Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Salient Points At A Glance
WBBSE History Chapter 2 Summary
1. Bengal was the hub of literary activities in the 19th century. Different periodicals, journals, and newspapers published from Bengal did a yeoman’s service to the cause of the Indian press.
2. The first newspaper of India, ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, was published in Calcutta in 1780. The year 1818 marks the beginning of journalism in Bengal. ‘Samachar Darpan’ and ‘Digdarshan’ were published by the Serampore Baptist Missionary. In 1821, ‘Sambad Kaumudi’ was published under the patronage of Raja Rammohan Roy. This was followed by other newspapers and periodicals like ‘Sambad Prabhakar’, ‘Tattwabodhini Patrika’, etc., ‘Hutom Pyanchar Naksha’, ‘Nil Darpan’, ‘Hindoo Patriot’, ‘Grambarta Prakashika’, ‘Somprakash’ and others exposed the social and political vices of the contemporary period. The ‘Bamabodhini Patrika’ raised its voice against all the forces bent on oppressing women.
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3. The English East India Company did not take interest in the education of the Indians. The need for cheap but efficient clerks forced the British to lay the foundation of several schools. In 1800, Lord Wellesly established the Fort William College in Calcutta, the primary aim of which was to provide training to young civilians.
4. The Christian missionaries played an important role in spreading western education. Efforts of Rammohan Roy, David Hare, and Radhakanta Deb created an environment conducive to the development of western education. A humble beginning was made in the Charter Act of 1813, which provided that the Company should spend one lakh in rupees for the educational development of India.
5. Anglicist-Orientalist controversy developed as to how this amount of money was to be spent. Ultimately, the controversy was settled in 1835 under Bentinck who advocated the policy of English education.
6. In 1835, the Calcutta Medical College was established and in 1854 appeared the famous Education Despatch of Charles Wood laid down the principle of a graded educational system from ‘the primary to the university’. In 1857, Calcutta University was established. As per Wood’s Despatch, a commission was constituted in 1882, under the chairmanship of Hunter which marked an important stage in the growth of western education in India.
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7. Efforts were also made for the promotion of female education. In 1849, JD Bethune, along with Vidyasagar, founded an institution for women’s education in Calcutta, which later became famous as Bethune College. The Brahmo Balika Shikshalaya was established later in 1890.
8. During the 19th century, Bengal was suffering from various religious and social evils like idol worship, casteism, untouchability, child marriage, polygamy, female infanticide, etc.
9. Social and religious reform movements started in the second half of the 19th century, the aim of which was to wipe off the evils of society. Rammohan Roy, Derozio, Keshab Chandra Sen, Vidyasagar, and several others played important roles in the social and religious reform movements. They openly criticized the evil customs and practices of society.
10. Due to the constant opposition of the Brahmo Samaj against these evil customs that prevailed in society, different Acts were passed to put an end to these evils. The Young Bengal, under the leadership of Derozio, created the awareness that social and religious reforms were necessary.
11. 19th-century Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening that is in some way similar to the renaissance in Europe which took place during the 16th century. The major expressions of the renaissance in Bengal were the appearance of a large number of newspapers, periodicals, and literary works, the spread of western education and ideas.
12. The annals of Bengali literature were crowded with bright names such as those of Rammohan Roy, Akshay Kumar Dutta, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar, Madhusudan Dutta, Hem Chandra Banerjee, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Dinabandhu Mitra, etc. Science also advanced under the initiative of several Bengali scientists such as Satyendranath Bose, Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, and Jagadish Chandra Bose.
13. The role played by Bengal in the modern awakening is comparable to the position occupied by Italy in the stage of the European Renaissance.
Wbbse History And Environment Class 10 Solutions
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Mark True or False
Question 1: The first newspaper in India was ‘Samachar Darpan’.
Answer: False
Question 2. ‘Bamabodhini Patrika’ was first published in 1873.
Answer: False
Question 3: ‘Grambarta Prakashika’ was first published in 1873.
Answer: True
Question 4: ‘Hutom Pyanchar Naksha’ is a compilation of satirical prose by Kaliprasanna Singha.
Answer: True
Question 5: The chief editor of ‘Hindoo Patriot’ was Keshab Chandra Sen.
