Class 8 History Chapter 5 Practice Question Answers - When People Rebel

Q1: What is the alternative name for the First War of Independence in 1857?
(a) Indian Mutiny
(b) Sepoy Mutiny
(c) Revolt of 1857
(d) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Ans: (c)
The First War of Independence in 1857 is also known as the Revolt of 1857.

Q2: Who was the last Mughal emperor who became a symbol of the 1857 revolt?
(a) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(b) Akbar the Great
(c) Aurangzeb
(d) Shah Jahan
Ans: (a)
Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, became a symbol of the 1857 revolt.

Q3: The Revolt of 1857 was triggered by the use of which type of cartridges that offended the Indian soldiers?
(a) Paper cartridges
(b) Metal cartridges
(c) Cloth cartridges
(d) Wooden cartridges
Ans: (a)
The use of paper cartridges that were rumored to be greased with animal fat offended Indian soldiers, leading to the revolt.

Q4: Who was the leader of the Sepoy Mutiny in Kanpur during the 1857 revolt?
(a) Rani Lakshmi Bai
(b) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(c) Kunwar Singh
(d) Nana Sahib
Ans: (d)
Nana Sahib was one of the leaders of the Sepoy Mutiny in Kanpur during the 1857 revolt.

Q5: What was the outcome of the Revolt of 1857 in terms of British policy towards India?
(a) India gained independence
(b) India became a British colony
(c) The British implemented a policy of divide and rule
(d) The British left India immediately
Ans: (c)
After the suppression of the Revolt of 1857, the British implemented a policy of divide and rule to maintain control over India.

Q6: Explain the role of Rani Lakshmi Bai in the Revolt of 1857.
Ans: Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi played a significant role in the Revolt of 1857. She led her troops in battles against the British and became a symbol of resistance. Her valor and leadership inspired others to join the revolt. Although she fought bravely, she died in battle, but her legacy as the "Warrior Queen" lives on.

Q7: Describe the main causes of the Revolt of 1857.
Ans: The main causes of the Revolt of 1857 included:

• Use of Greased Cartridges: The use of paper cartridges greased with animal fat offended Indian soldiers' religious beliefs.
• Economic Exploitation: Indian farmers and artisans faced economic exploitation by British policies and revenue demands.
• Sepoy Discontent: Sepoys were mistreated, underpaid, and discriminated against by British officers.
• Loss of Prestige: Indian rulers and nobility lost prestige and authority under British rule.
• Social and Cultural Factors: There were concerns about cultural and religious interference by the British.

Q8: Discuss the consequences of the Revolt of 1857 on Indian society and politics.
Ans: The consequences of the Revolt of 1857 on Indian society and politics included:

• Implementation of Divide and Rule: The British implemented a policy of divide and rule to prevent future uprisings by exploiting religious and regional differences.
• End of the Mughal Empire: The revolt marked the end of the Mughal Empire as Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled.
• Shift in British Policies: The British became more cautious in imposing cultural changes and interference in Indian traditions.
• Rise of Nationalism: The revolt sowed the seeds of Indian nationalism and inspired future freedom fighters.
• Changes in Administration: The administration of India was transferred from the British East India Company to the British Crown (British Raj).

Q9: Explain the significance of the role played by Indian sepoys (soldiers) in the Revolt of 1857.
Ans: Indian sepoys played a significant role in the Revolt of 1857 as they were at the forefront of the uprising. They were deeply offended by the use of greased cartridges, which symbolized the disregard for their religious beliefs. Sepoys rebelled in several regions, and their actions inspired others to join the revolt. Their participation showcased the unity and determination of Indians in resisting British rule.

Q10: What were the long-term consequences of the Revolt of 1857 on India's struggle for independence?
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 had several long-term consequences on India's struggle for independence:

• Awakening of Nationalism: It awakened a sense of nationalism and unity among Indians, laying the foundation for future independence movements.
• End of Company Rule: The revolt led to the end of the rule of the British East India Company and the direct governance of India by the British Crown (British Raj).
• Policy Changes: The British government became more cautious in implementing cultural and religious changes in India.
• Rise of Leaders: The revolt produced leaders like Rani Lakshmi Bai and Bahadur Shah Zafar, who inspired later freedom fighters.
• Demand for Rights: The demand for civil rights and political representation gained momentum in the subsequent decades.
  
  

Q11: Explain the causes and consequences of the Revolt of 1857. Discuss how this event marked the beginning of India's struggle for independence.
Ans: The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, was a significant event in India's history. It was triggered by various factors, including discontent among Indian sepoys (soldiers), the use of animal fat in cartridge production, and resentment against British policies. The consequences of the revolt were far-reaching. Although it was eventually suppressed, it marked the end of the East India Company's rule in India and the beginning of direct British Crown rule. The revolt inspired subsequent generations in their fight for independence, and it prompted the British to reconsider their policies, leading to the introduction of several reforms to address Indian grievances.

Q12: Discuss the role of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi in the Revolt of 1857. Explain her leadership and contributions to the rebellion.
Ans: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was a prominent figure in the Revolt of 1857. As the queen of the princely state of Jhansi, she played a significant role in the uprising against British rule. She exhibited strong leadership qualities and a fierce determination to defend her kingdom. Rani Lakshmibai led her troops into battle and became an icon of resistance. Her bravery in the face of adversity inspired others to join the rebellion. Although she eventually met defeat, her contributions were significant, and she remains a symbol of Indian courage and the struggle for independence.

Q13: Examine the role of tribal uprisings in the post-1857 period as part of India's resistance against British colonialism. Discuss the causes, leaders, and outcomes of tribal revolts during this period.
Ans: Tribal uprisings were an essential part of India's resistance against British colonialism in the post-1857 period. Many tribal communities, feeling marginalized and exploited, launched revolts against British policies. Leaders like Birsa Munda and Sidhu Murmu played key roles in mobilizing tribal populations. These uprisings often aimed to protect tribal rights, land, and culture. While many of them were eventually suppressed, they drew attention to the issues faced by tribal communities and contributed to a growing sense of resistance against colonial injustices. The outcomes varied, but tribal revolts were integral to the broader struggle for Indian independence.

Q14: Discuss the significance of the Deccan and Central India as important centers of the Revolt of 1857. Explain the reasons for their active participation and the impact of their resistance.
Ans: The Deccan and Central India played significant roles in the Revolt of 1857. These regions were important centers of resistance due to several factors, including the presence of princely states, discontent among sepoys, and grievances against British policies. The active participation of these regions added momentum to the rebellion. It demonstrated that the revolt was not limited to a specific area but had widespread support. Although the revolt was eventually suppressed, the resistance in the Deccan and Central India marked a significant chapter in India's struggle for independence and highlighted the diversity of forces opposed to British colonial rule.

Q15: Explain the impact of the Revolt of 1857 on the development of the Indian Nationalist Movement. Discuss how the events of 1857 influenced subsequent freedom fighters and their strategies.
Ans: The Revolt of 1857 had a profound impact on the development of the Indian Nationalist Movement. It served as an inspiration for subsequent freedom fighters and played a crucial role in shaping their strategies. The events of 1857 demonstrated the possibility of unified resistance against British rule. Subsequent freedom fighters, such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, drew inspiration from the spirit of rebellion exhibited in 1857. They adopted various strategies, including non-cooperation and civil disobedience, influenced by the lessons of the revolt. The memory of 1857 remained a symbol of resistance and served as a powerful force in the later stages of India's struggle for independence.