Book Name | : Madhyamik History And Environment |
Subject | : History |
Class | : 10 (Madhyamik) |
Publisher | : Calcutta Book House (P) Ltd |
Chapter Name | : Alternative Ideas and Initiative Characteristics And Discussions |
Table of Contents
ToggleMultiple Choice Question (MCQ)
Question 1
When did the pre-modern era of the Bengali printing press start?
- 1935
- 1835
- 1925
- 1850
Answer
(a) 1835
Explanation:
The pre-modern era of the Bengali printing press started in 1835.
Question 2
The era of Bengali magazines start in
- 1872
- 1862
- 1852
- 1835
Answer
(c) 1852
Explanation:
The era of Bengali magazines started in 1852.
Question 3
When was ‘Barnaparichay’ first published in the form of a book?
- 1850
- 1855
- 1860
- 1865
Answer
(b) 1855
Explanation:
‘Barnaparichay’ was first published in the form of a book in 1855.
Question 4
Who is called ‘the pioneer of business in Bengali books’ ?
- Vidyasagar
- Rammohan
- Madhusudan
- Upendra Kishore
Answer
(a) Vidyasagar
Explanation:
Vidyasagar is called ‘the pioneer of business in Bengali books’.
Question 5
The founder of IACS was-
- C. V. Raman
- J. C. Basu
- S.N. Bose
- Mahendralal Sarkar
Answer
(d) Mahendralal Sarkar
Explanation:
Mahendralal Sarkar CIE was a Bengali medical doctor, the second MD graduated from the Calcutta Medical College, social reformer, and propagator of scientific studies in nineteenth-century India. He was the founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science.
Question 6
Who founded the Bose Institute ?
- J. C. Bose
- Meghnad Saha
- C.V. Raman
- S. K. Mitra
Answer
(a) Jagadish Chandra Bose
Explanation:
The Bose Institute is a research institute located in Kolkata, India. It was founded by the renowned physicist and biologist, Jagadish Chandra Bose, in 1917.
Question 7
Visvabharati was formed by-
- Rathindranath Tagore
- Rabindranath Tagore
- Dwarakanath Tagore
- Abanindranath Tagore
Answer
(a) Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation:
Visva-Bharati is a renowned university in India located in the town of Santiniketan, West Bengal. It was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921.
Answer each in one sentence
Question 1
Who was the editor of ‘Sambad Prabhakar’?
Answer
Ishwar Chandra Gupta.
Question 2
Who was the first owner of a printing press in Bengal?
Answer
John Andrews.
Question 3
What is ‘Vidyabanik’?
Answer
Vidyabanik means commercial educationist. Vidyasagar is also called Vidyabanik.
Question 4
Who was the founder of ‘U. Roy and Sons’?
Answer
U.Roy and Sons was a privately held blockmaking, printing and publishing firm in Calcutta, India founded by Upendrakishore Roy in 1895.
Write True or False
- Nilratan Sarkar was the founder of IACS.
- The National Council of Education was set up in 1906.
- Shantiniketan Ashram was set up by Rabindranath lagore.
- Vidyasagar helped to publish Somprakash.
- False; Mahendralal Sarkar was the founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science.
- True
- True
- False; Vidyasagar helped to publish barnaparichay
Match the Columns
A | B |
2.3.1. Literature of Battala | 1. Vidyasagar |
2.3.2. Kolkata Pustakalay | 2. Biswambhar Deb |
2.3.3. Sukumar Roy | 3. Saha Institute |
2.3.4. Meghnad Saha | 4. Upendra Kishore |
A | B |
2.3.1. Shantiniketan | 1. S. C. Mullick |
2.3.2. Visvabharati | 2. M. L. Sarkar |
2.3.3. IACS | 3. Jawaharlal Nehru |
2.3.4. National Fducation | 4. Rabindranath Tagore |
Fill in the gaps
- ‘Hicky’s Gazette was published from ____.
- ‘Barnaparichay’ was written by ____.
- Calcutta Science College was founded in ____.
