Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Question Answers - Glimpses of the Past

Q1. What helped the East India Company to overpower Indian princes?

Ans: The constant fighting among Indian princes created a chaotic environment. These rivalries allowed the East India Company to easily conquer the princes one by one. A notable exception was the brave ruler, Tipu Sultan of Mysore, who fiercely resisted the British until his death.

Q2. Who was Tipu Sultan? What happened to him?

Ans: Tipu Sultan was a visionary ruler of Mysore who staunchly opposed the British and their policies. He fought against them until his death, demonstrating remarkable bravery and commitment to his kingdom.

Q3. Why did Ram Mohan Roy go to England? What did he tell the British there?

Ans: Ram Mohan Roy travelled to England to understand the reasons behind British power. While there, he conveyed to them that Indians accepted their rule and expected to be recognised as subjects. He emphasised the responsibility that rulers have towards their subjects, reminding them of the need for fair treatment.

Q4. What was Regulation III?

Ans: In 1818, the British enacted Regulation III, which allowed for the imprisonment of an Indian without a trial in a court. This regulation exemplified the oppressive measures employed by the British authorities in India, as they maintained their dominance while profiting significantly from the region.

Q5. What did Macaulay suggest in 1835?

Ans: In 1835, the Englishman Macaulay proposed that Indians should be educated using the English language. He believed this change would help create a new class of educated individuals who could serve in administrative roles under British rule. This shift in education aimed to improve the material conditions of the Indian populace while also fostering a new generation of intellectuals.

II. Long Answer Type Questions

Q6. How did the British East India Company eventually become the ruler of India? What tactics did they adopt to expand their empire?

Ans: The British East India Company initially arrived in India as traders, aiming to make a profit. However, to sustain their trade, they needed political power. They imposed heavy taxes on the local peasants, which diminished the demand for Indian goods as the market became flooded with imported English products that were exempt from import duties. This strategy severely undermined skilled Indian artisans.

Taking advantage of the rivalries among Indian rulers, the Company gradually dethroned them, subduing one prince after another. A notable resistance came from the brave ruler Tipu Sultan of Mysore, who fought fiercely against the British until his death. The constant conflicts among local powers facilitated the East India Company's expansion across India.

Q7. How did the white rulers cripple Indian industries?

Ans: The white rulers, primarily motivated by profit, severely harmed Indian industries. They imposed heavy taxes on farmers, which forced many to abandon their fields. Additionally, they targeted Indian cottage industries by promoting goods manufactured in England while exempting these imports from duties. This created an unfair advantage for British products, leading to the decline of local industries. Consequently, the British prospered at the expense of Indian artisans, leaving many Indians weak and poor.

Q8. How did the resentment against the white man grow leading to armed revolt?

Ans: The resentment against the British escalated due to several factors. Firstly, the British employed harsh tactics to control the princely states, which alienated many. By 1856, they had nearly conquered all of India, effectively turning Indian princes into puppets of the crown. Additionally, there was pressure on Indians to adopt the Christian faith, further deepening the divide. Indian soldiers, known as sepoys, faced low wages, which contributed to widespread discontent.

This growing resentment permeated all levels of society, including the army. The events of 1857, often termed the mutiny, are now recognised as India's first War of Independence.

Q9. Give a brief account of the role of Rammohan Roy in spreading awareness in the Indian society.

Ans: Ram Mohan Roy was a significant social reformer from Bengal who greatly influenced Indian society. He identified various issues, including untouchability and child marriage, and actively encouraged people to challenge these social evils and abandon superstitions. Roy promoted a sense of pride in India's rich culture and advocated for learning English to communicate effectively with the British. He believed that education would empower Indians to petition the British Parliament for fair treatment, thereby fostering a more equitable society.