Glimpses of the Past – CBSE NCERT Study Resources
All Question Types with Solutions – CBSE Exam Pattern
Explore a complete set of CBSE-style questions with detailed solutions, categorized by marks and question types. Ideal for exam preparation, revision and practice.
Very Short Answer (1 Mark) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These are 1-mark questions requiring direct, concise answers. Ideal for quick recall and concept clarity.
It shows important events from Indian history.
S.D. Sawant wrote it.
The Doctrine of Lapse policy.
They faced heavy taxes and poverty.
Tipu Sultan fought against the British.
British policy to annex Indian states.
Due to unfair treaties and policies.
It controlled trade and later ruled India.
Sati was a harmful practice.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy fought for reforms.
Farmers protested against unfair indigo farming.
Indian soldiers and rulers rebelled together.
British disrespect for Indian traditions.
They spread awareness and unity.
The chapter Glimpses of the Past is authored by S.D. Sawant. It is a compilation of historical events presented in a story format.
The Regulating Act of 1773 aimed to bring the East India Company under the control of the British Parliament and regulate its administration in India.
Two social evils highlighted are:
- Child marriage
- Sati system
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer who fought against social evils like sati and promoted modern education and women's rights.
The Indian soldiers rebelled due to:
- Use of animal fat in cartridges
- Low wages and poor treatment
- Disrespect for Indian traditions
The Doctrine of Lapse allowed the British to annex Indian states if the ruler died without a male heir, leading to loss of sovereignty for many kingdoms.
British policies like high taxes and cash crops forced farmers into debt and poverty, destroying traditional agriculture.
Kesari, started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, was a prominent newspaper that criticized British policies.
Western education:
- Spread modern ideas
- Inspired social reforms
- Created a class of Indians who later led the freedom struggle
The Champaran Movement marked Gandhiji's first satyagraha in India, protesting against unfair indigo farming practices.
They:
- Exported raw materials cheaply
- Imposed heavy taxes
- Destroyed local industries to promote British goods
It teaches the importance of unity, awareness, and courage in fighting injustice, while highlighting the sacrifices made during British rule.
Very Short Answer (2 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 2-mark questions test key concepts in a brief format. Answers are expected to be accurate and slightly descriptive.
The Regulating Act of 1773 aimed to bring the East India Company under British parliamentary control. It introduced reforms to reduce corruption and mismanagement in the company's administration.
The British imposed heavy taxes to maximize revenue for their administration. This led to widespread poverty and famines, as farmers couldn't afford to pay and often lost their lands.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy fought against social evils like sati and promoted education and women's rights. He founded the Brahmo Samaj to reform Hindu society.
The British forced Indian weavers to sell cotton at low prices and buy finished goods at high costs. This destroyed the local textile industry and made weavers poor.
The Doctrine of Lapse allowed the British to annex Indian states if the ruler died without a male heir. This angered many princely states and fueled resentment against British rule.
The Santhal Rebellion (1855-56) occurred due to exploitation by British landlords and moneylenders. The Santhals revolted to protect their land and rights.
The chapter emphasizes that unity among Indians was crucial in opposing British rule. It shows how divided kingdoms fell prey to colonial exploitation.
The British education system created a class of Indians who admired Western culture but later used their knowledge to demand freedom and reforms.
The British introduced railways, which improved transportation and connectivity across India, though their primary motive was economic exploitation.
Indian rulers lost their power to the British due to:
- Divide and rule policy – British exploited rivalries among Indian kings.
- Superior military technology – British had advanced weapons and strategies.
- Economic exploitation – Heavy taxes and trade policies weakened local rulers.
Two leaders mentioned are Tipu Sultan (fought in the Anglo-Mysore Wars) and Rani Lakshmibai (led the revolt in Jhansi during the 1857 uprising).
British education policies introduced English education, which created a class of Indians familiar with Western ideas. However, it also undermined traditional Indian knowledge systems.
