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

Q1: What were the social and religious malpractices that prevailed during British rule?
Ans: Religious leaders preached ideas like untouchability, child marriage and against women folk. Social and religious degradation had started pushing women inside their homes.

Q2: What brought various rulers to fight together?
Ans: Various rulers came under one flag. The patriots pounced upon the British and fought pitched battles all over North India.

Q3: Why did Ram Mohan Ray visit England?
Ans: Ram Mohan Roy had a great respect for every religion. He was attracted by science and modernity. He felt that knowledge should be practical and scientific.

Q4: How did the East India company subdue the Indian princes?
Ans: The Indian princes were constantly at war with each other. They called the English merchants to help them in their fights. The people had no peace due to such constant fights. The rivalries helped the East India company subdue the Indian princes one by one.

Q5: Why were the Britishers termed as ‘oppressors’?
Ans: Britishers turned apathetic towards Indians. They passed regulation III in 1818 where they could put Indians to jail without trial in a court. Any British official was paid off beyond measures. Indian industries were dying because of the heavy imports of British goods.

Q6: Quote the words used by Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same principles.
Ans: Ram Mohan Roy said, “Cows are of different colours but the colour of their milk is the same”. Similarity different religious preachers may sound different but the real meaning and lesson from them are always same.

Q7: Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1857?
Ans: Yes, the Indian Princes were short-sighted in their approach. They fought against each other with the help of the British. Thus the British became the virtual rulers.

Q8: How did the common folk react to the British conquests?
Ans: The common folk wanted to lead peaceful lives. So they were happy to have a stable rule. However people also realized that the king and princes were of their own motherland.

Q9: What was the supremacy of East India company in war?
Ans: East India company intruded with powerful weapons and thus defeated the Indian princely states easily.

Q10: What was Macaulay’s proposal for Indian education system?
Ans: Before 1835, education in India was in Persian and Sanskrit. Macaulay proposed to educate the students in English language so as to make them understand English and to work as clerks in their offices.

Q11: In what ways did the British officers exploit Indians?
Ans: The British rulers passed a resolution under which an Indian could be sent to jail without trial in a court. The goods manufactured in England were exempted from custom duty. The officers prospered on the company’s loot and their private business flourished.

Q12: What was the resentment of common people?
Ans: Common people were tired of wars, loots by thugs and tyranny of princely states.

Q13: What forces worked as ‘sparks’ before the Revolt in 1857?
Ans: Heavy taxes were levied on the farmers. They were loosing their lands. Industries were dying as expert bulk was cheaper. Discrimination in British and Indian armed forces brought discontentment amongst Indian forces.

Q14: What was the significance of sending chapattis and lotus flowers?
Ans: Sepoys revolted against the tyranny and discrimination of officials. So they decided to unite themselves to revolt against exploitation by sending secret messages as chappatis and lotus flowers.

Q15: Name these people.
(i) The ruler who fought pitched battles against the British and died fighting.
(ii) The person who wanted to reform the society.’
(iii) The person Who recommended the introduction of English education in India.
(iv) Two popular leaders who led the revolt (Choices may vary.)
Ans:
(i) Tipu Sultan of Mysore.
(ii) Raja Ram Mohan Roy of Bengal.
(iii) Lord Mecaulay
(iv) Nana Sahib Peshwa, Kunwar Singh, Begum Hazrat Mahal.