WBBSE 10th Class Social Science Solutions History Chapter 3 Resistance and Rebellion : Characteristics and Analyses

1. The Chuar tribesmen of Midnapore district, took up arms (1798-99). When the East India Company increased the rate of land revenue in the regions of Dhalbhum and Manbhum oppression. In 1768, the Rajas of Dhalbhum, Kaliapur, Dholka and Barabhum organised a revolt. This disturbed condition continued till the end of the 19th century.
2. In 1820, the Raja of Singbhum acknowledged the supremacy of the British Government. The restless Kol tribe of Chotanagpur resented the agreement and broke into a rebellion in 1831-32. They killed or burnt the houses of about a thousand landlords. The rebellion spread to Singhbhum, Ranchi, Hazaribagh and Western parts of Manbhum. The Kols were unsuccessful and order was restored after a large scale military operation.
3. The Santhal Revolt of 1855 had its origin in the revenue experiments of the East India Company. The zamindars denied the santhal peasants the right of ownership over land. The santhals rebelled under the leadership of Sidhu and Kanhu. They declared the end of the East India Company’s rule and proclaimed themselves independent. The situation was brought under control in 1856, after extensive military operations. Consequently, a separate district of Santhal Pargana was created by the government.
   
4. The Munda Revolt, which swept over Ranchi in 1899-1900, was led by Birsa Munda. The Mundas rose in revolt against the restrictions imposed by the British on their traditional rights on the produce of the forest and their land. Their revolt rocked the foundation of the British empire and Birsa Munda was arrested. Consequently the British adopted some conciliatory measures for the Mundas which included abolition of ‘Beth begari’.
5. A sect of Sannyasis and a large number of Fakirs (Muslim mendicants) rose in rebellion against the oppressive tax collection by the British. The immediate cause of the uprising was the restriction imposed by the British upon visiting holy places and shrines. The Sannyasi Rebellion was led by Bhabani Pathak and Devi Chaudhurani. The Fakirs led by Majnu Shah and Chirag Ali also proved troublesome for the East India Company. But the leaders and were inexperienced overpowered by the company’s army.
6. The Wahabi movement in India was led by Syed Ahmed Barelvi. In Bengal, the Wahabi Movement was led by Titu Mir. He organised the poor peasants from the communities against the oppressive zamindars, moneylenders and the indigo planters. This was the first armed rebellion of the peasants of Bengal. Titu and his comrades were killed in a valiant fight with the British.
7. The Farazi Movement, under the leadership of Haji Shariatullah, started as an Islamic revivalist movement but ultimately it turned into struggle aiming at the expulsion of the British and the restoration of Muhammedan power in India. After Shariatullah’s death, his son Dudu Miyan took up the leadership. He united the peasants against the tyranny of the zamindars and the indigo planters. He created a parallel government and was consequently arrested and imprisoned.
8. The Indigo Revolt started in 1859 in Nadia district under the leadership of Bishnu Charan Biswas and Digambar Biswas. From the beginning, the ryots were forced to cultivate indigo by the British planters without legitimate wages. The peasants took the vow not to cultivate indigo any more. The Indigo Rebellion is memorable for the support it received from the educated Bengali middle class. As a result, the indigo plantation received a permanent setback in Bengal.
9. The poor peasants of the Pabna district of East Bengal started a revolt against the exploitation of the Zamindars in 1870. Two leaders of the revolt were Ishan Chandra Ray and Khoodi Mollah. In 1874 an agrarian league was formed which protested against the urgent demand of the Zamindars. In 1885 the Bengal Tenancy Act was passed which to a great extent protected the interest of the ryots.

TOPIC – A

Answer in 15 to 16 sentences

1. Rebellion
   1. Meaning: Rebellion refers to the movement made by masses demanding a change in the existing rules and laws. A rebellion can both be long term or short term in nature. If the rebellion is successful, the existing laws and orders can be changed, and if the rebellion is not successful, then also, change is possible as a result of its reaction.
   2. Example: During the British rule in India several rebellions took place such as the Rangpur Rebellion, Indigo Rebellion, Pabna Rebellion etc. The Sepoy Mutiny (1857) is another example of a rebellion.
2. Uprising
   1. Meaning: Uprising refers to the efforts of a group of people to change the government or leader of a country. Uprisings are generally short termed in nature.
   2. Example: (a) Sepoy Mutiny in the year 1857 where a part of the British army gathered together for an uprising against the British rule. (b) Naval Uprising in 1946.
3. Revolution
   1. Meaning: Revolution means a quick change in the existing system. A revolution is generally more widespread in nature than a rebellion or an uprising.
   2. Example: (a) The Industrial Revolution in Europe led to widespread change in the pattern of trade and commerce in the eighteenth century. (b) The French Revolution in 1789 led to overall change of the legal and ruling system in France.

Revolt, uprising and rebellion have a very fine line of distinction, and thus, in most cases, these three cannot be distinguished from one another.

1. The rent question created discontent among the Santhals. The rate of tax went on increasing continuously and the Santhal peasants found it difficult to pay.
2. Besides regular tax certain illegal taxes were also collected from the Santhal peasants oppressively by the naibs and tax collectors.
3. The Santhals were also oppressed by the money lenders who charged high rate of interest from the Santhal peasants ranging from 50% to 500%.
4. The European contractors were also oppressive. They were subjected to oppression like taking of kids, fowls, etc. without making any payment.
5. The Santhals became convinced that complaints made in the court or higher officials would be of no avail. So they took up arms against the oppressors.

1. A new administrative zone for the santhals named ‘Santhal Pargana’ was created by the government.
2. The revolt exposed the true naute of colonial exploitation of the people.
3. The revolt represented the revolt of the subaltern people against the colonial power.
4. Though the rebellion failed the santhals drew inspiration from it and subsequently organised another resistance movement against the British.
5. Though the Santhal Rebellion was a failure it inspired peasent movements accross various places of India against the British rule.
6. The Santhal Rebellion marked the unity of people from all castes and races.

1. The Munda Revolt which swept over Ranchi in 1899-1900 was led by Birsa Munda. The Mundas, one of the ancient tribal communities, believed that land was a property of the community. However, the colonial rulers forcibly superimposed upon them, a new set of agrarian relations during the 19th century.
2. The Jagirdars or thikadars started using the Mundas as labourers. They were forced to perform ‘beth begari’ or wageless forced labour.
3. Moreover, the British rule introduced a new system of land revenue and encouraged the missionaries to enter into the Munda areas.
4. The Mundas launched complaints in the courts through lawyers, who eventually cheated them.
5. The Mundas lost the world to which they were accustomed. Thus, the Munda discontent eventually led to the tribal resistance in the history of colonial India.