The Revolt of 1857 failed due to:
- Lack of unity – Not all regions participated.
- Superior British military – Better weapons and strategy.
- No clear leadership – The revolt was uncoordinated.
The British justified their rule by claiming they were bringing modernization, education, and law and order to India. However, their real motive was economic exploitation.
Newspapers like Kesari and The Hindu spread awareness about British exploitation and united Indians. They played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion against colonial rule.
Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.
The British exploited India economically through policies like heavy taxation, destruction of local industries, and forced cultivation of cash crops.
They imposed high taxes on farmers, leading to widespread poverty.
Indian handicrafts and textiles were ruined to promote British factory goods.
Farmers were forced to grow indigo and cotton instead of food crops, causing famines.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a key social reformer who fought against superstitions and social evils like Sati and child marriage.
He promoted modern education and women's rights.
He founded the Brahmo Samaj to reform Hindu society and encouraged rational thinking.
His efforts led to the abolition of Sati in 1829.
The British land revenue policies, like the Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari System, led to severe hardships for farmers.
High taxes forced farmers into debt.
Many lost their lands to moneylenders.
Famines became frequent as farmers grew cash crops instead of food.
This exploitation fueled discontent and rebellions like the Indigo Revolt.
The British education system introduced English and Western ideas, creating a class of Indians loyal to the British.
Traditional Indian education was neglected.
While it produced clerks and administrators, it also inspired leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy to reform society.
It created a divide between English-educated elites and the masses.
The sepoys rebelled due to low pay, racial discrimination, and the use of greased cartridges (rumored to contain cow and pig fat).
They were also unhappy with British interference in Indian customs.
The rebellion, called the First War of Independence, united soldiers, peasants, and rulers against British rule.
The Divide and Rule policy created divisions between Hindus and Muslims to weaken the freedom movement.
It led to communal tensions and delayed independence.
British promoted separate electorates and favored certain groups.
This policy sowed seeds of partition in 1947.
The British imposed heavy taxes on Indian farmers to maximize their revenue from India. Economic exploitation was a key strategy to fund British administration and wars. Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari System forced farmers to pay fixed taxes, leading to widespread poverty and famines.
British manufactured goods, produced cheaply due to industrialization, flooded Indian markets. Indian handicrafts, which were handmade and expensive, couldn't compete.
- Many artisans lost their livelihoods.
- Traditional skills declined.
- India became a market for British goods instead of an exporter.
Newspapers like Kesari and The Hindu played a crucial role in exposing British injustices.
- They highlighted issues like heavy taxes and famines.
- They united people by publishing articles in regional languages.
- They inspired movements like the Swadeshi Movement.
The Doctrine of Lapse was a British policy to annex Indian states if the ruler died without a natural heir.
- It caused resentment among Indian kings like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.
- Many kingdoms like Satara and Nagpur were annexed unfairly.
- It became a major cause of the 1857 revolt.
The British introduced English education to create a class of Indians loyal to them.
- They taught Western ideas and values, making Indians admire British culture.
- Jobs in the British administration were given only to English-educated Indians.
- This created a divide between the educated elite and the masses.
Indian soldiers, or sepoys, faced harsh treatment under the British.
- They were paid less than British soldiers.
- They were forced to serve overseas, which was against their religious beliefs.
- The use of greased cartridges (with cow/pig fat) angered Hindu and Muslim soldiers, leading to the 1857 revolt.
Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.
Our textbook shows that British policies created unrest among Indian rulers. They imposed unfair taxes and interfered in local governance.
Argument 1
- The Doctrine of Lapse denied rulers the right to adopt heirs, angering many.
- Example: The annexation of Satara under this policy.
Argument 2
- High taxes on land and trade made rulers poor.
- Example: Nawabs lost revenue due to British control.
Conclusion
These policies weakened Indian rulers, leading to widespread discontent.
We studied how education helped Indians realize their rights under British rule. It spread awareness about freedom.
