upper caste, educated people, so a tension appeared. The question asks what this main tension, or contradiction, was.

Step 2: Check option (A).
Leaders such as Gandhi openly called untouchability a sin and worked for its removal. So the claim that they found its abolition undesirable is false. This option is wrong.

Step 3: Check option (B).
Nationalist leaders did not deny education to upper castes. Upper castes already had access to education. It was the lower castes who were kept out. This option reverses the real situation, so it is wrong.

Step 4: Check option (C).
Nationalist leaders saw colonialism as the main evil of their time. They did not ignore it. The option also twists the idea of the contradiction. So it is wrong.

Step 5: Check option (D).
This matches history. Leaders spoke against discrimination of lower castes and wanted social reform. At the same time, the movement leadership came from upper castes and did not want to lose their support or interests. Critics like Ambedkar pointed out this gap. This option is correct.

Final Answer:
The real contradiction was that leaders opposed caste discrimination yet kept upper caste interests in view. This is option 4. \[ \boxed{\text{Option 4}} \]