WBBSE 10th Class Social Science Solutions History Chapter 4 Early Stages of Collective Action : Characteristics and Analyses

1. The Revolt of 1857 was the most severe outburst of discontent following the battles of Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764). The annexationist policy of the British, the long years of economic exploitation by the East India Company, the grievances of the Indian sepoys combined to create an atmosphere of rebellion.
2. The main centres of the revolt were Delhi, Kanpur, Awadh, Barrackpore, Meerut, Lucknow, Shahjanpur, Muradabad, Bareilly, Bundelkhand, Allahabad, Jhansi, Fatehpur, Benaras, Arrah, Rohilkhand and Gaya.
3. Most of the European historians point out that it was a revolt of Indian soldiers. The revolt was not a national war of independence, as it was confined to a small part of India. However the nationalists of India have hailed it as the First War of Indian Independence.
4. The Revolt of 1857 failed because there was no centralised leadership and proper coordination. There were no experienced. military generals among the rebel leaders except Tantia Topi, Laxmi Bai and Nana Saheb. The lack of popular support and the apathy of Indian rulers also contributed to the failure of the mutiny.
5. The Revolt brought about a shift in the British policy towards India. The rule of the English East India Company ended and India was brought under the British Crown by the Government of India Act of 1858.
6. The associates of Rammohan Roy took the task of organising political associations. In 1836, the first such association was formed which was called ‘Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha’. It sent petitions and memorials to the Government.
7. The ‘Landholders’ Society’, founded in July, 1838, marked the beginning of an organised political activity. It was established to organise protests against the unjust governmental policies.
8. The Indian Association (1876) organised the first all India agitation in 1877-78, on the issues of Civil Service and the Press Act. It organised two ‘National Conferences’ in Calcutta (Kolkata) in 1883 and 1885.
9. Hindu Mela was organised by Nabagopal Mitra. The newly established theatre was directly anti-British. It exposed the merciless tyranny of indigo planters in ‘Nil Darpan’ by Dinabandhu Mitra, which led directly to Lytton’s Dramatic Performance Act in 1876.
10. The 19th Century Indian literature roused national consciousness among the people. A host of literary men like Bankim Chandra, Vivekananda, Rabindranath preached nationalism through their writings. Bankim Chandra’s ‘Anandamath’ played an important role in arousing national consciousness. The song ‘Bande Mataram’ which features in his novel ‘Anandamath’ became the national hymn. With the growth of nationalism, the identity of India. came to be associated with the image Bharat Mata. Rabindranath’s vision of nationalism found expression in his novel Gora. ‘Bartaman Bharat’ by Vivekananda contains deep feelings on nation. Its closing paragraph is addressed to every Indian, urging them to rise and awake to the national ideal of identity with the Indian heritage.

TOPIC – A

Answer in 15 to 16 sentences

1. His annexationist policy was high handed and ruthless. His principle of Doctrine of Lapse was against Hindu rites and customs. Jhansi, Jaipur, Sambalpur, Nagpur, Satara etc. were annexed by the principle of Doctrine of Lapse, which caused widespread resentment.
2. The annexation of Awadh on the ground of maladministration agitated the Sepoys.
3. Nana Saheb, the adopted son of Baji Rao II was deprived by Dalhousie from his hereditary pension.
4. Dalhousie abolished the imperial title of the old emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and forced him to vacate his ancestral residence in Delhi Red Fort. This wounded the feelings of the Indians, especially the Muslim population.
5. The native rulers and princes, who had been thrown out of employment, were waiting for an opportunity of revenge. Thus Lord Dalhousie’s imperialist policy created an atmosphere of rebellion in thenative states of India.

1. Scattered nature of the Revolt: The revolt was not carried out in a synchronised manner throughout the whole of India, but was scattered in nature. Thus it was easy for the British government to suppress the revolt.
2. Support of the Gorkhas and the Sikhs: The Sikh and Gorkha communities showed support towards the British government and helped them in suppressing the Revolt.
3. Lack of proper leadership: There was no proper single leader to lead the revolt across the different parts of the nation. Thus, each of the leaders in different regions led the revolts to achieve their own separate obectives, and thus the revolt fell apart gradually.
4. Assistance from princely states: The princely states such as Kashmir, Rampur, etc., assisted the British during the Revolt of 1857. Scindian and Rajput kings did not take sides with the revolutionaries, and took up a passive stance during the revolt. This helped the British is suppressing the Revolt easily.
5. Non-Cooperation from the educated class: The middle class Bengalis educated in Western pattern did not support the Revolt of 1857 and distanced themselves from it. They even showed support towards the British in some cases.
6. Army Generals: There was a dire need of able army generals among the revolutionaries. On the other hand, the British forces had efficient leaders like Havelock, Neel, Outram, etc., who led them to battle against the sepoys.
7. British power: The British army possessed better arms and firepower than the sepoys. Their naval power was greater than the Indians as well. They brought in soldiers and arms from England, Persia and Malay in order to strengthen their ranks.

Answer in 7 to 8 sentences

1. Relation between the ruler and the ruled: The difference between the British rulers in India and the native Indian subjects became too great, and the Indians found themselves alien in their own land.
2. Disgust towards the Indians: The British looked down upon the Indians in disgust everywhere-in schools, offices, courts, etc. Many European clubs had the sign ‘Dogs and Indians not allowed’ in front of them. According to Warren Hastings, “Even a few years back, most of the Britishers thought Indians to be barbaric.”
3. Orthodox mentality: The Indians could never properly accept the rule of the White Britishers in their native land. The Muslims were opposed to the British rulers as they had caused the downfall of the Mughal Empire. Again, the orthodox Hindus were dissatisfied with the British rulers as they had abolished systems like the Sati and made provisions for widow remarriage, etc.
4. Torture by the British officials: Acts of torture by high ranking British officials and their bias towards their own race became intolerable to the native Indians. Especially the tribal people, such as the Kols, Bhils, Mundas and Santhals, were exploited the most by the British officials. Due to all these reasons, the Indians became infuriated with the British government.

