NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science (History : Our Past III) Chapter 5 When People Rebel 1857 and after

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science (History: Our Past III)

The NCERT Solutions in English Language for Class 8 Social Science (History : Our Past III) Chapter – 5 (When People Rebel 1857 and after) has been provided here to help the students in solving the questions from this exercise.

History (Our Pasts – III)

• Chapter – 1 — How, When and Where
• Chapter – 2 — From Trade to Territory The Company Establishes Power
• Chapter – 3 — Ruling the Countryside
• Chapter – 4 — Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age
• Chapter – 6 — Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners
• Chapter – 7 — Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation
• Chapter – 8 — Women, Caste and Reform
• Chapter – 9 — The Making of the National Movement: 1870s – 1947
• Chapter – 10 — India after Independence

Chapter – 5 (When People Rebel 1857 and after)

Let’s Recall

1. What was the demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi that was refused by the British?

Answer – Rani Lakshmibai wanted the Company to recognize her adopted son as the heir to the kingdom after the death of her husband.

2. What did the British do to protect the interests of those who converted to Christianity?

Answer – They were allowed to inherit the property of their ancestors.

3. What objections did the sepoys have to the new cartridges that they were asked to use?

Answer – The cartridges were greased with the fats of cow and pig. The use of these things was against the religious sentiments of Hindus and Muslims. So, the sepoys from these religions objected.

4. How did the last Mughal emperor live the last years of his life?

Answer – The last Mughal emperor was Bahadur Shah Zafar. His title as the Mughal emperor was a symbolic one. After the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal rulers lost their power and held only a symbolic stature. Zafar was also the symbolic head of the 1857 revolt. However, once the revolt was crushed, Bahadur Shah Zafar was tried in court. He was blinded by the British and was imprisoned. Later in 1858, he, along with his wife, was sent to Rangoon, where he died in 1862.

Let’s Discuss

5. What could be the reasons for the confidence of the British rulers about their position in India before May 1857?

Answer – The British became confident about their position in India because of the following reasons:

• They supposed that the Indian soldiers are faithful to them. They are very loyal servants.
• They knew that many of the kings and zamindars are their supporters.
• Before 1857, they have won many wars and suppressed many revolts successfully. So, they were confident of their military strength.

6. What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar’s support for the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?

Answer – Bahadur Shah’s support for the rebellion changed the scene:

• A large part of the country was ruled by chiefs under the Mughal rule and threatened by the British. They thought if Mughal could be powerful again, they too could rule again, under Mughal authority.
• Emperor’s blessing to the rebels gave an alternative and filled people with courage and enthusiasm to fight.

7. How did the British succeed in securing the submission of the rebel landowners of Awadh?

Answer – The British followed a two-pronged approach to suppress the rebel landowners of Awadh. They are as follows:

• The British tried and hanged many nawabs and rajas. This spread the terror.
• The British announced that the loyal landholders would be allowed to continue to enjoy traditional rights over their lands.
• Those who have rebelled were told that if they submitted to the British, and if they had not killed any white people, they would remain safe and their rights and claims to land would not be denied.

8. In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of 1857?

Answer – Changes in the policies of the British after the suppression of the rebellion of 1857:
(i) British Crown took over the control of administration − The British Parliament passed an Act in 1859, under which, the powers of the East India Company were transferred to the British Crown. The British government was now directly responsible for ruling India.
(ii) Provided a sense of security to the local rulers − The ruling chiefs of the country were assured that their territories would never be annexed by the British. However, they had to swear allegiance to the British crown. They also abolished the Doctrine of Lapse, thereby allowing rulers to pass on their kingdoms to adopted sons.
(iii) Provided a sense of security to landowners − Policies were made to protect landlords and zamindars, and give them security of rights over their lands.
(iv) Reorganised the army − The proportion of Indian soldiers in the army was reduced and the number of European soldiers in the army was increased.
(v) Treated the Muslims with suspicion and hostility − Considering them to be responsible for the rebellion in a big way, the British confiscated the land and property of Muslims on a large scale.
(vi) Promised non-interference in the sphere of religion − The British assured the people of India that their religious and social practises would be respected and not interfered with.