Previous Year Questions: Print Culture & the Modern World - Social Studies (SST) Class 10

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Why was 'Gulamgiri' book written by Jyotiba Phule in 1871?    [2020]
Ans. The book 'Gulamgiri' was written by Jyotiba Phule in 1871 to criticize the caste system and advocate for the rights and upliftment of lower-caste and oppressed individuals in Indian society.

Q2. Name the book published by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.     [2020]
Ans. Raja Ram Mohan Roy published the book 'Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin' (A Gift to Monotheists).

Q3. Name the author of 'Amar Jiban'.    [2020]
Ans. The author of 'Amar Jiban' is Rassundari Devi.

Q4. Why was the Vernacular Press Act passed in 1878?    [2020]
Ans. The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 by the British colonial government in India to control and regulate the vernacular press, which was seen as a threat to their rule and criticized British policies.

Q5. Who invented the Printing Press?     [2020]
Ans. Johannes Gutenberg is credited with inventing the Printing Press.

Q6. Who brought the knowledge of woodblock printing technique to Italy during the 13th century?  [2020]
Ans. Marco Polo is believed to have brought the knowledge of woodblock printing technique to Italy during the 13th century.

Q7. By 1448, Gutenberg perfected the system of printing. The first book he printed was the ______.   [2020]
Ans. The first book printed by Gutenberg was the Bible.

Q8. Wooden or Metal frames in which types are laid and the text composed for printing was known as?      [2020]
Ans. The frames in which types are laid and the text composed for printing are known as printing plates or printing blocks.

Q9. Name the first book printed by Gutenberg Press.     [2020C, 2017]
Ans. The first book printed by Gutenberg Press was the Gutenberg Bible or the 42-line Bible.

Q10. Fill in the blank. Buddhist missionaries from China introduced hand printing technology into ______ around A.D. 768-770.    [2020]
Ans. Japan

Q11. How was hand-printing technology introduced in Japan?     [Delhi 2019]
Ans. The hand printing technology was introduced in Japan by Buddhist missionaries from China around A.D. 768-770.

Q12. Name the oldest Japanese book    [2020 C, 2016]
Ans. The oldest Japanese book is the "Buddhist Diamond Sutra."

Q13. Explain the meaning of the term ‘Calligraphy’.    [Al 2019,2014]
Ans. Calligraphy is the art of decorative handwriting or lettering.

Q14. Why did Roman Catholic church impose control over publishers and booksellers?     [2018]
Ans. The Roman Catholic church imposed control over publishers and booksellers to maintain control over the spread of information and to ensure that religious teachings were not challenged or misrepresented.

Q15. Who was Menocchio?   [2016]
Ans. Menocchio was an Italian miller and self-educated philosopher who was put on trial by the Inquisition for his unorthodox beliefs and interpretations of religious texts.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q.1. "The shift from hand printing to mechanical printing led to the print revolution in Europe." Explain the statement with examples.    [2023]

Ans. The shift from hand printing to mechanical printing brought about the print revolution in Europe. This revolution was characterized by the following:

• With the invention of the printing press, books started to be printed on a large scale, reaching wider sections of people. This led to the emergence of a new reading public.
• The printing press enabled the production of books in larger numbers and at a faster pace, making them more accessible and affordable.
• Publishers began printing popular ballads and folk tales, accompanied by beautiful pictures and illustrations, further attracting readers.
• The spread of new ideas and knowledge became easier with the print revolution. For example, Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament sold thousands of copies within a short period, contributing to the spread of the Protestant Reformation.

Q.2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:   [2020]
WHY NEWSPAPERS?
'Krishnaji Trimbuck Ranade inhabitant of Poona intends to publish a Newspaper in the Marathi Language with a view of affording useful information on every topic of local interest. It will be open for free discussion on subjects of general utility, scientific investigation and the speculations connected with the antiquities, statistics, curiosities, history and geography of the country and of the Deccan especially...the patronage and support of all interested in the diffusion of knowledge and Welfare of the People is earnestly solicited.’
Bombay Telegraph and Courier, 6 January, 1849
The task of the native newspapers and political associations is identical to the role of the opposition in the House of Commons in Parliament in England. That is of critically examining government policy to suggest improvements, by removing those parts that will not be to the benefit of the people, and also by ensuring speedy implementation. These associations ought to carefully study the particular issues, gather diverse relevant information on the nation as well as on what are the possible and desirable improvements, and this will surely earn it considerable influence.' Native Opinion, 3 April, 1870

(i) Explain the main reason for publishing a newspaper by Krishnaji.
Ans. The main reason for publishing a newspaper by Krishnaji was to provide useful information on every topic of local interest and to encourage free discussion on subjects of general utility, scientific investigation, and speculations related to antiquities, statistics, curiosities, history, and geography of the country, especially the Deccan.