Argument 1
- English education exposed Indians to ideas of liberty and equality.
- Example: Raja Ram Mohan Roy advocated modern education.
Argument 2
- Schools and newspapers spread nationalist ideas.
- Example: The role of Kesari newspaper in Maharashtra.
Conclusion
Education became a tool for Indians to fight for independence.
The British exploited Indian farmers through unfair policies. Our textbook highlights their struggles.
Argument 1
- High land taxes forced farmers into debt.
- Example: Indigo farmers in Bengal suffered under British planters.
Argument 2
- Cash crops replaced food crops, causing famines.
- Example: The 1770 Bengal Famine due to forced indigo cultivation.
Conclusion
Farmers faced extreme hardships under British rule.
The 1857 revolt showed the frustration of Indian soldiers against British rule. We studied their grievances.
Argument 1
- Soldiers were paid less and treated poorly.
- Example: Mangal Pandey's rebellion in Barrackpore.
Argument 2
- Religious sentiments were hurt by greased cartridges.
- Example: Refusal to use Enfield rifles.
Conclusion
The revolt marked the beginning of India's fight for freedom.
Social reforms during British rule aimed to improve Indian society. Our textbook highlights key changes.
Argument 1
- Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy fought against Sati.
- Example: Abolition of Sati in 1829.
Argument 2
- Education for women was promoted.
- Example: Jyotiba Phule opened schools for girls.
Conclusion
These reforms laid the foundation for a progressive society.
Our textbook shows how British policies exploited Indian farmers and artisans, leading to their ruin.
Argument 1
- High taxes forced farmers into debt, as seen in the story of Kunwar Singh.
- British imported cheap machine-made goods, destroying local artisans' livelihoods.
Argument 2
- Farmers lost lands due to unfair revenue systems like the Permanent Settlement.
- Artisans like weavers faced starvation as their handmade products became unsellable.
Conclusion
These policies caused widespread poverty and resentment, fueling the freedom struggle.
Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a key reformer who challenged outdated traditions.
Argument 1
- He fought against Sati, leading to its abolition with British help.
- Promoted education by supporting English and modern sciences.
Argument 2
- Founded the Brahmo Samaj to reform Hindu practices.
- Advocated for women's rights, including widow remarriage.
Conclusion
His efforts laid the foundation for a progressive India.
The 1857 revolt, also called the First War of Independence, started due to British oppression.
Argument 1
- It began with Mangal Pandey's rebellion against the Enfield rifle cartridges.
- Indian soldiers joined due to unfair treatment and low wages.
Argument 2
- Leaders like Rani Lakshmibai and Nana Saheb fought bravely.
- Though it failed, it united Indians against British rule.
Conclusion
The revolt inspired future freedom movements.
The British introduced English education, which had both positive and negative effects.
Argument 1
- It created a class of Indians who could demand rights, like Dadabhai Naoroji.
- Traditional knowledge systems like Sanskrit and Persian declined.
Argument 2
- Schools taught Western ideas, leading to social reforms.
- But it also created a divide between English-educated elites and the masses.
Conclusion
Education became a tool for both control and empowerment.
British economic policies drained India's wealth, causing widespread anger.
Argument 1
- Heavy taxes on farmers led to famines, as seen in the 1770 Bengal famine.
- Artisans lost jobs due to British factory goods flooding markets.
Argument 2
- India's raw materials were exported cheaply, and finished goods were sold back at high prices.
- Zamindars exploited peasants under the Permanent Settlement system.
Conclusion
These policies fueled the fight for freedom.
Our textbook shows how British policies exploited Indian farmers. They imposed heavy taxes and forced cash crops.
Argument 1
- High land revenue left farmers in debt.
- Example: Indigo cultivation ruined soil fertility.
Argument 2
- Farmers were forced to sell at low prices.
- Example: Textbooks mention the Bengal Famine due to rice exports.
Conclusion
These policies led to poverty and famines, harming agriculture.
