Glimpses of the Past Class 8 Worksheet English Honeydew Chapter 3

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1: What was the primary motive of the English East India Company's presence in India?
(a) They came to India for trade and extended their power through diplomacy.
(b) They fought against Indian freedom fighters in the first war of Independence.
(c) They sought the help of Indian princes to defeat each other.
(d) They restored peace in the country and stopped looting.
Ans: (a) They came to India for trade and extended their power through diplomacy.

The English East India Company initially came to India for trade but extended its power through superior weapons of diplomacy.

Q2: Why were Indian princes easily defeated by the English East India Company?
(a) Lack of military strength
(b) Short-sightedness and division among Indian princes
(c) English's superior weapons of diplomacy
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d) All of the above

The Indian princes were easily defeated due to a combination of factors, including lack of military strength, short-sightedness, and division among them. The English used their superior weapons of diplomacy.

Q3: Who was a far-sighted ruler mentioned in the text who fought against the British till his death?
(a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(b) Tipu Sultan of Mysore
(c) Lata Mangeshkar
(d) None of the above
Ans: (b) Tipu Sultan of Mysore

The Tipu Sultan of Mysore was a far-sighted ruler who fought against the British until he died.

Q4: How did some Indians react to the conquests made by the English Company?
(a) They thanked God and the British for restoring peace.
(b) They expressed gratitude for the Company defeating Indian princes.
(c) They criticized the English for killing or dethroning their kings.
(d) All of the above
Ans: (d) All of the above

Some Indians reacted positively, thanking God and the British for restoring peace. Others felt unhappy, criticizing the killing or dethroning of their kings.

Q5: How did the common people support the 1857 revolt?
(a)They remained neutral and did not participate in the revolt.
(b)They provided shelter and aid to the patriots.
(c)They actively joined the British forces to suppress the revolt.
(d)They formed alliances with neighboring kingdoms to fight the British.
Ans: (b) They provided shelter and aid to the patriots.

The masses gave all help and shelter to the patriots," indicating the common people's active role in supporting those who rebelled against British rule

Fill in the blanks

Q1: The English East India Company aimed to make quick __________ in India.
Ans: The English East India Company aimed to make quick profits in India.

Q2: Raja Ram Mohan Roy called upon people to feel proud of their ancient __________.
Ans: Raja Ram Mohan Roy called upon people to feel proud of their ancient culture.
Q3: The English imposed heavy taxes on farmers and destroyed Indian __________ industries.
Ans: The English imposed heavy taxes on farmers and destroyed Indian business industries.

Q4: Raja Ram Mohan Roy understood the importance of __________ and modern knowledge.
Ans: Raja Ram Mohan Roy recognized the significance of science and modern knowledge.

Q5: Raja Ram Mohan Roy went to England to understand what made the British so __________.
Ans: Raja Ram Mohan Roy traveled to England to understand what made the British so powerful.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the impact of the constant fights among Indian states on the English East India Company's expansion.
Ans: The constant fights among Indian states weakened them, making it easier for the English East India Company to extend its power. The division and short-sightedness among Indian princes allowed the Company to defeat and subdue them one by one.

Q2: Discuss the role of Raja Ram Mohan Roy as a social reformer and his efforts to bring about change.
Ans:  Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent social reformer from Bengal who played a crucial role in advocating for societal change. His key contributions include:

• Promotion of Ancient Culture: He encouraged people to take pride in their rich heritage.
• Combatting Superstitions: Roy believed that superstitions were detrimental to society and needed to be eradicated.
• Emphasis on Science: He advocated for practical and scientific knowledge, believing it was essential for progress.
• Advocacy for Rights: While in England, he reminded British rulers of their responsibilities towards their subjects.
• Challenges Faced: His efforts were met with resistance, including the British authorities shutting down his newspapers in 1823.

Q3: How did the English East India Company affect Indian artisans and their businesses?
Ans: The English East India Company imposed heavy taxes on farmers and destroyed Indian cottage industries to sell goods manufactured in England. This ruined Indian artisans and their businesses, impacting the livelihoods of many.

