In the context of Indian freedom movement Komagata Maru was a :

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Japanese ship.

The Komagata Maru was a Japanese steamship that became a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule and discriminatory immigration policies. The incident in 1914 underscored the racial discrimination faced by Indians under British rule, both in India and across the British Empire.

Key Facts about the Komagata Maru Incident:

Voyage and Passengers:

• The Komagata Maru sailed from Hong Kong to Vancouver, Canada, carrying 376 passengers, primarily Sikhs, along with Hindus and Muslims.
• Most passengers were Punjabi Indians seeking better economic opportunities abroad.

Canada's Discriminatory Immigration Policies:

• The Continuous Journey Regulation of 1908 was cited to deny entry to the passengers. This law required immigrants to travel directly from their country of origin, which was practically impossible for Indians due to the lack of direct shipping routes.
• The ship was held in Vancouver harbor for two months, where passengers endured harsh conditions.

Return to India and Tragedy:

• After being denied entry, the Komagata Maru returned to India, docking in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
• British authorities suspected the passengers of being revolutionaries and attempted to detain them.
• A confrontation at Budge Budge, near Calcutta, led to violence:
  • 22 passengers were killed.
  • Many others were arrested or imprisoned.

Impact on the Indian Freedom Movement:

• The Komagata Maru incident heightened anti-British sentiments, particularly among the Sikh community.
• It served as a rallying point for Indian nationalists and freedom fighters, emphasizing the racial discrimination and injustices faced by Indians under colonial rule.

Additional Information:

• Revolutionary Societies: Organizations like the Ghadar Party used the incident to mobilize support for the Indian independence movement.
• Nationalist Press: Newspapers widely reported the incident, raising awareness about the racial injustices faced by Indians abroad and fueling anti-British sentiment.