Class 8 History Chapter 7 Important Question Answers - Women, Caste and Reform

Q1: How were women's rights restricted in the social structure two hundred years ago?
Ans: Women's rights were restricted in various ways, including early-age marriages, limitations on widow remarriage, and lack of access to education. The practice of "sati" was also prevalent.

Q2: Who was Raja Rammohun Roy, and what was his contribution to social reform?
Ans: Raja Rammohun Roy was a prominent reformer who founded the Brahmo Sabha (later Brahmo Samaj). He campaigned against practices like "sati" and advocated for Western education, freedom, and equality for women.

Q3: How did Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar contribute to the cause of widow remarriage, and what opposition did he face?
Ans: Vidyasagar used ancient texts to support widow remarriage, leading to a law in 1856 permitting it. He faced opposition from those against the remarriage of widows, who even boycotted him.

Q4: In what ways did reformers promote education for girls in the 19th century, and what challenges did they face?
Ans: Reformers like Vidyasagar and Jyotirao Phule set up schools for girls. However, opposition arose due to fears that education would take girls away from domestic duties and corrupt them.

Q5: Who were some influential women in the early 20th century promoting education among women, and what contributions did they make?
Ans: Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain and the Begums of Bhopal played notable roles in promoting education for women. They founded schools and challenged conservative ideas about women.

Q6: How did women in the late 19th century actively contribute to social reform, and what were some challenges they faced? 
Ans: Women wrote books, edited magazines, founded schools, and formed associations for reform. They faced opposition from orthodox groups fearing Western influence on Hindu culture.

Q7: What role did leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose play in supporting women's rights in the 20th century?
Ans: In the 20th century, leaders like Nehru and Bose supported demands for equality and freedom for women. They promised full suffrage after Independence.

Q8: How did social reformers like Rammohun Roy and Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar challenge caste inequalities?
Ans: Reformers criticized caste inequalities by challenging harmful practices and finding support in ancient texts to advocate for change.

Q9: Who was Jyotirao Phule, and what were his main criticisms of the caste system? 
Ans: Jyotirao Phule was a vocal low-caste leader. He criticized the Brahman claim of superiority, arguing that the Aryans were foreigners and that the land belonged to indigenous people.

Q10: What was the significance of Phule's book "Gulamgiri," and how did it connect to global events? 
Ans: "Gulamgiri" criticized the caste system and all forms of inequality. It connected to the end of slavery in America, highlighting the plight of lower castes in India.

Q11: How did B.R. Ambedkar challenge caste prejudices, and what was the temple entry movement led by him?
Ans: Ambedkar challenged caste prejudices by leading movements for temple entry, emphasizing the power of caste prejudices within society.

Q12: What was the Non-Brahman movement, and who were some key leaders associated with it? Ans: The Non-Brahman movement challenged Brahmanical claims to power. E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) was a key leader who argued for untouchables' dignity.

Q13: How did the Non-Brahman movement challenge traditional Hindu scriptures, and what were its main objectives?
Ans: The Non-Brahman movement, led by Periyar, challenged Hindu scriptures, especially the Codes of Manu, and aimed to free untouchables from all religions for social equality.

Q14: What were some reactions to the forceful speeches and movements of lower-caste leaders in the early 20th century?
Ans: Orthodox Hindu society reacted by founding associations to uphold caste distinctions as integral to Hinduism, sanctified by scriptures.

Q15: How did debates and struggles over caste continue beyond the colonial period, and what is their status in contemporary times?
Ans: Debates and struggles over caste continued beyond the colonial period and persist in contemporary times, reflecting ongoing social challenges and discussions.