Answer: False
Question 6: The editor of Somprakash was Dwarkanath Vidyabhusan.
Answer: True
Question 7: ‘Grambarta Prakashika’ was published by Harinath Majumdar.
Answer: True
Wbbse History And Environment Class 10 Solutions
Question 8: Every issue of Bamabodhini Patrika began with the caption ‘nurture the girl and educate her with care’.
Answer: True
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Fill in the blanks
1. A vivid picture of contemporary society in its pages in a satirical light was reflected in Hutom Pyanchar Naksha (Hutom Pyanchar Naksha/Hindoo Patriot/Nil Darpan).
2. ‘Hutom Pyanchar Naksha’ portrays the picture of the 19th Century (16th/18th/19th) ‘Babu’ culture in Calcutta.
3. The editor of ‘Samachar Chandrika’, was Bhabani Charan Bandopadhyay (Rammohan Roy / Harish Chandra Mukhopadhyay / Bhabani Charan Bandopadhyay).
4. ‘Bamabodhini Patrika’ played a vital role in bringing about the upliftment of women (men/women/children).
5. ‘Sambad Kaumudi’ was published under the patronage of Rammohan Roy (Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar/Rammohan Roy/J D Bethune).
6. James Long translated into English the Bengali drama Nil Darpan (Nil Darpan/Pather Dabi/Srikanta).
7. ‘Digdarshan’ was published by Serampore Baptist Missionary (Serampore Baptist Missionary/Calcutta University/Asiatic Society).
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Choose the best explanation
Question 1: ‘Bamabodhini Patrika’ recorded on its pages
1. The responsibilities of women in society.
2. The role of women in a changing society and family.
3. The position of widows in society.
Answer: 2. The role of women in a changing society and family.
Question 2: ‘Grambarta Prakashika’ was a famous newspaper.
1. It supported the indigo rebellion
2. The condition of rural Bengal was not brought out in front of the people before the publication of ‘Grambarta Prakashika’.
3. Editor Harinath was popular among the people.
Answer: 2. The condition of rural Bengal was not brought out in front of the people before the publication of ‘Grambarta Prakashika’.
Question 3: The ‘Hindoo Patriot’, edited by Harish Chandra Mukherjee, was a cause of alarm to the British because
1. It encouraged women to fight against the British.
2. It criticized the suppression of the Santhal revolt and the exploitation of the indigo planters.
3. It encouraged extremism.
Answer: 2. It criticized the suppression of the Santhal revolt and the exploitation of the indigo planters.
Important Questions from Reform Movements
Question 4: James Long was sentenced to one month in jail and fined Rs. 1000.
1. James Long committed theft in a government office.
2. He translated the drama Nil Darpan into English.
3. He hurt a British person.
Answer: 2. He translated the drama Nil Darpan into English.
Wbbse History And Environment Class 10 Solutions
Question 5: Raja Rammohan Roy was the first modern man of India.
1. Rammohan Roy supported British rule.
2. Rammohan Roy played an important part in the spread of Brahminism.
3. Rammohan Roy was a progressive social reformer.
Answer: 3. Rammohan Roy was a progressive social reformer.
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Mark True Or False
Question 1: Madhusudan Gupta was the author of ‘Anandamath’.
Answer: False
Question 2: Rammohan Roy was a pioneer of English education.
Answer: True
Question 3: The Mughal emperor Akbar II conferred upon Rammohan Roy the title of ‘Raja’.
Answer: True
Question 4:Rammohan Roy died in 1853.
Answer: False
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Question 5:’Sambad Kaumudi’ was published under the patronage of Raja Rammohan Roy.
Answer: True
Question 6: Rasik Krishna Mallick was the first to dissect a human corpse in India.
Answer: False
Question 7: The present name of the General Assembly’s Institution is Bethune College.
Answer: False
Question 8: The universities of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras were established in 1857.
Answer: True
Question 9: The first graduate of Calcutta University was Chandramukhi Basu.
Answer: False
Question 10: The first Indian Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University was Ashutosh Mukhopadhyay.
Answer: False
Question 11: Fort William College was established by Warren Hastings.
Answer: False
Question 12: In 1835 Calcutta Medical College was established under the name of ‘Medical College, Bengal’.