Education helped Indians understand freedom and rights. Our textbook highlights its importance.
Argument 1
- Schools like Hindu College spread nationalist ideas.
- Example: Leaders like Tilak used newspapers to educate masses.
Argument 2
- English education exposed British exploitation.
- Example: Dadabhai Naoroji’s writings on economic drain.
Conclusion
Education united people against British rule, fueling the struggle.
The Doctrine of Lapse was a unfair British policy to annex kingdoms. Our textbook explains its impact.
Argument 1
- Kingdoms without natural heirs were taken over.
- Example: Satara and Jhansi were annexed.
Argument 2
- Rani Lakshmibai’s adoption was rejected.
- Example: This led to the 1857 revolt.
Conclusion
It angered Indian rulers, becoming a cause for rebellion.
Social reforms united Indians against British rule. Our textbook shows reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Argument 1
- Reformers abolished evils like Sati.
- Example: Roy’s Brahmo Samaj promoted equality.
Argument 2
- Education for women empowered participation.
- Example: Savitribai Phule opened schools for girls.
Conclusion
These reforms strengthened national unity and resistance.
The 1857 Revolt was the first major uprising against British rule. Our textbook calls it the First War of Independence.
Argument 1
- It united soldiers, farmers, and rulers.
- Example: Mangal Pandey’s rebellion inspired others.
Argument 2
- Exposed British weaknesses.
- Example: Delhi was captured briefly by rebels.
Conclusion
Though it failed, it laid the foundation for future struggles.
Our textbook shows how British policies created unrest among Indian rulers. They imposed unfair rules, hurting local kingdoms.
Argument 1
- The Doctrine of Lapse denied rulers the right to adopt heirs, annexing their states.
- Example: Jhansi’s Rani Lakshmibai lost her kingdom this way.
Argument 2
- Heavy taxes and land revenue policies ruined local economies.
- Example: Nawabs like Wajid Ali Shah were deposed for resisting.
Conclusion
These policies united rulers against the British, sparking rebellions like the 1857 revolt.
We studied how education and reforms helped Indians realize their rights under British rule.
Argument 1
- English education exposed Indians to ideas of liberty and equality.
- Example: Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy advocated modern education.
Argument 2
- Social reforms like banning Sati and promoting widow remarriage improved society.
- Example: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar campaigned for women’s rights.
Conclusion
These efforts united people to fight for freedom and justice.
The British exploited India’s economy, harming farmers and artisans.
Argument 1
- High taxes forced farmers into debt, leading to famines.
- Example: The Bengal Famine killed millions due to revenue policies.
Argument 2
- British machine-made goods ruined local artisans.
- Example: Weavers in Bengal lost livelihoods as cloth imports rose.
Conclusion
This exploitation fueled anger, contributing to the freedom struggle.
The 1857 revolt was a united stand against British oppression.
Argument 1
- Soldiers, farmers, and rulers joined due to common grievances.
- Example: Mangal Pandey’s rebellion inspired sepoys.
Argument 2
- Religious tensions, like the greased cartridges issue, ignited protests.
- Example: Civilians in Delhi supported the sepoys.
Conclusion
Though it failed, the revolt became a symbol of resistance.
British industrialization destroyed India’s traditional economy.
Argument 1
- Cheap factory goods replaced handmade products.
- Example: Indian handloom weavers faced unemployment.
Argument 2
- Raw materials like cotton were exported, starving local industries.
- Example: Farmers grew cash crops instead of food, causing shortages.
Conclusion
This shifted India from self-reliance to dependency on Britain.
Our textbook shows how British policies exploited Indian farmers. Their unfair rules led to widespread suffering.
Argument 1
- High taxes forced farmers into debt.
- Many lost their lands due to inability to pay.
Argument 2
- Cash crops like indigo replaced food crops.
- Farmers faced famines due to lack of food.
Conclusion
These policies ruined livelihoods, showing British disregard for Indian welfare.
