EXERCISE

Short answer questions

Q1. What was the main factor responsible for the growth of Indian Nationalism?

Answer: The main factor responsible for the growth of Indian Nationalism was the introduction of Western education by the British administration. It exposed Indians to modern ideas of nationalism, democracy, and self-government.

Q2. Who was the writer of Anandamath?

Answer: The writer of Anandamath was Bankim Chandra Chattarji.

Q3. Who composed the song ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’?

Answer: The song ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’ was composed by the Urdu poet Muhammad Ikbal.

Q4. When and where was the first railway line in India constructed?

Answer: The first railway line in India was constructed in 1853, connecting Bombay and Thana.

Q5. When and where was the first telegraph line in India constructed?

Answer: The first telegraph line in India was constructed in 1839, between Calcutta and Diamond Harbour.

Q6. When and where was the first Printing Press established in India?

Answer: The first printing press in India was established in 1797 by Christian Missionaries at Sreerampore Mission.

Q7. When was the Calcutta Presidency College established? By what name was it known earlier?

Answer: Calcutta Presidency College was established in 1855. It was known as Hindu College earlier.

Q8. Mention two important social reforms of Lord William Bentinck.

Answer: Two important social reforms of Lord William Bentinck were:

1. The abolition of Sati, a practice where a widow was burned alive on her husband’s funeral pyre.
2. He also played a key role in the introduction of western education in India, as he was the Governor-General when Lord Macaulay’s minute on education was adopted.

Q9. Name the first newspaper published in India.

Answer: The first newspaper published in India was the Bengal Gazette, published by James Augustus Hicky in 1780.

Long answer questions

Q1. Write briefly how the Revolt of 1857 led to the growth of Indian nationalism?

Answer: The Revolt of 1857, though unsuccessful, became a key turning point for Indian nationalism. It was the first large-scale uprising against the British, marking the beginning of national awareness. After the revolt, the British took direct control, giving Indians a common authority to oppose. The failure showed educated Indians that a successful movement required proper organization, leading to the creation of political associations and eventually the Indian National Congress. The British ‘Divide and Rule’ policy after the revolt unintentionally strengthened unity among different communities, helping Indians develop a shared national identity.

Q2. Write the main objectives of ‘Wood’s Despatch’?

Answer: The main objectives of ‘Wood’s Despatch were:

1. Systematic Educational Hierarchy: To establish a systematic educational system from primary schools to high schools, colleges, and universities.
2. Medium of Instruction: It encouraged the use of vernacular languages at the school level and English at the university level.
3. Grant-in-Aid System: To encourage the growth of educational institutions, a system of grant-in-aid was introduced.
4. Establishment of Education Departments: Wood’s Despatch recommended the establishment of a separate Education Department in every province to oversee and manage the educational system.
5. Scholarships: It also suggested that the government provide scholarships to deserving students.

Q3. Write about six important reasons for the growth of Indian nationalism. Answer: Six important reasons for the growth of Indian nationalism were:

1. Influence of Western Education: Indians learned modern ideas of nationalism, democracy, and liberty from thinkers like Rousseau and Locke, inspiring them to fight for freedom.
2. Development of Transport and Communication: Roads, railways, and telegraphs connected different parts of India, helping spread nationalistic ideas.
3. Socio-Religious Reform Movements: Reformers like Raja Ram Mohun Roy and Dayanand Saraswati removed social evils and created pride in Indian culture.
4. Role of the Printing Press: Newspapers exposed British exploitation and spread awareness among the people.
5. Growth of Political Associations: Organizations like the Indian Association united educated Indians to demand their rights.
6. Reactionary British Policies: Discriminatory laws angered Indians and strengthened the desire for self-respect and freedom.

Q4. Write at least four effects of the introduction of western education in India.

Answer: The introduction of western education in India had a profound effect, including:

1. It brought a new spirit of awakening among Indians and encouraged them to move away from blind faith towards reason and logic.
2. It made Indians aware of the exploitative nature of British rule and developed in them a sense of responsibility towards their society and country.
3. It exposed Indians to liberal and radical ideas from great political thinkers of the West, inspiring them with concepts of nationalism, democracy, and self-government.
4. It boosted the morale of Indians by teaching them about heroic stories like the American War of Independence and the French Revolution, making them ready to work for national unity and liberation.

Q5. Discuss the impact of western education towards the growth of Indian nationalism.

Answer: Western education played a very important role in the rise of Indian nationalism. The British introduced it to create a class of Indians loyal to them, but it had the opposite effect. Indians learned new ideas from the West, including liberty, equality, and self-rule, through thinkers like Rousseau and Mill. They were inspired by stories of unification movements in Italy and Germany. This education made them critically examine British rule and realize they were being exploited. The awareness and confidence gained from education encouraged them to work for the unity and freedom of India. Through their writings and speeches, they spread these ideas and built the intellectual foundation for the freedom struggle.

Q6. How did the development of transport and communication lead to the growth of nationalism in India?

Answer: The British developed transport and communication in India mainly for their own administrative, military, and economic purposes. However, this unintentionally helped nationalism grow. Roads, railways, and telegraph lines connected regions that were earlier isolated. People could travel more easily, meet, and share ideas, creating a sense of shared identity. For example, someone from Madras traveling to Calcutta would realize that people there were also suffering under British rule. This helped in developing a collective awareness of oppression. Additionally, newspapers, magazines, and other means of communication spread nationalist ideas to remote areas, uniting people across the country and strengthening the movement for freedom.

Q7. Discuss the contribution of Raja Ram Mohun Roy in the growth of Indian nationalism?

