Class 10 History Chapter 5 Extra Question Answers - Print Culture and the Modern World (Deducted from CBSE 2021-22 examination)

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Q1. Explain how print culture had assisted the growth of nationalism in India in the 19th century. [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans: Print culture played a crucial role in the growth of nationalism in India during the 19th century:

• Vernacular publications: The rise of print culture led to many newspapers and journals being published in local languages, especially after 1870.
• Nationalist content: These publications often featured cartoons and caricatures that criticised imperial rule and addressed social and political issues. Notable newspapers like Tilak’s Kesari and Maratha strongly advocated for nationalism, exposing colonial misrule.
• Connecting leaders and people: Print media allowed leaders to share their ideas widely, fostering a sense of unity and contributing to the growth of nationalism across India.

Q2. “The print culture created the conditions within which the French Revolution occurred.” Support the statement giving three arguments. [2009, 2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans: The print culture significantly contributed to the conditions leading to the French Revolution through several key factors:

• Popularisation of Enlightenment Ideas: The works of thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau were widely disseminated, prompting readers to question traditional beliefs and authority. This encouraged a more critical and rational way of thinking.
• Culture of Dialogue and Debate: Print facilitated discussions about values and norms, allowing the public to recognise the importance of reason. This environment nurtured new ideas about social revolution.
• Criticism of the Monarchy: By the 1780s, literature that mocked the monarchy and questioned its morality became prevalent. This criticism raised doubts about the existing social order and fostered resentment towards the monarchy.

Q3. Explain any three features of handwritten manuscripts before the age of print in India. (2010) OR Describe the salient features of Indian manuscripts before the age of print. [2011 (T-1)]

Ans: Features of Handwritten Manuscripts in India Before the Age of Print:

• Rich Tradition: India had a long tradition of handwritten manuscripts in various languages, including Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian, as well as many regional languages.
• Materials Used: Manuscripts were usually created on palm leaves or handmade paper. Many featured beautiful illustrations and were preserved by being pressed between wooden covers or sewn together.
• Accessibility Issues: These manuscripts were often expensive and fragile, making them difficult to handle. The varied writing styles also made them hard to read, limiting their everyday use.

Q4. Explain the main features of the first printed Bible. [2010]

Ans: Main features of the first printed Bible:

• Approximately 180 copies were printed, taking about three years to complete.
• The text was produced using the Gutenberg press with metal type, while the borders were hand-painted and illuminated by artists.
• No two copies were identical; each page varied, making every copy unique.
• Colour was applied by hand to highlight important words, enhancing both the visual appeal and significance of the text.
• Gutenberg printed the main text in black, leaving spaces for the hand-painted colours.

Q5. Examine the role of missionaries in the growth of press in India? [2010]

Ans: The printing press first arrived in India with Portuguese missionaries in Goa during the mid-sixteenth century. Key developments include:

• Jesuit priests learnt Konkani and printed several tracts.
• By 1674, around 50 books were published in Konkani and Kanara languages.
• Catholic priests printed the first Tamil book in 1579 at Cochin.
• The first Malayalam book was published in 1713.
• By 1710, Dutch Protestant missionaries had published 32 Tamil texts, many being translations of older works.

These efforts significantly contributed to the growth of the press in India.

Q6. What role was played by the print culture in bringing the French Revolution? [2010, 2011 (T-1)] OR Many Historians argued that print culture created conditions within which French revolution occurred. Explain with three arguments.

Ans: Role of print culture in the French Revolution:

• Popularising Enlightenment Ideas: Print media spread the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers who challenged tradition and superstition, promoting reason over custom.
• Challenging Authority: Writers like Voltaire and Rousseau questioned the authority of the Church and the oppressive power of the state, encouraging readers to adopt a more critical perspective.
• Fostering Dialogue: Print culture encouraged public discussions about values and institutions, leading to a greater awareness of the public's power to challenge existing beliefs.
• Mocking the Monarchy: By the 1780s, literature began to ridicule the monarchy, depicting the royal family as self-indulgent while ordinary people suffered. This underground literature fostered resentment against the monarchy.