Education played a key role in uniting Indians against British rule, as seen in our textbook.
Argument 1
- Schools like Hindu College spread nationalist ideas.
- Educated leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy inspired reforms.
Argument 2
- Newspapers and books exposed British exploitation.
- Students joined movements, boosting the struggle.
Conclusion
Education empowered Indians to fight for freedom systematically.
The Doctrine of Lapse was a British tactic to annex Indian states, explained in our lesson.
Argument 1
- States like Satara were taken over without heirs.
- Rulers lost power, creating resentment.
Argument 2
- Adopted heirs like Rani Lakshmibai’s son were denied rights.
- This injustice fueled rebellions.
Conclusion
The policy weakened Indian rulers and sparked resistance.
The 1857 Revolt was India’s first major uprising against British rule, as we studied.
Argument 1
- It united soldiers, farmers, and rulers against the British.
- Examples like Mangal Pandey show early resistance.
Argument 2
- Though it failed, it inspired future freedom movements.
- The British feared similar revolts afterward.
Conclusion
The revolt marked the beginning of organized resistance.
Social reforms removed divisions, strengthening the fight for freedom, as per our textbook.
Argument 1
- Reformers like Jyotiba Phule fought caste discrimination.
- Unity among Indians grew due to these efforts.
Argument 2
- Women’s education and rights were promoted.
- Examples include Savitribai Phule’s schools.
Conclusion
Reforms created a stronger, united India against British rule.
Our textbook shows how British policies exploited Indian farmers economically and socially.
Argument 1
- High taxes forced farmers into debt, as seen in the Ryotwari System.
- Indigo cultivation destroyed fertile land, leaving farmers impoverished.
Argument 2
- Farmers were forced to grow cash crops instead of food, leading to famines.
- Our textbook mentions the Champaran Movement as resistance against such policies.
Conclusion
These policies caused widespread suffering, pushing farmers into poverty and rebellion.
Indian leaders fought against social evils like sati and child marriage, as studied in our textbook.
Argument 1
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned against sati and promoted women's education.
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar advocated widow remarriage.
Argument 2
- Reformers like Jyotiba Phule worked for lower caste rights.
- Our textbook shows how these reforms united Indians against British divide-and-rule policy.
Conclusion
These reforms strengthened the freedom struggle by promoting equality.
The 1857 Revolt was a major uprising against British oppression, as described in our textbook.
Argument 1
- Indian soldiers rebelled due to unfair treatment and religious interference.
- Peasants and rulers joined, showing widespread anger.
Argument 2
- Leaders like Rani Lakshmibai and Tantia Tope became symbols of resistance.
- Our textbook mentions how the revolt exposed British cruelty.
Conclusion
Though unsuccessful, the revolt inspired future freedom movements.
British rule drained India's wealth, as we studied in our textbook.
Argument 1
- Heavy taxes on farmers and artisans ruined traditional industries.
- Our textbook shows how deindustrialization forced Indians to buy British goods.
Argument 2
- Raw materials were exported cheaply, and finished goods were sold at high prices.
- Famines like the Bengal Famine resulted from exploitative policies.
Conclusion
This exploitation left India impoverished and fueled the freedom struggle.
Education played a key role in making Indians aware of British exploitation.
Argument 1
- English education exposed Indians to ideas of freedom.
- Example: Leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy advocated reforms.
Argument 2
- Schools and newspapers spread nationalist ideas.
- Example: The Bengal Gazette highlighted British injustices.
Conclusion
Education united Indians and inspired the freedom struggle.
Case-based Questions (4 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 4-mark case-based questions assess analytical skills through real-life scenarios. Answers must be based on the case study provided.
Analysis: How did this impact Indian farmers and weavers?
Conclusion: Explain one lesson we learn from this exploitation.
Analysis: Farmers faced poverty due to high taxes, and weavers lost jobs as British machine-made goods replaced handmade textiles. Our textbook shows how this led to famines.