1. The wide participation of the peasants, zamindars, shopkeepers and artisans gave the movement a popular character, especially in UP and Bihar.
2. In northern and central India, the revolt of the sepoys triggered popular revolts. The common people rose in arms fighting with whatever weapons they had like axes, sickles or muskets.
3. Even in places where people did not rise in revolt they showed sympathy for the rebels and misled the British.
4. The popular character of the revolt became evident when the British tried to suppress it. They had to wage relentless wars not only against the sepoys, but also the people in many areas.
5. People were publicly hanged and executed without trials. This further showed the intensity and popular base of the revolt.

1. Bahadur Shah II: The revolting sepoys reinstated the fallen Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah II (1775 – 1862) and declared him to be the leader of the revolt. The revolt was carried out under his name as the heir of the Mughal empire and the ruler of undivided India. Basically, at the age of 80, Bahadur Shah was a leader only in name.
2. Nana Saheb: The leader of the revolt at Kanpur was the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II Nana Saheb (his real name was Govind Dhondu Pant). He drove away the British from Kanpur and took up the title of ‘Peshwa’. His trusted subordinates Tantia Topi (real name-Ramachandra Pandurang Topi) and Hakim Azimullah also led the revolt in certain areas.
3. Begum Hazrat Mahal: The most prominent leader of the revolt at Awadh was Begum Hazrat Mahal. She gathered the sepoys of Lucknow and the zamindars and peasants of Awadh and organised a powerful army, which led in the revolt.
4. Rani Laxmi Bai: The leader of the Sepoy Mutiny at Jhansi was Rani Laxmi Bai. She fought bravely against British General Hugh Rose when he attacked Jhansi, and was finally killed in action at the Battle of Kalpi against the British. Her courage and valiance inspired many freedom fighters later in India’s struggle for independence.
5. Maulvi Ahmadullah: In Faizabad, Maulavi Ahmadullah set up a strong resistance against the British during the Revolt of 1857. The British issued a warrant against him, with a reward of Rs. 50,000. He was finally killed by a king who was a supporter of the British government.

1. Sepoy Mutiny: Akshay Kumar Dutta, Harish Chandra Mukhopadhyay, Dadabhai Naoroji, Charles Rex, and several other termed the Revolt of 1857 to be merely a mutiny of the sepoys. According to Charles Rex, “It was only an uprising of the sepoys.”
2. Revolt of landlords: Rajani Palme Dutt, Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, Surendranath Sen and such others have opined that the Revolt of 1857 was mainly an uprising of the orthodox and feudal powers. According to them, feudal lords such as Nana Saheb, Rani Laxmi Bai, Kunwar Singh, etc., participated in this revolt in order to achieve their own objectives.
3. Revolt of the masses: Historians such as Norton, Malleson, Ball, John Kay, etc., noticed the participation of the common people in this revolt and termed it as a revolt of the masses. According to them, this revolt spread fast from Delhi, Lucknow, Awadh, Kanpur, Bareilly, Jhansi, Bihar into other parts of the country.
4. National revolt: Historian Outram, Duff, Robertson, the Tory leader Disraeli, the socialist Karl Marx, and several others have termed this revolt to be a national revolt. According to them, apart from the sepoys of Muzaffarnagar, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, civilians and people from the zamindar class also lauched anti-British movements during this stage.
5. First war of independence: Revolutionary leader V D Savarkar and some others call the Revolt of 1857 the first war of Indian independence. Professor Harinath Mukhopadhyay, Professor Susobhan Sarkar, etc., also give this revolt the name of a national struggle for Indian freedom.
6. Great Revolt: Several nationalist historians have pointed out the popularity of the revolt in different levels of the society, and thus term it the Great Revolt.

1. It confirmed the treatise and engagements of the East India Company and the native states and assured that their territories would not be annexed to the British Empire.
2. Full religious freedom was granted to the Indians by the proclamation.
3. It promised to pay due regard to the ancient rights, customs and usages of India and to respect the rights and honour of the native princes.
   
4. It declared that all Indians, according to their qualifications, will be freely admitted to “offices in our service.”
5. It also granted a general amnesty to all offenders, of the Revolt of 1857 except those who had been convicted of taking part in the murder of British subjects.
6. It was also promised that the British Indian Government would try to advance the moral and material progress of the Indians.

Short Answer (SA) Type Questions

Answer in 2 to 3 sentences

Very Short Answer (VSA) Type Questions

Answer in one sentence

Fill in the blanks

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

TOPIC – B

Age of Association

Explanatory Answer (EA) Type Questions

Answer in 15 to 16 sentences

1. How did the Hindu Mela contribute towards spreading the idea of nationality among the people?

Ans. The contribution of Hindu Mela, an annual festival, established in Calcutta in 1867, towards spreading the idea of nationality amongst the people was immense. Its main objective was to foster a spirit of self-help among the Hindus and to promote all India integration through committees and slogans. Institutions for imparting physical education were established which involved exercises for building up discipline and manhood of the nation with a view to fight British imperialism and colonialism.

At the annual sessions big exhibitions were organised to display the varied products of Indian arts and crafts to encourage Indian producers and to educate the general public about their own country. Poets, authors, thinkers, artists, essayists and publicists thronged together in large number. National poems were read out, national songs were sung and speeches on national themes were delivered. Prizes were offered to writers, artists and athletes. Members of the Association were prohibited from speaking in English.

In the background of the Hindu Mela national songs in modern India were first composed and set to music. Satyendranath Tagore, Dwijendranath and Manamohan Basu composed patriotic songs which were sung at the mela. The Hindu Mela also published a newspaper named ‘National Paper for spreading the idea of nationality among the people, and its press was named as ‘National Press’. Besides this, a national school. national gymnasium and a national library were also set up.

Thus the Mela gave birth to a movement which was truly national in character. For the first time, it brought hope to the minds of the people that Indians, in spite of their differences in caste, creed and place of residence. constituted a nation and could meet on the same platform for the preservation and improvement of their culture, language, literature, science, arts, industries and so on. It gave fullest expression to national sentiment and the theme of freedom.