Answer: True
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Fill In The Blanks
1. Rammohan Roy (Rabindranath Tagore/Swami Vivekananda/ Rammohan Roy) was called ‘Bharat Pathik’.
2. Rammohan Roy (Louis Vivian Derozio/Rammohan Roy/Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar) was called the ‘First Modern Man’ of India.
3. The School Book Society was founded in 1817 (1817/1818/1819).
4. David Hare (Ashutosh Mukherjee/David Hare/ Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar) founded the School Book Society.
5. The Calcutta Medical College was established in 1835 (1835/1836/1837).
6. The Calcutta Medical College was established during the governor-generalship of William Bentinck (William Bentinck/Lord Cornwallis/Lord Dalhousie).
7. Calcutta University was founded in 1857 (1852/1854/1857).
8. Jagadish Chandra Bose was a scientist (teacher/philanthropist/scientist).
9. The present name of Hindu Balika Vidyalaya is Bethune School (Sanskrit Collegiate School/ Bethune School/Scottish Church Collegiate School).
10. Macaulay (Macaulay/ Derozio/Rammohan) was the first Law Member of the Governor-General’s Council.
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Choose The Best Explanation
Question 1: Iswar Chandra is best remembered for_
1. His role as an educationist and social reformer.
2. Spreading western education.
3. Rousing national consciousness among the people of India.
Answer: 1. His role as an educationist and social reformer.
Question 2: Fort William College was established to train young civilians in_
1. Indian languages and laws.
2. European literature.
3. European philosophy.
Answer: 1. Indian languages and laws.
Question 3: The Medical College was established_
1. To train native youths in medical science.
2. To educate native youths in accordance with the mode adopted in Europe.
3. To train native youths in the principles of medical science in accordance with the mode accepted in Europe.
Answer: 3. To train native youths in the principles of medical science in accordance with the mode accepted in Europe.
Social Issues Addressed by Reformers
Question 4: Raja Rammohan Roy wrote a letter to Lord Amherst_
1. To ban the practice of Sati.
2. To spread western education in India.
3. To spread Sanskrit education in India.
Answer: 2. To spread western education in India.
Question 5: The Anglicist-Orientalist controversy regarding education started in India.
1. Whether English education or oriental education will be introduced in India.
2. Oriental education will be introduced in India.
3. Neither English education nor oriental education will be introduced in
Answer: 1. Whether English education or oriental education will be introduced in India.
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Topic A Social Ans Religious Reforms
Explanatory Answer (EA) Type Questions
Answer in 15 to 16 sentences
Question 1: Give an account of the Brahmo movement in the second half of the 19th Century.
Answer:
The development of the Brahmo movement in the later half of the 19th century can be discussed as follows-
[1] After the death of Rammohan Roy, the Brahmo Samaj was led by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore. He gave a new dimension to the Brahmo movement through the Tattwabodhini Sabha, which he had founded, and the ‘Tattwabodhini Patrika’, which was published by him. The program of the Brahmo Movement was the introduction of social reforms, expansion of education, and the control of the activities of the missionaries.
[2] In 1857, Keshab Chandra Sen joined the Brahmo Samaj and brought a new vitality to the Samaj. Under his leadership, 54 branches of the Brahmo Samaj were set up all over India.
[3] There was a clash between Keshab Chandra and his progressive followers with Debendranath on the question of the sacred thread.
[4] The old organization, known as Adi Brahmo Samaj, remained under the leadership of Debendranath Tagore. A new organization was founded by Keshab Chandra Sen, known as Bharatvarshiya Brahmo Samaj which supported widow remarriage, advocated female education, and renounced polygamy.
[5] However, Keshab Chandra himself was responsible for the further split in the Brahmo Samaj. He got his daughter married to the Maharaja of Cooch Behar (who was a minor), in violation of the Child Marriage Act (1872). His followers gave up the Bharatvarshiya Brahmo Samaj and founded the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj. By the end of the 19th century, the movement led by the Brahmo Samaj eventually lost force.
Characteristics of Social Reform Movements
Question 2: Give a brief account of the Widow Remarriage movement led by Vidyasagar. What was the extent of the success of Vidyasagar in this field?