Conclusion: We learn that economic independence is vital to protect livelihoods, as seen in India's Swadeshi Movement later.
Analysis: Why were his efforts significant?
Conclusion: Name one reform he advocated besides abolishing Sati.
Analysis: His efforts gave women dignity and encouraged modern thinking. We studied how he used newspapers to spread awareness.
Conclusion: He also supported widow remarriage and English education to bridge traditional and modern values.
Analysis: What triggered the revolt?
Conclusion: How did it unite Indians despite failures?
Analysis: The use of greased cartridges (with cow/pig fat) hurt religious sentiments, as we learned. Peasants also joined due to unfair land policies.
Conclusion: Though it failed, it united Hindus and Muslims against a common enemy, inspiring future freedom struggles.
Analysis: Give two examples of this policy.
Conclusion: Why is unity important against such tactics?
Analysis: Our textbook shows they (1) favored one community in jobs and (2) encouraged separate electrates in 1909.
Conclusion: Unity prevents external control, as seen during the Non-Cooperation Movement when Hindus-Muslims protested together.
We studied how the British drained India's wealth. Our textbook shows they imposed heavy taxes and forced farmers to grow cash crops.
Analysis- High taxes left Indians poor, as seen in the Ryotwari System.
- Indigo cultivation made farmers suffer while British profited.
These policies ruined India's economy, as explained in the chapter.
Education helped Indians understand British exploitation. Our textbook mentions schools and newspapers spreading nationalist ideas.
Analysis- Raja Ram Mohan Roy promoted modern education to fight superstitions.
- Newspapers like Samachar Darpan exposed British injustices.
Educated Indians led the freedom struggle, as shown in the chapter.
British policies like the Doctrine of Lapse annexed kingdoms. Our textbook says this made rulers like Nana Saheb rebel.
Analysis- Awadh was annexed despite loyal kings, as mentioned in the chapter.
- Indian soldiers faced discrimination in pay and promotions.
These unfair rules united Indians against the British.
Indians resisted through protests and cultural revival. Our textbook shows how they fought back.
Analysis- Boycotting British goods, like during the Swadeshi Movement.
- Reviving Indian arts, as seen in Tagore's Shantiniketan.
These efforts kept the freedom struggle alive, as taught in the lesson.
Analysis: How did this affect Indian farmers and weavers?
Conclusion: What lesson does this teach us about self-reliance?
Analysis: Farmers faced poverty as taxes left no profit. Weavers lost livelihoods when British factories replaced handmade textiles. Our textbook shows how this forced Indians to buy expensive British goods.
Conclusion: This teaches us to support local industries, like Khadi, to avoid dependence on others.
Analysis: Why were these practices harmful?
Conclusion: How did his efforts inspire later movements?
Analysis: Sati robbed women of their lives, while child marriage harmed health and education. Our textbook mentions his newspaper Sambad Kaumudi to spread awareness.
Conclusion: His work inspired leaders like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar to reform society further.
Analysis: What two reasons made Indians angry?
Conclusion: Why did the revolt fail despite unity?
Analysis: Indians were angry over unfair taxes and religious interference (cartridges with cow/pig fat). Our textbook shows how British policies hurt all sections.
Conclusion: The revolt failed due to lack of coordination and modern weapons, teaching us the importance of planning.
Analysis: How did this create a new class of Indians?
Conclusion: Was this change entirely negative? Give one example.
Analysis: It created a middle class (like clerks) who admired British culture but later led freedom struggles. Our textbook mentions leaders like Gandhi who used English education to fight colonialism.
Conclusion: Not entirely negative—English helped unify India through a common language, as seen in the Constitution’s drafting.
'The British imposed heavy taxes on Indian farmers, leading to widespread poverty and famine.'
Based on this, answer:
How did the economic policies of the British affect Indian farmers, and what were the long-term consequences?