For about a decade, the Hindu Mela stirred up entire Calcutta. But the importance gradually declined owing to the establishment of other associations in Calcutta, more directly connected with political and national movements.

2. Mention the primary agenda or steps taken by Bharat Sabha or Indian Association.

Or, Write a note on the protest movements of the Bharat Sabha under the leadership of Surendranath Bandopadhyay.

Ans. The primary objective of the Bharat Sabha (1876) was the general welfare of the people of India and the protection of their interests. The Sabha took several steps in order to achieve its objectives.

1. Protest movements regarding the age for appearing in ICS: When the British government lowered the minimum age for appearing in the ICS examination from 21 to 18, the Bharat Sabha protested against it. They carried out protest movements demanding the raising of the minimum age to 22 years.
2. Oppostion to the Press Act: The Viceroy Lord Lytton imposed several restrictions on vernacular newspapers through the Vernacular Press Act (1878). This act was severely protested against by the Bharat Sabha.
3. Oppostion to the Arms Act: Lord Lytton, through the Arms Act (1878), prohibited Indians from carrying firearms without the permission of the British government. The Bharat Sabha severely protested against this act and consequently, the next Viceroy Lord Ripon repealed this act in 1881.
4. Movements for the Ilbert Bill: When Lord Ripon, through the Ilbert Bill, allowed Indian judges to try Europeans, the European community protested vehemently against this act. However, the Bharat Sabha, led by Surendranath, launched several movements in support of this act.
5. Movements in favour of the peasants: The Bharat Sabha carried out several protest movements against the acts of torture and exploitation that the peasants faced at the hands of the government and the zamindars.
6. Other movements: Bharat Sabha conducted movements for fulfilment of demands like-formation of people’s representative council, autonomy; prohibition of consumption of liquor, etc.
7. Swadeshi movements: The Bharat Sabha carried out movements against the Partition of Bengal in 1905. In order to popularise the use of Swadeshi products, the Sabha set up a ‘Jatiya Bhandar’ or National Store as well.

3. What was the role of Surendranath Bandopadhyay in popularising the Bharat Sabha?

Or, Discuss the importance of the political activities of Surendranath Bandopadhyay. 

Or, Analyse the role of Surendranath Banerjee in the foundation and development of the Indian Association.

Ans. Under the initiative of Surendranath Bandopadhyay, Anandamohan Bose, Sivanath Sastri, Dwarkanath Ganguly, etc., the Indian Association or Bharat Sabha was established in 1876. Through his several activities, Surendranath Bandopadhyay soon became the most prominent person in the Bharat Sabha.

1. Nationwide campaign: In order to establish the Bharat Sabha as a national body, Surendranath Bandopadhyay travelled to various places across the country and participated in several activities to create a favourable public opinion.
2. Establishment of branches of the Bharat Sabha: Surendranath Bandopadhyay took the initiative of setting up several branches of Bharat Sabha across India and was successful in setting up branches at Lucknow, Meerut, Lahore, etc.
3. Leadership in protest movements: Surendranath led several anti-British movements and popularised the Bharat Sabha among the Indian masses. [i] He appealed for raising the minimum age limit for appearing in the ICS examination from 18 to 22 years. [ii] He led several movements against the Vernacular Press Act and the Arms Act (1878) by Lord Lytton. [iii] He also organised movements in support of the Ilbert Bill. [iv] He organised movements in order the protect the interests of the peasants.
4. All India National Conference: Under the initiative of Surendranath Bandopadhyay, the All India National Conference was held in Calcutta in 1883.
5. Inspiration for the establishment of the Congress: Dr. Amalesh Tripathi termed the All India National Conference as the forerunner of the Indian National Congress. This is because, Allan Octavian Hume set up the Indian National Congress in 1885 after being inspired by the All India National Conference.
6. Incorporation into the Congress: In 1885, when the Congress met for the second session in Calcutta, Surendranath and his followers joined it. Due to this, the power of the Congress increased to a large extent.

Analytical Answer (AA) Type Questions

Answer in 7 to 8 sentences

1. What do you mean by ‘Age of Association’?

Or, Write a short note on the ‘Age of Association’.

Ans. Consecutive revolts and movements were organised against the British government in India from the beginning of the 19th century. Besides these, several associations formed during this time period.

1. Need for political movements: After the revolt of 1857, the feeling of nationalism spread across different parts of the country. During this time, Indians realised that they need to launch organised political movements in order to oppose the British rule in India, and to safeguard their own position in the country.
2. Formation of associations: Different associations started coming up from the fourth decade of the 19th century. These first started in Bengal and then slowly spread across the whole nation.
3. Naming: As a number of associations were formed in the 19th century by people from different levels of the society, Dr. Anil Seal of the Cambridge group of historians, has named this phase ‘Age of Associations’.
4. Different associations: Many associations were formed during the 19th century in India. Among these, the mentionable ones are-[i] Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha, [ii] Zamindari Association, [iii] British Indian Association, [iv] Hindu Mela, [v] Bharat Sabha, [vi] National Congress, etc.

2. Mention some of the features of the Age of Associations.

Ans. Many political associations were formed one after the other in India in the 19th century. Due to this, Dr. Anil Seal has called this phase the ‘Age of Association’. Some of the features of the age of association are as follows-

1. Initiation in Bengal: During the British rule in India, political associations were first formed in Bengal. Later, following Bengal’s footsteps, associations were formed in other regions of the country as well.
2. Objectives: The primary objective behind the formation of these associations was to secure the interests of the Indians. These associations used to present their appeals and demands to the British government.
3. Prominence of upper classes: Generally these associations were formed and led by the educated and upper classes of the society.
4. Limited influence: The influence of these associations was very limited during this phase. The poor and uneducated village dwellers had no role in the formation and workings of these associations.
5. Slow working process: The associations formed during the initial stages of the age of associations made slow progress. Actually, the political activeness of these associations sped up after the formation of the Bharat Sabha (1876).