Q7. How did the ideas of scientists and philosophers become more accessible to common people after the beginning of print revolution in Europe? [2010]

Ans: The print revolution significantly increased the accessibility of ideas from scientists and philosophers to the general public. Key developments included:

• Publication of Scientific Texts: Ancient and medieval works were compiled and printed.
• Widespread Distribution: Maps and scientific diagrams became readily available.
• Influence of Prominent Thinkers: Discoveries by figures like Isaac Newton reached a larger audience.
• Popular Literature: Writings by thinkers such as Thomas Paine, Voltaire, and Jean Jacques Rousseau were widely read, promoting ideas of science and reason.

As a result, the public began to engage with new concepts, fostering a more informed and questioning society.

Q8. How did the printing press bring forth changes in reading culture? [2010] OR What was the impact of Print Revolution? OR How did printing press create a new reading public? Explain. [2011 (T-1)]

Ans: With the printing press, a new reading public emerged:

• Printing reduced the cost of books.
• The time and labour needed to produce each book decreased, allowing for multiple copies to be made easily.
• Books flooded the market, reaching a growing readership.
• This shift created a new culture of reading.
• Previously, only the elite could read; common people were part of an oral culture, hearing stories and performances.
• Now, instead of a hearing public, there was a reading public.
• Literacy rates were low in Europe until the 20th century, so publishers encouraged listening to books being read aloud.
• Printers published popular ballads and folktales, often illustrated, which were sung and recited at village gatherings.
• This integration blurred the lines between oral and reading cultures, merging the hearing and reading public.

Q9. Why were the printed books popular even among illiterate people? [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans: Printed books became popular among illiterate people for several reasons:

• Affordable small books: In the 19th century, inexpensive small books were available in towns, making them accessible to poorer travellers.
• Public libraries: Established in the early 20th century, these libraries provided greater access to books, often located in cities and prosperous villages.
• Social reform literature: Writers like Jyotiba Phule and B.R. Ambedkar addressed caste injustices, raising awareness through their works.
• Factory workers' voices: Overworked factory workers had limited ways to express their experiences, but some published works highlighted their struggles.
• Literacy and nationalism: Libraries in cities like Bangalore and Bombay aimed to promote literacy and spread nationalist ideas.

Overall, the availability of printed books sparked a strong interest in reading among the poor.

Q10. Describe the progress of Print in Japan. [2010]

Ans: Print in Japan has a rich history that began with the introduction of hand-printing technology by Buddhist missionaries from China around AD 768-770. The oldest known Japanese book, printed in AD 868, is the Diamond Sutra, which features six sheets of text and woodcut illustrations. Key milestones in the development of print in Japan include:

• The printing of playing cards and paper money.
• In medieval Japan, the regular publication of poets and prose writers made books affordable and widely accessible.
• During the late 18th century, illustrated collections of paintings became popular in urban centres like Edo (now Tokyo).
• In the mid-13th century, the Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of Buddhist scriptures, was printed using around 80,000 woodblocks and was later recognised by UNESCO.
• Western printing techniques were introduced in the late 19th century, marking a transition from hand printing to mechanical printing.

Q11. Describe the progress of Print in Japan. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: Buddhist missionaries from China introduced hand-printing technology to Japan around AD 768-770. The oldest known Japanese book, the Buddhist Diamond Sutra, was printed in AD 868 and contains six sheets of text with woodcut illustrations.

During medieval Japan:

• Poets and prose writers were regularly published.
• Books became cheap and widely available.

By the late 18th century, urban centres like Edo (modern Tokyo) experienced a surge in illustrated publications, including:

• Books on women, musical instruments, and tea ceremonies.
• Guides on etiquette and famous places.

Notable contributions included the art form Ukiyo, represented by artists like Kitagawa Utamaro.

