Worksheet Solutions: Colonialism and the Countryside | History Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: The auction held at Burdwan in 1797 was popularly known as the ________.
Ans: Grand Public Event
The auction held at Burdwan in 1797 was popularly known as the Grand Public Event, signifying its significance in the local community.

Q2: The revenue system introduced in Bengal under British rule was called ________.
Ans: Permanent Settlement
The revenue system introduced in Bengal under British rule was called Permanent Settlement, establishing a fixed land revenue system with zamindars.

Q3: Zamindars were classified as ________ under the Permanent Settlement.
Ans: Zamindars
Zamindars were classified as Zamindars under the Permanent Settlement, denoting their status as revenue collectors and intermediaries.

Q4: The power of the zamindars to collect rent from peasants was limited under the ________.
Ans: Permanent Settlement
The power of the zamindars to collect rent from peasants was limited under the Permanent Settlement, aiming to regulate their authority over the agricultural communities.

Q5: The group of rich peasants who consolidated their position in villages were called ________.
Ans: Jotedars
The group of rich peasants who consolidated their position in villages were called Jotedars, representing the prosperous agricultural elite in rural settings.

Q6: The revenue system in Bombay Deccan was known as ________.
Ans: Ryotwari Settlement
The revenue system in Bombay Deccan was known as Ryotwari Settlement, emphasizing direct engagement with individual peasant cultivators for revenue collection.

Q7: The Limitation Law of 1859 stated that loan bonds would be valid for ________ years.
Ans: Three
The Limitation Law of 1859 stated that loan bonds would be valid for Three years, regulating the duration of financial agreements.

Q8: The Santhal revolt occurred in the year ________.
Ans: 1855
The Santhal revolt occurred in the year 1855, marking a significant tribal uprising against British colonial policies in India.

Q9: The account books burnt during the Deccan revolt were known as ________.
Ans: Bahi Khatas
The account books burnt during the Deccan revolt were known as Bahi Khatas, indicating the destruction of financial records during the resistance movement.

Q10: The British government set up a commission of inquiry known as the ________.
Ans: Deccan Riots Commission
The British government set up a commission of inquiry known as the Deccan Riots Commission to investigate and assess the causes and consequences of the uprising in the Deccan region.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The revenue demand in Bengal under the Permanent Settlement was invariable.
Reason: The British wanted to ensure a fixed income from land revenue.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because, under the Permanent Settlement, the revenue demand fixed on zamindars was invariable, meaning it did not change regardless of fluctuations in agricultural production or prices. The reason is correct because the British aimed to secure a stable and predictable income from land revenue to facilitate effective administration and planning.

Q2: Assertion: The Hoe and the Plough symbolize different types of cultivation methods.
Reason: Shifting cultivation was done with the help of a hoe, while settled cultivation was done through a plough.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the hoe and plough represent distinct agricultural tools and techniques. Shifting cultivation, where land is cleared for temporary cultivation, is typically done with a hoe. Settled cultivation, on the other hand, involves permanent agricultural settlements and is performed using a plough for deeper and more systematic farming.

Q3: Assertion: The Santhal revolt occurred due to the imposition of the Limitation Law in 1859.
Reason: The Limitation Law restricted the validity of loan bonds to three years.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (c)
The Assertion states that the Santhal revolt occurred due to the imposition of the Limitation Law in 1859. This is false. The Santhal revolt in 1855-1856 was a significant peasant uprising in response to heavy debts, oppressive revenue demands, and exploitation by moneylenders and colonial authorities. The revolt was not specifically triggered by the Limitation Law, although debt-related issues played a significant role.
The Reason states that the Limitation Law restricted the validity of loan bonds to three years. This is true. The Limitation Law limited the validity of loan bonds, but its direct connection to the Santhal revolt as the cause is not accurate. The Limitation Law exacerbated the already dire economic situation faced by peasants, but it was not the sole reason for the revolt.
Therefore, Assertion is true, but Reason is false (c).

Q4: Assertion: The revenue demand in Bombay Deccan was directly settled with the ryot.
Reason: The colonial state wanted to maximize its land revenue by assessing the ryot's paying capacity.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the revenue demand in Bombay Deccan was settled directly with the ryot (peasant). The reason is correct as the colonial state aimed to assess the ryot's paying capacity and collect revenue directly, maximizing its land revenue and ensuring a consistent income.

Q5: Assertion: The Deccan Riots Commission was set up by the Government of Bombay without any pressure.
Reason: The commission was established to investigate the causes of the revolt and submit a report to the British Parliament.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false.
Ans: (b)
The assertion is true because the Deccan Riots Commission was indeed set up by the Government of Bombay. However, the reason is not the correct explanation. The commission was established in response to the revolt and was not solely an initiative of the Bombay government. It was indeed created under pressure, as the Government of India was worried about the unrest and wanted to investigate the causes of the revolt to prevent future uprisings.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

 Q1: When and where was the auction held?
Ans: The auction was held in Burdwan in 1797, known as the Grand Public Event.