3. What do you know about the Zamindari Association?

Or, Write a note on the formation and activities of the Zamindari Association.

Ans. Several associations were formed in 19th century India. Among the initial ones that were formed, mention must be made of the Zamindari Association.

1. Formation: The Zamindari Association was set up by the initiative of Dwarkanath Tagore and under the Presidentship of Radhakanta Deb on March 19, 1838.
2. Members: A number of landowners, zamindars and rich business men were associated with this group. Among them, mention might be made of Dwarkanath Tagore, Radhakanta Deb, Prasanna Kumar Tagore, Rajkamal Sen, Bhabanicharan Mitra, etc. The non-governmental British officers overlooking business activities in Bengal were also allowed to join this association. However, the common people could not easily become members of this association.
3. Aims and objectives: In order to serve the purposes of the zamindars, the Zamindari Association established close ties with the British bureaucracy and the British India Society in London.
4. Agendas: The Zamindari Association had several agendas-[i] They appealed to the government in order to protect the interests of the zamindars. [ii] They tried to win over the British bureaucracy to their side. [iii] They appealed for the imposition of the system of permanent settlement over the country. [iv] They appealed to the government for better governance of the nation.
5. Contributions: Due to the appeals of the Zamindari Association, upto 10 bigha of ‘Brahmattar’ land (a piece of land given away to a Brahmin) was declared tax free. According to Dr. Rajendralal Mitra, the Zamindari Association was the harbinger of freedom in India.

4. What were the limitations of the Hindu Mela?

Or, Why did the Hindu Mela fail to gain popularity among the masses?

Ans. Among the various associations that were formed during the 19th century in India, mention must be made of the Hindu Mela (1867), which was established by Nabagopal Mitra. However, the Hindu Mela did not gain popularity because of several limitations.

1. Prominence of Hindu religion: The Hindu religion was given more prominence in the Hindu Mela. Through this, Nabagopal Mitra dreamed of the rebirth of an India where Hindus would get a fair share of their rights. However, the Western educated Bengali middle class community did not agree with this idea of the Hindu Mela.
2. Lack of political activities: The Hindu Mela did not give much importance to political activities; rather, they focused on spreading the idea of nationalism across the country. This did not prove to be of much help in the given backdrop of British India.
3. Popularity of the Bharat Sabha: Shortly after the formation of the Hindu Mela, the Bharat Sabha was formed. The latter, through active political participation, soon became more popular among the common masses. Consequently, the importance of the Hindu Mela faded away.
4. Lack of activeness: Between 1880 and 1890, the political activeness that was needed to oppose the British government in India, was lacking in the Hindu Mela. Therefore, most of the common masses drifted away from the Hindu Mela.

5. What was the role of Indian Association in national awakening?

Ans. Surendranath Banerjee founded the Indian Association in 1876.

1. In 1877-78 he toured different parts of India and awakened the people to the new spirit of nationalism.
2. Lord Lytton passed the Dramatic Performance Act (1876) and the Vernacular Press Act (1878). The Indian Association mobilised public opinion in India against these reactionary measures.
3. It demanded that the ICS examination be held simultaneously in London and India. It also protested against the Act which reduced the age limit of the candidates for the ICS examination from 21 to 18.
4. It also put forward the demand for the defence of the peasant rights and the demand for local self-government.
5. It agitated against the controversy regarding the Ilbert Bill of 1883.

6. What was the Ilbert Bill? Who agitated against the bill and why?

Or, Why was the libert Bill opposed?

Ans. Sir C P Ilbert, a law member to the Government of Lord Ripon, introduced a Bill in 1883, which was popularly known as the Ilbert system was based on the principles of Bill. Under the prevailing system, the judicial inequality and discrimination. The Indian sessions judge or magistrate had no jurisdiction over the European offenders. To remove this abuse, Ilbert introduced the bill taking away the exclusive right of the Europeans to be tried only by judges of their own race. It proposed to confer on the Indian judicial officers the right to try not only Indian offenders but also European offenders.

The European community in India protested against the Ilbert Bill’in order to protect the privilege of the Europeans. Most of them believed that their race was superior to the natives. Moreover, they thought that the only people who had any right to India were the British, and the Indians had no right whatsoever. The European barristers of Calcutta High Court protested that they felt insulted to defend a white accused before a native magistrate. According to them, even the most highly educated among the Indians were not fit to try a European.

7. What was the Ilbert Bill controversy? What was its impact?

Ans. The law member to the government of Lord Ripon, Sir C P Ilbert, introduced a Bill in 1883. This Bill was popularly known as the Ilbert Bill. The exclusive right of the Europeans to be tried only by judges of their own race was taken away by it. It proposed to confer on the judicial officers of India the right to try Indian as well as European offenders. The Ilbert Bill controversy was that while the Indians supported the Bill which aimed at removing the discrimination between the Indians and the Europeans, the European community in India agitated against the Bill to protect their privileges.

The Ilbert Bill controversy had a great impact. The Indians realised the value of solidarity and unity and they were determined to oust the British rulers from India. Dr. Nemai Sadhan Bose has remarked that, “The failure of the agitation provided much food for thought to the nationalists who now felt the need of a border line of action.” Dr. R C Majumder has rightly remarked that, “The Ilbert Bill greatly helped the cause of Indian political advance.” The Ilbert Bill agitation created bitter feelings between the Indians and the Europeans living in India. The agitation taught the Indian leaders the need for a wider political movement in India.

8. What were the objectives behind the foundation of the Hindu Mela?

Ans. In 1867, the Hindu Mela, an annual festival was established in Calcutta-the main plank of which was Swadeshi or manufacture and use of indigenous consumer goods and the increased use of Indian languages. Big exhibitions of varied products of Indian arts and crafts were organised to encourage Indian producers to educate the general public about their own country. The most significant objective of the Mela was the fostering of a unitary image of India and establishing institutions for imparting physical education, which involved exercises for building up of discipline and manhood of the nation, with a view to counter British imperialism and colonialism. Thus its main object was to foster a spirit of self-help among the Hindus and to promote all India integration through committees and slogans.

