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

Q1: How did the policies of the East India Company affect nawabs and rajas, leading to a decline in their power? 
Ans: The nawabs and rajas experienced erosion of power due to the presence of residents in their courts, reduction in freedom, disbandment of armed forces, and gradual annexation of territories and revenues by the East India Company.

Q2: Describe the circumstances under which Awadh was annexed by the British, and what justification did Governor-General Dalhousie provide for this annexation?
Ans: Awadh was annexed in 1856 through a subsidiary alliance imposed in 1801. Governor-General Dalhousie justified the annexation by claiming that the territory was misgoverned, and British rule was necessary for proper administration.

Q3: Analyze the impact of new rules on Indian sepoys, focusing on their discontent, religious concerns, and the Company's response.
Ans: Indian sepoys were discontent with pay, allowances, and service conditions. The introduction of new rules violating their religious beliefs, such as serving overseas, led to severe punishment. In 1856, a law was passed requiring new recruits to agree to serve overseas.

Q4: How did the British view Indian society, and what reforms were introduced to reshape it? Ans: The British believed in reforming Indian society and introduced laws against practices like sati, encouraged widow remarriage, promoted English-language education, and allowed Christian missionaries to operate freely after 1830.

Q5: Through the eyes of Subedar Sitaram Pande, explain how the seizure of Oudh contributed to the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.
Ans: Subedar Sitaram Pande believed that the seizure of Oudh fueled distrust among the sepoys, leading them to plot against the government. Agents of the Nawab of Oudh and the King of Delhi spread misinformation, inciting sepoys to mutiny against the British.

Q6: Narrate the sequence of events that unfolded from Meerut to Delhi during the initial days of the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857.
Ans: The mutiny began in Meerut on May 10, 1857, with sepoys rebelling against the use of new cartridges. The rebellion spread to Delhi, where British officers were killed, arms seized, and buildings set on fire. Soldiers proclaimed Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader.

Q7: Discuss the role of Bahadur Shah Zafar in the 1857 rebellion and its implications on the Indian rulers.
Ans: Bahadur Shah Zafar was proclaimed the leader by rebel soldiers in Delhi. His acceptance had significant implications as other rulers saw the opportunity to regain their territories under Mughal authority.

Q8: Evaluate the British strategies to suppress the rebellion, focusing on reinforcements, new laws, and actions taken in storm centers like Delhi.
Ans: The British decided to repress the rebellion with reinforcements, new laws, and actions in storm centers. Delhi was recaptured in September 1857, and Bahadur Shah Zafar was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Q9: Explain the significance of the British Parliament's Act of 1858 in transferring powers from the East India Company to the British Crown.
Ans: The Act transferred powers to the British Crown, establishing direct responsibility for ruling India. A Secretary of State for India and the India Council were appointed to advise him, and the Governor-General became the Viceroy.

Q10: How did the British reassure ruling chiefs after suppressing the rebellion, and what changes were introduced in the recruitment policy of the army?
Ans: Ruling chiefs were assured that their territories would not be annexed, and they could pass them on to heirs. Changes in the army recruitment policy included reducing Indian soldiers and increasing European soldiers, recruiting more from Gurkhas, Sikhs, and Pathans.

Q11: Analyze the treatment of Muslims by the British after the rebellion, and the reasons behind the confiscation of their land and property.
Ans: Muslims faced suspicion and hostility, with large-scale confiscation of their land and property. The British believed that Muslims played a significant role in the rebellion.

Q12: Explain the policies introduced by the British to respect the religious and social practices of the Indian people after the rebellion.
Ans: The British decided to respect customary religious and social practices, providing a new phase of history after 1857.

Q13: Explore the reasons behind the Khurda Uprising of 1817, focusing on the role of Raja Birakishore Dev and the impact of British policies.
Ans: The Khurda Uprising resulted from British policies, including resuming service tenures, oppressive revenue collection, and the introduction of the sicca rupee. Raja Birakishore Dev's attempts to regain lost territories through negotiations failed.

Q14: Narrate the events of the Khurda Uprising, highlighting the role of Buxi Jagabandhu and the response of the British.
Ans: Buxi Jagabandhu led the uprising in Khurda, attacking government establishments, initiating a 'no-rent campaign,' and declaring Mukunda Dev II as the ruler. The British responded with Martial Law, capturing the king and suppressing the uprising.

Q15: Evaluate the aftermath of the Khurda Uprising, including British policies, reforms, and the impact on the people of Khurda.
Ans: The British adopted lenient policies after the uprising, reducing the price of salt, making reforms in the justice system, and restoring land to former holders. The uprising influenced British administration in Orissa.