(ii) How was the task of native newspapers and political associations seen identical to the role of opposition?
Ans. The task of native newspapers and political associations was seen identical to the role of opposition in the House of Commons in England. They critically examined government policy to suggest improvements, removed parts that were not beneficial to the people, and ensured speedy implementation. They also carefully studied particular issues, gathered diverse relevant information, and proposed possible and desirable improvements, which earned them considerable influence.

(iii) Analyse the reasons for the popularity of newspapers during the 19th century.
Ans.

• Newspapers conveyed news from one place to another, creating pan-India identities.
• Vernacular newspapers became assertively nationalist.
• Newspapers like India Mirror, Bombay Samachar, The Hindu, and Kesari exerted a deep imprint on the minds of people.

Q.3. Examine the steps taken by the British under the Vernacular Press Act, 1878. (2020 C)
OR
What restrictions were imposed by the Vernacular Press Act on the Indian Press? Explain. (2016)
Ans. 

• The Vernacular Press Act provided the government with extensive rights to censor reports and editorials in the Vernacular press.
• The government kept regular track of the Vernacular newspapers published in different provinces.
• When a report was judged as seditious, the newspaper was warned.
• If the warning was ignored, the press was liable to be seized and the printing machinery could be confiscated.

Q.4. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:   [2020]
From the early nineteenth century, there were intense debates around religious issues. Different groups confronted the changes happening within colonial society in different ways, and offered a variety of new interpretations of the beliefs of different religions. Some criticized existing practices and campaigned for reform, while others countered the arguments of reformers. These debates were carried out in public and in print. Printed tracts and newspapers not only spread the new ideas, but they shaped the nature of the debate. A wider public could now participate in these public discussions and express their views. New ideas emerged through these clashes of opinions. This was a time of intense controversies between social and religious reformers and the Hindu orthodoxy over matters like widow immolation, monotheism, Brahmanical priesthood and idolatry. In Bengal, as the debate developed, tracts and newspapers proliferated, circulating a variety of arguments. To reach a wider audience, the ideas were printed in the everyday, spoken language of ordinary people.

(i) Analyse any one issue of intense debate around religious issues.
Ans: One issue of intense debate around religious issues was widow immolation.

(ii) Examine the role of print media in these debates.
Ans:

• Print media spread new ideas and shaped the nature of the debate.
• It allowed a wider public to participate in public discussions and express their views.
• Printed tracts and newspapers circulated a variety of arguments.
• The ideas were printed in the everyday, spoken language of ordinary people to reach a wider audience.

Q.5. How had the Imperial State in China been the major producer of printed material for a long time? Explain with examples.     [Delhi 2019]

Ans. The Imperial State in China had been the major producer of printed material for a long time due to the following reasons:

• China had a large bureaucracy, and the Chinese civil services examinations required the use of a large number of textbooks for preparation. These textbooks were printed under the sponsorship of the Imperial state.
• The production of books and study materials increased as the number of examination candidates went up. This led to the rapid printing of books all over the nation.
• Authors and rich merchants also sponsored the printing of books, further contributing to the production of printed material.
  
  

Q.6. "Printing brought the reading public and hearing public closer." Substantiate the statement with an appropriate argument.    [2019 C]
Ans. Printing brought the reading public and hearing public closer by blurring the line that separated them. Before the invention of printing, reading was restricted to the elites, while the common people relied on oral culture. However, with the accessibility and affordability of printed books, a new reading public emerged. This reading public started to engage with written texts individually and silently, similar to the elites. As a result, the hearing public and reading public became intermingled, leading to a shared culture of knowledge and information.