The British economic policies, such as imposing heavy taxes on Indian farmers, severely affected their livelihoods. Farmers were forced to grow cash crops like indigo instead of food crops, leading to food shortages.
The long-term consequences included:
- Widespread poverty and famine, as seen in the Great Famine of 1876-78.
- Loss of traditional farming practices and self-sufficiency.
- Increased dependency on British policies, which worsened rural economies.
These policies fueled resentment and became a key reason for the Indian freedom struggle.
Explain how this discrimination impacted Indian society and contributed to the growth of nationalism.
The denial of high-ranking jobs to Indians under British rule created a sense of injustice and inequality.
The impacts were:
- Indians were limited to low-paying jobs, which reduced their social and economic status.
- Educated Indians felt humiliated and realized the need for self-governance.
- This discrimination united people across regions and communities, fostering nationalism.
Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji highlighted this issue, which later became a rallying point in the freedom movement.
'The British introduced new laws that hurt Indian farmers and artisans. Heavy taxes were imposed, and local industries were destroyed.'
Based on this, explain how these policies affected the Indian economy and society during British rule. Support your answer with two examples from the chapter.
The British policies mentioned in the excerpt had a devastating impact on the Indian economy and society. Here’s how:
- Economic Impact: Heavy taxes forced farmers into debt, as they couldn’t pay the high demands. Many lost their lands and became laborers. For example, the Permanent Settlement system fixed high revenue rates, leading to widespread poverty.
- Social Impact: Local artisans and weavers suffered as British machine-made goods flooded markets, making handmade products uncompetitive. The chapter mentions how traditional industries like handloom weaving collapsed, leaving many unemployed.
These policies disrupted self-sufficient villages and pushed India into economic dependency on Britain.
The revolt of 1857 was significant for the following reasons:
- Unity Among Indians: It brought together soldiers, peasants, and rulers like Rani Lakshmibai and Nana Saheb against a common enemy—the British. This showed the power of collective resistance.
- Exposure of British Weakness: The revolt revealed that the British were not invincible. It shook their confidence, as mentioned in the chapter, and forced them to change their policies.
Long-term Effect: The revolt inspired future freedom fighters, proving that organized resistance could challenge British rule. It laid the foundation for the Indian National Movement in later years.
'The British imposed heavy taxes on Indian farmers, leading to widespread poverty. The farmers were forced to grow cash crops like indigo instead of food crops.'
Based on this, answer:
How did the British policies affect Indian farmers, and what were the consequences of growing cash crops?
The British policies severely affected Indian farmers by imposing heavy taxes and forcing them to grow cash crops like indigo instead of food crops. This led to:
- Widespread poverty: Farmers struggled to pay taxes and meet basic needs.
- Food shortages: Growing cash crops reduced food production, causing famines.
- Dependence on British: Farmers had to sell crops at low prices set by the British, worsening their economic condition.
These policies disrupted traditional farming and deepened India's economic exploitation under colonial rule.
Explain how this discrimination impacted Indian society and fueled the freedom struggle.
The denial of high-ranking jobs to Indians under British rule had far-reaching consequences:
- Economic inequality: Indians were confined to low-paying jobs, widening the wealth gap.
- Loss of dignity: Educated Indians felt humiliated and marginalized in their own country.
- Rise of nationalism: This injustice united people against British rule, fueling the freedom struggle.
Leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji highlighted this exploitation, inspiring movements for self-rule and equality.
In Glimpses of the Past, it is mentioned that "Indian rulers were divided, and the British took advantage of this."
Based on this statement, answer:
- How did the British exploit the divisions among Indian rulers?
- What lesson can we learn from this historical event?
The British exploited the divisions among Indian rulers through:
- Divide and Rule: They played one ruler against another, offering false promises or military support to weaken unity.
- Annexation: They used conflicts between rulers to annex territories, like the Doctrine of Lapse.
The lesson we learn is:
- Unity is strength: Had Indian rulers united, they could have resisted British domination more effectively.