9. How many committees were formed to carry out the objectives of the Hindu Mela? What were their functions?

Ans. Six committees were formed to carry out the objectives of the Hindu Mela.

The function of the first committee was to remove the conflict among the Hindus and to promote unity. The function of the second committee was to make a list of welfare work. It was the work of the third committee to honour those Indians who worked for the improvement and spread of indigenous education. The function of the fourth, fifth and sixth committees were to collect indigenous consumer goods from different places and to display those in the mela.

10. Write a note on Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha.

Ans. The Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha of 1836 is known to be the first political association of Bengal. The founder members of the Sabha were Dwarkanath Tagore, Kasinath Roy, Prasanna Kumar Tagore etc. Its first session started on December 8, 1836. This session was presided over by Gaurisankar Tarkabagish. This Sabha protested against the tax imposed on rent-free lands. In the beginning, discussions were held on different subjects like religion, philosophy etc. The association also discussed topics connected with the policy and administration of the Government and sought redressal by sending petitions and memorials to the Government. Despite the failure of the Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha, it must be admitted that inspired by its example, many such associations which came to be established in later years.

11. Why is the Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha regarded as the first political association?

Ans. The Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha is known to be the first political association. Its first session started on December 8, 1836. The Sabha regarded the government measured as highly injurious to the country. The association discussed tropics connected with the policy and administration of the government and sought redressal by sending petitions and memorials to the government. It protested against the tax imposed on rent-free lands. It decided to summon a public meeting to discuss the proposal of sending a petition to the government signed by five thousand persons. A circular was distributed widely among the people in Calcutta (Kolkata) and its neighbourhood.

Thus it may be said that the founder members Dwarkanath Tagore, Kasinath Roy, Prasanna Kumar Tagore were politically conscious and the Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha established by them was the first political association.

Short Answer (SA) Type Questions

Answer in 2 to 3 sentences

1. What were the aims and objectives of the Landholders’ Society?

Ans. The Landholders’ Society was established on November 12, 1838. It was actually a political association.

1. Its principal aim was to protect the interests of the landlords and Zamindars.
2. Rajendra Lal Mitra, one of the leaders of the society, spoke for the protection of the rights of the riots as well.
3. He spoke about the importance of constitutional rights of the Zamindars.
4. Though it was established to uphold the interests of the Zamindars, yet in a general way, it discussed matters related to the common interests of the people.

2. What role did the Landholders’ Society play in the growth of political consciousness among the people?

Ans. The Landholders’ Society, a political association of Calcutta (Kolkata), rendered invaluable service to the growth of political consciousness among the people.

1. This association helped to create a platform for public opinion and urged the government to introduce certain changes in the administration for the benefit of the people.
2. This association taught the people to fight constitutionally in order to assert their claims and give expression to their opinions.

3. Who composed the first national song of the Hindu Mela and in which year?

Ans. The first national song of the Hindu Mela was composed by Satyendranath Tagore in 1868.

4. Mention any two aims of the Indian Association.

Ans. The Indian Association founded by Surendranath had the following two aims:

1. Promotion of unity among different communities of India.
2. To spread political consciousness among people and to create a strong body of public opinion.

5. What role did the Indian Association play with regard to the Ilbert Bill Agitation?

Ans. The Indian Association, founded by Surendranath Banerjee in 1876 played an important part with regard to the Illbert Bill agitation.

1. It organised meetings and demonstrations in support of the bill.
2. When the European community of India organised campaigns against the Ilbert Bill. Indian Association leaders like S N Banerjee and Lalmohan Ghose organised counter campaigns.
3. The Indian Association roused the public opinion to an extent which was truly unprecedented.

6. Mention two differences between the Zamindari Association and Bharat Sabha (Indian Association).

Ans. Two differences between the Zamindari Association and Bharat Sabha are as follows:

1. The Zamindari Association was an association of landowners, zamindars and rich businessmen whereas the Bharat Sabha was established with men from different sections of the society.
2. The primary objectives of the Zamindari Association was to protect the interests of the landholders and zamindars whereas the primary objective of Bharat Sabha was the general welfare of the people of India and protection of their interests.

7. What were the different associations which were established in Bengal prior to the establishment of the Indian National Congress?

Ans. The different associations which were established in Bengal prior to the establishment of the Indian National Congress were: [1] Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha, [2] Zamindari Association, [3] Hindu Mela, [4] Indian Association (Bharat Sabha).

Very Short Answer (VSA) Type Questions

Answer in one sentence

1. Who were the founder members of the Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha?

Ans. Dwarkanath Tagore, Kasinath Ray and Prasanna Kumar Tagore were the founder members of the Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha.

2. In which year was the Landholders’ Society established?

Ans. The Landholders’ Society was established in 1838.

3. By whom was the Landholders’ Society founded?

Ans. The Landholders’ Society was founded by Radhakanta Deb, Dwarkanath Tagore and others.

4. Who was the President of the Landholders’ Society?

Ans. Radhakanta Deb was the President of the Landholders’ Society.

5. In which year was the Indian Association established?

Ans. The Indian Association was established on July 26, 1876.

6. Name the members who took initiative in establishing the Indian Association.

Ans. Ananda Mohan Basu, Sivanath Shastri, Dwarkanath Ganguly and Surendranath Banerjee took initiative in establishing the Indian Association.

7. Where was the Indian Association established?

Ans. The Indian Association was established at Albert Hall in Calcutta (present Coffee House in College Street).

8. In what spheres did the Indian Association play an important role?

Ans. The Indian Association played an important role with regard to Civil Service examination, Vernacular Press Act, Arms Act, Ilbert Bill agitation etc.

9. Where were the branches of Indian Association established outside Bengal?

Ans. The branches of Indian Association were established in Lucknow, Meerut, Lahore Ahmedabad, Madras etc.

10. When was the Vernacular Press Act passed?

Ans. The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878.

11. When was the Arms Act passed?

Ans. The Arms Act was passed in 1878.

12. In which year was the Hindu Mela established?

Ans. The Hindu Mela was established in 1867.

13. Who was Nabagopal Mitra?

Ans. Nabagopal Mitra was one of the leaders of Hindu Mela.

14. Who was Manmohan Basu?

Ans. Manmohan Basu was the President of the second session of the Hindu Mela.

15. Which organisation is regarded as the first political association of Bengal?

Ans. Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha was the first political association of Bengal.

16. Following the Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha why did all other associations fail?

Ans. Lack of unity was the primary cause of failure of all associations following the Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha.

Fill in the blanks

1. Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha was established in ………

Ans. 1836

2. Rajendra Lal Mitra was a famous leader of the ……….. 

Ans. Landholders’ Society

3. Landholders’ Society was founded by ………

Ans. Dwarkanath Tagore

4. The Indian Association was founded by ……….

Ans. Surendranath Banerjee

5. One of the aims of the Indian Association was to rally the masses in the great ……… movement of the day.

Ans. Political

6. Ilbert Bill was passed during the Governor Generalship of ………..

Ans. Ripon

7. Dramatic Performance Act was passed in …………

Ans. 1876

8. ……….. was affectionately called the ‘Grandfather of Indian Nationalism’.

Ans. Rajnarayan Basu

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

1. The Landholders’ Society was a-

A. political organisation

B. religious institution

C. social organisation

D. commercial organisation

Ans. A

2. Rajendra Lal Mitra was one of the leaders of the-

A. Hindu Mela

B. Landholders’ Society

C. British Indian Association

D. Indian Association

Ans. B

3. Rajnarayan Bose was one of the leading figures of the-

A. Hindu Mela

B. Indian Association

C. Indian National Congress

D. Landholders’ Society

Ans. A

4. A protest meeting against the Vernacular Press Act was organised at the Town Hall under the presidentship of-

A. Surendranath Banerjee

B. Nabagopal Mitra

C. Krishna Mohan Banerjee

D. Gaganendranath Tagore

Ans. C

5. The Hindu Mela was established at-

A. Calcutta

B. Madras

C. Bombay

D. Delhi

Ans. A

6. The Hindu Mela was-

A. a political organisation

B. a religious institution

C. an annual festival

D. an economic institution

Ans. C

7. Manmohan Basu was a famous-

A. dramatist

B. orator

C. painter

D. singer

Ans. A

8. Most of the members of the Indian Association were-

A. educated middle class

B. zamindars

C. political leaders

D. peasants

Ans. A

9. The first political association of India is-

A. Bharat Sabha

B. Indian National Congress

C. Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha

D. Landholder’s Society

Ans. D

10. The leader associated with Bharat Sabha-

A. Keshab Chandra Sen

B. Surendranath Banerjee

C. Harish Chandra Mukhopadhyay

D. Gaganendranath Tagore

Ans. B

11. The first president of Indian Association-

A. Surendranath Banerjee

B. Anandamohan Bose

C. Sivnath Sastri

D. Krishnamohan Bandopadhyay

Ans. D

12. The president of Zamindari Association-

A. Prasanna Kumar Tagore

B. Radhakanta Deb

C. Dwarkanath Tagore

D. Rajnarayan Basu

Ans. B

13. The organiser of Hindu Mela-

A. Nabagopal Mitra

B. Bipin Chandra Pal

C. Surendranath Banerjee

D. Radhakanta Deb

Ans. A

14. The mouthpiece of Bharat Sabha was-

A. Yugantar

B. Bande Mataram

C. The Bangalee

D. Kesari

Ans. C

15. Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was established in-

A. 1857

B. 1858

C. 1870

D. 1876

Ans. C

16. The President of India league was-

A. Sisir Kumar Ghose

B. Sambhu Chandra Mukherjee

C. Hemanta Kumar Mukherjee

D. Ananta Kumar Ghose

Ans. B

17. Bharat Sabha was established in-

A. 1872

B. 1878

C 1876

D. 1875

Ans. C

TOPIC – C

Expression of Nationalism in Writings and Paintings

Explanatory Answer (EA) Type Questions

Answer in 15 to 16 sentences

1. What was the contribution of Bankim Chandra’s ‘Anandamath’ to the cause of nationalism in India?

Ans. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee made remarkable contribution to the growth and development of nationalism among the Indians and he has been aptly described as the ‘Real father of Indian Nationalism’. The tone of his novel ‘Anandamath’ and his new interpretation of Hinduism are generally regarded as ‘Hindu revivalism’ in politics. The famous song ‘Bande Mataram’, which features in his novel

‘Anandamath’ became the national hymn and it inspired the Indians to sacrifice their lives for the emancipation of their motherland. The fact is that he took a dip in the past in search of a key to national regeneration. It was this novel that inspired many freedom fighters. He raised nationalism to the pedestal of religion through his writings and preached that only a group of young men, physically strong, mentally upright and spiritually developed devoted whole heartedly to the cause of the mother country- could bring salvation to the nation. His novel ‘Anandamath’ acted as the Bible for the secret revolutionaries. The famous say ‘Bande Mataram’, which found a place in this novel, became a political hymn, and the novel itself became a political gospel. It was the song ‘Bande Mataram’ which gave the extremists their vision of the motherland as a goddess and a song to sing her praise.

2. Show how the spirit of nationalism is embedded in Rabindranath’s novel Gora.

Ans. ‘Gora’, the most widely acclaimed novel of Rabindranath, was published in 1909. Nationalism is an important aspect of this novel, and Rabindranath’s vision of nation and nationalism have found expression in this novel. This novel marks Tagore’s “search for national identity”.

The central theme of the novel has a political undercurrent. The novel reflects Gora’s patriotic zeal, the conflict of the ideals and aspirations between the East the West and several other important political questions. An anti-British notion in Bengal under the veil of Hinduism has also been portrayed in this novel. ‘Gora’ can be viewed in the nationalist perspective through Gora’s conscious attempts to exalt Hinduism and build Indian nationalism on its basis. Tagore’s nationalism is seen in Gora’s opinion that foreign and native criticism. of Hinduism can best be refuted by holding firmly on to Hindu customs and beliefs. This novel is an attempt to concretise the Indians of the motherland suffering under British rule. All the characters of the novel, except a few who are the followers of the Brahmo Samaj, have antagonistic feelings towards the British rulers.