Q2: What was the aim of the Permanent Settlement?
Ans: The aim of the Permanent Settlement was to fix revenue demands on zamindars in Bengal.

Q3: Who were jotedars?
Ans: Jotedars were rich peasants who controlled local trade and money lending, cultivating land through sharecroppers.

Q4: What were the powers of zamindars under the Permanent Settlement?
Ans: Zamindars had limited power to collect rent from peasants and manage their zamindaris under the Permanent Settlement.

Q5: When was the Fifth Report submitted and what did it provide insights into?
Ans: The Fifth Report was submitted to the British Parliament in 1813, providing insights into East India Company’s rule in India.

Q6: What tools were used for shifting cultivation and settled cultivation?
Ans: Shifting cultivation was done with a hoe, while settled cultivation was done through a plough.

Q7: Who were the Paharias?
Ans: Paharias were hunters and shifting cultivators connected with forests.

Q8: What did the Santhals do when they became settlers in Bengal?
Ans: Santhals became settlers in Bengal and practiced cultivation in demarcated areas called Daman-i-koh.

Q9: What impact did the American Civil War have on India?
Ans: The American Civil War led to a cotton boom in India, benefiting rich peasants but increasing debt for small peasants.

Q10: Why did peasants in Bombay Deccan revolt in 1875?
Ans: Peasants in Bombay Deccan revolted in 1875 due to heavy debt, burning account books of moneylenders.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the process of the Permanent Settlement in Bengal.
Ans: The Permanent Settlement, also known as the Zamindari System, was introduced in Bengal by the British East India Company in 1793. Under this system, the Company granted the land rights to individual zamindars who were responsible for collecting revenue from the peasants. The revenue collected by the zamindars was fixed and would remain unchanged permanently. This system aimed to provide stability and secure revenue for the Company, while also establishing a class of landed gentry loyal to the British.

Q2: Describe the challenges faced by zamindars under the Permanent Settlement.
Ans: The zamindars faced several challenges under the Permanent Settlement. Firstly, they were burdened with the responsibility of collecting revenue from the peasants, which often led to conflicts and disputes. Secondly, the fixed revenue demanded by the British often exceeded the actual agricultural produce, leading to financial difficulties for the zamindars. Additionally, the zamindars had to pay heavy fees and maintain large estates, which further strained their finances. Moreover, the Permanent Settlement did not take into account fluctuations in agricultural productivity or economic conditions, making it difficult for the zamindars to adapt to changing circumstances.

Q3: Discuss the impact of the American Civil War on Indian cotton cultivation.
Ans: The American Civil War, which took place from 1861 to 1865, had a significant impact on Indian cotton cultivation. During this time, the American South, a major producer of cotton, experienced a disruption in cotton supply due to the war. As a result, the demand for Indian cotton increased, leading to a boom in its cultivation. Indian farmers, particularly in regions like Bombay and Madras, expanded their cotton production to meet the rising demand and take advantage of the favorable market conditions. This period of increased cotton cultivation brought economic prosperity to some Indian farmers and regions.

Q4: Explain the ryotwari settlement system introduced in the Bombay Deccan.
Ans: The ryotwari settlement system was introduced in the Bombay Deccan by the British in the early 19th century. Under this system, individual farmers or ryots became the direct cultivators and owners of the land. The land revenue was assessed and collected directly from the ryots by the British government. The ryotwari system aimed to eliminate intermediaries like zamindars and establish a direct relationship between the government and the farmers. However, the system placed a heavy burden of taxation on the ryots, leading to widespread indebtedness and hardships for the farmers.

Q5: Detail the resistance strategies employed by zamindars during colonial rule.
Ans: Zamindars employed various resistance strategies during colonial rule to challenge the oppressive policies and exploitation they faced. They often resorted to legal battles, filing lawsuits against the British government to protect their rights and privileges. Some zamindars also organized protests, demonstrations, and petitions to voice their grievances. In certain instances, they formed alliances with other social and political groups to strengthen their resistance. Additionally, some zamindars engaged in non-cooperation by refusing to pay taxes or participate in revenue collection. These resistance strategies aimed to protect their interests, challenge colonial authority, and seek redressal for the injustices they faced.

Q6: Describe the role of Francis Buchanan in documenting colonial India.
Ans: Francis Buchanan, also known as Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, was a Scottish physician and naturalist who played a significant role in documenting colonial India. He was appointed as the Superintendent of the East India Company's Botanical Gardens in Calcutta in 1793. Buchanan conducted extensive surveys and studies on the natural history, flora, fauna, and socio-economic conditions of various regions in India. His works, such as "A Journey from Madras through the Countries of Mysore, Canara, and Malabar," provided valuable insights into the diverse aspects of colonial India. Buchanan's documentation helped in understanding the geography, ecology, and socio-cultural aspects of the regions he explored.