Answer:
Widow Remarriage movement led by Vidyasagar
Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar was a great social reformer. He gave a new dimension to the social progress of Bengal. He is remembered for his contribution toward the upliftment of women. He waged a long struggle for widow remarriage and tried to improve the condition of the suffering Hindu widows.
[1] Campaign in favor of widow remarriage: In order to save the widows from their miserable condition Vidyasagar launched campaigns advocating widow remarriage. In order to form public opinion in favor of the widow’s remarriage he wrote different essays in the Tattwabodhini Patrika. He urged the British to pass legislation in favor of widow remarriage and he collected almost 1000 signatures and sent his petition to the government.
[2] Widow Remarriage Act Passed: In 1856 the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act was passed which legalized the remarriage of Hindu widows. Vidyasagar played a pivotal role in passing the act.
[3] Widow remarriage performed: On December 7, 1856, under the supervision of Vidyasagar, the first lawful Hindu widow remarriage was held. In the years between 1856 and 1860, twenty-five widow remarriages were performed under his inspiration.
[4] The extent of success of Vidyasagar: The enactment of the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, 1856 was one of the major social changes in 19th century India. Widow remarriage brought new life to the lives of the widows. Though the Widow Remarriage Act was opposed by the conservative section of society it was supported by DK Karve of Maharastra, Veersalingam Pantulu of Madras, and the Prarthana Samaj of Bombay.
But the Widow Remarriage Act could not drastically change the situation because many widows themselves in addition to men were opposed to this reform. Ban on widow remarriage was rooted in Hindu beliefs, family system, and social structure.
Question 3: Give an idea of the various protests against the practice of Sati in the first half of the 19th century. How did Rammohan achieve success in the movement against Sati?
Answer:
Meaning of Sati: Sati was one of the evil practices prevalent in Indian society. The ritual of dying on the funeral pyre of the deceased husband is known as Sati.
[1] Protests against the practice of Sati: There were various protests against the practice of Sati in the first half of the 19th century. Mrityunjay Vidyalankar protested against the Sati system. According to him, no sanction of Sati is mentioned in Hindu religious literature. The Christian missionaries also protested against the Sati system. They published books and pamphlets against the cruel practice which helped to create anti-Sati public opinion. Two newspapers the ‘Friends of India’ and the ‘Samachar Darpan’ condemned and opposed Sati and wrote to the Governor-General against the practice of Sati.
[2] Campaign against Sati by Rammohan Roy: The great social reformer Raja Rammohan Roy spearheaded the campaign against Sati. From 1818 Rammohan attempted to form a public opinion against the evil practice of Sati. He published many booklets both in English and Bengali against Sati. He wrote articles in the journal ‘Sambad Kaumudi’ and helped to create anti-Sati public opinion.
WBBSE Class 10 Reform Observations
He put forward his arguments for why Sati should be banned and appealed to the people to stop widow burning. He tried to prove that Hindu scriptures did not approve of this evil custom. He brought the evil custom of Sati into the open and exposed them for scrutiny. Referring to ‘Satidaha Hindu Samriti Sastra’ he pointed out that a Hindu widow would live a life of abstinence. An anti-social vigilance party was organized by him whose duty was to keep watch on different burning ghats to prevent Sati. He visited different burning ghats of Calcutta and persuaded the widows not to commit Sati.
[3] Regulation XVII of 1829: The movement against Sati became popular. A petition signed by eminent people was sent to Lord William Bentinck for the prohibition of Sati. Lord William Bentinck passed Regulation 17 of 1829 and abolished Sati.
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Mark True Or False
Question 1: Rammohan Roy organized petitions signed by both Hindus and Muslims against the Jury Act of 1827.
Answer: True
Question 2: The Act legalizing widow remarriage was finally passed in 1865.
Answer: False
Question 3: The title ‘Brahmananda’ was bestowed upon Keshab Chandra by Rabindranath Tagore.
Answer: False
Question 4: Keshab Chandra’s activities remained confined to Bengal only.
Answer: False
Question 5: Ramkrishna Paramhansa was born in the village of Kamarpukur.
Answer: True
Question 6: The concept of ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’ was embraced by Ramkrishna.
Answer: True
Question 7: Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar is remembered for his role in the movement for the emancipation of women.
Answer: True
Question 8: ‘Tattwabodhini Patrika’ was founded by Debendranath Tagore.
Answer: True
Question 9: The Brahmo Samaj of Debendranath Tagore was known as ‘Adi Brahmo Samaj’.
Answer: True
Question 10: In Bombay, the Prarthana Samaj took initiative in the widow remarriage movement.
Answer: True
Question 11: Regulation XV was passed to ban the practice of Sati.
Answer: False
Question 12: Ramkrishna Mission was established by Ramkrishna Paramhansa.
Answer: False
Question 13: Bijoy Krishna Goswami was popularly known as ‘Gosaiji’.
Answer: True
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Fill In The Blanks
1 Rammohan Roy (Debendranath Tagore/Radhakanta Deb/Rammohan Roy) was the founder of Atmiya Sabha.
2. The founder of Brahmo Samaj was Rammohan Roy (Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar/Rammohan Roy/Ashutosh Mukherjee).
3. Atmiya Sabha was founded in 1815 (1815/ 1816/1817).
4. The Brahmo Sabha was founded in 1828 (1815/1828/1830).
5. The sati system was abolished in 1829 (1820/1829/1832).
6. Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar (Harish Chandra Mukherjee/Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar/Lalon Fakir) started the movement in favor of widow remarriage.
7. Ram Gopal Ghose (Ram Gopal Ghose/Debendranath Tagore/Hem Chandra Banerjee) was a leader of the Young Bengal Movement.
8. Ramkrishna Mission was founded by Swami Vivekananda (Ramkrishna Paramhansa/Swami Vivekananda/Atmaram Pandurang).
9. Lalon Fakir (Madhusudan Gupta/Lalon Fakir/Haji Muhammad Mohsin) was a famous baul saint.
10. The writer of the book ‘Bartaman Bharat’ is Swami Vivekananda (Rammohan Roy/Swami Vivekananda / Rabindranath).
11. The authority of Hindu College dismissed Louis Derozio (Rashik Krishna Mallick/ Dakshinaranjan Mukherjee/Louis Derozio).
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Choose The Best Explanation
Question 1:The Young Bengal group wanted to
1. Apply Western ideas in India to help her progress.
2. Develop a strong opinion against casteism and advocated widow remarriage.
3. Promote among the people of different religions, a faith in the unity of the divine.
Answer: 1. Apply Western ideas in India to help her progress.
Question 2: The ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’
1. Recognized the equality of all religions.
2. Stated that all religions lead to the same ultimate goal and hence they are all true and valid.
3. Recognized that all religions are essentially the same.
Answer: 2. Stated that all religions lead to the same ultimate goal and hence they are all true and valid.
Question 3: Rammohan Roy was known as the first modern man of India.
1. He was the first to introduce theories new to economics.
2. He was the first to realize that western education is necessary to modernize society.
3. He was the propounder of the theory of ‘General Will’.
Answer: 2. He was the first to realize that western education is necessary to modernize society.
Question 4: Vidyasagar is called a ‘traditional modernizer’
1. He had full faith in the tradition of the country.
2. He welcomed modernism.
3. He dreamt of a modern India while maintaining the tradition of India.
Answer: 3. He dreamt of a modern India while maintaining the tradition of India.
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Topic D Bengal Renaissance
Explanatory Answer Type Questions Answer in 15 to 16 sentences
Question 1: What do you mean by the Bengal Renaissance?
Answer:
The concept of the renaissance in 19th-century Bengal can be sketched as follows-
[1] 19th century Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening that is in some ways similar to the renaissance in Europe during the 16th century. This phenomenon was largely due to the contact with the West. Social, religious, political, and literary activities flourished in Bengal during this phase.
[2] Bengal witnessed the emergence of social and religious reformers, litterateurs scholars, journalists, scientists, and patriots, all merging to form the image of a renaissance and marking the transition from medieval to modern.
[3] The major expressions of the renaissance in Bengal were the appearance of a large number of periodicals, journals and newspapers, literary works, and the growth of numerous associations and societies, the spread of western education, ideas, and beliefs.