1. Early life: Birsa Munda was born in Ulihat village of Ranchi district in 1875. His father, Sugan Munda was a sharecropper. Birsa completed his early education from the Christian missionary school.
2. Propagation of religion: Birsa started to propagate a new religion from the year 1895. He proclaimed himself as an incarnation of God and he claimed that he had a vision of God. He made a prophecy of the deluge. He was against the prevalent superstitions of the Munda community. He was also against animal sacrifice. He raised a question on the sacred thread ceremony of the Mundas.
3. First movement: When the British government started acquisition of fallow lands of the Munda village during 1893-94, Birsa started his first movement against the British government.
4. Initiation of the revolt: Birsa organised the people of the Munda tribe in the year 1899 and announced a revolt against the British rule. December 24, 1899 was declared as the day of the initiation of the revolt.
5. Spread of the revolt: The month of January in the year 1900 witnessed the revolt under Birsa Munda at its extreme point. The people of the Munda tribe attacked the government offices, police stations, and government officials.
6. Death: Though the people of the Munda tribe under the leadership of Birsa Munda fought bravely against the British army, but they could not win over them. Birsa was captured and imprisoned at the Ranchi jail, where he died at a young age of 25 years, after suffering from cholera.

Analytical Answer (AA) Type Questions

Answer in 7 to 8 sentences

1. Lack of efficient leadership: There was no efficient leader of the Kol Rebellion. Leaders like Buddhu Bhagat, Joa Bhagat lacked proper leadership skills. So this rebellion did not last for long.
2. Limited area of operation: To make the rebellion successful, it was necessary to spread the rebellion outside the limited boundaries of areas inhabitated by the Kol tribe. But this did not happen and it weakened the movement.
3. Non-cooperation by the educated people and intellectuals: The Kol Revolt was not supported by the educated people and the intellectual class of the society. So the revolt was not well planned and properly organised.
4. Lack of communication: There was severe lack of communication between the people of the Kol tribe residing at different places. So the rebellion could not gather up enough strength.
5. Weakness: The financial aids as well as arms and ammunitions required to make a revolt successful were not present at the disposal of the Kols. So the revolt weakened from the very beginning.
6. British power: The British were far more efficient in terms of arms and ammunitions. They were also well organised and had modern communication equipments to maintain communication among themselves. The cruelty of the British rulers broke the very backbone of the Kol Revolt.

1. Armed tribal movement: The Chuar Revolt was an armed tribal movement.
2. Fight against the British rule: The Chuar Revolt was mainly a revolt against the British rule. The Chuar tribe vehemently protested against the exploitation and barbaric torture of the British rule.
3. Unity among the peasants and zamindars: The Chuar Revolt was not a revolt against the Indian zamindars. It was a revolt which witnessed the unity amongst the zamindars and the peasants.
4. Duration: The Chuar Revolt lasted from 1767 to 1799. It continued for a span of 30 long years. The revolt was led by various leaders at different points of time.
5. Two phases: The long period of Chuar Revolt can be divided into two phases. The first phase continued from 1767 to 1768, and the second phase continued from 1798 to 1799.

1. Acts of cruelty and torture: To subjugate the Chuar ‘Revolt, the British government initiated acts of cruelty and torture against the Chuar tribe. They killed Rani Shiromoni and arrested Durjan Singh.
2. One of the early revolts and rebellions: The Chuar Revolt was one of the early movements against the British rule. The revolt initiated by the illiterate and so called backward Chuars paved way for the revolts that took place in the next century.
3. Unity among the peasants and zamindars: The Chuar Revolt was not a revolt against the Indian zamindars. It was revolt which witnessed the unity amongst the zamindars and the peasants.
4. Formation of ‘Jungalmahal’: To impose strict restrictions against the Chuar tribe, the British government changed the law and order. A separate district named ‘Jungalmahal’ was established surrounding the city of Bishnupur, to control the Chuars.

3. Name two tribal revolts that took place during the first century of the British rule.

Ans. Two tribal revolts that took place during the first century of the British rule were the Chuar Revolt and the Kol Revolt.

4. Who are referred to as adivasis?

Ans. India has a sizeable tribal population. These people live in communities or groups. They lead a life that is closely interwoven with and dependent on nature. They are careful never to overexploit nature. They own land collectively. These people are referred to as adivasis.

5. Who were the ijaradars?

Ans. The ijaradars were basically land speculators. They used to obtain the ijara of land on payment of a specific amount of money to the British government. Thus, the ijaradars squeezed out as much money as possible in the form of revenue from the peasants during the period of their ijara.

6. What was the nature of the Kol Rebellion?

Ans. The nature of the Kol Rebellion, which broke out in 1831, was as follows-

1. Tribal people like the Mundas and the Oraons joined the Kol Rebels.
2. The target of the attacks were the zamindars, grain merchants, mahajans and British officials.
3. The Kol Rebels gradually turned against the English who were indiscriminately massacred and looted.

7. Write a note on the nature of the Chuar Revolt.

Ans. The nature of the Chuar Revolt, which broke out in 1760 in Midnapore, Bankura, Dalbhum and Manbhum, was as follows: [1] The peasants were the main force behind the revolt; [2] The subaltern class spontaneously joined the revolt; [3] They were supported by the disgruntled zamindars.

8. What was the nature of the Santhal Rebellion?

Ans. The nature of the Santhal Rebellion, which broke out in 1855, was as follows-

1. It was a rebellion of the tribal people against the colonial rulers.
2. It was a protest of the poor peasants and workers against British imperialism.
3. By nature, it was a resistance movement of the peasants and labourers against the British rule-supported by the potters, weavers, chamars and domes.
   

9. What is the meaning of ‘Damin-i-Koh’?

Ans. ‘Damin-i-Koh’ means ‘Santhal Pargana’. It was the area adjacent to the Rajmahal hills where the Santhals began to live after the introduction of the permanent settlement.

10. What was the nature of the Munda Rebellion?

Ans. The nature of the Munda Rebellion was as follows-

1. The Mundas sought to reassert their rights as the real owners of the soil, and to expel the middlemen and the British.
2. The British imposed restrictions on the traditional rights of the Mundas. So, the Mundas tried to establish ‘Mundaraj’ and protect their traditional rights.
3. The Mundas had no faith on the British administration and law courts. So, in order to protect their rights, they took to violence.

11. Why did the people of Bastar rise in revolt against the Britishers?

Ans. The people of Bastar rose in revolt against the Britishers because-

1. The British stopped the practice of shifting cultivation, hunting and collection of forest produce.
2. The British decided to reserve two-thirds of the forests in 1905.
3. Land rents were increased. Colonial officers demanded free labour.

12. Into which three categories were the forests divided after the amendment of Forest Act in 1878?

Ans. The 1878 Act divided forests into three categories: Reserved, Protected and Village forests.

13. What do you mean by ‘Reserved Forest’?

Ans. The 1878 Act divided forests into three categories: [1] Reserved, [2] Protected and [3] Village forests. Reserved forests were the most commercially valuable and amenable to sustained exploitation. Rights to all activities like hunting, grazing, etc. in reserved forests were banned. Villagers could not take anything from these forests ever for their own use.

14. What is the meaning of ‘Ulghulan’?

Ans. Ulghulan means ‘great tumult’ or ‘fierce rebellion’. The revolt of the Mundas, under the leadership of Birsa Munda, which rocked the foundation of the British was called Ulghulan in the local language.

15. What was the aim of Munda uprising?

Ans. The Mundas rose in rebellion during 1899-1900 under the leadership of Birsa Munda. The aim of Munda uprising was: [1] to drive away the British and establish Munda Raj and [2] to reconstruct the tribal society from disintegration.