Q7: Explain the impact of the Limitation Law of 1859 on peasants and moneylenders.
Ans: The Limitation Law of 1859 imposed a time limit within which debts could be legally enforced. This law had a significant impact on both peasants and moneylenders. For peasants, the law provided protection against long-standing debts by limiting the time period within which moneylenders could claim repayment. This helped alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by peasants. On the other hand, moneylenders faced challenges as they had to enforce debts within a restricted time frame. This limited their ability to collect outstanding debts and affected their profits. Overall, the Limitation Law of 1859 aimed to strike a balance between protecting peasants from excessive debts and ensuring a fair legal framework for moneylenders.

Q8: Discuss the causes and outcomes of the Deccan Riots in 1875.
Ans: The Deccan Riots in 1875 were a series of protests and uprisings that occurred in the Deccan region of British India. The main cause of these riots was the oppressive land revenue policies introduced by the British, which burdened the peasants with heavy taxes and penalties. The riots were also fueled by grievances related to agricultural distress, high debt, and the exploitation of peasants by moneylenders. The riots resulted in widespread violence, protests, and clashes between peasants and the British authorities. The British responded with force, leading to arrests, casualties, and the suppression of the riots. While the immediate outcomes of the riots were repressive measures and arrests, they also highlighted the deep-seated discontent among the peasantry and contributed to the broader agrarian unrest in colonial India.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the impact of the Permanent Settlement on the rural economy of Bengal.
Ans: The Permanent Settlement, also known as the Permanent Settlement of 1793 or the Cornwallis Code, was a significant land revenue system implemented in Bengal, which was then part of British India. This system had profound and far-reaching effects on the rural economy of Bengal.

• Landlordization: The most significant impact of the Permanent Settlement was the emergence of the zamindars or intermediaries. The British East India Company granted zamindars permanent hereditary rights to collect land revenue from peasants. This resulted in the landlordization of the rural economy, as the zamindars became a dominant class with considerable power and influence.
• Apathy towards land improvement: Since zamindars had fixed revenue obligations, they often lacked incentives to invest in agricultural improvements. This led to a decline in agricultural productivity, as the zamindars were primarily interested in extracting as much revenue as possible, often at the expense of the peasantry.
• Peasant Exploitation: The peasantry, comprising the actual tillers of the land, suffered under this system. They were subjected to high rents and arbitrary extraction of produce by the zamindars. This exploitation led to widespread rural poverty and indebtedness.
• Stagnation in Agriculture: The lack of incentives for land improvement and the focus on revenue extraction rather than agricultural development led to stagnation in Bengal's agricultural sector. Crop yields and overall agricultural productivity remained low.
• Loss of Land Rights: The Permanent Settlement severed the historical link between the land and those who tilled it. Peasants lost their customary rights to the land, making them vulnerable to dispossession by the zamindars.
• Economic Drain: A significant portion of the revenue collected from Bengal was sent to Britain, contributing to the economic drain from India to the British Empire. This further impoverished the local economy.
• Social Disparities: The system exacerbated social disparities as the zamindars, who were often of a different social and cultural background than the peasants, became a privileged class. This led to tensions and conflicts between the zamindars and the peasantry.

In conclusion, the Permanent Settlement had a detrimental impact on the rural economy of Bengal. It led to the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of zamindars, the exploitation of the peasantry, and stagnation in agriculture. It also contributed to the economic drain from India to Britain and resulted in significant social and economic disparities in the region.

Q2: Discuss the role of the ryotwari settlement system in the Bombay Deccan.
Ans: The Ryotwari settlement system was one of the major land revenue systems implemented during British colonial rule in India. It was particularly prominent in the Bombay Deccan region and had several notable roles and consequences:

• Direct Engagement with Peasants: Under the Ryotwari system, the British government dealt directly with individual peasant cultivators, known as ryots. This eliminated intermediaries like zamindars or landlords, which was a departure from the Permanent Settlement system and aimed to protect peasants from exploitation.
• Fixed Land Revenue: The land revenue under the Ryotwari system was typically fixed for a period of 20 to 30 years, providing the ryots with a degree of revenue stability and protection from arbitrary increases.
• Encouragement of Agricultural Improvement: Since the land revenue was directly linked to the productivity of the land, ryots had incentives to invest in agricultural improvements and increase crop yields. This, in turn, led to some level of agricultural development.
• Reduction of Middlemen: By eliminating zamindars and intermediaries, the Ryotwari system reduced the burden of multiple rent layers on the peasants, making it a relatively more equitable system.
• Assessment Based on Land Quality: Land revenue assessments were based on the quality and fertility of the land. This allowed for a more nuanced and fair assessment of revenue obligations, which was not the case in other revenue systems.
• Lack of Security for Peasants: While the Ryotwari system had its advantages, it also had drawbacks. Peasants were vulnerable to fluctuations in crop yields, and they often had to pay land revenue even in times of crop failure or natural disasters, which could lead to indebtedness.
• Limited Government Intervention: The system also had limited government intervention in agricultural matters, which could be a disadvantage during famines or other crises when state support was needed.

