Answer the following questions in around 100- 120 words each. (2×5=10)
1. Describe in short, all the non- conventional sources of energy.
2. Describe the economic, social, and religious causes of revolt of 1857.
Answers
Answer:
1)
Solar Energy
Solar energy is harnessed by converting solar energy directly into electrical energy in solar plants. Photosynthesis process carries out this process of co ftnversion of solar energy. In photosynthesis, green plants absorb solar energy and convert it into chemical energy. Solar energy is an essential energy of all non-conventional sources but its usage amount is very less. It is the most important non-conventional source of energy and it gives non-polluting environment-friendly output and is available in abundant.
Wind energy
Wind energy describes the process by which wind is used to generate electricity. As the wind increases, power output increases up to the maximum output of the particular turbine. Wind farms prefer areas, where winds are stronger and constant. These are generally located at high altitudes. Wind turbines use wind to make electricity. There is no pollution because no fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. One of India’s largest windmill farm is in Kanyakumari which generates 380mW of electricity.
Biomass energy
Biomass is the organic matter that originates from plants, animals, wood, sewage. These substances burn to produce heat energy which then generates electricity. The chemical composition of biomass varies in different species but generally, biomass consists of 25% of lignin, 75% of carbohydrates or sugar. Biomass energy is also applicable for cooking, lighting, and generation of electricity. The residue left after the removal of biogas is a good source of manure. Biomass is an important energy source contributing to more than 14% of the global energy supply.
Tidal energy
Tidal power is a form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into electricity. In areas where the sea experiences waves and tides, we can generate electricity using tidal power. India may take up “ocean thermal level conversion” by which it will be able to generate 50,000mW of electricity to meet the power requirements.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is the heat energy that we get from hot rocks present in the earth’s crust. So Geothermal wells release greenhouse gases trapped within the earth and but these emissions are much lower per energy unit than the fossil fuels. This energy generally involves low running costs since it saves 80% on fossil fuels. Due to this, there is an increase in the use of geothermal energy. It helps in reducing global warming and does not create pollution
2) Political Factors (Political causes of Revolt of 1857 in points)
1. a) Due to the British expansionist policies, most of the Raja’s, Nawab’s and the zamindar’s, were either dispossessed from their state or became subsidiary to the British. b) The East India Company (EIC) had a planned way of expansionism and many Indian states easily fell prey to the policies of the East India Company. c) The policy of Trade and Commerce subjugated the state, the policy of indirect subordination (subsidiary alliance), policy of war and annexation, policy of direct subordination (doctrine of lapse), policy of misgovernance (in which Awadh was annexed). d) These policies greatly hampered the interests of the rulers of the native states, and they one by one became victims of British expansionism. e) Therefore, those rulers, who lost their states to the British, were naturally against the British and took sides against them during the revolt. f) However, some of the rulers were in active connivance and collaborated with the British in suppressing the revolt.
2. The period of Dalhousie (1848-1856) is marked as a major factor in the revolt of 1857. A famous policy under his period was ‘Doctrine of Lapse’. Under this, many states, like Satara, Jaitpur, Sambhalpur, Jhansi, were captured by the British who expanded recklessly. Thus the political factors, i.e. expansionary policy of the British greatly contributed towards the revolt of 1857. 3. The other factor was that Indian judges were not allowed to try the criminal cases of Europeans- thus discrimination was at all levels.
Revolt of 1857 Causes: Economic
Economic Factors (Economic Causes of Revolt of 1857):
This was a vital factor as it affected a large section of Indian society. Ever since the grant of Diwani was made to the British in 1765, land revenue became an issue of much burden. British Government had imposed ‘pocket area transformation’, that means, introduction of Permanent Settlement in Bengal, Mahalwari settlement in Central India, and Ryotwari settlement in southern India.
These three settlements were highly exploitative, and in particular, the Permanent settlement had created a devastating impact.
But the high rates of land revenue, ruined the prospects of Indian peasantry. Thus the peasants were greatly encouraged to overthrow the British Government from India. The ‘Drain of Wealth’ impoverished peasants and they thus participated actively in the revolt of 1857.
Explanation: