Chapter 4 – Early Stages Of Collective Action | Chapter Solution Class 10

Choose the correct interpretation of the statement

Question 1

Statement: Bharat Sabha was the first and largest all-India Political Organisation.

• Interpretation-1: It is the symbol of hope and aspiration of the people of India.
• Interpretation-2: Members of it were from various corners of India.
• Interpretation-3: On the name, Indika was founded for Indians.

Answer

Interpretation-1: It is the symbol of hope and aspiration of the people of India.

Question 2

Statement: ‘Bharat Mata’ was an immortal creation of Abanindranath.

• Explanation: 1. It was a black-and-white painting,
• 2. Could inspire Patriotism in the Nationalist era 
• 3. It was his best watercolour painting

Answer

3. It was his best watercolour painting

Short type questions

Question 1

What do you understand by collective action?

Answer

“United we stand” -thus goes the proverbial saying. This power develops through collective action. Numerous Institutions and organisations have been formed for the development of United and collective Power . Initially, it was the rich and socially higher classes of people, influenced by Western education, who took initiative for some united movement. Later on, the movement became universal among people irrespective of their race, caste or creed.

Question 2

Who announced the Queen’s Proclamation and when?

Answer

Lord Canning after being appointed as the first viceroy of India, representing Victoria, the queen of England (1837 – 1901), organised a formal court in Allahabad. In this Court, on 1st November, 1858, he read out of proclamation on behalf of the Queen. This came to be known as “The Proclamation of Queen”.

Question 3

What was the ‘Queen’s Proclamation’?

Answer

The Queen’s Proclamation was a declaration made by Queen Victoria on November 1, 1858. It marked the end of the rule of the East India Company in India and the beginning of direct British control. The proclamation promised to respect the rights of Indian princes and people, improve the economic conditions of India, and promote religious tolerance.

Question 4

Who established the ‘Bangabhasha Prakashika sabha’ and why?

Answer

Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha was formed on 8th December 1836. Kalinath Ray Chowdhury, the zamindar of Taki, Prasanna Kumar Tagore, Dwarkanath Tagore and some followers of Rammohan Roy formed this association.

The main objectives and activities of Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha were to create political consciousness in Bengal for the organisation of a permanent political movement.

Question 5

What was the purpose of the Hindu Mela?

Answer

The main objectives of the Hindumela were:

1. to spread the glory of by ancient Hindu religion among the educated youths,
2. to develop the country with their own effort,
3. to encourage the study of native language and education,

Question 6

What were the two purposes of Bharat Sabha?

Answer

Bharat Sabha had four aims-

• First, to unite people of all races, religion and community for political purpose.
• Secondly, to develop strong public opinion throughout the country.
• Thirdly, to involve people in the mass movement and
• Fourthly, to unite the Hindus and Muslims together.

Question 7

Who wrote the two novels ‘Gora’ and ‘Anandamath’?

Answer

‘Gora’ was written by Rabindranath Tagore and ‘Anandmath’ was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

Question 8

Give a description of the painting ‘Bharat Mata’ by Abanindra Nath Tagore.

Answer

Abanindranath’s ‘Bharat Mata’ has four hands. A special characteristic of this painting is that nationalist spirit flows through it. She wears saffron clothes and appears as a women saint. On her two left hands she holds a book and a bunch of paddy. On the two write hands we find a pair of white clothing and sting of Rudraksha (sacred beads).

Question 9

Why is the 19th Century called the Age of Associations?

Answer

The whole of the 19th century has seen the formation and development of many associations. So, Cambridge historian Dr Anil Sil, in his book ‘The Emergence of Indian Nationalism: Competition and Collaboration in the Late Nineteenth-century has called this period as “an age of associations”.

Question 10

When was the Queen’s Court formed and why?

Answer

Lord Canning after being appointed as the first viceroy of India, representing Victoria (1837-1901), the Queen of England, organised a formal court in Allahabad. In this court, on 1st November 1858, he read out a proclamation on behalf of the Queen. This came to be known as “The Proclamation of the Queen. In this proclamation, a number of promises were made for the benefit of India.

Question 11

Who was the main founder of Bharat Sabha and what was the name of its main journal?

Answer

Surendranath Banerjee was the main founder of Bharat Sabha. Its main journal was ‘The Bengalee’.

Question 12

Why Gaganendra Nath was called the father of Bengali cartoon pictures?

Analytical questions

Question 1

Give an account of the attitude of Bengali society towards Sepoy Mutiny.

Answer

The Sepoy Mutiny, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a significant event in Indian history that challenged British colonial rule. The Bengali society’s attitude towards the Sepoy Mutiny was complex and varied, with different sections of society holding different views.

At the beginning of the rebellion, many Bengali soldiers in the British Indian Army participated in the mutiny, mainly due to their discontentment with British policies and treatment towards Indian soldiers. However, after the British authorities suppressed the mutiny, the Bengali intelligentsia, including the Hindu and Muslim elite, largely distanced themselves from the rebels.

Many Bengali intellectuals, including the prominent figures of the Bengal Renaissance such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Dwarkanath Tagore, viewed the mutiny as a failed attempt at regaining power and sovereignty from the British. They believed that the path to Indian progress and prosperity lay in adopting Western education and ideas while preserving their cultural heritage.

Question 2

Write about the Queen’s Proclamation.

Answer

In this proclamation, a number of promises were made for the benefit of India. For example,

1. Indigenous kings without a son were allowed to adopt a son.
2. Abolition of Title will no longer be a valid law.
3. The British Government will not extend its empire on Indian soil any more.
4. Indians will be employed in the Government according to their qualifications.
5. All Indians will be given equal importance, irrespective of their race, religion or caste.

Question 3

Why was 19th Century called “the Age of Associations”?

Answer

Age of Association The whole of nineteenth century has seen the formation and development of many such associations. So, Cambridge historian Dr. Anil Sil, in his book ‘The Emergence of Indian Nationalism: Competition and Collaboration in the Late Nineteenth Century’, has called “this period as an age of associations”. Because

1. the second half of the nineteenth century a large number of political organisations emerged
2. They were instrumental in the development of political consciousness
3. Some of the well known political organisations were: ‘Puna Sarbojonik Sabha’ of Gopal Hari Deshmukh (1867), ‘Madras Mahajan Sabha’ (1884), ‘Madras Native Association’ (1852) and ‘East India Association, London’ of Dadabhai Naoroji and K. R. Cama (1866).
4. In 1871 a branch of East India Association was formed in Bombay. Rangaiyya Naidu, the President of Mahajana Sabha (1884), spread the popularity of his association among small towns and villages.

Question 4

Write how Bharat Sabha was formed and what was its purpose.

Answer

On 26th July 1876, Surendranath Banerjee formed the Bharat Sabha or Indian Association.

Bharat Sabha had four aims-

• First, to unite people of all races, religions and communities for political purposes.
• Secondly, to develop strong public opinion throughout the country.
• Thirdly, to involve people in the mass movement and
• Fourthly, to unite the Hindus and Muslims together.

Question 5

What were the objectives of the Hindu Mela?

Answer

The main objectives of the Hindumela were:

1. to spread the glory of by ancient Hindu religion among the educated youths,
2. to develop the country with their Th own effort,
3. to encourage the study of native language and education,
4. to respect our  national emblems,
5. to protect educated youths of India from the hands of moral degradation and lavish westernisation,
6. to raise the glory of India,
7. to encourage the youths with physical education and physical training,
8. to exhibit and sale the products of indigenous industries,

Question 6

Write about Swami’s ‘Bartaman Bharat’ as a source of nationalist history.

Answer

“Bartaman Bharat” (Present-day India) is a collection of essays written by Swami Vivekananda in Bengali language during his travels throughout India. This book is considered an important source of nationalist history as it reflects Swami Vivekananda’s ideas on India’s past, present, and future.

In “Bartaman Bharat,” Swami Vivekananda emphasized the need for India to revive its cultural heritage and spiritual values, and to use them as a foundation for the country’s progress. He also wrote about the importance of education, especially the education of women, to uplift the nation.

Swami Vivekananda’s essays in “Bartaman Bharat” are rich in descriptions of India’s cultural and social diversity. He highlighted the unity of India’s diverse communities and encouraged the people to come together to fight against colonialism.

Through his writings, Swami Vivekananda also criticized the British government’s policies in India, such as the economic exploitation and the destruction of India’s traditional industries.

Question 7

What was the importance of the novel ‘Anandamath’ from the Nationalist perspective?

Answer

The importance of the novel ‘Anandamath’ from the Nationalist perspective:

1. It was a powerful portrayal of the struggle for independence and the fight against British colonialism.
2. It popularized the concept of “Vande Mataram” as a patriotic slogan and song, which became a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement.
3. It presented a vision of a united India that transcended regional, religious, and caste differences.
4. It celebrated the ideals of sacrifice, selflessness, and patriotism, which were seen as essential for the success of the freedom struggle.
5. It depicted Hinduism as a vital force for Indian nationalism and highlighted the importance of Indian culture and traditions in the struggle for independence.
6. It inspired a generation of nationalists, including leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai, and played a significant role in the growth of the Indian independence movement.

Question 8

What was Rabindranath’s ‘Gora’ role in awakening nationalist feeling in India?

Answer

Rabindranath Tagore’s novel ‘Gora’ played a significant role in awakening nationalist feelings in India by:

1. Depicting the tension between British colonial rule and the Indian desire for self-rule.
2. Criticizing the hypocrisy of Indian elites who embraced Western education and culture while denigrating their own heritage.
3. Celebrating the unity of India’s diverse religious and cultural traditions, emphasizing the importance of embracing and respecting all communities.
4. Encouraging the use of Indian languages and promoting the idea of Swadeshi or indigenous industries.
5. Challenging the caste system by portraying a protagonist who defies social hierarchies and embraces a casteless society.
6. Inspiring the idea of a new India, rooted in tradition yet modern and forward-looking, with a strong sense of national identity and pride.

Question 9

What were the features and limitations of the Hindu Mela?

Explanatory questions

Question 1

Give a description of the character of nationalist feelings during 1957.

Answer

The nationalist feeling during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or Sepoy Mutiny, was marked by a strong sense of anti-British sentiment and a desire for Indian independence. The revolt was triggered by various factors such as British policies that undermined the power and status of Indian rulers and social groups, religious beliefs, and economic grievances.

Historians differ in their interpretation of the revolt, with some describing it as a war of independence or a national uprising, while others see it as a limited mutiny by a group of disgruntled soldiers. However, there is no doubt that the events of 1857 had a significant impact on Indian nationalism and paved the way for later movements against British rule.

The nationalist feeling during the 1857 revolt was largely driven by a desire to resist British colonialism and reassert Indian autonomy. The rebellion was marked by the participation of people from different social and religious backgrounds, including soldiers, peasants, artisans, and nobles, who were united in their opposition to British rule.

Question 2

What was the attitude of the Bengali middle class towards the Revolt of 1857? In this context, give an account of the Queen’s Proclamation.

Answer

Educated Bengali Society did not support the Revolt of 1857. They thought that the leaders of the revolt of 1857 wanted to reestablish medieval feudal society and the state system in place of modern education and reforms of the British. If we study contemporary papers and journals, we must see that educated Bengali society hated the mutineers but paid their respect and homage to the British administration. Iswar Chandra Gupta disliked Laxmibai, Tantia Tope, Nana Saheb etc. leaders.)

Proclamation of the Queen: After the end of the revolt of 1857, ‘An Act for the Better Government of India’ was passed on 2nd August 1858, by which the English East India Company’s rule in India was ended and the Viceroy’s (royal representative) rule introduced. Lord Canning after being appointed as the first viceroy of India, representing Victoria (1837-1901), the Queen of England, organised a formal court in Allahabad. In this court, on 1st November 1858, he read out a proclamation on behalf of the Queen. This came to be known as “The Proclamation of the Queen. In this proclamation, a number of promises were made for the benefit of India.

For example,

1. Indigenous kings without a son were Queen Victoria allowed to adopt a son.
2. Abolition of Title will no longer be a valid law.
3. The British Government will not extend its empire on Indian soil any more.

Question 3

Why is the 19th century known as the Age of Associations? What were the aims of ‘Bharat Sabha’?

Answer

Age of Association: The whole of the nineteenth century has seen the formation and development of many such associations. So, Cambridge historian Dr Anil Sil, in his book ‘The Emergence of Indian Nationalism: Competition and Collaboration in the Late Nineteenth Century, has called “this period as an age of associations”. Because

1. In the second half of the nineteenth century, a large number of political organisations emerged.
2. They were instrumental in the development of political consciousness
3. Some of the well-known political organisations were: ‘The Puna Sarbojonik Sabha’ of Gopal Hari Deshmukh (1867), ‘Madras Mahajan Sabha (1884), ‘Madras Native Association (1852) and ‘The East India Association, London’ of Dadabhai Naoroji and K. R. Cama (1866).
4. In 1871 a branch of the East India Association was formed in Bombay. Rangaiyya Naidu, the President of Mahajana Sabha (1884), spread the popularity of his association among small towns and villages.
5. In 1885, Firoz Shah Mehta, Badruddin Tayebji and Kashinath Trimbak Telang formed ‘The Bombay Presidency Association’. In 1886 Rajnarayan Basu formed a ‘Secret Samity’ in Midnapore and Jyotirindra Nath Tagore formed ‘Sanjeebani Sabha’. ‘The Indian Reform Society’ and ‘The London Indian Society’ (1865) were formed through foreign initiative.

Bharat Sabha had four aims-

• First, to unite people of all races, religions and communities for political purposes.
• Secondly, to develop strong public opinion throughout the country.
• Thirdly, to involve people in the mass movement and
• Fourthly, to unite the Hindus and Muslims together.

Question 4

Describe ‘Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha’ and ‘Zamindar Sabha’.

Answer

Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha(1836):

Bangabhasha Prakashika Sabha was formed on 8th December 1836. Kalinath Ray Chowdhury, the zamindar of Taki, Prasanna Kumar Tagore, Dwarkanath Tagore and some followers of Rammohan Roy formed this association. The first meeting of this association was convened under the first presidentship of Gaurishankar Bhattacharya (Tarkabagish). The association vehemently opposed the imposition of taxes on non-taxable land.

The main objectives and activities of Bangabhasa Prakashika Sabha were

1. to create political consciousness in Bengal for the organisation of a permanent political movement,
2. to convene a meeting every Thursday to discuss religious, political and philosophical matters,
3. to oppose the tax on rent-free lands adopted by British Govt.

Jamidar Sabha or Landholders’ Society (1837):

On 12th November 1837, zamindar Radhakanta Deb, Dwarkanath Tagore and Prasanna Kumar Tagore, disciple of Rammohan Roy met at the Hindu College and formed the Jamidar Sabha or Land Holders’ Association. Then its president was Radhakanta Deb and secretary was Prasanna kumar Tagore. In April 1838 the name of zamindari sabha was changed in the ‘Zamindari Association’. The latter name was suggested by Dwarkanath Tagore. At this time Ramkamal Sen and Bhabani Charan Mitra also associated with this society. The orientalist, Rajendra Lal Mitra, said, ‘This society was the pioneer of freedom movement in this country’. He felt that this association looked after the interests of the landlord and tenants alike.

Its main objectives were-

1. to oppose Regulation III,
2. to protect the interests of the zamindars of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa,
3. to bring the British bureaucracy in favour of zamindars,
4. to spread the Prasanna Kumar Tagore Permanent Settlement (1793) Act over India

Question 5

Discuss the nature of the revolt of 1857.