16. Who was Dietrich Brandis?

Ans. Dietrich Brandis was a German expert. He was invited by the British for advice and was made the first Inspector-General of Forests in India.

17. Under whose initiative and in which year Indian Forest Service was set up?

Ans. In 1864 under the initiative of Dietrich Brandis Indian Forest Service was set up.

18. What was the effect of Forest Act on the villagers?

Ans. The Forest Act meant severe hardship for villagers across the country. All their everyday practices of collecting fruits and roots, cutting wood for their houses, grazing their cattle, hunting and fishing became illegal.

Very Short Answer (VSA) Type Questions.

Answer in one sentence

1. Mention any two tribal movements between 1757 and 1857.

Ans. Two tribal movements between 1757 and 1857 were the Kol Rebellion and the Santhal Rebellion.

2. When did the Rangpur peasant uprising take place?

Ans. The Rangpur peasant uprising took place in 1783.

3. Who was Nuruluddin?

Ans. Nuruluddin was the leader of the Rangpur Rebellion.

4. Where did the Rangpur Rebellion spread?

Ans. The Rangpur Rebellion spread to Dinajpur and Cooch Behar.

5. Who was Debi Singh?

Ans. Debi Singh was the ijaradar of Rangpur.

6. Name one leader of the Rangpur Uprising.

Ans. Dirji Narayan was one of the leaders of the Rangpur Uprising.

7. Who introduced the Ijaradari system?

Ans. Warren Hastings introduced the ljaradari system.

8. Who according to you were the real enemies of the tribals?

Ans. The real enemies of the tribals were the non-tribal outsiders like the zamindars moneylenders, planters, contractors, merchants, traders and the greedy revenue officers appointed by the English East India Company.

9. Name two leaders of the Chuar Revolt.

Ans. Jagannath Singh and Dhadkar Shyamganjan were two leaders of the Chuar Revolt.

10. Who was Sui Munda?.

Ans. Sui Munda was the leader of the Kol Rebellion.

11. When did the Kol Rebellion take place?

Ans. The Kol Rebellion took place in 1831.

12. Name two leaders of the Kol Rebellion.

Ans. Two leaders of the Kol Rebellion were Joa Bhagat and Buddhu Bhagat.

13. Who were the Santhals?

Ans. The Santhals were an innocent, hard working and peaceful tribal community who lived in the area between Bhagalpur and Rajmahal, known as Damin-i-koh.

14. When did the Santhal Rebellion take place?

Ans. The Santhal Rebellion took place in 1855-56.

15. Which revolt was initiated at Bhagnadihi?

Ans. The Santhal Revolt was initiated at Bhagnadihi.

16. When was the Forest Act enacted in India?

Ans. The Forest Act was enacted in India in 1865.

17. Where is Bastar located?

Ans. Bastar is located in the southern most part of Chhattisgarh and borders of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Maharashtra.

18. Which was the first peasant rebellion during the rule of the East India Company?

Ans. The first peasant rebellion during the rule of the East India Company was the Chuar Rebellion.

19. To which rebellion did Chand gave leadership?

Ans. Chand gave leadership to Santhal Rebellion.

20. In which year and against whom did the Rangpur Rebellion start?

Ans. The Rangpur Rebellion started in 1783 against Debi Singh, the ijaradar of Rangpur.

21. In which region did the Kols live?

Ans. The Kols lived in the Chotanagpur region of Bihar and in the neighbouring area.

22. Where did the Kol Rebellion spread?

Ans. The Kol Rebellion spread to Manbhum, Singbhum, Hazaribagh and Palamau region.

23. Who were the Bhils?

Ans. The Bhils were an aboriginal tribe who lived in the Western Ghats and had their stronghold in Khandesh.

24. When did the Bhils rise in revolt?

Ans. The Bhils rose in revolt in 1817-19, 1825, 1835 and 1846.

25. What was the act passed by the British government to suppress the rebellious tribals?

Ans. To suppress the rebellious tribals the British government passed the ‘Criminal Tribes Act’.

26. Whom did the tribals consider as Dikus?

Ans. The tribals considered the British moneylenders, zamindars and businessmen as Dikus which means ‘outsiders’.

27. What were the different rebellions which broke out after the Indian Forest Act was passed?

Ans. The different rebellion which broke out after the Indian Forest Act was passed was Chuar Rebellion, Kol Rebellion, Santhal Rebellion, Munda Rebellion, etc.

Fill in the blanks

1. An important leader of the Rangpur uprising ……….

Ans. Nuruluddin

2. The leader of the Santhal Revolt was……..

Ans. Sidhu

3. The Santhal Rebellion broke out in………

Ans. 1855

4. Sidhu and Kanhu formed an independent state in ………

Ans. 1855

5. …….. was one of the leaders of the Kol Rebellion.

Ans. Buddhu Bhagat

6. The 1878 Forest Act divided forests into ……..

Ans. 3

7. The Indian Forest Service was set up in ………

Ans. 1964

8. A leader of Rangpur Uprising was …….. 

Ans. Dirji Narayan

9. Mahajan was the term used to refer to ………

Ans. moneylenders

10. The Peshwa who encouraged the Bhil rebels was ………

Ans. Baji Rao II.

11. The land system of the Mundas was called ‘Khunt Kati’ which was a system of …….

Ans. collective ownership

12. ……… proclaimed himself as a ‘prophet of God’ possessing miraculous healing power.

