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CBSE Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science When People Rebel - 2025-26

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When People Rebel Class 8 important questions with answers PDF download

Step into the turbulent pages of history with our collection of important questions for CBSE Class 8 Social Science Our Past 3 Chapter 5 - 'When People Rebel.' This chapter takes students on a captivating journey through the annals of history, unraveling the stories of rebellions and uprisings that have left an indelible mark on the course of nations. From the Sepoy Mutiny to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, this chapter explores the brave and often tumultuous moments in India's struggle against colonial rule. Our important questions provide a comprehensive guide, helping students navigate the complexities of these historical events and their enduring significance in shaping the nation's destiny. Dive into this compelling chapter and embark on a historical voyage of courage, resistance, and transformation.

Study Important Questions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 5 – When People Rebel 1857 and After

Very Short Answer Questions: (1 Marks) 

1. Fill in the Blanks:

(i) Tantia Tope was the general of _____. 

(ii) _____ acknowledged the suzerainty of Bahadur shah. 

(iii) Bakht Khan was a soldier from ______. 

(iv) In 1857, the British recaptured ______.  

Ans: 

(i) Nana Saheb 

(ii) Birjis Qadr 

(iii) Bareilly 

(iv) Delhi


2. State True and False:

(i) The Indians did not want to change their social practices. 

(ii) The British called the rebels for negotiations. 

(iii) After the 1857 revolt the British Crown took the responsibility in their hand.

(iv) After the 1857 revolt the numbers of Indian soldiers decreased in the British army.

Ans: 

(i) False 

(ii) False 

(iii) True 

(iv) True


3. Match the Following:

(i) Birjis Qadra

Faizabad

(ii) Kunwar Singh

Jhansi

(iii) Rani Laxmibai

Bihar

(iv) Ahamadullah Shah

Lucknow


Ans:

(i) Lucknow

(ii) Bihar 

(iii) Jhansi 

(iv) Faizabad


4. Choose the Correct Option:

(i) The British regained control of India in _____. 

(a) 1857 

(b) 1858 

(c)1859 

(d) 1860 

(ii) Bahadur Shah Zafar died in _____ 

(a) The royal palace 

(b) The Rangoon Jail 

(c) The audience hall 

(d) The Mosque 

Ans:

(i) (c) 1859 (ii) 

(b) The Rangoon Jail


5. Define the Following:

(i) Mutiny 

(ii) Firangis

Ans: 

(i) When a group of soldiers disobeys an order issued by their army officer.

(ii) Foreigners were referred to as Firangies.


Short Answer Questions: (2 Marks)

6. What did the British government do to the East India Company after the 1857 revolt? 

Ans: The East India Company's powers were passed to the British Crown. This was done to make the administration more secure and responsible.


7. What step did the Company take to end the Mughal empire? 

Ans: The Mughal rulers' names and faces were removed from the minted coins by the Company.


8. India sepoys were unhappy with the British rule, why? 

Ans: The Indian sepoys were dissatisfied with British authority as they were paid less than British soldiers for the same duty.


9. What were the rumours that spread between the sepoys in the Meerut regiment? 

Ans: The sepoys learned that their cartridges are manufactured of cow and pig leather. 


10. What was the prophecy of Ahmadullah? 

Ans: Ahmadullah, a maulvi of Faizabad, declared that the British rule would expire soon.


Short Answer Questions: (3 Marks)

11. What demand was rejected by the British of Rani Laxmibai? 

Ans: After Rani Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi, husband's death, she requested that the East India Company acknowledge her adopted son as the lawful heir to the kingdom. The British turned down Rani Lakshmibai's demand. The kingdom was finally captured by the East India Company. 


12. Why did the British do this for the people who converted into Christianity?

Ans: The British enabled individuals who converted to Christianity to inherit their ancestors' property in 1850 in order to protect the interests of these people,


13. What was the reaction of the sepoy when they were asked to used the new type of cartridges? 

Ans: Since the new cartridges were covered with pig and cow fat, the sepoys objected to their use. They felt that this went against the religious views of Muslims and Hindus, who felt that the British were insulting their beliefs and sensibilities. 


14. What did the British do after the 1857 revolution? 

Ans: The proportion of Indian soldiers in the army was drastically reduced, resulting in an increase in the number of European soldiers. Instead of recruiting men from Awadh, Bihar, South and Central India, an increasing number of soldiers were recruited from among the Sikhs, Gorkhas, and Pathans.


