Chapter-1(Pg.21&22) The Birth of Modern India: When , Where and How


A. Multiple Choice Questions

1.

Answer: d

2.

Answer: b

3.

Answer: c

4.

Answer: b

5.

Answer: c


B. Fill in the Blanks

1.

Answer: New Delhi – Calcutta

2.

Answer: Princely, British

3.

Answer: Farmaan

4.

Answer: Hyderabad Dr. H.W. Voysey

5.

Answer: Dehradun

6.

Answer: darkest

7.

Answer: 1767, 1815

8.

Answer: Premchand

9.

Answer: educational

10.

Answer: land revenue


C. True or False

1.

Answer: True

2.

Answer: False

3.

Answer: True

4.

Answer: True

5.

Answer: True


D. Match the Following

1.

Answer: e

2.

Answer: d

3.

Answer: a

4.

Answer: b

5.

Answer: c


E. Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is done under census?
Under the census, the government collects detailed information about the population. This includes data like the number of people living in a country, their age, gender, occupation, religion, language, literacy level, and where they live. The census is usually done every ten years and helps the government plan services like education, health, and employment.


2. What kind of transition was the European society witnessing during the 17th century?
During the 17th century, European society was going through major changes. It was shifting from a traditional, agricultural society to a more modern, industrial, and scientific one. People began to question old beliefs, and new inventions, discoveries, and ideas about democracy and freedom started spreading. This period is often called the beginning of the modern age in Europe.


3. How is the event of Industrial Revolution linked to the colonisation of India by the British?
The Industrial Revolution made British industries grow very fast. They needed raw materials like cotton and jute for their factories and also new markets to sell their finished goods. India became an important source of raw materials and a big market for British products. To control this, the British slowly took over Indian territories. So, the Industrial Revolution played a big role in the colonisation of India.


4. With what objective did the British colonial masters introduce the Land Revenue System in the Indian countryside?
The British introduced the Land Revenue System to earn money for their government and to maintain control over Indian farmers. They forced peasants to pay high taxes, whether or not their crops succeeded. The British used this money to run their administration and army. Systems like the Permanent Settlement and Ryotwari System were created to ensure a steady income from land revenue.


5. What do you mean by administrative records?
Administrative records are official documents created by the government to keep track of its activities. These include letters, orders, reports, rules, revenue records, court proceedings, and files from British officers. These records help us understand how the British ruled, what laws they made, and how they managed Indian society.


F. Long Answer Type Questions:


1. How did James Mill view India?

James Mill was a Scottish historian who wrote a book called A History of British India in 1817. He had a very negative view of India’s past. He divided Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British. According to him, the Hindu and Muslim periods were full of ignorance, superstition, and cruelty. He believed Indians were uncivilized and needed British rule to become modern and progressive.

Mill thought that British rule was a blessing for India. He praised British laws, education, and ways of thinking. He believed that the British brought peace, order, and development, which the Indian rulers failed to provide. His writings supported the idea that the British were in India to “civilize” it.

However, modern historians disagree with Mill. They believe that his views were biased and promoted British superiority. He ignored India’s rich culture, knowledge systems, and achievements in various fields. His writings helped justify British rule, even though they did not reflect the true picture of Indian society.


2. The invention of the printing press was a boon for Indian nationalists. Give examples to support this statement.

Yes, the invention of the printing press truly helped Indian nationalists in many ways. It made it possible to print newspapers, magazines, books, and pamphlets in large numbers and different languages. These printed materials spread new ideas of freedom, equality, and justice among the people.

Examples include:

  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s newspaper Kesari played a big role in awakening patriotism among Indians.
  • Gandhiji’s Young India and Harijan helped spread messages of non-violence and self-rule.
  • Annie Besant’s New India raised awareness about Indian rights and political movements.

The printing press helped people in remote areas read about British injustice and the freedom struggle. It connected people from different regions and created a common feeling of unity. Even illiterate people listened to public readings of newspapers and joined the movement.

In short, the press gave nationalists a strong voice and brought people together to fight for India’s independence.


3. Write a note on the non-administrative sources of modern Indian history.

Non-administrative sources are materials that were not created by the government but still give valuable information about the past. These include personal writings, newspapers, biographies, photographs, speeches, and even paintings. They are important because they show us the emotions, thoughts, and daily lives of people during that time.

Examples:

  • Personal diaries and letters – Like Nehru’s letters to his daughter Indira from jail.
  • Autobiographies – For example, My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi gives us insights into his life and thoughts.
  • Newspapers and journals – These show how people reacted to events, like protests or British policies.
  • Photographs and sketches – They help us see what places, people, and events looked like.
  • Speeches and slogans – These reflect the passion and power of the freedom movement.

Non-administrative sources help us understand history from the people’s point of view, not just the rulers’. They make history more real and relatable.


4. With what objective did the British conduct surveys and make maps of India?

The British conducted detailed surveys and made maps of India for several purposes. Their main goal was to strengthen their control over the country and collect more revenue.

Reasons for surveys and mapping:

  • To collect taxes: They wanted to know who owned land and how much tax to take.
  • To control the territory: Mapping helped them govern every region properly.
  • To exploit resources: They identified forests, rivers, mines, and fertile lands for British profit.
  • To build roads, railways, and telegraphs: Maps were used to plan transport and communication systems.
  • For military purposes: They mapped hilly areas, borders, and forests to help the army.

These surveys helped the British understand India better and tighten their hold on it. But they were mainly focused on their own benefit, not the welfare of Indians.


5. Nationalism in India was a result of many factors. What were these factors? Explain them briefly.

Nationalism is a strong feeling of love and pride for one’s country. In India, nationalism grew slowly and became stronger over time due to many reasons:

1. British Exploitation:
The British exploited Indian farmers, workers, and industries. High taxes, unfair trade, and destruction of Indian crafts made people angry and united them against the British.

2. English Education:
Educated Indians began to learn about freedom, democracy, and human rights. They were inspired by ideas from Europe and began to demand the same for India.

3. Social and Religious Reforms:
Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar worked to remove social evils and unite people across castes and religions.

4. Role of the Press:
Newspapers and magazines in different languages helped spread political awareness. People learned about British policies, protests, and leaders.

5. Indian National Congress:
Founded in 1885, the INC gave Indians a common platform to raise their voice. It brought together people from different regions and communities.

6. Freedom Fighters and Leaders:
Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru inspired masses with their speeches, ideas, and struggles.

Together, these factors created a strong national movement that finally led to India’s independence in 1947.


G. Distinguish Between

1. Cultural Changes and Economic Changes

Cultural changes involve changes in beliefs, values, language, clothing, and traditions.

Economic changes are about money, trade, industries, farming, and jobs.


2. Ancient and Modern Period

Ancient period is the old historical time with kings and empires, mostly before the 8th century.

Modern period is the recent time, from around the 18th century onwards, including British rule and India’s independence movement.


H. Give Reasons

1. The Indian modern period is also referred to as the colonial period.
During the modern period, India was under British control. The British ruled India not for the benefit of Indians, but to serve their own interests. They made laws, collected taxes, and used Indian resources for British profit. Since India was a colony of Britain during this time, it is called the colonial period.


2. Administrative records of India were maintained by the British.
The British kept proper administrative records to run their government efficiently. These records included tax data, laws, court cases, letters, and reports. They helped the British keep track of people, land, trade, and revenue. It also helped them plan better control over Indian society and protect their rule.


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