Ans. Birsa Munda

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

1. The Rangpur peasant uprising (1783) was against the Company appointed ijaradar-

A. Dayaram Seal

B. Nuruluddin

C. Debi Singh

D. Sui Munda

Ans. C

2. In 1780 Debi Singh was appointed the Dewan of-

A. Radhanath Singha

B. Dayaram Seal

C. Jhindrai Manki

D. Shariatullah

Ans. A

3. The peasants of different villages assembled at Tepa and decided to shake off Debi Singh’s regime in-

A. 1738

B. 1783

C. 1766

D. 1781

Ans. B

4. The Chuar uprising swept over an extensive part of Bengal and Bihar between-

A. 1798 and 1799

B. 1763 and 1800

C. 1820 and 1837

D. 1857 and 1858

Ans. A

5. Jhindrai Manki was the leader of the-

A. Bhils

B. Mundas

C. Santhals

D. Kols

Ans. D

6. The British rulers were able to suppress the Kol Rebellion in-

A. 1833

B. 1834

C. 1823

D. 1843

Ans. A

7. The peasants of the Munda community of the Ranchi district revolted in-

A. 1833

B. 1899

C. 1823

D. 1853

Ans. B

8. Shifting cultivation made it harder for the government to calculate-

A. cultivated land

B. fallow land

C. taxes

D. pasture land

Ans. C

9. Wooden planks laid across railway tracks to hold them in a fixed position are called-

A. beams

B. sleepers

C. rails

D. fence

Ans. B

10. Which of the following decisions was taken by the Forest Act, 1878?

A. All forests were to be brought under the control of the Forest Department

B. Forests were to be divided into 3. categories

C. Forests were to be cleared for cultivation

D. Forests were to be cleared of wild animals

Ans. B

11. Dietrich Brandis was-

A. an American

B. a British

C. a German

D. an Italian

Ans. C

12. Indian Forest Act was first passed in-

A. 1857

B. 1864

C. 1865

D. 1878

Ans. C

13. The second Forest Act was passed in-

A. 1859

B. 1864

C. 1865

D. 1878

Ans. D

14. According to the Indian Forest Act 1878 Indian forests were divided into-

A. two categories

B. three categories

C. four categories

D. five categories

Ans. B

15. The Kol Rebellion broke out in-

A. Midnapore

B. Jhargram

C. Chotanagpur

D. Ranchi

Ans. C

16. ‘Laxmibai of Midnapore’ was-

A. Rani Rashmoni

B. Rani Durgabai

C. Rani Shiromoni

D. Rani Tarabai

Ans. C

17. Jangalmahal in the Midnapore district was the centre of-

A. Chuar Rebellion

B. Santhal Rebellion

C. Kol Rebellion

D. Moplah Rebellion

Ans. A

18. The Chuar rebellion broke out in-

A. Midnapore

B. Ranchi

C. Purulia

D. Hazaribagh

Ans. A

19. Rani Shiromoni gave leadership in the-

A. Kol Rebellion

B. Chuar Rebellion

C. Sannyasi-Fakir Rebellion

D. Pagal Panthi Rebellion

Ans. B

20. Sui Munda gave leadership in-

A. Chuar Rebellion

B. Kol Rebellion

C. Santhal Hool

D. Munda Rebellion

Ans. B

TOPIC – B

Sannyasi and Fakir Rebellion, Wahabi and Farazi Movement in Bengal

Explanatory Answer (EA) Type Questions

Answer in 15 to 16 sentences

1. Give an account of the Sannyasi and Fakir Rebellion.

Ans. The Sannyasi and Fakir Rebellion (1763-1800) organised by the Hindu saints and Muslim monks aimed at ventilating their grievances against oppressive tax collection by the British and also against the coercion of the lease holders. Due to the despotic policy of the East India Company the sannyasis and fakirs rose in revolt.

The Sannyasis who were mendicants belonged to the Dasnami sect had a tradition of militancy. Their rebellion spread like wild fire in the districts of Dinajpur, Rangpur, Malda and Dacca. Political uncertainty, lawlessness and economic oppression led landless ryots, zamindars and jobless artisans to join hands with the sannyasi rebels. Bhabani Pathak and Devi Chaudhurani were the leaders of the rebellion. Mahasthangarh was the stronghold of the rebellion. Dr. N K Sinha remarks that the ranks of the insurgents were swollen with starving peasantry.

The Sannyasi and Fakir uprising was repressed by the company’s army. The rebels failed because the leaders were inexperienced. Communication also prevented them from fighting unitedly against the British.

2. Give an account of the Wahabi Movement in Bengal.

Ans. Syed Ahmed Barelvi was the founder of the Wahabi Movement in India. His movement aimed at reviving the ways of the prophet and driving the British out of the country.

1. Titu Mir: The movement was carried in Bengal by Mir Nisar Ali popularly known as Titu Mir who was a believer in the Wahabi ideal of Islamic reform.
2. Aim of Titu Mir: Titu Mir’s aim was the replacement of British rule by Muslim rule and the extinction of the British government. He proclaimed “the sovereign power as the hereditary right of the Muslims which had been unjustly usurped by the Europeans”. His aim was also to organise the poor Hindu and Muslim peasants to fight agianst the oppressive zamindars who imposed punitive taxes on the Wahabis.
3. Barasat uprising: The Barasat uprising (1831) was led by Titu Mir. The centre of his movement was Narkelberia at Barasat. He organised his followers and built a bamboo fortrees (Banser Kella). Loot, murder, arson and cow slaughter alarmed the local authorities. Titu Mir along with his three hundred followers attacked the house of zamindar Krishnadeva Ray. He assumed the title of Badshah and established a parallel government in Narkelberia. The British government sent a large force and Titu Mir’s bamboo fortress was blown to pieces. Titu Mir was killed and his followers were imprisoned. Many of them were hanged.

Analytical Answer (AA) Type Questions

Answer in 7 to 8 sentences

1. Give an account of the Farazi Movement under the leadership of Haji Shariatullah and Dudu Miyan.

Or, Write a brief note on the Farazi Movement.

Ans. The Farazi Movement occupies an important place in the history of peasant rebellion in India. Haji Shariatullah, the leader of this peasant movement founded a sect called ‘Farazi’ which means ‘obey the dictates of Allah’ (God). Though the movement started as an Islamic revivalist movement, ultimately it turned into an anti imperialist struggle aiming at the expulsion of the British and the restoration of Muhammedan power in India. The poor peasants of Bengal were organised against the landlords and indigo planters by Shariatullah.

After the death of Shariatullah his son Muhammad Muhsin, better known as Dudu Miyan, took up the leadership of the movement. After his return from Mecca he preached that all men are equal. According to him god is the ultimate owner of land; so it would be contrary to Divine Law to pay rent to anyone. He united the peasants against the tyranny of the indigo planters and zamindars and gave instruction to his followers not to pay taxes to the zamindars. He created a parallel government and was arrested and put in prison.

2. What was the nature of Farazi Movement?

Ans. Nature of the Farazi Movement, which started under the leadership of Haji Shariatullah, was as follows-

1. The most important feature of the movement was that it started as an Islamic revivalist movement but ultimately it turned into an anti-imperialist as well as anti-British struggle, aiming at the restoration of Muhammedan power in India.
2. The movement was non-communal in nature.
3. It was a part of the freedom movement of India and the rebels aimed at ousting the British from India.
4. A parallel government was established which started collecting taxes from the people and also established local courts.

3. Why is Dudu Miyan remembered?

Ans. The Farazi Movement holds an important place in the history of peasant rebellion in India. The leader of the Farazi Movement was Haji Shariatullah. After his death, his son Muhammad Muhsin, better known as Dudu Miyan, took up the leadership of the movement. After he returned from Mecca, he preached that all men were equal and that God was the ultimate owner of land; so it would be contrary to Divine law to pay rent to any one. He united the peasants against the tyranny of the zamindars and the indigo planters and instructed his followers not to pay taxes to the zamindars. He created a parallel government but was arrested and put prison.

4. Discuss the importance of Wahabi Movement in Bengal under the leadership of Titu Mir.

Ans. Titu Mir, the leader of the Wahabi Movement in Bengal, organised the poor Hindu and Muslim peasants to fight against the oppressive zamindars and the British who imposed punitive taxes on the Wahabis. He constructed a bamboo fortress at Narkelberia in Barasat to counteract the enemy (1831). Though he failed in his objective this movement in Bengal had immense importance-

1. The revolt exposed the true nature of British exploitation of the peasants.
2. It was the first armed rebellion of the peasants of Bengal against the British, the indigo planters, the zamindars and the moneylenders.

5. Name two centres of Wahabi Movement in Bengal. Who constructed the famous ‘Banser Kella’ or bamboo fortress? What was the main objective of Barasat Revolt?

Ans. Two centres of Wahabi Movement in Bengal were Nadia and Jessore.

The ‘Banser Kella’ or bamboo fortress was constructed by Titu Mir, the leader of the Wahabi Movement in Bengal.