[4] In the annals of Bengali literature, there appeared stalwarts like Rammohan Roy, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar, Akshay Kumar Dutta, Michael Madhusudan Dutta, Hem Chandra Banerjee, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Dinabandhu Mitra, etc. They introduced fiction, dramas, and verses for the first time in Bengali literature.
[5] There were also social and religious reform movements, movements for women’s emancipation, and movements against religious superstitions.
[6] Science also advanced under the initiative of several Bengali scientists such as Anil Kumar Gayen, Satyendranath Bose, Jagadish Chandra Bose, and Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.
[7] The role played by Bengal in the awakening of India in comparison to the position occupied by Italy in the history of the European Renaissance.
Impact of Reforms on Indian Society
Question 2: Was there a renaissance in 19th Century Bengal?
Answer:
The intellectual awakening of Bengal in the nineteenth century is known as Bengal Renaissance.
[1] 19th century Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening that is in some way similar to the renaissance in Europe during the 16th century. Bengal Renaissance has been a widely debated subject among intellectuals and historians.
[2] Critics point out that unlike the European Renaissance, the range of the 19th-century intellectual awakening was rather limited. The break with the past was severely limited in nature and remained mainly at the intellectual level. Most of the intellectuals did not have the courage to implement, even at their own individual levels, the principles that they preached. Those like Iswar Chandra, who publicly campaigned for their ideals, failed in their attempts. This intellectual movement remained confined to upper-class Hindus and thus did not include the problems of lower-class Hindus and Muslims.
[3] The British government, for fear of alienating the traditionalists who formed the greater majority, was not ready to take any radical measures. This caused disappointment among the reformers and the movement in general declined gradually.
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Analytical Answer Type Questions
Answer in 7 to 8 sentences
Question 1: Why did the renaissance originate in Bengal and not in any other part of India?
Answer:
19th century Bengal witnessed intellectual awakening that is in some way similar to the renaissance in Europe during the 16th century. The question is why did the renaissance originate in Bengal and not in any other part of India?
[1] This was due to the early advent of literature and education as compared to other regions of India.
[2] Bengal and its neighborhood were the first to witness the direct impact of British rule and modernization.
[3] The nineteenth century was the high point of British-Indian mutual reciprocation, especially within Bengal. The Bengali elite group which emerged mingled with the British and they started to reside in Calcutta. The Bengal Renaissance commenced from the very group starting with Raja Rammohan Roy, the most prominent personality of the renaissance period.
Question 2: What was the impact of the renaissance on the educational system of Bengal?
Answer: The intellectual awakening of Bengal in the 19th century is known as Bengal Renaissance. Renaissance had a great impact on the educational system of Bengal. From conventional learning of Bengali, Sanskrit and Arabic languages, the Vedas, the Bengali folklore and ballads, the late 18th century and early 19th century saw the establishment of different -institutions like the Fort William College, the Asiatic Society, the Serampore College, the Hindu College and others which were meant to educate the elite Bengalis according to European values and ideals of education. This change in the educational scenario gave birth to a new intellectual class that perceived the idea of European education as the ideal form of learning.
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Mark True Or False
Question 1: Western education played the most important part in bringing about the renaissance in Bengal.
Answer: True
Question 2: In the annals of Bengali literature there appeared stalwarts like Rammohan Roy, Vidyasagar, Madhusudan Dutta, etc. in the renaissance period.
Answer: True
Question 3: The role of Bengal in the awakening of India is comparable to the role of Germany in the history of the renaissance in Europe.
Answer: False
Question 4: Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was a novelist.
Answer: False
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Fill In The Blanks
1. The book ‘Notes on Bengal Renaissance’ is composed by Sushobhan Sarkar (Jadunath Sarkar/ Sushobhan Sarkar/Ramesh Chandra Majumdar).
2. Scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose (Jagadish Chandra Bose/ Homi Jehangir Bhaba/A PJ Abdul Kalam) belonged to the Renaissance period.
3. 19th (18th/17th/19th) century Bengal witnessed an intellectual awakening.
4. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was a Statistician (Dramatist/Statistician/Poet).