- ‘Sriniketan’ was founded for ____ education.
- Calcutta
- Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar
- 27 March 1914
- Vocational
Find the correct explanation
Question
Statement: Sriniketan was established in the village of Surul, near Shantiniketan, to give practical training.
- Explanation 1: To increase the writing skill of the students.
- Explanation 2: To enhance the concentration of the student.
- Explanation 3: To impart vocational training.
Answer
Explanation 3: To impart vocational training.
Sriniketan was established by Rabindranath Tagore in 1922 as a center for vocational education and rural development. The aim was to provide practical training to the students in various fields like agriculture, handicrafts, weaving, and other crafts
Short type questions
Question 1
What are two important characteristic features of the pre-modern era of the Bengali printing press?
Answer
The two important characteristic features of the pre-modern era of the Bengali printing press are
- In modern Bengal, printing and publishing started getting modernized in 1935.
- Instead of wooden blocks, metal blocks were introduced, and the printing of coloured photographs was made possible through the introduction of the linotype and monotype printing processes.
Question 2
Why Vidyasagar was called ‘Vidyabanik’?
Answer
In 1885 Vidyasagar opened a book store “Kolkata Pustakalay” in 24, Sukia Street. His own and other copy write books were published and sold from this place. For these reasons, Vidyasagar is also called Vidyabanik or the commercial educationist.
Question 3
Who was called ‘The Serampore Trio’ ?
Answer
Answer
The Serampore Trio was the name given to three pioneering English missionaries to India in the 18th century, who set up, amongst other things, Serampore College, the trio were Joshua Marshman, William Carey and William ward.
Question 4
Give the names of two publishers of ‘Battala”.
Answer
Bisweshar Deb and Bhabanicharan Bandyopadhyay.
Question 5
Give the names of any two books of Upendra kishore.
Answer
The names of two books written by Upendra Kishore:
(a) Goopi Gayen Bagha Bayen.
(b) Tuntunir Boi.
Question 6
Which was the first Technological College of Bengal? When was it established?
Answer
Bengal College Civil Engineering established in 1856.
Question 7
Who founded the ‘Bose Institute and when?
Answer
Bose Institute was set up in 1917 by Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose (1858 – 1937), the founder of modern science in the Indian subcontinent.
Question 8
What was the aim of the National council of education?
Answer
The aim of the National council of education were
- to set up an education system controlled by Indians in place of British dominance.
- to create national consciousness.
Question 9
Why did Rabindranath establish Visvabharati?
Answer
Rabindranath establish Visvabharati
- To create an institution that would promote a blend of Indian and Western education, culture and values.
- He aimed to create an environment that fostered creativity, critical thinking and appreciation of diverse cultures, with a focus on developing well-rounded individuals who could contribute to the betterment of society.
Question 10
Give an idea about Rabindranath’s views about children’s education.
Answer
Rabindranath believed that education should be a joyful experience for children that nurtures their creativity and imagination. He emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to education that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual development. He also believed that education should be accessible to all, regardless of their social or economic status.
Question 11
Why did the printing press help to spread education?
Answer
With the modernizing of the printing press, there was a massive growth in the spread of education since cheap books of education were easily available. After the start of the monthly Bangadarshan in 1872, the era of social newspapers started in Bengal.
Question 12
What were the purposes of the foundation of Sriniketan?
Answer
The purposes of the foundation of Sriniketan were
- Agriculture training
- Training in dairy firm
- Training in art and craft
- Rural reconstruction
Analytical questions
Question 1
Give an account of the growth of the Bengali printing press from the middle of the 19th century.
Answer
From the mid-19th century, the modernization of the Bengali printing press led to a significant growth in the spread of education. The monthly Bangadarshan, started in 1872 by Bankim Chandra, marked the beginning of social newspapers in Bengal. This magazine serially published Bankim Chandra’s novels, including Bishbriksha, Indira, Chandrasekhar, Rajani, and Krishnakanter Will. Iswarchandra Vidyasagar’s Barnaparichay introduced the system of 12 vowels and 40 consonants, instead of the existing 16 vowels and 34 consonants, which was widely accepted. Before Vidyasagar, Battala Literature, a new trend in Bengali publications, existed from 1840 to 1870, catering to the thirst of the new English-educated youth for more knowledge and literary works. The literature of that time contained ancient and historical content, inspiring contemporary readers. The Bengali printing press facilitated the spread of knowledge and transformed the thought process of the readers.
