NCERT Solutions Class 8, English, Honeydew, Prose, Chapter- 3, Glimpses of the Past.
Comprehension Check
1. Look at picture1 and recall the opening lines of the original song in Hindi. Who is the singer? Who else do you see in this picture?
Solution:
The opening lines of the Hindi Song are “Aye Mere Waten Ke Logon, Turn Khub Logo Nara: Ye Shubh Din Hai Hum Sab Ka Lehralo Tiranga Pyara, Par Mat Bhulo Seema Par Veron Ne Hain Pran Gawayen.” It was sung by Lata Mangeskar. We see Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Lai Bahadur Shastri and Mrs. Indira Gandhi in this picture.
2. In picture 2 what do you understand by the Company’s “superior weapons”?
Solution:
The East India Company conquered India by using their superior weapons, the guns and diplomacy.
3. Who is an artisan? Why do you think the artisans suffered? (picture 3 "British Rule")
Solution:
An artisan is a craftsman, skilled in some trade. They suffered because the goods that they produced lost demand in the Indian market.
4. Which picture, according to you, reveals the first sparks of the fire of revolt?
Solution:
Picture 7 reveals the first spark of the fire of revolt.
Working With the Text
Answer the following questions.
1. Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757?
Solution:
Yes, the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757.
2. How did the East India Company subdue the Indian princes?
Solution:
The Indian princes were constantly at war with each other. They called the English merchants to help them in their fights. The people had no peace due to such constant fights. The rivalries helped the East India Company subdue the Indian princes one by one.
3. Quote the words used by Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same principles.
Solution:
According to Ram Mohan Roy, “Cows are of different colours, but the colour of their milk is the same. Different teachers have different opinions, but the essence of every religion is the same.”
4. In what ways did the British officers exploit Indians?
Solution:
The British officers exploited Indians in many ways. They imposed heavy taxes on Indians farmers and reduced import duty on goods manufactured in England and imported to India. Even they cut the thumbs of expert artisans.
5. Name these people.
(i) The ruler who fought pitched battles against the British and died fighting.
(ii) The person who wanted to reform the society.
(iii) The person who recommended the introduction of English education in India.
(iv) Two popular leaders who led the revolt (Choices may vary.)
Solution:
(i) Kunwar Singh
(ii) Ram Mohan Roy
(iii) Macaulay
(iv) Maulvi Ahmedulla of Faizabad and Peshwa Nana Saheb
6. Mention the following.
(i) Two examples of social practices prevailing then.
(ii) Two oppressive policies of the British.
(iii) Two ways in which common people suffered.
(iv) Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence.
Solution:
(i) Untouchability and child marriage
(ii)The British decided to do away with import duty on goods manufactured in England. This severely affected Indian industries.
In 1818, they passed Regulation III. Under it, an Indian could be jailed without trial in a court.
(iii)They lost their old jobs and lands. They were being converted by the British.
(iv) Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence were:
Indians had become slaves in their own country.
- The East India Company destroyed Indian industries.
- There was huge difference in the treatment of the English men and the Indians.
- The use of grease on the bullet was spoiling the customs of Indians as it was made of the fat of the cows and pigs.
Working With Language
1. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
(i) First man: We must educate our brothers.
Second man: And try to improve their material conditions.
Third man: For that we must convey our grievances to the British Parliament.
The first man said that _______
The second man added that ______ _______
The third man suggested that _______
Solution:
The first man said that they must educate their brothers.
The second man added that should try to improve their material conditions,
The third man suggested that they must convey their grievances to the British Parliament.
(ii) First soldier: The white soldier gets huge pay, mansions and servants.
Second soldier: We get a pittance and slow promotions.
Third soldier: Who are the British to abolish our customs?
The first soldier said that _______ ______
The second soldier remarked that ______ ______
The third soldier asked ______ ____.
Solution:
The first soldier said that the white soldier got huge pay, mansions and servants.
The second soldier remarked that they got a pittance and slow, promotions.
The third soldier asked who the British were to abolish their customs.
