Key Concepts & Practice Questions – Glimpses of the Past Class 8 English
FAQs on Class 8 English Worksheet: Glimpses of the Past (CBSE 2025-26)
1. What were the key economic policies of the British that are highlighted as important causes for the ruin of Indian industry and agriculture before 1857?
According to the CBSE Class 8 syllabus for the 2025-26 session, the British implemented several economically crippling policies. For farmers, they imposed heavy taxes, often leading to land confiscation upon failure to pay. For artisans, the British flooded Indian markets with machine-made goods imported from England. These goods were cheaper, and the British imposed heavy duties on Indian exports, which systematically destroyed local industries like textiles.
2. Explain how the British East India Company managed to subdue Indian princes and expand its power in the 18th century.
The East India Company used a strategy of 'divide and rule' to weaken and control Indian kingdoms. They would support one local prince against another, and the constant infighting allowed the British to gradually take over territories. The Indian princes, being short-sighted, sought British help, which ultimately led to them becoming puppets under British control, losing their armies and autonomy.
3. Which social reformer is featured in 'Glimpses of the Past', and what were the main social evils he spoke out against?
The chapter highlights the important contributions of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a learned man from Bengal. He understood that Indian society was being weakened by internal social evils. He was a vocal critic of superstitious practices and harmful traditions like child marriage and the caste system, believing that knowledge and reform were essential for India's progress.
4. Why did widespread discontent grow among Indians, leading to the sparks of revolt in 1857?
Several factors contributed to the growing discontent, which is a frequently asked question from this chapter. Key reasons include:
- Economic Exploitation: Heavy taxes on farmers and the destruction of Indian industries left millions in poverty.
- Political Subjugation: Indian rulers lost their territories and authority, becoming powerless.
- Oppressive Laws: Laws like Regulation III of 1818 allowed the British to imprison Indians without a trial.
- Social and Religious Interference: Many Indians felt the British were trying to destroy their culture and convert them to Christianity. The final spark was the introduction of new rifle cartridges greased with animal fat, which offended both Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
5. What was the dual impact of Lord Macaulay's proposal for English education in India?
Lord Macaulay's push for English education had a two-fold impact. On one hand, the British aimed to create a class of Indians who could serve as clerks and interpreters to help them administer the country. On the other hand, it unintentionally exposed educated Indians to Western ideas of liberty, democracy, and self-governance. This new awareness eventually led them to demand rights and contributed to the rise of nationalism.
6. From an exam perspective, how does the pictorial format of 'Glimpses of the Past' help in understanding the causes of the 1857 revolt?
The chapter's unique comic-strip format is an important tool for understanding history. The speech bubbles provide direct insight into the thoughts and feelings of different groups—the arrogant British officers, the suffering peasants, and the plotting sepoys. The visuals make complex events, like the crippling of Indian industries and the anger over British policies, more memorable and easier to analyse for exam answers.