Answer: Raja Ram Mohun Roy, known as the ‘father of modern India’, played a key role in the growth of Indian nationalism. He worked for religious and social reform by establishing the Brahmo Samaj, opposing practices like Sati, idol worship, and caste discrimination, and promoting women’s education and widow remarriage. He aimed for cultural synthesis, combining the best of Eastern and Western ideas, translating Hindu scriptures for wider access, and challenging orthodox domination. In politics, he advocated for civic rights, such as separating judiciary from the executive and reducing land revenue for peasants, even presenting Indian demands in England. He also supported a free press, opposing British restrictions on newspapers, helping spread awareness and nationalistic ideas.

Q8. Discuss the contribution of Dayanand Saraswati in the growth of Indian nationalism?

Answer: Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj, contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism in the following ways:

1. Religious Reformation: Promoted unity of God, opposed idol worship, and encouraged Indians to “Go back to the Vedas,” strengthening cultural identity.
2. Social Reforms: Condemned child marriage and caste discrimination; supported widow remarriage and women’s education.
3. ‘Sudhi Movement’: Worked to reconvert non-Hindus to Hinduism, preserving Indian religious identity.
4. Unity and Pride: Inspired self-confidence and a sense of national unity, contributing to the rise of Indian nationalism.

Q9. Discuss the contribution of Keshav Chandra Sen in the growth of Indian nationalism?

Answer: Contribution of Keshav Chandra Sen in the growth of Indian nationalism are :

1. Prarthana Samaj: Founded by Keshav Chandra Sen in 1869 in Maharashtra, promoting social reforms that encouraged nationalism.
2. Social Upliftment: Focused on improving the condition of society, including education and employment opportunities.
3. Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade: Key associate who worked for social progress and reform.
4. Key Initiatives: Established the Widow Remarriage Association and Deccan Education Society to empower people.
5. Impact on Nationalism: By improving social conditions and creating awareness, these efforts helped unite people and foster a sense of national consciousness.

Q10. Discuss the contribution of Ramkrishna Paramhamsa in the growth of Indian nationalism?

Answer: The contribution of Ramkrishna Paramhamsa in the growth of Indian nationalism are :

1. Spiritual Leadership: Ramkrishna Paramhamsa inspired people through his teachings on spirituality and devotion.
2. Ramkrishna Mission: His ideas laid the foundation for this mission, promoting service and education.
3. Influence on Swami Vivekananda: Vivekananda carried forward his message, spreading awareness about India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
4. Cultural Pride: His teachings helped instill self-confidence and pride in Indian traditions among the youth.
5. Impact on Nationalism: By fostering cultural and spiritual awareness, he indirectly contributed to the growth of Indian nationalism.

Q11. Discuss the contribution of Anne Besant in the growth of Indian nationalism?

Answer: Anne Besant, an Irish lady who settled in India, made significant contributions to the growth of Indian nationalism. They are :

1. Revival of Self-Respect: Through the Theosophical Society, Anne Besant inspired pride in India’s culture and philosophy, helping Indians overcome their inferiority complex.
2. Educational Reforms: She founded the Central Hindu School in Banaras, which later became Banaras Hindu University, promoting modern education.
3. Home Rule League: In 1916, she started the Home Rule League to spread the idea of self-rule and demand greater participation of Indians in administration.
4. Political Leadership: She became the first woman President of the Indian National Congress in 1917, motivating many to join the freedom movement.

Q12. What is Aligarh Movement? To what extent did it infuse modern outlook and thinking among the Indian Muslims.?

Answer: The Aligarh Movement was a socio-religious initiative led by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to promote modern outlook and thinking among Indian Muslims, especially after the Revolt of 1857, when the community faced suspicion and educational backwardness. Sir Syed emphasized the importance of Western education and established the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which became a center for learning Western literature, science, and culture. The movement encouraged Muslims to adopt modern ideas, discard social evils, and embrace scientific knowledge, fostering social progress. It also raised political awareness among Muslims and provided a platform to express their concerns, thereby contributing significantly to the growth of Indian nationalism.

Q13. How did the printing press in India lead to the growth of Indian nationalism? Discuss.

Answer: The printing press played a vital role in the growth of Indian nationalism by serving as a powerful tool of mass communication. In the latter half of the 19th century, vernacular newspapers began to flourish, making news and ideas accessible to a wider audience. These papers highlighted the sufferings of Indians and exposed the exploitative policies of the British, building public opinion against colonial rule. They also spread nationalistic ideas, patriotic songs, and slogans across regions, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. When the British introduced the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 to curb this influence, it further strengthened the determination of Indians and highlighted the importance of the press in the freedom struggle.

Q14. Discuss briefly the factors that led to the birth of Indian National Congress.

Answer: The Indian National Congress (INC) was born due to several important factors. The spread of Western education, the growth of a modern press, and socio-religious reform movements awakened political consciousness among educated Indians. Key all-India agitations, such as the Civil Service Agitation and the Ilbert Bill controversy, united people from different regions and demonstrated the power of collective action. Educated Indians also felt the need for a national platform to discuss issues of common interest and present demands to the British government. Finally, Allan Octavian Hume, a retired British civil servant, took the initiative to organize an all-India organization, which led to the formation of the INC on December 28, 1885.

Q15. Give a brief account of the working of the Indian National Congress during the early years of its formation.

Answer: During its early years, the Indian National Congress followed a moderate policy of prayers and petitions. The early leaders, mostly educated professionals, believed that the British government could be persuaded through peaceful and constitutional methods. They maintained friendly relations with the government and sought greater representation for Indians in administration, even sending delegations to England to present their demands to the British Parliament. The Congress pushed for reforms like holding Civil Service Examinations in India and a greater say in governance, but the Indian Council Act of 1892 disappointed them. This led to the rise of Extremists, who demanded Swaraj and stronger methods, causing a split at the Surat session in 1907.