- Critical thinking: Blind trust in external powers can lead to loss of sovereignty, as seen in history.
This highlights the importance of solidarity and strategic thinking in nation-building.
Read the following excerpt from Glimpses of the Past:
"The British introduced new laws that affected the lives of Indians. Farmers were forced to grow cash crops like indigo, leading to famines."
Based on the excerpt, answer the following:
- How did the British policies impact Indian farmers?
- What were the long-term consequences of these policies?
The British policies severely impacted Indian farmers by forcing them to grow cash crops like indigo instead of food crops. This shift led to:
- Loss of food security: Farmers could not grow enough food for themselves, causing widespread famines.
- Economic exploitation: Farmers were trapped in debt due to low prices for cash crops and high taxes.
The long-term consequences included:
- Agricultural decline: Soil fertility was destroyed due to excessive indigo cultivation.
- Social unrest: These policies fueled anger against British rule, contributing to the freedom struggle.
This exploitation is a key example of how colonial policies prioritized profit over people's welfare.
Read the following excerpt from Glimpses of the Past:
"The British imposed heavy taxes on Indian farmers, leading to widespread poverty. Many farmers lost their lands and were forced to work as laborers."
Based on the excerpt, answer the following:
- How did the British policies affect Indian farmers?
- What does this reveal about the economic condition of India under British rule?
Impact of British Policies on Indian Farmers:
- The British imposed heavy taxes on Indian farmers, which made it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods.
- Many farmers lost their lands because they couldn’t pay the taxes, forcing them to become landless laborers.
Economic Condition of India Under British Rule:
- The excerpt reveals that India’s economy was exploited, leading to widespread poverty and suffering among farmers.
- The British policies prioritized their own profits over the welfare of Indians, disrupting traditional agricultural systems.
This situation highlights the economic oppression faced by Indians during colonial rule, as described in the chapter.
In Glimpses of the Past, it is mentioned that "Indians were denied high-ranking jobs in the British administration."
Based on this statement, answer:
- Why were Indians excluded from important positions?
- How did this policy contribute to the growing discontent among Indians?
Exclusion of Indians from High-Ranking Jobs:
- The British believed in racial superiority and thought Indians were unfit for important administrative roles.
- They reserved high-ranking jobs for British officials to maintain control over India’s governance.
Growing Discontent Among Indians:
- This policy created frustration among educated Indians who were qualified but denied opportunities.
- It fueled nationalist sentiments as Indians realized they were being treated as second-class citizens in their own country.
Such discriminatory practices, as described in the chapter, played a key role in uniting Indians against British rule.
'The British introduced railways in India, claiming it would modernize the country. However, the real motive was to transport raw materials to ports for export.'
Based on this, explain how the British economic policies affected India's development during colonial rule.
The British economic policies, including the introduction of railways, had a dual impact on India during colonial rule. While railways did bring technological advancement, their primary purpose was to serve British interests. Here’s how these policies affected India:
- Exploitation of Resources: Railways facilitated the quick transport of raw materials like cotton and jute to ports, which were then shipped to Britain for industrial use.
- Economic Drain: Wealth generated from Indian resources was sent to Britain, weakening India’s economy.
- Limited Modernization: Though railways improved connectivity, the benefits were mostly for British trade, not Indian industrialization.
Thus, while infrastructure developed, India’s growth was stunted due to colonial exploitation.
The forced cultivation of indigo under British rule had severe social and economic consequences:
- Economic Hardship: Farmers were paid very low prices for indigo, pushing them into debt and poverty.
- Food Shortages: Since fertile land was used for indigo instead of food crops, famines became frequent, leading to starvation.
- Social Unrest: The exploitative indigo system caused widespread anger, resulting in protests like the Indigo Revolt (1859-60).
This policy disrupted traditional farming, worsened rural livelihoods, and highlighted the oppressive nature of colonial rule. The revolt later inspired other freedom movements.