Question 2
Discuss the relationship between printed books and spread of education.
Answer
The relationship between printed books and the spread of education is a significant one. With the advent of the printing press, books became more easily accessible and affordable to the general public, which led to a rapid spread of knowledge and education. The availability of cheap books enabled people to educate themselves and acquire knowledge, which was previously inaccessible due to the high cost of handwritten manuscripts.
In Bengal, the growth of education and the spread of knowledge can be traced back to the publication of the monthly magazine Bangadarshan in 1872 by Bankim Chandra. The serial publication of novels such as Bishbriksha, Indira, Chandrasekhar, Rajani, and Krishnakanter Will in the magazine introduced new ideas and perspectives to the readers, which had a significant impact on their thought processes.
Question 3
Give an idea about the business aspects of the printing press.
Answer
The printing press industry in Calcutta and Bengal had significant commercial implications. Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar was a key figure in this industry and is considered the first commercial books vendor of modern Bengal. He established the Sanskrit Press in 1847 and became its absolute owner in 1856. From here, many copies of his and others’ works were printed regularly, and he earned a significant income from selling his educational books, making around three to four thousand rupees every month. He opened the Sanskrit Press Depository, the first book shop in College Street, and transferred the exclusive rights of his book store to Brajanath Mukherjee in 1864. In 1885, at the autumn of his life, he opened another book store, Kolkata Pustakalay, in 24, Sukia Street. Serampore Press was also printing books in 34 languages, and the Battala Publishers were publishing low priced books and photographs for the common man. Overall, the printing press industry played a significant role in the commercial and educational development of Bengal in the later half of the 19th century.
Question 4
Give an account of the talent of Upendra Kishore in the area of printing.
Answer
Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury was a pioneer in printing in India. He introduced many revolutionary techniques and equipment in the printing industry, including modern half-tone blocks in South Asia. He learned the craft of printing with modern blocks in England and started a successful business making modern printing blocks upon his return to India. He also introduced the use of photographs in books and cover pages, known as “Process Work.” To improve picture quality, he used various techniques like the ‘Sixty degree screen’, ‘diafram method’, and ‘tintprocess’. He founded a studio for drawing pictures and started his own publication house named ‘U. Roy & Sons’ in 1895. He was the first Bengali in Asia to start a colored printing press named U. Roy & Sons in 1913, from where the first children’s magazine ‘Sandesh’ was published. Upendra Kishore’s invention of the Screen Adjester Machine was commercially made in England with a new brand name ‘Roy Screen Adjester Machine.’
Question 5
Give a description of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science.
Answer
The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) was founded by Mahendralal Sarkar on July 29, 1876, making it India’s oldest center for the study of basic science. The institution was funded by citizen contributions and contributed significantly to Bengal’s cultural and intellectual development in the 19th century. The goal of the IACS was to disseminate scientific knowledge without government aid, encourage young students to study and research basic sciences, and promote science for the benefit of the country in the future. The institution’s main focus was on basic science research, and it continues to pursue this goal. Lecturers at the institution included distinguished figures such as Father Eugene Lafont, Jagadish Chandra Basu, Chunilal Bose, Premnath Bose, and Ashutosh Mukherjee. The IACS trust board included luminaries such as Vidyasagar and Keshab Chandra Sen. Raja Pyarimohan Mukherjee, Dr. Nil Ratan Sarkar, Gyan Chandra Ghosh, and Dr. Satyendranath Bose, a renowned physicist, were among the institution’s presidents. Professor C.V. Raman, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his work on light waves known as the “Raman Effect” (1928), was associated with the institute from 1907 to 1933.