Q12. What is a manuscript? Give four shortcomings of manuscripts. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: A manuscript is a handwritten book, typically made on palm leaves or handmade paper. These manuscripts often featured beautiful illustrations and were either pressed between wooden covers or sewn together for preservation.

However, manuscripts had several shortcomings:

• They were expensive and fragile, making production and maintenance challenging.
• Careful handling was necessary to avoid damage.
• The writing styles varied, making them difficult to read.
• As a result, they were not widely used, with many students focusing more on writing than reading.

Q13. Explain the role played by print in bringing about a division in the Roman Catholic Church. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: In 1517, the religious reformer Martin Luther wrote his 95 Theses, which criticised various practices of the Roman Catholic Church. He posted a printed copy on a church door in Wittenberg to invite debate on his ideas. The impact of print on the Church included:

• Luther's writings were widely reproduced, leading to a significant division within the Church.
• This movement initiated the Protestant Reformation.
• His translation of the Bible sold 5,000 copies in the first week, with a second edition following shortly after.
• Scholars believe that print created a new intellectual atmosphere, rapidly spreading Reformation ideas.

Q14. Why did the new technology not entirely displace the existing art of producing books by hand? [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: The new technology of printing did not completely replace the traditional art of producing books by hand for several reasons:

• Appearance: Initially, printed books looked similar to handwritten manuscripts in layout and style.
• Metal Letters: The metal type used in printing copied the ornamental styles of handwriting.
• Hand-Illuminated Borders: Printed books often featured hand-decorated borders with foliage and patterns.
• Customisation: Luxury editions left space for decoration, allowing buyers to choose their own designs and illustrations.

As a result, the new technology coexisted with traditional methods, preserving the artistry of hand-produced books.

Q15. By the end of the 19th century a new visual culture was taking shape. Explain. [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans: By the end of the 19th century, a new visual culture was emerging in India, driven by several key factors:

• The establishment of more printing presses made it easier to produce images in large quantities.
• Artists like Raja Ravi Varma created works specifically for mass distribution.
• Affordable prints and calendars became widely available, allowing even the less wealthy to decorate their homes and workplaces.
• These prints significantly influenced public views on modernity, tradition, religion, politics, and culture.

In the 1870s, caricatures and cartoons began appearing in journals and newspapers, addressing various social and political issues:

• Some caricatures mocked educated Indians' admiration for Western culture.
• Others raised concerns about rapid social changes.
• Imperial cartoons ridiculed nationalists, while nationalist cartoons critiqued imperial rule.

This new print culture played a vital role in shaping public opinion and encouraging discussions about the social order.

Q16. How did the uses of print diversify in China by the 17th century? Explain. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: By the 17th century, urban culture in China had flourished, leading to a diversification in the uses of print:

• Print was no longer exclusive to scholar-officials.
• Merchants began using print for everyday tasks, such as collecting trade information.
• Reading evolved into a leisure activity, with new readers enjoying:
  • Fictional narratives
  • Poetry
  • Autobiographies
  • Anthologies of literary masterpieces
  • Romantic plays
• Wealthy women started reading and many began publishing their own poetry and plays.
• The wives of scholar-officials also published their works, while courtesans wrote about their lives.

Q17. Write the name of any two women writers of India in 19th century and highlight the contribution of any one who wrote about the different experiences of the women. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: The two notable women writers of India in the 19th century were:

• Kailashbashini Devi
• Tarabai Shinde

Kailashbashini Devi, a Bengali writer, began publishing in the 1860s. Her work focused on the experiences of women, addressing issues such as:

• Being imprisoned at home
• Living in ignorance
• Being forced into hard domestic work
• Facing unjust treatment from those they served

Through her writings, she highlighted the struggles and challenges faced by women during that era.

Q18. How did print come to Europe from China? Explain. [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans: In 1295, Marco Polo, a famous explorer, returned to Italy after many years in China. He brought back the knowledge of woodblock printing, which quickly spread across Italy. Key developments included:

• Italians began producing books using woodblocks.
• The technology spread rapidly throughout Europe.
• Merchants and university students started purchasing cheaper printed copies.

