class 8th history chapter 5 extra questions answers
Answers
Answer:
Question 1
What happened to the Nawabs when the British established political power in India?
Solution:
When the British established political power in India, the Nawabs and Rajas lost their authority and honour.
British Residents were stationed in all the courts to monitor the proceeding, thus undermining the authority of the Nawabs. The Nawabs’ armies were disbanded and the freedom of the rulers was reduced. The revenue collected by the Nawabs was taken by the British and their territory was also seized.
Question 2
Who was Nana Saheb?
Solution:
Nana Saheb was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II.
Question 3
What did Nana Saheb want of the British?
Solution:
When Peshwa Baji Rao II died, Nana Saheb pleaded with the British to give him his father’s pension. The British refused to do so, as they had the military power to defeat Nana Saheb, in case he revolted.
Question 4
What were the grievances of the Sepoys?
Solution:
The Sepoys were unhappy about their pay, allowances and conditions of service. The new rules violated their religious sensibilities and beliefs. In 1824 the Sepoys were asked to go to Burma by the sea route to fight for the Company. The Sepoys refused to do so as they believed that if they crossed the sea they would lose their religion and caste. The Sepoys were severely punished for not obeying the British. In 1856 the Company passed a new law which stated that every new person who took up employment in the Company’s army had to agree to serve overseas if required. The Sepoys were unhappy with this new law.
Question 5
What were the reforms introduced by the British?
Solution:
Laws were passed to stop the practice of sati and to encourage the remarriage of widows. English-language education was actively promoted. In 1850, a new law was passed to make conversion to Christianity easier. This law allowed an Indian who had converted to Christianity to inherit the property of his ancestors.
Question 6
What is Sati?
Solution:
Sati is a funeral practice among some Hindu communities in which a recently widowed woman would immolate herself on her husband’s funeral pyre.
Question 7
What was the Sepoy mutiny called and when did it start?
Solution:
The Sepoy mutiny started in March 1857 and was known as the First war for independence against the British.
Question 8
What was the incidence that triggered the mutiny?
Solution:
On the 29th March 1857, a soldier by the name of Mangal Pandey of the 34th Infantry at Barrackpur rebelled by firing at an officer on command against the use of the new cartridges. This incidence triggered the mutiny.
Question 9
Give a brief account of Tantia Tope.
Solution:
Tantia Tope, like other freedom fighters, was one of the great heroes who fought courageously for India’s freedom in 1857. Tantia, the name of terror for the English, was the one who shook the established niche of the British Empire. He was constantly fighting to win over the whole of India but unfortunately he was betrayed by one of his friend. The British caught hold of him and hung him to death on April 18, 1859. He is considered as one of the important freedom fighters of India.