Q.7. "Print Revolution in the sixteenth-century Europe transformed the lives of people." Support the statement with suitable arguments.    [AI 2019]
OR
"The Print Revolution had transformed the lives of people, changing their relationship to information and knowledge." Analyze the statement.      [2018, AI 2014]
Ans: The Print Revolution in sixteenth-century Europe had a significant impact on the lives of people. The following arguments support this statement:

• Access to printed books became easier and more affordable, leading to the emergence of a new reading public. Previously, reading was restricted to the elites, while the common people relied on oral culture. The print revolution enabled a wider section of the society to access and engage with written texts, thereby transforming their relationship to information and knowledge.
• The print revolution facilitated the spread and dissemination of ideas, leading to the questioning of traditional beliefs and practices. This led to social and intellectual transformations, such as the Protestant Reformation, which challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.
• Printing helped in the preservation and transmission of knowledge. It ensured the accuracy and uniformity of texts, reducing errors and variations that were common in handwritten manuscripts.
• The print revolution also contributed to the growth of literacy rates as more people learned to read and write. This, in turn, led to increased social mobility and the democratization of knowledge.

Q.8. Mention any three reasons for the limited circulation of manuscripts in Europe before Marco Polo introduced the printing technology.    [2017]
Ans. The limited circulation of manuscripts in Europe before the introduction of printing technology can be attributed to the following reasons:

• The production of handwritten manuscripts could not satisfy the ever-increasing demand for books.
• Copying manuscripts was an expensive, laborious, and time-consuming process.
• Manuscripts were fragile, awkward to handle, and could not be easily carried around or read.

Q.9. What are the factors that lead to the reading mania in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Europe?     [2017]
Ans. The reading mania in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Europe can be attributed to the following factors:

• The demand for books increased significantly as literacy spread among peasants and artisans. In some parts of Europe, the literacy rate rose as high as 60 to 80 percent. This created a need for more books, leading to a reading frenzy.
• The belief that books were a means of spreading progress and enlightenment became widespread. Many people believed that books could bring about positive social change and liberation from despotism and tyranny.
• The power of print to disseminate ideas and knowledge was recognized and appreciated. People started to realize the potential of books in shaping public opinion and influencing society.
• The availability of a wide range of books on various subjects and genres further fueled the reading mania. The publishing industry flourished, catering to the diverse interests of readers.

Q.10. What is manuscript? Mention any two limitations of it during the nineteenth century.    [2016]
Ans. A manuscript is a handwritten document, typically written on palm leaves or handmade paper. During the nineteenth century, manuscripts had the following limitations:

• Manuscripts were highly expensive and fragile, making them inaccessible to the common people.
• The script used in manuscripts was written in different styles, making it difficult to read and understand.

Q.11. How had the earliest printing technology developed in the world? Explain with an example.   [2016]
Ans. The earliest printing technology in the world developed in China, Japan, and Korea. In China, woodblocks were used for hand printing. This technology was initially used exclusively by scholar officials. However, it later became common and widespread. The Buddhist missionaries introduced hand printing technology from China to Japan, and Marco Polo brought the knowledge of woodblock printing from China to Italy.

Q.12. How did a new reading public emerge with the printing press? Explain.     [2016]
OR
'With the printing press, a new public emerged in Europe.' Justify the statement.     [2015]
Ans. The printing press played a crucial role in the emergence of a new reading public in Europe. The following points explain how this happened:

• The printing press reduced the cost of producing books, making them more affordable and accessible to a wider section of society. As a result, a larger number of people could afford to purchase and own books, leading to an increase in the reading public.
• The availability of printed books in larger numbers and at a faster pace allowed for a greater dissemination of knowledge and information. This led to the spread of literacy and the growth of reading habits among the common people.
• The printing press enabled the production of books in various languages, catering to the linguistic diversity of Europe. This further expanded the reading public as people could now read in their native languages.
• The printing press also facilitated the standardization of texts, ensuring accuracy and consistency in the content of books. This made reading and understanding easier for the new reading public.

Q.13. Why did British Government curb the freedom of the Indian press after the revolt of 1857?   [2016]
Ans. After the revolt of 1857, the attitude towards freedom of the press changed. Enraged English officials clamped down on the Indian press because of their nationalist activities. In 1887, the Vernacular Press Act was passed, providing the government with extensive rights to censor reports. The government kept regular track of the Vernacular newspapers, and when a report was judged as seditious, the newspaper was warned. If the warning was ignored, the press was liable to be seized and the machinery could be confiscated.

