NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Glimpses of the Past

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Glimpses of the Past

Answer the following questions.
Question 1:
Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757?
Answer
Yes, the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach. They fought against each other with the help of the British. Thus the British became the virtual rulers.

Question 2:
How did the East India Company subdue the Indian princes? 
Answer
The East India Company subdue the Indian princes by following a divide-and-rule policy. They helped one prince defeat another, and then took control of both. They used deceit, diplomacy, and military strength to weaken and dominate the Indian rulers.

Question 3:
Quote the words used by Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same principles. 
Answer
Raja Ram Mohan Roy said, “Cows are of different colours but the colour of their milk is the same. Different teachers have different opinions but the essence of every religion is the same.”

Question 4:
In what ways did the British officers exploit Indians? 
Answer
British officers exploited Indians in several ways:

• They took heavy taxes from farmers, making them poor.

• They forced weavers to sell their goods at very low prices, destroying their livelihood.

• British goods were made duty-free, while Indian goods were taxed.

• They made laws that favoured the British and punished Indians unfairly.

Question 5:
Name these people.
(i) The ruler who fought pitched battles against the British and died fighting.
(ii) The person who wanted to reform the society.
(iii) The person who recommended the introduction of English education in India.
(iv) Two popular leaders who led the revolt (Choices may vary.) 
Answer
(i) Tipu Sultan of Mysore
(ii) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
(iii) Lord Macaulay
(iv) Mangal Pandey and Bahadur Shah Zafar

Question 6:
Mention the following.
(i) Two examples of social practices prevailing then.
(ii) Two oppressive policies of the British.
(iii) Two ways in which common people suffered.
(iv) Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence.
Answer

(i) Child marriage and untouchability

(ii) The British reduced the import duty on Britain’s manufactured goods which affected the Indian industries severely.

They also passed Regulation III in 1818, under which an Indian could be mailed without any trial in court. 

(iii) The common people lost their jobs and lands.

The British were converting them.

(iv) Four reasons leading to the discontent are:

• Indians became slaves in their own country.

• Indian industries were destroyed by the East India Company.

• The Indians were not being treated equally as the British. 

• The Indian customs were spoiled as the grease used on the bullet was made of cow and pig fats.

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