Short & Long Questions: Colonial India | Be an Explorer 5: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets - Class 5 PDF Download

Short Answer Questions.

Q1: Who discovered the sea route to India from Europe?
Ans: Vasco Da Gama.

Q2: What were the main items of trade in Colonial India?
Ans: Spices, silk, and gold.

Q3: Which European country formed the English East India Company in 1600?
Ans: British.

Q4: What policy did Lord Wellesley introduce to control Indian rulers?
Ans: Subsidiary Alliance.

Q5: Under the Doctrine of Lapse, what happened if a ruler died without leaving a natural heir?
Ans: The British could take control of the state.

Q6: Why were Indian weavers affected by British policies?
Ans: The import of machine-made clothes led to unemployment in the handloom industry.

Q7: What was the main cause of discontent among Indian soldiers during Colonial India?
Ans: The use of Enfield rifles believed to be greased with cow and pig fat.

Q8: What is another name for the Revolt of 1857?
Ans: The First War of Indian Independence.

Q9: Who led the British in the Battle of Plassey (1757)?
Ans: Robert Clive.

Q10: What was the turning point of the Revolt of 1857?
Ans: The Revolt inspired Indians to strive for their country's freedom.

Long Answer Questions.

Q1: Explain the impact of European traders on Colonial India.
Ans: European traders, starting with the Portuguese, came to India for spices and set up trading posts. The British formed the East India Company, leading to policies like Subsidiary Alliance.

Q2: Describe the causes of discontent among different groups in Colonial India.
Ans: Rulers feared losing kingdoms, people felt their religion was threatened, businessmen were unhappy with trade policies, and soldiers were discontent due to the greased rifle issue.

Q3: What were the main outcomes of the Revolt of 1857?
Ans: The end of Mughal rule, the British East India Company's rule, and the appointment of a Viceroy marked significant outcomes. It inspired Indians to strive for freedom.

Q4: Discuss the role of social reformers in Colonial India.
Ans: Social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Swami Dayanand Saraswati worked towards abolishing ill practices, advocating education, and promoting women's rights.

Q5: Explain the birth and early approach of the Indian National Congress.
Ans: The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885, initially approaching the British government peacefully. Moderates sought discussions and appeals for reforms.

Q6: Describe the role of radicals and revolutionaries in the Indian independence movement.
Ans: Radicals, like Aurobindo Ghosh and Veer Savarkar, believed in strikes and boycotts, while some revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh advocated for the overthrow of the British through force.

Q7: What were the main items of trade in Colonial India, and how did it impact the Indian economy?
Ans: The main items were spices, silk, and gold. However, British policies, like importing machine-made clothes at low prices, led to unemployment and economic struggles for Indians.

Q8: Explain the significance of the Battle of Plassey (1757) in Colonial India.
Ans: The Battle of Plassey was a decisive victory for the British East India Company, allowing them to establish control over Bengal and paving the way for further British dominance.

Q9: Discuss the impact of European traders on Indian craftsmanship during Colonial India.
Ans: The import of machine-made clothes led to the decline of Indian handloom industries, causing unemployment among weavers and impacting traditional craftsmanship.

Q10: How did the Revolt of 1857 contribute to shaping the course of Indian history?
Ans: The Revolt marked the end of Mughal rule, inspired nationalist sentiments, and led to significant changes like the appointment of a Viceroy and the direct rule of India by the British Crown.