Q.14. Print culture created the conditions within which the French Revolution occurred. Give any three suitable arguments to support the statement.    [2016]
Ans: Print culture played a significant role in creating the conditions for the French Revolution. The following arguments support this statement:

• Print culture popularized the ideas of enlightened thinkers who advocated reason and criticized traditional beliefs, superstitions, and despotism. Writers such as Voltaire and Rousseau disseminated their ideas through printed works, influencing public opinion and creating a sense of intellectual awakening.
• Print culture facilitated dialogue and debate among the people. It provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of revolutionary thoughts. Newspapers, pamphlets, and other printed materials became mediums for political discussions and the questioning of authority.
• Print literature mocked the royalty and exposed the corruption and inequalities of the Ancient Régime. Underground publications circulated widely, creating awareness and mobilizing the masses against the existing social and political order. This contributed to the revolutionary sentiment that eventually led to the French Revolution.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follows:   [2020]
Source - (i): Religious Reform and Public Debates 
There were intense controversies between social and religious reformers and the Hindu orthodoxy over matters like widow immolation, monotheism, brahmanical priesthood and idolatry. In Bengal, as the debate developed, tracts and newspapers proliferated, circulating a variety of argument.
Source - (ii): New Forms of Publication 
New literary forms also entered the world of reading lyrics, short stories, essays about social and political matters. In different ways, they reinforced the new emphasis on human lives and intimate feelings, about the political and social rules that shaped such things.
Source - (iii): Women and Print 
Since social reforms and novels had already created a great interest in women’s lives and emotions, there was also an interest in what women would have to say about their own lives. 

Source - (i): Religious Reform and Public Debates
(i) Evaluate how did the print shape the nature of the debate in the early nineteenth century in India.
Ans. Print played a significant role in shaping the nature of debate in early 19th century India. Here are some points to consider:

• The print culture facilitated intense controversies between social and religious reformers and the Hindu orthodoxy on various issues like widow immolation, monotheism, brahmanical priesthood, and idolatry.
• Tracts and newspapers proliferated, circulating a variety of arguments and allowing for a wider dissemination of ideas.
• The print medium provided a platform for individuals and groups to express their opinions and challenge established authorities.
• The emergence of new literary forms, such as lyrics, short stories, and essays about social and political matters, reinforced the new emphasis on human lives, intimate feelings, and the rules that shaped them.
• The print culture also reflected a great interest in women's lives and emotions, giving them a voice to express their own experiences and perspectives.

Source - (ii): New Forms of Publication
(ii) To what extent do you agree that print opened up new worlds of experience and gave a vivid sense of diversity of human lives?
Ans. Print indeed opened up new worlds of experience and provided a vivid sense of diversity of human lives. Here's why:

• The print revolution enabled the wide circulation of ideas and knowledge, allowing people to gain exposure to different perspectives and experiences.
• Through printed literature, individuals were exposed to various cultures, societies, and historical events, expanding their understanding of the world.
• The emergence of new literary forms, such as lyrics, short stories, and essays, explored diverse themes and provided insights into different aspects of human lives.
• Print publications portrayed the political and social rules that shaped human lives, shedding light on various social issues and inequalities.
• By printing popular ballads, folk tales, and illustrations, publishers catered to a diverse readership, engaging them in different narratives and experiences.

 Source - (iii): Women and Print
(iii) To what extent did the print culture reflect a great interest in women's lives and emotions? Explain.
Ans. The print culture did reflect a great interest in women's lives and emotions. Here's why:

• Social reforms and novels had already created a significant interest in women's lives and emotions, and the print culture further amplified this interest.
• With the emergence of the print medium, women were given a platform to express their own experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
• Women's issues and perspectives were addressed and discussed in newspapers, tracts, and novels.
• Female authors emerged during this period, writing about women's lives and advocating for their rights and empowerment.
• The print culture allowed women to voice their concerns, challenge societal norms, and contribute to public debates on various topics.
• This reflected a growing recognition of women's agency and their role in shaping society.

Q.2. Printing press played a major role in shaping the Indian society of the 19th century, support with examples.    [2017]
Ans. The printing press had a significant impact on shaping Indian society in the 19th century. Here are some examples:

• It made people aware of various social issues and problems. For example, intense debates and controversies arose between social and religious reformers and the orthodox Hindu community.
• Ideas of reformers reached a wider population through printed materials. For instance, Raja Ram Mohan Roy's ideas were disseminated through the newspaper "Sambad Kaumudi."
• The Deoband Seminary, founded in 1867, published thousands of fatwas instructing Muslim readers on how to conduct themselves in their everyday lives.
• The print culture played a crucial role in the growth of nationalism in India. Despite the Vernacular Press Act, nationalist newspapers continued to increase in number, reporting on colonial misrule and encouraging nationalist activities.
• The British government tried to suppress criticism through various means, but protests persisted. For example, Punjab revolutionaries were deported, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak's imprisonment in 1908 provoked large protests.

Q.3. Describe the impact of the print revolution in Europe during the 15th and 16th century.  [2017, 2016]
Ans. The impact of the print revolution in Europe during the 15th and 16th century was significant. Here are some key points:

• Printing reduced the cost of books, making them more affordable and accessible to a larger population.
• The time and labor required to produce each book decreased, allowing for multiple copies to be produced with greater ease.
• Books flooded the market, reaching out to an ever-growing readership.
• Publishers started printing popular ballads and folk tales with beautiful pictures and illustrations, making them more visually appealing.
• Print created the possibility of wide circulation of ideas, introducing a new world of debate and discussion.
• Even those who disagreed with established authorities could now print and circulate their ideas, leading to the emergence of new perspectives and challenging existing beliefs.
• One notable example is Martin Luther, a German monk, priest, professor, and church reformer, who challenged the Church and sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Q.4. Explain with example how print culture catered to the requirement of children.     [2016]
Ans. Print culture catered to the requirement of children by producing literature specifically for them. Here is an example:

• In Europe, primary education became compulsory in the late 19th century, resulting in children becoming an important category of readers.
• The publishing industry recognized this demand and started producing textbooks for schools.
• In France, a children's press devoted solely to literature for children was established in 1857.
• This press published new works as well as old fairy tales and folktales, providing children with a variety of reading material.
• The Grimm brothers in Germany spent years compiling traditional folk tales gathered from peasants, which were edited and published in a collection in 1812.
• The published versions of these tales excluded anything considered unsuitable or vulgar for children, ensuring their appropriateness.
• The print culture not only recorded old tales but also transformed them, giving children access to stories that entertained and educated them.

Q.5. Explain briefly the initial efforts made by foreigners to introduce printing press in India.    [2016]
Ans. Foreigners made initial efforts to introduce the printing press in India. Here are some key points:

• The Portuguese missionaries were the first to introduce the printing press in India in the mid-16th century.
• Jesuit priests learned local languages such as Konkani and printed several texts in those languages.
• By 1674, about 50 books had been printed in Konkani and Kannada languages.
• Catholic priests published the first printed books in Tamil in Cochin, and in 1713, the first Malayalam book was printed.
• Dutch Protestant missionaries also printed around 32 texts in Tamil, which were later translated.
• The English language press did not grow in India until much later, despite the East India Company importing presses from the late 17th century.
• In 1780, James Augustus Hickey started editing the Bengal Gazette, a weekly magazine that was a private English enterprise free from colonial influence.
• Hickey's publication included various advertisements, including those related to the import and sale of slaves.
• By the end of the 18th century, several newspapers and journals appeared in print, contributing to the growth of print culture in India.

Q.6. "Print not only stimulated the publication of conflicting opinions amongst communities but it also connected communities and people in different parts of India”. Examine the statement.    [2016]
Ans. The statement is accurate as print indeed stimulated the publication of conflicting opinions and connected communities and people across different parts of India. Here's an examination of the statement:

• Publication of conflicting opinions: The print revolution provided a platform for individuals and groups to express their opinions freely and without censorship. This led to the proliferation of newspapers, tracts, and other printed materials that presented diverse viewpoints and perspectives. Conflicting opinions on social, religious, and political matters were published, sparking debates and discussions among communities.
• Connection between communities: The wide circulation of printed materials facilitated the exchange of ideas and information between communities in different parts of India. People could access and read publications from various regions, fostering a sense of interconnectedness. This helped in disseminating knowledge, promoting cultural exchange, and creating awareness about social issues and reform movements across the country.
• Bridging regional and linguistic barriers: Print played a crucial role in bridging regional and linguistic barriers by enabling the translation and dissemination of texts in different languages. Publications in regional languages reached a wider audience, allowing for the sharing of ideas and experiences among communities speaking different languages.
• Strengthening national consciousness: The print culture played a significant role in fostering national consciousness and unity. Nationalist newspapers and publications grew in numbers, reporting on colonial misrule and advocating for independence. These publications connected people from different regions of India, fostering a shared sense of identity and purpose.

In conclusion, the print revolution in India not only provided a platform for conflicting opinions to be published but also connected communities and people across different parts of the country, contributing to the growth of knowledge, awareness, and national consciousness.