Titu Mir organised the poor peasants of Jessore, 24 Parganas and Nadia districts and constructed a bamboo fortress at Narkelberia at Barasat to counteract the British army. His aim was to organise the poor Hindu and Muslim peasants to fight against the oppressive zamindars who imposed punitive taxes on the Wahabis. His objective was the replacement of British rule by Muslim rule and the extinction of the British government. He proclaimed, “the sovereign power as the hereditary right of the Muslims which had been unjustly usurped by the Europeans.”

6. Why is Titu Mir remembered?

Ans. Titu Mir was the leader of the Wahabi Movement in Bengal. Under his leadership the movement turned into a movement of the peasants who were exploited at the hands of the Hindu zamindars and the European indigo planters. Titu Mir proclaimed the illegitimacy of the company’s government and declared that the Muslims were the rightful owners of land. The rebels declared that they were to receive rent from the peasants and they proceeded from village to village enforcing their demands. The British employed military to suppress the rebels. Titu Mir built up a ‘bamboo fortress’ at Narkelberia village near Barasat which is famous in history as ‘Barasat Uprising’ (1831). After a valiant fight Titu and his comrades were killed.

7. Briefly describe the Barasat Uprising.

Ans. The Barasat Uprising (1831) was led by Titu Mir, the leader of the Wahabi sect in Bengal. Titu Mir’s aim was to organise the poor Hindu and Muslim peasants to fight against oppressive zamindars who imposed punitive taxes on the Wahabis. The centre of his movement was Narkelberia at Barasat. He organised his followers and built a bamboo fortress (Banser Kella). Loot, murder, arson and cow slaughter alarmed the local authorities. Titu Mir along with his three hundred followers attacked the house of zamindar Krishnadeva Ray. He assumed the title of Badshah and established a parallel government in Narkelberia. The British government sent a large force and Titu Mir’s bamboo fortress was blown to pieces. Titu Mir was killed and his followers were imprisoned.

8. What was the nature of the Wahabi Movement?

Ans. The nature of the Wahabi Movement was as follows-

1. The Wahabi Movement started as an Islamic reform movement, but ultimately it turned into an anti-imperialist struggle.
2. In Bengal, under the leadership of Titu Mir, the movement turned into a rebellion of the peasants, exploited at the hands of the zamindars and European indigo planters.
3. It was a movement launched by both the Hindus and the Muslims and hence, was non-communal in nature.
4. It was a part of India’s freedom movement. Its aim was to oust the British from India.
5. Wahabi Movement in Bengal, led by Titu Mir, was messianic in nature.

Short Answer (SA) Type Questions

Answer in 2 to 3 sentences

1. Explain the terms ‘Fakir’ and ‘Mahajan’.

Ans. Fakir: Fakirs were a group of wandering Muslim religious mendicants.

Mahajan: Mahajan was the term used to refer to moneylenders.

2. Under what circumstances did the Sannyasi and Fakir Rebellions start?

Ans. The Sannyasi and Fakir Rebellions started against the oppressive tax collection by the British and also against the coercion of the leaseholders. The Hindu and Muslim saints ventilated their grievances against the despotic policy of the East India Company.

3. Why was the Sannyasi and Fakir Rebellion unsuccessful?

Ans. The Sannyasi and Fakir Rebellion (1763-1800) was unsuccessful due to various reasons, namely:

1. The rebels failed because the leaders were inexperienced.
2. Communication prevented them from fighting unitedly against the British.
3. The rebellion was limited to a small region.
4. The rebels were not popular among all classes of people.

4. What were the objectives of the Wahabi movement?

Ans. The objectives of the Wahabi Movement were as follows-

1. Initially the objective of the Wahabi Movement were religious. Syed Ahmed’s aim was to convert ‘Dar-Al-Harb’ (Unholy Land) into ‘Dar-Al-Islam’ (Land of Islam).
2. The economic objective of the movement was to free the peasantry from economic exploitation.
3. Ultimately the movement turned into an anti-imperialist struggle aiming at driving out the British from India.

5. When and between whom was the battle of Balakot fought? What was the result of the battle?

Ans. The battle of Balakot was fought between the Sikhs of Punjab and Syed Ahmed, the leader of the Wahabi movement.

In the balttle of Balakot Syed Ahmed was defeated and killed.

6. Who was the leader of the Wahabi Movement in Bengal? Where did the Wahabi Movement spread under his leadership?

Ans. The leader of the Wahabi Movement in Bengal was Mir Nisar Ali popularly known as Titu Mir.

The Wahabi Movement under the leadership of Titu Mir spread to 24 Parganas, Nadia, Dacca, Jessore, Rajsahi, Malda, etc.

7. What was the Wahabi Movement?

Ans. The Wahabi Movement was an Islamic reform movement founded by Abd al-Wahhab in the 18th century in Najd in Saudi Arabia.

8. Was the Farazi Rebellion simply a religious movement?

Ans. The Farazi Rebellion started as an Islamic revivalist movement but ultimately it turned into an anti-imperialist as well as anti-British struggle aiming at the restoration of Mohammedan power in India. It was a part of the freedom movement of India and the rebels aimed at ousting the British from India.

Very Short Answer (VSA) Type Questions

Answer in one sentence

1. Who was Karim Shah?

Ans. Karim Shah was a leader of the Fakir Rebellion.

2. In which part of Bengal did the Sannyasi Uprising take place?

Ans. The Sannyasi. Uprising took place in Northern Bengal.

3. Name two leaders of the Sannyasi Rebellion.

Ans. Two leaders of the Sannyasi Rebellion were Bhabani Pathak and Devi Choudhurani.

4. Who was the leader of the Fakir Uprising?

Ans. The leader of the Fakir Uprising was Chirag Ali.

5. What is the meaning of ‘Dar al-Harb’?

Ans. ‘Dar al-Harb’ means land of the enemy.

6. Where did the Wahabi Movement first initiate?

Ans. The Wahabi Movement was first initiated in Arabia.

7. Who first started the Wahabi Movement in Arabia?

Ans. Abd al-Wahhab first stated the Wahabi Movement in Arabia.

8. Who was the real founder of the Wahabi Movement in India?

Ans. Syed Ahmed was the real founder of Wahabi Movement in India.

9. Who was the chief leader of the Wahabi Movement in Bengal?

Ans. The chief leader of the Wahabi Movement in Bengal was Titu Mir (or Nisar Ali).

10. Who fought with the English from the bamboo fortress at Narkelberia?

Ans. Titu Mir fought with the English from the bamboo fortress at Narkelberia.

11. What is Titu Mir’s revolt from the bamboo fortress at Narkelberia known as?

Ans. Titu Mir’s revolt from the bamboo fortress at Narkelberia is known as Barasat Revolt.

12. In which year was the Farazi Movement launched?

Ans. The Farazi Movement was launched in 1818.

13. Who was the founder of Farazi Movement?

Ans. The founder of Farazi Movement was Haji Shariatullah.

14. What was the capital of Dudu Miyan?

Ans. The capital of Dudu Miyan was Bahadurpur.

15. Where was Dudu Miyan’s chief centre during the Farazi Movement?

Ans. Dudu Miyan’s chief centre during the Farazi Movement was Bahadurpur.

16. What is the meaning of ‘Farazi’?

Ans. ‘Farazi’ means followers of the command of Allah.

17. Who took up the leadership of the Farazi Movement after the death of Haji Shariatullah?

Ans. Dudu Miyan or Muhammad Muhsin took up the leadership of the Farazi Movement after the death of Haji Shariatullah.

18. Who is the author of ‘Anandamath’?

Ans. The author of ‘Anandamath’ is the eminent bengali litterateur Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

19. Who was Karam Shah?

Ans. Karam Shah belonged to the semi religious sect known as Pagal Panthi who took up the cause of the tenants against the oppression of the zamindars.

Fill in the blanks

1. A centre of Wahabi Movement in Bengal was ……..

Ans. Nadia

2. The founder of the Wahabi Movement in India was ……… of Raibareli.

Ans. Syed Ahmed

3. The ‘Banser Kella’ was constructed by ……….

Ans. Titu Mir

4. Titu Mir was a disciple of ……….

Ans. Syed Ahmed

5. ………. was the leader of Wahabi sect in Bengal.

Ans. Titu Mir

6. ……… proclaimed the end of the British rule in Bengal and assumed the title of Badsah.

Ans. Titu Mir

7. Titu Mir died in ………

Ans. 1831

8. ……….. was the leader of the Farazi Movement in Bengal

Ans. Haji Shariatullah

9. A leader of Sannyasi-Fakir Rebellion was ………..

Ans. Bhabani Pathak

10. The word ‘Wahabi’ means ………

Ans. Renaissance

11. The rebels during the Pagal Panthi Revolt declared ……… as the independent sultan.

Ans. Tipu

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

1. The Sannyasi and Fakir Rebellions were led by monks, dispossessed zamindars of-

A. Bengal

B. Bihar

C. Orissa

D. Maharashtra

Ans. A

2. The most important leader of Sannyasi-Fakir Rebellion was-

A. Rani Karnabati

B. Rani Shiromani

C. Devi Chaudhurani

D. Rani Durgavati

Ans. C

3. The real name of Titu Mir was-

A. Chirag Ali

B. Hyder Ali

C. Mir Nisar Ali

D. Torap Ali

Ans. C

4. The leadership in Barasat Rebellion was given by-

A. Dudu Mian

B. Digambar Biswas

C. Titu Mir

D. Birsa Munda

Ans. C

5. The Sannyasi-Fakir Rebellion first started in-

A. Dacca

B. Rangpur

C. Mymensingh

D. Faridpur

Ans. A

6. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote ‘Anandamath’ in the background of-

A. Pagal Panthi Rebellion

B. Sannyasi Rebellion

C. Chuar Rebellion

D. Indigo Rebellion

Ans. B

7. The author of ‘Devi Chaudhurani’ is-

A. Vidyasagar

B. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

C. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

D. Rabindranath Tagore

Ans. C

8. ‘Banser Kella’ (bamboo fortress) was built at-

A. Chaugacha Village

B. Narkelberia Village

C. Basirhat

D. Dinajpur

Ans. B

9. The meaning of Tariqa-i-Muhammadiya is-

A. Religion of Muhammad

B. Directions of Muhammad

C. Message of Muhammad

D. Way of Muhammad

Ans. D

10. The leader of Pagal Panthi Rebellion was-

A. Sui Munda

B. Jhindrai Manki

C. Karim Shah

D. Kanu

Ans. C

11. The Pagal Panthi rebellion broke out in-

A. Mymensingh

B. Chotanagpur

C. Khandesh

D. Faridpur

Ans. A

12. The founder of Pagal Panthi, a semi-religious sect, was-

A. Majnu Shah

B. Karam Shah

C. Tipu Shah

D. Musha Shah

Ans. B

13. The Farazi movement was initiated by-

A. Shariatullah

B. Titu Mir

C. Dudu Mian

D. Syed Ahmed

Ans. A

14. Farazi Movement is also known as-

A. Suddhi Movement

B. Mian Movement

C. Hussain Movement

D. Islamic Movement

Ans. D

15. During the Sannyasi-Fakir Rebellion the English General who was killed in the battle of Rangpur was-

A. Edward

B. General Havel

C. General Thomas

D. General Nelson

Ans. C

TOPIC – C

Indigo Rebellion and Pabna Peasant Rebellion

Explanatory Answer (EA) Type Questions

Answer in 15 to 16 sentences

1. Examine the causes of the Indigo Revolt.

Ans. The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60 was a mass upheaval, unprecedented in the history of organised political movement in India. By the beginning of the 19th century, indigo formed the basis of a flourishing sector of commercial agriculture. Many European planters established factories in different parts of Bengal when indigo became a profitable item of export. The revolt was directed against British planters who behaved like feudal lords in their state.

The causes of the rebellion were as follows-

1. The wages paid by the planters to ryots were meagre although the prices of agricultural products doubled.
2. The planters oppressed the cultivators and forced them to grow indigo under terms.
3. The production of food crops declined considerably because the indigo planters used the best plots of cultivable land for indigo plantation.
4. The indigo planters augmented the plantation area and evicted the peasants from their villages. Employing armed gang men, the planters did not hesitate to burn the peasants’ huts.
5. Peasant women were abducted regularly and other family members were also not spared.

2. Describe the nature of the Indigo Rebellion.

Ans. The Indigo Rebellion was one of the events which profoundly influenced the political developments in India towards intense national awakening. The nature of the rebellion was as follows-

1. It was not directed against the zamindars and the mahajans. It was a revolt against the indigo planters who committed all sorts of brutality to force the peasants to cultivate indigo.
2. The ryots not only resisted forced cultivation but also wanted to put an end to indigo cultivation.
3. The bravery and sacrifice of the peasants deserves special mention. One after another the peasants joined the movement and took the vow not to cultivate indigo.
4. All communities-Hindus and Muslims joined the rebellion. Not only the peasants, but the zamindars, businessmen, talukdars and patnidars also joined them.
5. The Indigo Rebellion was by nature not a part of religious reform movement. Peasants form the core and took the opportunity to give vent to their grievances against the oppressors.
6. The Christian missionaries backed the peasants. Grant, the lieutenant governor of Bengal, and W S Seton Karr were also sympathetic towards the innocent peasants.

3. What role did the educated community play during the Indigo Rebellion?

Ans. Role of educated community during Indigo Rebellion were as follows-

1. In 1980, the indigo cultivators of Chowgacha village of Nadia district, first rose in rebellion under the leadership of Bishnu Charan Biswas and Digambar Biswas. They organised the peasants of their village Chowgacha, who took the vow not to cultivate indigo any more. The rebellion spread from one village to another and the villagers took a similar vow not to cultivate indigo.
2. At this stage, the educated community joined the peasants. Sisir Kumar Ghosh organised peasants of ninety-two villages who took the pledge to refuse indigo cultivation, even at life risk.
3. In 1860,, Dinabandhu Mitra, then a high Government official, published the historic drama ‘Nil Darpan’, depicting the brutalities of the English planters and the heroic resistance of the peasants. The Bengali poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta translated this drama into English, but it was published in the name of Reverend James Long. The planters filed a case against James Long who was imprisoned for one month and fined one thousand rupees. Kaliprasanna Singha, a young writer paid off the fine on the spot.
4. Harish Chandra Mukherjee, the editor of the Hindoo Patriot, published the news of the tyranny of the planters and the reaction of the peasants. He, through his fiery editorials, considerably influenced public opinion against the British government. Moreover, through his news and views, he greatly influenced the government to appoint the Indigo Commission in 1860.

4. Describe the spread of Indigo Rebellion in Bengal.

Ans. During the nineteenth century, the European indigo planters, in order to spread the cultivation of indigo all over Bengal, oppressed the peasants of Bengal in a barbaric way. Nearly 60 million indigo ryots, in order to protest against the inhuman torture and oppressions, chose the path of rebellion, which came to be known as the Indigo Rebellion (1859-1860).

1. Expression of grievances: The first phase of the rebellion was marked by expression of grievances by the indigo ryots against the European indigo planters at the governmental departments.
2. Boycott: The expression of grievances was of no good for the indigo ryots. So the second phase of the revolt was marked by refusal of the indigo ryots to take advances for cultivation and thus the boycott of the movement. Digambar Biswas and Bishnucharan Biswas of Nadia district led the boycott movement. A large number of peasants in Nadia, Pabna, Faridpur, Barishal, Rajshahi, Khulna, Maldah, Murshidabad, and Dinajpur did not start cultivating indigo despite of the inhuman torture and oppressions carried out against them.
3. Armed rebellion: The indigo ryots started an armed rebellion against the Britishers on the third phase of the rebellion. They burnt the indigo plantations and also attacked the European indigo planters.
4. Role of the educated middle class: A section of the educated middle class in Bengal supported the Indian ryots and expressed their grievances against the European indigo planters. [i] The editor of ‘Hindoo Patriot’ Harish Chandra Mukherjee questioned for the indigo ryots and vehemently expressed his views against the European indigo planters. [ii] Dinabandhu Mitra in his drama ‘Nil Darpan’ pointed out the inhuman torture of the European indigo planters. [iii] Michael Madhusudan Dutta translated ‘Nil Darpan’ in English and published it in the name of Christian priest James Long, which led to the fine and imprisonment of James Long.
5. Last phase of the revolt: Thousands of indigo ryots expressed their grievances to Peter Grant, the chief commissioner of Bengal during his visit to East Bengal. On the basis of those grievances, Peter Grant set up the Indigo Commission in the year 1860. The reports submitted by this commission led to the abolition of indigo plantation in Bengal, which, in turn, led to the end of the Indigo Rebellion.

5. Discuss the nature and characteristics of the Pabna Peasant Rebellion.

Ans. The poor peasants of the Pabna district of East Bengal started a revolt against the exploitation of the zamindars in 1870. However, historians do not agree regarding the nature or characteristics of the revolt. This can be discussed as follows-

1. Non-communal movement: Some of the historians consider the Pabna Peasant Rebellion as being non-communal in nature. The peasants did not start the revolt against the zamindars as they were Hindu by religion, rather they started the revolt due to the barbaric nature of the zamindars.
2. Lawful rebellion: The peasants of the Pabna Rebellion did not take any extremist ways against the zamindars. Neither did they start any armed rebellion. The steps they took included peaceful means like non- payment of tax. They also decided to fight against the wrong legal allegations brought against them by the British government. Due to this reason, some of the historians are of the opinion that the Pabna Peasant Rebellion was a lawful rebellion.
3. Agitation against the zamindars: The exploited peasants of the Pabna Peasant Rebellion fought mainly against the zamindars, as the zamindars continued mass oppression against the peasants.
4. Limited nature of the revolt: The Pabna Peasant Rebellion was not against the British rule, it was solely against the zamindars. The peasants wanted to be under the British rule and wanted to pay tax to the British queen directly. For this reason the nature of this revolt is mentioned as limited by some of the historians.
5. Lack of political awareness: Some of the historians are of the opinion that the Pabna Peasant Rebellion lacked political awareness. The rebels failed to understand that the British rule was the main origin of their miserable condition, and supported the British rule unknowingly.

Analytical Answer (AA) Type Questions

Answer in 7 to 8 sentences

1. What is the significance of the Indigo Revolt?

Ans. The significance of the Indigo Revolt of 1859-60 is as follows-

1. It marked the beginning of a new direction in Government’s policy towards the peasantry.
2. In 1860, The Indigo Commission was set up to enquire into the hardships faced by the indigo farmers. It condemned indigo cultivation and considerable relief was provided to the cultivators.
3. As a consequence of the Indigo Revolt, the Bengalis became politically aroused and shrugged off their apathy and carelessness.
4. The Indigo Revolt raised the tempo which motivated the peasants to participate in wider political movements.

2. What repressive measures were adopted by the British government to suppress the Indigo Rebellion?

Ans. The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60 was a mass upheaval, unprecedented in the history of organised political movement in India. The revolt spread to almost all the indigo growing districts of Bengal. In order to suppress the Indigo Rebels, the British government resorted to repressive measures. The government sent police and military forces to the disturbed areas. British troops were stationed all over Bengal. They even sent two naval warships to Nadia and Jessore to suppress the revolt. British police mercilessly hanged the great leader of Indigo Rebels Biswanath Sardar in Asannagar, Nadia after a show trial.

3. Why was the Indigo Commission (1860) appointed?

Ans. Among the tribal and peasant rebellions after the revolt of 1857, the Indigo Revolt deserves special mention. It started in 1859, the brutalities of the European planters made the ryots determined in their protest against the system.

Thousands of indigo ryots expressed their grievances to Peter Grant, the Chief Commissioner of Bengal, during his visit to East Bengal. In the face of serious situation and public demand for probing the system of indigo cultivation, the government finally appointed the Indigo Commission on 31 March, 1866 to enquire into the system of indigo production. The Commission was formed with W S Seton Kar and R Temple (representative of Government), WF Fergusson (representative of Indigo planters), Rev. J Sale (representative of Christian missionaries) and Chandramohon Chatterjee (representative of the zamindars). 134 persons (15 government employees and Christian missionaries, 21 planters, 13 zamindars and 77 ryots) presented their depositions before the Indigo Commission.

4. Was the Pabna Rebellion a non-communal movement?

Ans. The poor peasants of the Pabna district of East Bengal started a revolt against the exploitation of the zamindars in 1870. The zamindar dominated British Indian Association was bitterly hostile to the movement. The Hindoo Patriot, related to the British Indian Association, tried to call the Pabna Rebellion a communal rebellion. But actually the majority of the peasants in Pabna happened to be Muslim and their zamindars were mainly Hindus. The communal element in the rebellion was virtually absent. It may be mentioned here that the three important leaders of the agrarian league were Ishan Chandra Roy and Shambhu Pal who were caste Hindus and Khoodi Mollah who was a Muslim jotedar.

Short Answer (SA) Type Questions

Answer in 2 to 3 sentences

1. Write a note on the Indigo Commission.

Ans. The Indigo Commission was set up in 186 to enquire into the grievances of indigo cultivators. It acknowledged the existence of forced cultivation of indigo and condemned it. In an official order it was declared that the peasants could plant indigo in their lands if they wished and the owners of indigo factories would not compel them to plant indigo. Undoubtedly this order was an achievement on the part of the rebels.