3. How did the picture of ‘Bharat Mata’ create nationalist feelings among the Indians?

Ans. The identity of a nation is most often symbolised in a figure or image. This helps to create an image with which people can identify the nation. It was in the 20th century, with the growth of nationalism, that the identity of India came to be usually associated with the image of ‘Bharat Mata’. The image of Bharat Mata was an icon to create nationalist feelings in India during the freedom struggle.

The famous image of ‘Bharat Mata’ was painted by Abanindranath Tagore. In this painting, Bharat Mata is portrayed as an ascetic figure; she is calm, composed, divine and spiritual. The image, Sister Nivedita opined was, refined and imaginative-standing on green earth and blue sky behind her, feet with four lotuses, four arms indicating divine power, a white halo and sincere eyes and gift-Shiksha-Diksha-Anna-Bastra of mother and to her children. His image was influenced by Swadeshi movement.

‘Anandamath’ portrayed ‘Bharat Mata’ as a four armed Hindu Goddess wearing saffron coloured, robes holding the Vedas, sheaves of rice, a ‘mala’ and a white cloth.

The image of ‘Bharat Mata’ in subsequent years acquired many different forms as it circulated in popular prints and was painted by different artists.

Analytical Answer (AA) Type Questions

Answer in 7 to 8 sentences

1. Briefly mention the role of Swami Vivekananda in the spread of Indian nationalism.

Ans. Swami Vivekananda, the greatest disciple of Sri Ramkrishna, was a peerless source of inspiration to the freedom fighters of India. His teachings inspired the Indian nationalists to be more courageous. His teachings gave the Indians a renewed sense of pride in their national culture. The Indian intelligentsia realised for the first time that they were in no way inferior to the people of the West. His spiritual call, “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”-inspired the Indian nationalists and they carried on a relentless struggle for independence. He wrote many

books including ‘Gyanjog’, ‘Karmajog’, ‘Rajjog’, ‘Bartaman Bharat’ which were pathfinders and guides to the Swadeshis and the revolutionaries. In every house, that the police searched, they found writings of Swami Vivekananda during the revolutionary movement. R G Pradhan has rightly observed, “Swami Vivekananda might well be called the father of modern Indian nationalism.”

2. What was the condition of the society reflected in the cartoons of Gaganendranath Tagore?

Ans. Gaganendranath Tagore was a well known artist and cartoonist of Bengal. He was known for his satirical works based on the then prevailing social norms. His powerful cartoons depict the socio-political scenario of early 20th century Bengal. Some of his remarkable cartoons were ‘Millstone of Caste’, ‘Courtesy to Countrymen’, ‘Auto Speechola’ etc.

In his cartoon ‘Millstone of Caste’, he highlights the caste system and the inequality in the Hindu society and the privileged position of the Brahmins. It depicts a priest sitting on a giant millstone, guided by a macabre figure of a skeleton. The priest is shown to be performing rituals as the skeleton turns the millstone crushing a large number of common people. He wanted to expose the hypocrisy of the Western. educated Indians and the priests.

3. What was Swami Vivekananda’s ‘Swadesh Mantra’?

Ans. Swami Vivekananda’s ‘Swadesh Mantra’ holds a position of vital importance in awakening the people of India-

1. The closing passage of the ‘Bartaman Bharat’ is titled by Swami Vivekananda as ‘Swadesh Mantra’. It is an electrifying message for the rejuvenation of the Indian nation.
2. It is addressed to every Indian.
3. It is an incantation (chant) for the motherland, Swami’s greatest God.
4. It reminds the Indians of their values and their roots.
5. It calls the Indians to give up imitating the western lifestyle.
6. It is a call to arise and awake to the rational ideal of identity with the Indian heritage.
7. It is a call to the Indian people that even if they are poor and lowly they should take pride in having been born as an Indian.
8. Patriotism and nationalism for Vivekananda was never a matter of political strategy, rather it had to do with spiritual belonging to one’s culture and history.

Through his cartoons he criticized the caste systems and racial discrimination prevalent in the society. His cartoons were a staunch attack on the so called ‘upper class’ Bengalis or ‘Babus’. He was against the practice of blindly following the western culture which reflected in his drawings.

Short Answer (SA) Type Questions

Answer in 2 to 3 sentences

1. Name two books written by Swami Vivekananda.

Ans. Two books written by Swami Vivekananda are ‘Bartaman Bharat’ and ‘Prachya-O- Paschatya’.

2. What did Vivekananda say in his Bartaman Bharat?

Ans. In his book ‘Bartaman Bharat’, Vivekananda tried to describe how the society was first ruled. by the Vedic Priests (Brahmin), who were followed by the mighty rules and were finally succeeded by Vaishya power. Then the author says that following this cyclical rule, the Vaishyas too will lose their power one day and the lowermost class of the Indian society, the shudras, will rise to power and the whole society will be ruled by them.

3. What is the importance of Vivekananda’s ‘Bartaman Bharat’?

Ans. ‘Bartaman Bharat’ by Vivekananda contains deep feelings on nation, national and political issues. Its closing paragraph is addressed to every Indian, urging them to rise and awake to the national ideal of identity with the Indian Heritage.

4. When and where was ‘Bartaman Bharat’ irst published?

Ans. ‘Bartaman Bharat’ was first published in 1899 issue of ‘Udbodhan’; the only Bengali magazine of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.

5. What contribution did Bankim Chandra make in the field of nationalism in the 19th century?

Ans. Bankim Chandra played an important role in arousing national consciousness among the Indian people. He has been aptly described as the ‘Real Father of Indian Nationalism’. In his writings and speeches, he upheld patriotism as the highest possible virtue. The famous song ‘Bande Mataram’, which features in his novel ‘Anandamath’, became the national hymn. The concept of ‘Bharat Mata’ emerged from the ‘Anandamath’. It inspired the Indians to sacrifice their lives for the emancipation of their motherland.