Question 6
Analyse the basis of criticism of colonial education.
Answer
Rabindranath Tagore was a critic of the colonial education system in India during British rule. He opposed the strict discipline enforced by teachers, the fear of failing exams, and the confinement of students to classrooms. He believed that education should enable and promote thinking and evaluation, leading to all-round development of the mind and ideal character. Rabindranath felt that the Gurukul system of education in ancient India was more effective in allowing the mind to evolve and develop on its own. He believed that the colonial education system ignored Indian history and culture and was more like a chain forcibly keeping Indians in bondage. Rabindranath argued that education should be imparted through the mother tongue to maintain a balance between education and life, and that there was no glory of Indian cultural legacy in the colonial education system. He believed that education should promote inner harmony amongst nature, man, and god, and should not be oppressive to students. Rabindranath’s criticism of colonial education led him to establish the institute of Shantiniketan, which aimed to provide a humanist, creative education within a natural environment.
Question 7
Discuss the correlation of nature, man and education in the thoughts of Rabindranath.
Answer
Rabindranath Tagore believed in the fusion of man, nature, and education, which he thought was possible only in a Gurukul-like atmosphere. According to him, for a child, nature is the ideal teacher, and it plays an important role in developing the mind and body of a child. He emphasized the necessity of open air, skies, and green vegetation for the proper development of a young child. Rabindranath was a great admirer of Leo Tolstoy’s simple way of life and love for nature, which influenced him to a great extent. He envisioned Shantiniketan’s environment as a place where the greens of nature were the best teacher for children. In his childhood, while studying at Norman School, Rabindranath missed the open skies and fresh air, which made him realize that a child’s mind always longs for outdoor activities. Therefore, he took the first class of children under a blueberry tree, highlighting the importance of nature in education.
Question 8
Why did Rabindranath Tagore founded the Visvabharati?
Answer
Rabindranath Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University in 1921 with the aim of creating a center of learning that would blend the best of Indian and Western cultures. He believed that such a university could foster a deeper understanding between different cultures and promote universal human values. For Tagore, education was not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about developing a holistic understanding of the world and our place in it. He felt that the existing education system was too focused on narrow, utilitarian goals and did not cultivate the creative and spiritual aspects of human nature. Visva-Bharati was envisioned as a place where students could engage with nature, explore their creativity, and develop a sense of social responsibility. The university was also intended to serve as a meeting ground for scholars and artists from around the world, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
Question 9
Discuss the contribution of Upendra Kishore Roychoudhury to the growth of Bengali Press.
Answer
Upendra Kishore Roychoudhury was a prominent figure in the development of Bengali press. He made significant contributions to the industry through his innovative techniques and entrepreneurial ventures. Firstly, he introduced the “halftone block” technique, which was a suitable block making technique for using photographs in books. This technique was later modified into metal block from wooden block. Secondly, he imported modern equipment, color and chemical from England in 1885, which revolutionized printing in the region. Thirdly, he was the first to introduce color printing in Bengal after it was started in western countries, making him a pioneer in the field. His introduction of modern half tone blocks also made him the first person to do so in South Asia. Roychoudhury’s contributions to the growth of Bengali press were immense and laid the foundation for further advancements in the industry.
Explanatory questions
Question 1
Discuss about the growth of printing press and business enterprise.
Answer
The growth of printing press and business enterprise in Bengal began during the British colonial period in India. In the late 18th century, the British East India Company established the first printing press in Calcutta, which marked the beginning of the printing industry in Bengal.
The early Bengali printing press primarily produced religious and literary texts in the Bengali language. However, with the growing demand for printed materials and the spread of education, the industry diversified and began producing newspapers, journals, and books on various subjects, including science, medicine, and politics.
The establishment of bookshops and publishing houses also contributed to the growth of the printing industry in Bengal. The growing middle class, educated in English, led to the publication of English-language newspapers, which became popular among the Indian intelligentsia.
Printing technology also played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. The printing press was used to publish nationalist literature, newspapers, and pamphlets, which spread the message of independence across the country.