2. What was depicted in the historic drama ‘Nil Darpan’? Who translated it into English?

Ans. The historic drama ‘Nil Darpan’ depicted the horrors of the English planters and the heroic reaction of the peasants.

It was translated into English by the poet Madhusudan Dutta under the alias Reverend Long.

3. Who was the author of the historic drama ‘Nil Darpan’? When was it published?

Ans. The author of the historic drama ‘Nil Darpan’ was Dinabandhu Mitra.

It was published in 1860.

4. What were the causes of discontent of the farmers cultivating indigo?

Ans. The causes of discontent of the farmers cultivating indigo were as follows-

1. They were paid very low prices for growing indigo.
2. They were tortured and forced to cultivate indigo in lieu of other crops in their best lands in the interest of the British planters.
3. The British indigo planters amassed huge profits at the cost of the poor Indian farmers.

5. What were the main centres of Indigo Rebellion?

Ans. The Indigo Rebellion spread in almost all the indigo growing districts. The cultivators of Nadia district first rose in action. The movement then spread to Jessore, Khulna, Rajshahi, Pabna, Faridpur, Dacca, Malda, Dinajpur and other places in Bengal.

6. What were the recommendations of the Indigo Commission?

Ans. The British government appointed the Indigo Commission on 31 March, 1866 to enquire into the system of indigo production. The following were the recommendations of the Indigo Commission.

1. The peasants could plant indigo in their lands if they wished and the owner of indigo factories would not compel them to plant indigo.
2. The government not to intervene into the indigo crisis as it would further complicate the situation.
3. The government to appoint honest police force and honest magistrate to ensure justice to the indigo cultivators.

7. How were the indigo cultivators tortured by the indigo planters?

Ans. The indigo cultivators were brutally treated by the British indigo planters. The planters took recourse to all sorts of oppression. The planters appointed ‘lathials’ who committed all sorts of brutality-physical assault, burning of peasants’ houses and forcible seizure of their movable property. Their cattle were carried off and their crops and fruit trees destroyed. The peasants were unlawfully confined in the indigo factories and were mercilessly beaten. Peasant women were abducted and other family members were also not spared.

8. Name some important leaders of the Indigo Rebellion.

Ans. Some important leaders of the Indigo Rebellion were Digambar Biswas and Bishnu Charan Biswas of Chaugacha, Nadia, Mahesh Chandra of Narail, Ramratan Mallick of Jairampur, Rafique Mondal of Malda, Shreehari Ray of Chandpur, Meghai Sardar of Asannagar.

9. Why was Reverend James Long fined? Who paid off the fine?

Ans. Michael Madhusudan Dutta translated ‘Nil Darpan’ in English in the name of Reverend James Long. The planters immediately filed a case against Long who was imprisoned for one month and fined one thousand rupees.

A young writer and zamindar Kali Prasanna Sinha paid off the fine in the court room.

10. Who was Harish Chandra Mukhopadhyay?

Ans. Harish Chandra Mukhopadhyay was the editor of ‘Hindoo Patriot’. He published the day to day news of the tyranny and brutality of the planters and the progress of the rebellion. He questioned the indigo peasants and vehemently expressed his view against the European indigo planters. Besides his fiery editorials criticising the administration he considerably influenced public opinion against the government.

11. What was the role of Christian missionaries in the Indigo Rebellion?

Ans. The Christian missionaries who came from Europe played an important part in the Indigo Rebellion. They supported the cause of indigo cultivators. They expressed their views against the oppression and tyranny of the indigo planters and published these in newspapers. It may be mentioned here that James Long, a Christian missionaries admitted the acts of violence on the part of the indigo planters. The Christian missionaries put increasing emphasis on mass education believing that a sound Christian education alone would help the peasants out of their miserable plight.

12. What were the causes of Pabna Rebellion?

Ans. During the 1870’s there was widespread resistance in large parts of East Bengal. The centre of this widespread resistance was Pabna.

The zamindars of this region deprived the ryots of their occupancy rights. The Occupancy Right under Act X of 1859 conferred occupancy rights on tenants who held lands for 12 years as well as paid their rent. But the zamindars in different ways deprived the ryots of their occupancy right. The peasants were also sometimes evicted from land due to non-payment. Revolt broke out in Pabna against the unjust demand of the zamindars.

Very Short Answer (VSA) Type Questions

Answer in one sentence

1. In which year was the Indigo Commission set up?

Ans. The Indigo Commission was set up in 1860.

2. In what background was the drama ‘Nil Darpan’ written?

Ans. ‘Nil Darpan’, the drama by Dinabandhu Mitra was written in the background of Indigo Rebellion.

3. Who first started the Indigo Rebellion?

Ans. The Indigo Rebellion was first started. by Bishnucharan Biswas and Digambar Biswas.

4. Name some intellectuals who inspired the indigo cultivators.

Ans. Some intellectuals who inspired the indigo cultivators were Digambar Biswas, Bishnucharan Biswas, Harish Chandra Mukhopadhyay, Sisir Kumar Ghosh, Manmohan Ghose, etc.

5. Why was the Agrarian League formed in 1874?

Ans. The Agrarian League was formed in 1874 which protested against the unjust demand of the zamindars of Pabna.

Mark True or False

1. The Indigo Revolt started in a village in Nadia.

Ans. True

2. ‘Nil Darpan’ was written by Madhusudan Dutta.

Ans. False

3. ‘Nil Darpan’ was translated into English by Madhusudan Dutta.

Ans. True

4. The Indigo Commission was set up to enquire into the grievances of the indigo cultivators in 1860.

Ans. True

5. During the Indigo Revolt, the educated community of Bengal offered its wholehearted support to the peasants.

Ans. True

Fill in the blanks

1. The Indigo Revolt started under the leadership of ………

Ans. Digambar Biswas

2. The newspaper ……….. supported the cause of Indigo Rebellion.

Ans. Hindoo Patriot

3. ………  set up the Indigo Commission in 1860.

Ans. Peter Grant

4. Ishan Chandra Roy was the leader of ………. Rebellion.

Ans. Pabna

5. The peasants of Yusufshahi Pargana in …………  district formed Pabna Agrarian League.

Ans. Pabna

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

1. The Indigo Revolt first broke out in-

A. Barasat

B. Chotanagpur

C. Krishnanagar

D. Bastar

Ans. C

2. Digambar Biswas was the leader of-

A. Wahabi Movement

B. Pabna Revolt

C. Indigo Revolt

D. Chuar Revolt

Ans. C

3. The Bengal Tenancy Act of 1855 was passed in response to a widespread movement in-

A. Rajshahi

B. Dacca

C. Khulna

D. Pabna

Ans. D

4. The leader of the Pabna movement was-

A. Bishnu Charan Biswas

B. Ishan Chandra Roy

C. Titu Mir

D. Digambar Biswas

Ans. B

5. ‘Nil Darpan’ of Dinabandhu Mitra portrayed the oppressed-

A. zamindars

B. tax collectors

C. villagers

D. peasants

Ans. D

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