When People Rebel Class 8 important questions with answers PDF download
FAQs on CBSE Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science When People Rebel - 2025-26
1. What are the most important questions from Class 8 History Chapter 5, 'When People Rebel', for the 2025-26 exams?
For the 2025-26 session, the most important questions from this chapter typically cover four key areas: the causes of the rebellion, the main centres and leaders of the revolt, the reasons for its failure, and the consequences or after-effects of the uprising. Students should prepare for a mix of MCQs, 3-mark, and 5-mark questions from these topics.
2. Which topics from 'When People Rebel' are frequently asked as 5-mark questions in CBSE Class 8 exams?
Long-answer or 5-mark questions are usually based on comprehensive topics that require detailed explanation. Based on board trends, the most expected 5-mark questions are:
Analyse the various political, economic, social, and military causes that led to the Revolt of 1857.
Describe the aftermath of the rebellion, focusing on the key administrative changes introduced by the British government through the Act of 1858.
Explain the reasons why the widespread rebellion ultimately failed to overthrow British rule in India.
3. What type of 3-mark questions can be expected about the roles of leaders like Rani Lakshmibai and Mangal Pandey?
For 3-mark questions, you can expect to explain the specific contributions of key leaders. For instance:
Rani Lakshmibai: A question might ask you to explain why she joined the rebellion, focusing on the British annexation of Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse and her role as a symbol of resistance.
Mangal Pandey: A question would likely focus on his role in the Barrackpore incident, how he acted as the immediate catalyst for the revolt by protesting against the greased cartridges, and the impact of his execution.
4. Beyond the greased cartridges, what were the deeper political and economic causes that made the 1857 Rebellion inevitable?
While the greased cartridges were the immediate trigger, the rebellion was rooted in decades of resentment. The deeper causes that are critical for exams include:
Political Causes: Policies like the Doctrine of Lapse and Subsidiary Alliance led to the annexation of many Indian states, causing widespread anger among rulers.
Economic Causes: Heavy taxation, the destruction of traditional industries, and exploitative land revenue systems impoverished peasants and zamindars.
Social Causes: The British were seen as interfering with Indian customs and traditions, leading to fears that they intended to destroy Indian culture and religion.
5. How did the nature of British rule in India change after the 1857 Rebellion, and why is this a crucial concept for exams?
This is a crucial concept because it marks a major turning point in Indian history. After the rebellion, the rule of the East India Company was abolished, and India came under the direct control of the British Crown. Key changes included the Government of India Act of 1858, the Queen's Proclamation promising non-interference in religious matters, and a complete reorganisation of the Indian army to prevent future revolts. Understanding this shift is vital for scoring well in questions on the consequences of the rebellion.
6. Why did the 1857 Rebellion fail despite its widespread nature? What common mistakes do students make when answering this?
The rebellion failed for several key reasons that are important for a complete answer: it lacked a unified central leadership, had limited geographical spread (large parts of India were unaffected), many Indian princes and zamindars supported the British, and the British had superior military resources and organisation. A common mistake students make is only mentioning one or two points. A high-scoring answer must provide a balanced view, covering leadership, resources, and internal divisions among Indians.
7. From an exam perspective, what are key details about the spread of the rebellion from Meerut to Delhi that might appear in MCQs?
For MCQs and very short answer questions, specific details are important. Key facts about the initial spread of the rebellion include: the revolt of the sepoys at Meerut on May 10, 1857; their march to Delhi overnight; and their proclamation of the ageing Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, as the leader of the rebellion. This act turned a sepoy mutiny into a wider political uprising, with Delhi as its centre.