6. What was the role of the famous image of ‘Bharat Mata’?

Ans. The famous image of ‘Bharat Mata’ was painted by Abanindranath Tagore. In this painting Bharat Mata in portrayed as a four armed Hindu Goddess wearing saffron coloured robes holding the Vedas, sheaves of rice, a ‘mala’ and a white cloth.

It was an icon to create nationalistic feelings during the anti-partition struggle and Swadeshi Movement in 1905.

7. How did the novel ‘Anandamath’ incite the feeling of nationalism?

Ans. Bankim Chandra in his novel ‘Anandamath’ upheld patriotism as the highest political virtue. The famous song ‘Bande Mataram’ which features in his novel ‘Anandamath’, became the national hymn. The concept of Bharatmata emerged from the ‘Anandamath’. It inspired the Indians to sacrifice their lives for the emancipation of their motherland.

8. Name some paintings of Abanindranath Tagore.

Ans. Some paintings of Abanindranath Tagore are ‘Bharat Mata’, ‘Passing of Shah Jahan’, ‘The Last Journey’, ‘Banga Mata’.

9. What is ‘University Machine’?

Ans. One of the famous cartoons of Gaganendranath Tagore is ‘University Machine’. The building of the university is in the form of a heavy and large book. Two figures are seen standing on two pillars, one is European and the other in European dress, who probably represent the founders of the University. The crowd at the gate are students in Bengali dress. When the students finally finish the course, they become crippled.

10. Why were cartoons drawn?

Ans. In colonial India cartoons were drawn-

1. to express in a humourous way the evils of the society;
2. to point out the political and economic features in a satirical way;
3. to make the Illiterate people understand the exploitation nature of British rule.

Very Short Answer (VSA) Type Questions

Answer in one sentence

1. Who painted the cartoon ‘Millstone of Caste’?

Ans. Gaganendranath Tagore painted the cartoon ‘Millstone of Caste’.

2. Name one well-known cartoonist of Bengal.

Ans. Gaganendranath Tagore was a well-known cartoonist and artist of Bengal.

3. Name one historical novel.

Ans. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ‘Anandamath’ is a historical novel.

4. Who painted the famous image of ‘Bharat Mata’?

Ans. Abanindranath Tagore painted the famous image of ‘Bharat Mata’.

5. Who was the founder of the Bengal School of Painting?

Ans. The founder of the Bengal School of Painting was Abanindranath Tagore.

6. Which is the largest of Rabindranath’s twelve novels?

Ans. The largest of Rabindranath’s twelve novels is ‘Gora’.

7. In which literary magazine, Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Gora’ was serialized?

Ans. Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Gora’ was serialized in the literary magazine ‘Prabasi’.

8. In what historical background was the image of Bharat Mata portrayed?

Ans. The image of Bharat Mata was portrayed to create nationalised feelings among the people during the anti-partition swadeshi movement in Bengal.

9. Which rebellion was popularised in ‘Anandamath’?

Ans. The Sannayasi Rebellion was popularised in the novel ‘Anandamath’.

10. What is the English translation of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel ‘Anandamath’?

Ans. The English translation of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel ‘Anandamath’ is ‘The Abbey of Bliss’.

11. What vision of Rabindranath have found expression in his novel ‘Gora’?

Ans. Nationalism is an important aspect of Rabindranath’s novel ‘Gora’ and his vision of nation and nationalism have found expression in this novel.

12. Name the Bengali magazine of Ramakrisha Math and Ramakrishna Mission.

Ans. The Bengali magazine of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission is ‘Udbodhan’.

13. Who composed the novel ‘Gora’?

Ans. Rabindranath Tagore composed the novel ‘Gora’.

Fill in the blanks

1. ‘Courtesy to Countrymen’ was painted by ………

Ans. Gaganendranath Tagore

2. The author of ‘Bartaman Bharat’ was ………..

Ans. Swami Vivekananda

3. The author of ‘Anandamath’ is ………

Ans. Bankim Chandra

4. In his cartoon ‘Millstone of Caste’ ………. highlights the caste system and the inequality in the Hindu Society.

Ans. Gaganendranath Tagore

5. The ‘father of Bengali cartoon picture’ is ………..

Ans. Gaganendranath Tagore

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

1. The book ‘Prachya-O-Paschatya’ was written by-

A. Rammohan Roy

B. David Hare

C. Dwarakanath Tagore

D. Swami Vivekananda

Ans. D

2. Who said, “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”?

A. Sri Ramakrishna

B. Swami Vivekananda

C. Dayanand Saraswati

D. Atmaram Pandurang

Ans. B

3. The cartoon ‘University Machine’ was created by-

A. Rabindranath Tagore

B. Gaganendranath Tagore

C. Dwarkanath Tagore

D. Abanindranath Tagore

Ans. B

4. Rabindranath’s novel ‘Gora’ was published in-

A. 1907

B. 1908

C. 1909

D. 1910

Ans. C

5. Abanindranath’s paintings were designed as an organised protest against-

A. Indian rulers

B. Foreign influence

C. Indian princes

D. Indian cartoonists

Ans. B

6. The song ‘Bande Mataram’ was composed in the year-

A. 1881

B. 1882

C. 1883

D. 1884

Ans. B

7. The odd one here is-

A. Bharat Mata

B. Gora

C. Anandamath

D. Bartaman Bharat

Ans. A

8. Gaganendranath Tagore was a-

A. Singer

B. Dramatist

C. Poet

D. Cartoonist

Ans. D

9. In the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress the song Mataram was sung in the year-

A. 1885

B. 1886

C. 1896

D. 1905

Ans. C

10. The first cartoon in modern India was published in-

A. Somprakash

B. Bamabodhini Patrika

C. Hindoo Patriot

D. Amrita Bazar Patrika

Ans. D