Along with the printing press, business enterprise also began to grow in Bengal during this period. Indian entrepreneurs started various businesses, including trading, banking, and manufacturing. The establishment of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce in 1833, the first of its kind in India, helped to promote business interests in the region.
The growth of business enterprise also led to the establishment of institutions that provided vocational training and education, such as the Bengal Technical Institute and the Bengal National College. These institutions helped to develop a skilled workforce that could support the growing industrial sector in Bengal.
Question 2
Discuss about the contribution of Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury and ‘U. Roy and Sons’.
Answer
Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury and ‘U. Roy and Sons’ made significant contributions to the growth of printing press and business enterprise in Bengal in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury was a pioneer in the field of printing and publishing. He introduced the halftone block technique for using photographs in books and purchased modern equipment and chemicals from England in 1885, which revolutionized the printing press industry. He was also the first person to introduce color printing in Bengal after it was started in Western countries. Roy Choudhury’s innovative techniques and high-quality printing played a crucial role in shaping the modern Bengali book industry.
‘U. Roy and Sons’ was a publishing house founded by Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury, and it played a significant role in the growth of the Bengali book industry. The publishing house produced books for children and adults, including the works of his son Sukumar Roy and grandson Satyajit Ray. The business became a leading publisher in Bengal, and its success inspired other entrepreneurs to start similar ventures.
In addition to their contributions to the printing press and publishing industry, both Upendra Kishore Roy Choudhury and ‘U. Roy and Sons’ were successful business enterprises. They played a critical role in creating jobs and driving economic growth in Bengal. Through their innovative printing techniques and high-quality books, they helped create a new market for Bengali literature and culture, which had a significant impact on the cultural and intellectual life of Bengal.
Question 3
Discuss the growth of Science and Technology in Bengal.
Answer
The progress of science and technology in Bengal began in the latter half of the 19th century. The Bengal College of Civil Engineering, which later became the Bengal College of Engineering, was established in 1856 and was affiliated with the Calcutta University. In 1876, the Indian Association for Cultivation of Science (IACS) was established, which became India’s first oldest center for the study of basic science. The IACS was run by contributions from citizens and was located at 210, Bowbazar Street. The objectives of the IACS were to spread scientific knowledge without government aid, popularize the scientific movement, encourage young students to study and research basic sciences, and cultivate science for the welfare of the country in the future. The IACS became India’s premier centre for research in material sciences, and it is continuing to work with the goal of making the lives of mankind more comfortable. The Calcutta Science College, founded by Sir Ashutosh Mukhopadhyay in 1914, was established for the purpose of studying swadeshi science, and many students who attended the college became prominent scientists. Calcutta also became a centre for research in radio physics thanks to the work of Shishir Kumar Mitra.
Question 4
‘Give an account of Rabindranath and his ideas about Shantiniketan and Sriniketan.
Answer
Rabindranath Tagore was a famous Indian poet, writer, and philosopher who lived from 1861 to 1941. He founded two schools, Shantiniketan and Sriniketan, with a unique vision for education.
Shantiniketan was Tagore’s first school, which he started in 1901. His idea was to create a place where students could learn about different subjects without any restrictions. He wanted to create a school that would encourage creativity, independence, and free thinking.
In Shantiniketan, Tagore encouraged students to learn from nature and to connect with their surroundings. He believed that education should not be limited to books, but should be a holistic experience that involved art, music, and physical activity.
Sriniketan was a rural development project started by Tagore in 1922. The aim of Sriniketan was to improve the lives of people living in rural areas by introducing modern technology and farming practices. Tagore believed that by improving the lives of farmers, he could help the country as a whole.
Tagore’s ideas about education and rural development were inspired by his belief in the unity of all things. He believed that everything in the universe was connected and that education and development should be done in harmony with nature.
Shantiniketan and Sriniketan are still active today, and they continue to follow Tagore’s ideas about education and development. Many famous people, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, were influenced by Tagore’s ideas and visited these schools.
Also, check out: Flasheducation.co.in
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