As demand for books grew:

• Booksellers exported printed materials across Europe.
• Book fairs were established.

This shift marked a transition from expensive handwritten manuscripts to more accessible printed texts.

Q19. How did the publishers persuade the common people to welcome the printed books in Europe? [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: The publishers encouraged the common people in Europe to embrace printed books through several strategies:

• They targeted those who did not read but enjoyed listening to stories.
• They published popular ballads and folktales, often richly illustrated, making them appealing.
• These books were shared at village gatherings and taverns, promoting community engagement.
• This approach blurred the lines between oral and reading cultures, allowing both to intermix.

As a result, the hearing and reading publics became intertwined, fostering a wider appreciation for printed literature.

Q20. Explain any three factors responsible for the invention of ‘New Printing Technology’. [2010 (T-1)]

Ans: Three factors that contributed to the invention of New Printing Technology are:

• The need for faster and cheaper reproduction of texts.
• Handwritten manuscripts could not satisfy the increasing demand for books.
• Manuscripts were fragile, hard to handle, and not easily transportable.

These issues led to the development of new printing technology, culminating in the creation of the first-known printing press by Johann Gutenberg in the 1430s.

Q21. How did the Indians copy and preserve their manuscripts? [2010, 2011 (T-1)]

Ans: Indians preserved their manuscripts using careful methods:

• Manuscripts were copied on palm leaves or handmade paper.
• Many were beautifully illustrated.
• To ensure preservation, manuscripts were:
  • Pressed between wooden covers.
  • Sewn together.

These techniques helped maintain the integrity of the manuscripts over time.

Q22. What restrictions were imposed by the Vernacular Press Act on the Indian Press? Explain. [2011 (T-1)]

Ans: The Vernacular Press Act, enacted in 1878, imposed significant restrictions on the Indian press. The key limitations included:

• The government had the power to censor reports and editorials in vernacular newspapers.
• Regular monitoring of vernacular newspapers was conducted across various provinces.
• If a report was considered seditious, the newspaper would receive a warning.
• Ignoring warnings could lead to the seizure of the press and confiscation of printing machinery.

Despite these restrictions, nationalist newspapers continued to emerge, exposing colonial misrule and promoting nationalist sentiments.

Q23. How did print introduce debate and discussion? Explain any three points. [2011 (T-1)]

Ans: Print introduced debate and discussion in several significant ways:

• Widespread circulation: Print enabled the broad sharing of ideas, allowing even those who disagreed with established authorities to express their views.
• Persuasion and action: Printed materials influenced individuals to reconsider their beliefs and encouraged them to take action.
• Religious reform: For instance, Martin Luther's 95 Theses critiqued the Roman Catholic Church, igniting the Protestant Reformation.

Q24. What was the impact of print culture on the poor people of India during the 19th century? Explain. [2011 (T-1)]

Ans: In the 19th century, the rise of print culture had a significant impact on poor people in India. Affordable small books became widely available in towns like Madras, making them accessible to the less fortunate. The key impacts included:

• Awareness of caste discrimination: Writers began addressing social issues, shedding light on caste and class exploitation.
• Education initiatives: Cotton mill workers in Bangalore established libraries to improve their knowledge.
• Social reform: Local activists used printed materials to challenge superstition and social evils.
• Nationalism: Print media played a crucial role in spreading nationalist ideas among the general populace.

Long Answer Questions

Q1. Describe three shortcomings of manuscripts that were overcome by the printing press. (2010)

Ans: Three shortcomings of manuscripts that were overcome by the printing press:

• Time-consuming: Copying manuscripts by hand took a long time. The printing press enabled the quick production of many copies.
• High cost: Handwritten manuscripts were expensive and mainly accessible to the wealthy. The printing press reduced book prices, making them affordable for ordinary people.
• Fragility: Handwritten books were hard to carry and easily damaged, limiting their circulation.

