Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 3 Practice Question Answers - Ruling the Countryside

Q1: Who was the Diwan of Tanjore who was dismissed by the British East India Company, leading to the Carnatic Wars?
(a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(b) Mir Jafar
(c) Raja Raghunath Rao
(d) Raja Serfoji
Ans: (c)
Raja Raghunath Rao, the Diwan of Tanjore, was dismissed by the British East India Company, which contributed to the Carnatic Wars.

Q2: The Permanent Settlement system, also known as the Zamindari system, was introduced by the British in which Indian region?
(a) Punjab
(b) Bengal
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Kerala
Ans: (b)
The Permanent Settlement, also known as the Zamindari system, was introduced by the British in Bengal.

Q3: Who were the Ryots during the British colonial period in India?
(a) Village headmen
(b) Landlords
(c) Peasant cultivators
(d) British officers
Ans: (c)
Ryots were peasant cultivators who worked the land during the British colonial period in India.

Q4: The revolt of the Pabna peasants in Bengal in the 1870s was a protest against:
(a) Forced labor
(b) High land revenue
(c) The East India Company
(d) Caste-based discrimination
Ans: (b)
The revolt of the Pabna peasants in Bengal in the 1870s was a protest against the high land revenue imposed by the British.

Q5: Who is known for leading the Santhal Rebellion against the British in the mid-19th century?
(a) Rani Lakshmi Bai
(b) Birsa Munda
(c) Raja Rammohan Roy
(d) Bahadur Shah Zafar
Ans: (b)
Birsa Munda is known for leading the Santhal Rebellion against the British in the mid-19th century.

Q6: Explain the impact of the Permanent Settlement (Zamindari system) on the peasants of Bengal.
Ans: The Permanent Settlement had a negative impact on the peasants of Bengal. It fixed land revenue payments in perpetuity, placing the burden on the peasants. As a result, peasants were heavily taxed, and they had no security against arbitrary increases in revenue. Many peasants lost their land due to inability to pay, and they became tenants or landless laborers.

Q7: Describe the causes and consequences of the Santhal Rebellion.
Ans: The Santhal Rebellion was caused by the oppression and exploitation of the Santhal tribals by moneylenders, landlords, and British officials. The rebellion aimed to protect Santhal land and customs. Its consequences included the suppression of the rebellion by British forces, the execution of the Santhal leaders, and the implementation of policies to further control tribal areas.

Q8: Discuss the significance of the Ryotwari system introduced by the British in India.
Ans: The Ryotwari system, introduced in some parts of India by the British, allowed direct settlement between the British government and individual peasant cultivators (ryots). It eliminated the intermediary zamindars. The system aimed to reduce exploitation and protect peasants' rights. However, it did not fully address the economic problems faced by the peasants and resulted in high land revenue demands.

Q9: What was the impact of the revolt of the Pabna peasants in Bengal in the 1870s?
Ans: The revolt of the Pabna peasants in Bengal in the 1870s drew attention to the issues of high land revenue and the exploitation of peasants. It led to the reduction of land revenue rates in some areas, marking a partial victory for the peasants. However, it also resulted in the suppression of the rebellion by British authorities.

Q10: Explain the significance of the local rebellion against the British in various parts of India during the colonial period.
Ans: Local rebellions against the British in various parts of India during the colonial period were significant as they represented resistance against British oppression, high taxation, forced labor, and exploitation. These rebellions were expressions of people's discontent and efforts to protect their land, livelihoods, and cultural practices. While many of these rebellions were suppressed by the British, they contributed to the larger struggle for Indian independence and inspired future movements.

Q11: Explain the impact of the Permanent Settlement system introduced by the British in India. Discuss its implications for Indian landowners, peasants, and the revenue system.
Ans: The Permanent Settlement system, implemented by the British in 1793, had far-reaching consequences. Under this system, land revenue was fixed in perpetuity, and landownership was transferred from the cultivators to intermediaries known as zamindars. This had mixed effects on landowners, as some became wealthy while others struggled to meet the fixed revenue demands. Peasants bore the brunt of the system, as they faced increased exploitation and landlessness. The revenue system became rigid and inflexible, leading to revenue arrears and land disputes. Understanding the Permanent Settlement is essential for grasping the complexities of British land revenue policies in colonial India.

Q12: Describe the impact of the Ryotwari system introduced by the British in India. Discuss how this system differed from the Permanent Settlement and its effects on peasants and land revenue collection.
Ans: The Ryotwari system, implemented by the British in parts of India, replaced the Permanent Settlement in some regions. Under this system, individual peasants (ryots) were recognized as the owners of the land, and they paid revenue directly to the British government. This system aimed to eliminate intermediaries, reducing the exploitation faced by peasants. Unlike the Permanent Settlement, which fixed revenue demands regardless of agricultural success, the Ryotwari system linked revenue to the land's actual productivity. This system eased the burden on peasants and made revenue collection more flexible. Understanding the Ryotwari system helps in appreciating the diversity of British land revenue policies in colonial India.

Q13: Examine the role of the local officials known as Patwaris in the revenue collection system during British colonial rule. Discuss their functions, responsibilities, and the challenges they faced.
Ans: Patwaris were local officials responsible for land revenue collection in British India. Their duties included measuring land, assessing crop yields, and collecting revenue from peasants. They maintained land records and played a crucial role in determining landownership. Patwaris faced various challenges, such as corruption, favoritism, and disputes with peasants over land records and revenue assessments. Understanding the role of Patwaris is essential for comprehending the intricacies of the revenue collection system during British colonial rule and the challenges faced by those responsible for its implementation.

Q14: Discuss the impact of the Forest Laws introduced by the British in India. Explain the implications of these laws for tribal communities and the environment.
Ans: The British introduced Forest Laws in India to regulate the use of forest resources. These laws had a significant impact on tribal communities, as many of them depended on forests for their livelihoods. The Forest Laws restricted access to forests and led to the displacement and marginalization of tribal communities. Additionally, the exploitation of forest resources for revenue generation often led to deforestation and environmental degradation. Understanding the consequences of the Forest Laws is crucial for recognizing the historical injustices faced by tribal communities and the environmental challenges associated with colonial resource exploitation.

Q15: Explain the significance of the revolt of the Santhals in the mid-19th century in the context of colonial India. Discuss the causes, leaders, and outcomes of this tribal rebellion.
Ans: The Santhal rebellion of the mid-19th century was a significant tribal uprising against British colonial rule. It was led by leaders like Sidhu and Kanhu. The rebellion was sparked by various factors, including the oppression and exploitation of Santhal tribals by moneylenders, landlords, and the colonial administration. The Santhals rose in rebellion, seeking to establish their sovereignty and reclaim their ancestral lands. Although the rebellion was eventually suppressed, it highlighted the struggles of tribal communities against colonial injustices and contributed to a growing sense of resistance against British rule in India. Understanding the Santhal rebellion is crucial for appreciating the diversity of resistance movements during the colonial period.