In summary, the Ryotwari settlement system in the Bombay Deccan had a more direct and equitable relationship between the state and the peasantry. It encouraged agricultural improvements and reduced the exploitative intermediaries, but it also had some drawbacks related to the vulnerability of peasants in times of adversity.

Q3: Evaluate the impact of the American Civil War on Indian agriculture and the economy.
Ans: The American Civil War (1861-1865) had a significant impact on Indian agriculture and the economy during the British colonial period. Several factors contributed to these effects:

• Cotton Shortage: The American South was a major producer of cotton, and the Civil War disrupted cotton exports to Britain, which heavily relied on American cotton for its textile industry. To compensate for this shortage, British textile mills turned to India for raw cotton, leading to increased cotton cultivation in India.
• Expansion of Cotton Cultivation: The increased demand for cotton led to a significant expansion of cotton cultivation in India, particularly in regions like Gujarat and Maharashtra. This expansion boosted agricultural production in these areas.
• Price Inflation: The surge in demand for Indian cotton resulted in increased prices for cotton, which benefited Indian cotton growers and landowners. This price inflation contributed to economic prosperity in certain regions.
• Impact on Food Crops: The shift toward cotton cultivation came at the expense of food crops. Farmers redirected their efforts and land toward cotton production, which led to shortages and price increases in food grains, affecting the food security of many.
• Deindustrialization: The increased focus on cash crops like cotton had negative consequences for India's traditional handicraft and manufacturing industries. Many artisans and weavers suffered as they faced stiff competition from mechanized British textile production.
• Indebtedness: The expansion of cotton cultivation required investment in new technology and infrastructure. Many small and marginalized farmers took on debt to fund these changes, leading to widespread rural indebtedness.
• Ecological Impact: Intensive cotton cultivation without proper crop rotation and sustainable practices led to soil degradation and ecological issues in some regions.

In summary, the American Civil War had a mixed impact on the Indian agriculture and economy. While it created economic opportunities and prosperity for some due to the cotton boom, it also led to disruptions in food production, deindustrialization, and increased rural indebtedness. The ecological consequences of the shift to cash crops were also significant in some areas.

Q4: Examine the resistance movements in colonial India with a focus on the Deccan Riots.
Ans: Resistance movements in colonial India were varied and multifaceted, reflecting the diverse social, political, and economic conditions of the time. The Deccan Riots, which occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were one such significant resistance movement.

• Background: The Deccan Riots were a series of agrarian uprisings that took place in the Deccan region of India, primarily in the princely state of Hyderabad. These uprisings were largely a response to oppressive taxation policies, forced labor, and economic exploitation by both the British colonial administration and local landlords.
• Causes: The primary causes of the Deccan Riots included the imposition of heavy land revenue, stringent taxation policies, and the exploitative practices of local zamindars and moneylenders. Peasants and agricultural laborers, burdened by poverty and debt, rose against these injustices.
• Leadership and Organization: The resistance movements in the Deccan were often led by local leaders and communities. These leaders mobilized peasants, farmers, and tribal groups, uniting them against the common oppressors. While some movements were spontaneous, others were organized by emerging political leaders of the time.
• Methods of Protest: The protests in the Deccan took various forms, including strikes, non-cooperation, civil disobedience, and occasionally, violent confrontations with the authorities. Peasants refused to pay taxes, engaged in nonviolent demonstrations, and sometimes resorted to acts of sabotage against infrastructure and property.
• Impact: The Deccan Riots, like many other resistance movements across India, had a significant impact on the colonial administration. While they did not lead to immediate and widespread policy changes, they highlighted the deep-seated discontent among the Indian populace. These movements played a role in shaping the discourse around land reforms and agricultural policies in the later years of British rule.
• Legacy: The resistance movements in the Deccan, along with similar movements in other parts of India, contributed to the broader Indian independence movement. They showcased the resilience and determination of the Indian people against colonial oppression and economic exploitation, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among different communities.

In conclusion, the Deccan Riots were emblematic of the widespread resistance against colonial policies and local exploitation during the British rule in India. These movements, driven by economic hardship and a desire for justice, played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of the Indian freedom struggle and highlighting the importance of agrarian reforms in post-independence India.