Q2. How did the oral culture enter print and how was the printed material transmitted orally? Explain with suitable examples. [Outside India 2008]

Ans: Before print culture emerged, most people engaged with an oral culture. They experienced:

• Sacred texts read aloud
• Ballads recited
• Folktales narrated

Knowledge was shared through collective listening, where audiences enjoyed stories or performances together.

With the advent of print, books were initially for the literate. To reach more people, printers began to:

• Publish popular ballads and folk tales
• Create small, illustrated books

These printed materials were then:

• Sung and recited at village gatherings
• Shared in taverns

This process allowed oral culture to blend with print, merging the hearing and reading public.

Q3. How were ideas and information written before the age of print in India? How did the printing technique begin in India. [2008]

Ans: Ans:

Before the age of print, India had a rich tradition of handwritten manuscripts in languages like Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian. These manuscripts were:

• Copied on palm leaves or handmade paper.
• Often beautifully illustrated, with notable works such as Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda written in an accordion format.
• Preserved by sewing or pressing between wooden covers.

These manuscripts were expensive and fragile, requiring careful handling. In schools, literacy was often achieved without reading texts, as:

• Teachers dictated portions from memory.
• Students wrote them down, learning to write but not necessarily to read.

The printing press arrived in India with Portuguese missionaries in the mid-16th century, starting in Goa. Key developments included:

• Jesuit priests printed tracts in Konkani, with about 50 books published by 1674.
• The first Tamil book was printed in 1579 at Cochin, followed by the first Malayalam book in 1713.
• By 1710, Dutch missionaries had printed 32 Tamil texts.

Q4. Print did not only stimulate the publications of conflicting opinions among different communities but also connected them in the 19th century in India. Support the statement with examples. [2009]

Ans: In the 19th century, print significantly influenced public discussions and connected various communities in India. Here are some key points illustrating this impact:

• Religious Debates: There were intense discussions on issues like widow immolation (Sati) and idolatry. Different groups had conflicting views, with some advocating for reforms and others resisting them.
• Widespread Publication: Newspapers and tracts were published in everyday language, making ideas more accessible. For instance, Rammohun Roy launched the Sambad Kaumudi in 1821, prompting a response from Hindu orthodoxy with the Samachar Chandrika.
• Emergence of Persian Newspapers: In 1822, two Persian newspapers, Jam-i-Jahannuma and Shamsul Akhbar, were established, along with the Gujarati newspaper Bombay Samachar.
• Islamic Publications: The Deoband Seminary, founded in 1867, published numerous fatwas to guide Muslims on daily life, addressing concerns about colonial changes to Muslim laws.
• Religious Texts: The first printed edition of the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas was released in Calcutta in 1810. By the late 19th century, presses like the Nawal Kishore Press and Shri Venkateshwar Press published many religious texts in vernacular languages, making them widely accessible.

Overall, print not only stimulated conflicting opinions among communities but also fostered connections across different regions in India, creating a sense of pan-Indian identity.

Q5. How did print culture affect women in the 19th century India? Explain. (2010)

Ans: Ans: Print culture in 19th century India had a profound effect on women, turning them into both readers and writers.

• Women’s lives and emotions were vividly depicted in literature.
• The number of women readers increased, particularly in middle-class families.
• Liberal fathers and husbands began to educate women at home and enrolled them in newly established girls' schools.

From the 1860s, Bengali writers like Kailashbashini Debi highlighted women's experiences, addressing issues such as:

• Confinement at home
• Ignorance and forced domestic work
• Unfair treatment by family members

In the 1880s, authors like Tarabai Shinde and Pandita Ramabai expressed their frustration over the conditions of upper-caste Hindu women, especially widows. The Battala area in Calcutta became a centre for printing popular books, which were sold by peddlers, allowing women to read during their free time.

Some women, such as Rashsundari Debi from East Bengal, learned to read in secret. She later published her autobiography, Amar Jiban, in 1876, marking a significant milestone in Bengali literature.