A. Tick (✓) the correct option.
- Modern period of Indian history began in the—
✅ (c) eighteenth century - The call “You give me blood, I’ll give you freedom” was given by—
✅ (a) Subhas Chandra Bose - In which language was the newspaper Kesari published?
✅ (c) Marathi - Which one of the following was a major factor in strengthening the national movement in India?
✅ (d) Spread of education and awareness - The book Unhappy India was written by—
✅ (c) Lala Lajpat Rai
B. Fill in the blanks.
- Land revenue settlements are an important source of income.
- Collection of Gandhiji’s writings has been preserved and displayed at Sabarmati Ashram.
- The Indian National Congress was established in 1885.
- The Revolt of 1857 was ruthlessly suppressed by the British.
- The Morley-Minto reforms were introduced in 1909.
D. Answer the following questions
1. What type of information do we get from the official records?
Official records provide authentic and reliable information about the administration and policies of the government during a particular period. These include government reports, surveys, letters, orders, and records prepared by British officials.
From official records, we get information about:
- Administrative structure and functioning of the government
- Land revenue systems and taxation policies
- Laws, acts, and reforms introduced by the British
- Economic conditions such as trade, agriculture, and industry
- Details of important events like wars, revolts, and agreements
However, these records mostly reflect the viewpoint of the British rulers and may not always represent the feelings of the common people.
2. How do letters, writings and speeches provide information? Give examples.
Letters, writings, and speeches are important sources of historical information because they reflect the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of people during that time.
They provide information about:
- Social and political conditions of the period
- Ideas of leaders and reformers
- Public opinion and reactions to British policies
- Nationalist feelings and movements
Examples:
- The autobiography My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi gives insight into his life and ideas.
- Speeches of Subhas Chandra Bose inspired people to join the freedom struggle.
- Letters written by leaders to British officials reveal their demands and concerns.
3. Mention any five major events related to the freedom struggle of India.
Five important events of the Indian freedom struggle are:
- Revolt of 1857 – First major uprising against British rule.
- Formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
- Partition of Bengal – Led to the Swadeshi Movement.
- Non-Cooperation Movement led by Gandhi.
- Quit India Movement – Final mass movement for independence.
4. Explain any five major sources of information about Modern Indian History.
Five major sources are:
- Official Records
Prepared by British officials, these include reports, surveys, and administrative documents. - Newspapers and Journals
Newspapers like Kesari informed people and spread nationalist ideas. - Books and Biographies
Books written by leaders give insight into their lives and the freedom struggle. - Letters, Diaries, and Speeches
These sources reflect personal views and experiences of people. - Artifacts and Monuments
Buildings, coins, paintings, and tools help us understand the culture and lifestyle of that period.
5. Enumerate the steps taken by the East India Company to establish their rule in India. How did the rule of the company come to an end?
Steps taken to establish rule:
- The East India Company came to India for trade.
- It gradually gained political power after victories in battles like Battle of Plassey and Battle of Buxar.
- Introduced land revenue systems to control the economy.
- Followed expansion policies like Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse.
- Strengthened its army and administrative control across India.
End of Company rule:
- The Revolt of 1857 exposed the weaknesses of Company rule.
- After the revolt, the British Parliament passed the Government of India Act, 1858.
- Power was transferred from the Company to the British Crown, ending Company rule in India.