Glimpses of the Past Solution
Comprehension Check
Q1. Look at picture 1 and recall the opening lines of the original song in Hindi. Who is the singer? Who else do you see in this picture?
Ans. The opening lines are “Ae mere watan ke logon, zara aankh mein bhar lo paani.” The singer is Lata Mangeshkar. The picture also shows the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the audience.
Q2. In picture 2 what do you understand by the Company’s “superior weapons”?
Ans. It means the British had advanced arms, ammunition, and disciplined military forces which were more effective than the Indian armies.
Q3. Who is an artisan? Why do you think the artisans suffered? (picture 3)
Ans. An artisan is a skilled craftsperson. Artisans suffered because British policies and duty-free imports from England destroyed local industries, leading to loss of their livelihood.
Q4. Which picture, according to you, reveals the first sparks of the fire of revolt?
Ans. Picture 7 shows the Santhal uprising of 1855 and growing discontent among Indian sepoys, which were the first sparks of the revolt.
Working With the Text
Q1. Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757?
Ans. Yes, many Indian princes were short-sighted. They often sought British help to settle personal rivalries, not realising that this would help the East India Company expand its control over India.
Q2. How did the East India Company subdue the Indian princes?
Ans. The Company took advantage of the rivalries among Indian princes, fought them one by one, and subdued them using superior weapons and military strength.
Q3. Quote the words used by Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same principles.
Ans. “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.”
Q4. In what ways did the British officers exploit Indians?
Ans. They drew huge salaries, made personal fortunes through private trade, imposed heavy taxes on farmers, ruined industries by allowing duty-free imports from England, and oppressed the people through unjust laws like Regulation III of 1818.
Q5. Name these people:
(i) The ruler who fought pitched battles against the British and died fighting.
Ans. Tipu Sultan of Mysore.
(ii) The person who wanted to reform the society.
Ans. Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
(iii) The person who recommended the introduction of English education in India.
Ans. Macaulay.
(iv) Two popular leaders who led the revolt.
Ans. Tatya Tope and Nana Saheb.
Q6. Mention the following:
(i) Two examples of social practices prevailing then.
Ans. Untouchability, child marriage.
(ii) Two oppressive policies of the British.
Ans. Heavy land taxes, Regulation III of 1818 (jailing without trial).
(iii) Two ways in which common people suffered.
Ans. Farmers lost their land due to heavy taxes, artisans lost their livelihood due to British trade policies.
(iv) Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence.
Ans. Heavy taxation on peasants, loss of jobs and lands, interference with religious customs, discontent among Indian soldiers due to discrimination and introduction of greased cartridges.
Working with Language – Indirect Speech
Q1. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
(i) First man: We must educate our brothers.
Second man: And try to improve their material conditions.
Third man: For that we must convey our grievances to the British Parliament.
The first man said that ________________________________
The second man added that ____________________________
The third man suggested that __________________________
Ans.
The first man said that they must educate their brothers.
The second man added that they must try to improve their material conditions.
The third man suggested that for that they must convey their grievances to the British Parliament.
Q1(ii). First soldier: The white soldier gets huge pay, mansions and servants.
Second soldier: We get a pittance and slow promotions.
Third soldier: Who are the British to abolish our customs?
The first soldier said that _________________________________
The second soldier remarked that __________________________
The third soldier asked ___________________________________
Ans.
The first soldier said that the white soldier got huge pay, mansions, and servants.
The second soldier remarked that they got a pittance and slow promotions.
The third soldier asked who the British were to abolish their customs.
Writing – Paragraph on New Method of Teaching History
Q. Based on the news item, write a paragraph on what you think about this new method of teaching history.
Ans. The use of comics, role-play, and group discussions in teaching history makes the subject more interesting and engaging. Students can visualise historical events and characters, which helps them remember facts better. It also develops their thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. By actively participating rather than just memorising, students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of history.
