Which of the following classes participated the least in the Indian national movement?

Q. Which of the following classes participated the least in the Indian national movement?

(a) Capitalists

(b) Princes of states

(c) Governments officials

(d) Peasants

Ans: (b) Princes of states

Explanation: The class that participated the least in the Indian national movement among the options provided is (b) Princes of states.

While various sections of society actively participated in the Indian national movement, including capitalists, government officials, and peasants, the participation of the princes of states was relatively limited. The princes, who were rulers of princely states in British India, had varying levels of engagement with the national movement.

While some princes actively supported the movement for independence and aligned themselves with the Indian National Congress, many others remained cautious or indifferent to the political developments. Some princes even had alliances or close ties with the British colonial authorities, which restrained their involvement in the national movement.

However, it’s important to note that there were exceptions, and some princes did lend their support to the independence struggle. For example, notable princes like Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda and Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir actively participated in the national movement.

Overall, the participation of the princes of states, as a class, in the Indian national movement was relatively limited compared to other sections of society such as capitalists, government officials, and peasants.