15. How did Rani Laxmibai die? 

Ans: She campaigned against British control in 1858 and was assassinated by them. She was later cremated by the locals at her request, since she did not want the British to touch her body. She was a courageous and intellectual lady who, unlike other ladies of her time, was educated.


Long Answer Questions: (5 Marks)

16. Discuss the life of the last Mughal emperors. 

Ans: The death of Aurangzeb resulted in the demise of the Mughal monarchs. Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor, and he led a miserable and pitiful life in his final years. Despite his reservations, he was forced to support the 1857 insurrection. Bahadur Shah Zafar was tried in court after the insurrection was put down. In October 1858, he and his wife were condemned to life at jail in Rangoon. In November 1862, after four years in prison, he died there.


17. What were the reasons for confidence for the British before the revolt of 1857?

Ans: In the mid-nineteenth century, the Nawabs and Rajas steadily lost power and influence. The British Residents were stationed in numerous courts, limiting the monarchs' freedom. They lost their territories and economic freedom after the armed forces were disbanded. Many dynasties were annexed one by one by the firm. After the death of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, the Governor-General Dalhousie declared that the king's family would be relocated from the Red Fort. The British rulers were taken aback by the 1857 insurrection because they were certain that they had firmly established themselves in India. 


18. What was the effect of the Bahadur shah zafar’s support on the ruling families? 

Ans: Bahadur Shah Zafar's backing for the uprising arose as a result of the collapsing Mughal Empire and their miserable circumstances. His support for the uprising increased the people's morale in their struggle against the British. The ruling families were persuaded to join the insurrection. They banded together in a renewed effort to oppose British power. Villagers and townspeople stood up in revolt. As a result, the uprising had a significant impact on the lives of the people as well as the governing families.


19. How did the British control the rebel landowners in Awadh?

Ans: The British were successful in gaining the submission of Awadh's rebel landowners by guaranteeing them the ability to inherit their property and enjoy traditional rights over their plot of land. They were also exempted from paying taxes by the British. People were also told that individuals who were not participating in any type of uprising or murder of British citizens would be safe and secure, and that their right to land would be restored. As a result, the British soothed the locals and attempted to gain their support. 


20. How did the British change their policies? 

Ans: Following the 1857 insurrection, the British instituted a number of changes, some of which are listed below:

1. The East India Company took over administrative functions, which were ultimately given to the British Crown.

2. The general Governor of India was given the title of Viceroy.

3. They gave the governing chiefs a sense of security by telling them that their region would never be annexed again. They were, nevertheless, required to recognize the British Queen as their Sovereign Chief.

Benefit of Important Questions for CBSE Class 8 Social Science Our Past 3 Chapter 5 - When People Rebel

The benefits of important questions for CBSE Class 8 Social Science Our Past 3 Chapter 5, "When People Rebel," are manifold. These questions serve as indispensable study aids that help students grasp the key concepts, events, and historical figures within the chapter. They promote focused learning by highlighting critical topics, thus saving students' time and ensuring efficient exam preparation. Moreover, important questions foster critical thinking and analytical skills as students engage with thought-provoking queries related to historical rebellions. They encourage students to delve deeper into the subject matter, aiding in a comprehensive understanding of the chapter. Ultimately, these questions are invaluable tools that enhance academic performance while cultivating a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of popular uprisings in our past.


Conclusion 

Vedantu's provision of important questions for CBSE Class 8 Social Science Our Past 3 Chapter 5, "When People Rebel," is a commendable educational resource. These thoughtfully curated questions serve as a strategic asset for students, offering a focused approach to studying the chapter. They help in reinforcing critical concepts, encouraging analytical thinking, and enhancing exam readiness. Vedantu's commitment to providing these resources for free ensures accessibility for all, leveling the playing field for students seeking academic excellence. By using these important questions, students not only excel in their studies but also gain a profound understanding of the historical significance of popular uprisings, making history an engaging and enlightening subject.


Important Study Materials for Class 8 Social Science  (History- Our Pasts III) Chapter 5

S.No

Study Materials Links for Social Science  (History- Our Pasts III) Chapter 5

1.

Class 8 When People Revolt 1857 and After NCERT Solutions

2.

Class 8 When People Revolt 1857 and After Notes



CBSE Class 8 Social Science  (History - Our Pasts III) Chapter-wise Important Questions



Social Science Important Questions Class 8 PDF - FREE Download



Additional Study Materials for Class 8 Social Science - History

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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.