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Choose The Best Explanation
Question 1: The Bengal Renaissance gathered momentum in the 19th century because
1. The British had colonized India.
2. There was an abundance of intellectual and creative activities in Bengal then.
3. The Brahmo Samaj was formed.
Answer: 2. There was an abundance of intellectual and creative activities in Bengal then.
Question 2: Rammohan Roy is regarded as one of the most important figures in the Bengal Renaissance because
1. Of his efforts to protect Indian rights.
2. He was the founder of Brahmo Samaj.
3. Of his diverse contributions to the society
Answer: 3. Of his diverse contributions to the society
Chapter 2 Reform Characteristics And Observations Advanced Questions And Answers
Question 1: Write about the different social evils that plagued the women of society in the 19th century.?
Answer:
The different social evils that plagued the women of society in the 19th century
The condition of women in 19th-century India was pitiable. Their social position in the male-dominated society was very low. They were denied the rights in matters of inheritance, property, ownership, and the guardianship of children. Many social evils plagued the women of society. Some of these social evils were as follows:
[1] Sati: The ritual of dying on the funeral pyre of the deceased husband is known as sati. In most cases, the widow was burnt alive against her wish by the relatives of her husband for acquiring the property of the dead man.
[2] Child marriage: In the 19th-century child marriage was a norm to get girls married at an early age. It was a social evil that degraded the status of a girl in society who was not allowed access to education and was trained in household work instead.
[3] Polygamy: Polygamy was another social evil prevalent in Indian society among some communities. When a man is married to more than one wife at a time it is called polygamy. It was a regular practice among Kulin Brahmins of Bengal.
[4] Purdah: Another evil practice was the purdah system. It is the use of a veil or purdah to cover the body. Women were secluded which deprived them of any opportunity to go to educational institutions.
[5] Female infanticide: The deliberate will of a newborn girl child is called female infanticide. Poverty, ignorance, cost of dowry, etc. were different reasons for female infanticide.
[6] Lack of education: Girls in the 19th century were rarely educated. It was believed that formal education is of no importance to them and that education would lead a girl to become a widow after her marriage.
[7] Social reform movements: Social reform movements started in the second half of the 19th century, the aim of which was to put an end to the social evils prevalent in society and to establish a new social order.
Question 2: What was the impact of the modern ideas of Europe on British Indian administrators?
Answer:
The impact of the modern ideas of Europe on British Indian administrators
In the 19th century, Indian society was suffering from various social and religious evils like casteism, untouchability, polygamy, child marriage, sati, female infanticide, etc. The British administrators in India who were influenced by the modern thoughts and ideas prevailing in Britain were opposed to these various social evils, superstitions, and dogmatic traditions and customs. They believed that India should be civilized under British rule. Two political thoughts emerged with respect to the East India Company’s policy towards India in the early part of the 19th century. These two were
[1] Liberalism and
[2] Utilitarianism.
It was these two political thoughts that shaped British policy in India.
[1] Liberalism: Liberalism is a social and political philosophy advocating freedom of the individual, founded on the basis of individual rights and equality. It gives importance to the relaxation of the tight hold of custom, law, and authority.
[2] Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory. It states that the best action is the one that maximizes utility which is defined in various ways including pleasure, lack of suffering, and economic well-being.
[3] Impact of liberalism utilitarianism: Liberalism utilitarianism came to have its most powerful sway in the administration of India. The liberalists and the humanitarians held a conviction that India needed progress and enlightenment and they began to preach their rational thoughts. The Indian administrators insisted on introducing reforms in India so that the Indians could benefit from the advanced ideas of the age.
WBBSE Solutions for Class 10 History
- Chapter 1 Ideas of History
- Chapter 2 Reform: Characteristics and Observations
- Chapter 3 Resistance and Rebellion: Characteristics and Analyses
- Chapter 4 Early Stages of Collective Actions: Characteristics and Analyses
- Chapter 5 Alternative Ideas & Initiatives ( From Mid-19th Century to the Early 20th Century): Characteristics and Observations
- Chapter 6 Peasant, Working Class, and Leftist Movements in 20th Century India: Characteristics and Observations
- Chapter 7 Movements Organised by Women, Students & Marginal People in 20th Century India: Characteristics and Analyses
- Chapter 8 Post-Colonial India: Second Half of the 20th Century (1947-1964)