Q4: Why did some Indians feel unhappy under the rule of the white man, despite the end of constant fights among Indian states?
Ans: Despite the end of constant fights among Indian states, some Indians felt unhappy under the rule of the white man. They complained about the killing or dethroning of their kings and the imposition of heavy taxes. The English rulers were seen as oppressors, and some Indians felt they had become slaves under their rule.

Q5: What were the challenges faced by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in spreading his ideas, including the establishment of newspapers?
Ans: Raja Ram Mohan Roy faced several challenges in spreading his ideas:

• The British authorities halted his newspapers in 1823, limiting his ability to share his thoughts.
• Despite these setbacks, he persisted in advocating for social reforms.
• He traveled to England to learn about British power and governance.
• Roy adopted a middle path in his approach, balancing tradition and modernity.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: How did the British affect Indian Industries?
Ans: The arrival of the British in India significantly impacted local industries in many ways such as,

• The East India Company implemented laws that exempted British-manufactured goods from import duties, making it difficult for Indian products to compete.
• British industries had superior equipment, which further weakened Indian manufacturing.
• As a result, many traditional Indian industries began to decline, leading to the loss of livelihoods for skilled artisans.
• By 1829, British exports to India reached a value of seven crore rupees, while local industries suffered. 

Q2: Who was Ram Mohan Roy?
Ans: Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) was a prominent figure from Bengal who recognised the issues facing India.  

• He believed that education should be grounded in science and practicality.
• He emphasised the need to reform society and eliminate superstitions.
• He stated that despite different beliefs, the essence of all religions is similar.
• During his time in England, he advised that British rulers must acknowledge their responsibilities towards Indian subjects.
• Ram Mohan Roy also initiated newspapers, though they faced censorship from the British.

Q3: How the British oppress the Indians?
Ans: The British imposed severe oppression on the Indian population through various means:

• In 1818, they enacted Regulation III, which permitted the imprisonment of Indians without a court trial.
• British officials in India received high salaries and profited from private businesses.
• By 1829, British exports to India reached a value of seven crore rupees.
• Governor-General Bentinck noted the dire consequences of British policies, stating, "The bones of cotton weavers are bleaching the plains of India."
• While the British thrived on the wealth extracted from India, local industries suffered and began to decline.

Q4: What did Macaulay advise in 1835?
Ans: In 1835, the Englishman Macaulay proposed significant changes to education in India. He recommended: Teaching all Indians in the English language, Transitioning from traditional languages like Persian and Sanskrit, Using English to create a new class of clerks for British administration, and Encouraging the development of a new generation of intellectuals.

Q5: What did English education produce?
Ans: English education resulted in the creation of clerks who were employed by the British for minor roles. However, it also led to the emergence of a new generation of intellectuals who aimed to uplift their communities. They believed in Educating their peers, Improving material conditions, and Expressing their grievances to the British Parliament. This dual outcome highlights the complex legacy of English education in India.

Q6: What were the strategies used by the British East India Company to rule India?
Ans: The British came to India to spread their trade. Their main agenda was to make a profit. But for that, they required political and ruling power over Indians to continue their trade. Heavy taxes on peasants were imposed. The demand and value of Indian goods decreased rapidly as the market was flooded with imported English goods. The imported goods were exempted from import duties. The trading and skills of Indian companies were ruined. And rivalry among the rulers helped the British to dethrone those who did not obey them.

Q7: How did the hatred towards the white man grow into armed revolt?
Ans: The white rulers implemented all the mean and fetid tactics to take over the princely states. By 1856, they conquered the entire India. Indian princes became did what the Company asked. They became puppets of the British. Indians were forced to adopt the Christian religion. Indian soldiers were not paid as much as the British soldiers. They were paid less. This grew hatred towards the white man which led to armed revolt.

Q8: What changes were seen during the years 1855-1857?
Ans: During the years 1855- 1857, many changes happened in the province of India. In 1855, a Santhal revolution arose in Bengal. The main reason behind this was the loss of land by the Santhal and this event led to the massacre of several Europeans and their local supporters. Sepoy Mangal Pandey attacked the adjutant of his regiment and was executed. Other sepoys were stripped of their uniforms humiliated and put in prison as they revolted. The Indians who supported the revolt visited village after village sending chapattis asking the common people for their service towards their emperor. The masses provided shelter and help to all the patriots.