Chapter 2 – Culture Characteristics and Discussions | Chapter Solution Class 10

Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)

Question 1

When was Bamadhoni magazine first published?

1. 1863
2. 1866
3. 1880
4. 1922

Answer

(c) 1880

Explanation:

Bamadhoni magazine was first published in 1880.

Question 2

Bama means in Bamadhoni-

1. widow
2. girl child
3. newly married woman
4. all women

Answer

(c) a newly married woman

Explanation:

In Bamadhoni, “Bama” refers to a newly married woman.

Question 3

When Hindu Patriot was first published?

1. 1850 
2. 1853
3. 1855
4. 1863

Answer

(b) 1853

Explanation:

The Hindu Patriot newspaper was first published in 1853.

Question 4

Who was the first editor of Hindu Patriot?

1. Harish Chandra
2. Shambhu Chandra
3. Bankim Chandra
4. Sharat Chandra

Answer

(a) Harish Chandra Mukherjee

Explanation:

The first editor of the Hindu Patriot was Harish Chandra Mukherjee.

Question 5

Hutum Pyachar Naksha was written by-

1. Kaliprasanna Singha
2. Parichand Mitra
3. Dinabandhu Mitra
4. Shibnath Shastri

Answer

(a) Kaliprasanna Singha

Explanation:

“Hutum Pyachar Naksha” was written by Kaliprasanna Singha.

Question 6

When was Nildarpan first played on stage?

1. 1872 
2. 1878
3. 1871
4. 1892

Answer

(a) 1872

Explanation:

“Nildarpan”, the play by Dinabandhu Mitra, was first played on stage in 1872.

Question 7

Who was the first editor of Gram Barta?

1. Kangal Harinath
2. Dinabandhu
3. Dwarkanath Ganguly
4. Madhusudhan Dutta

Answer

(a) Kangal Harinath

Explanation:

Kangal Harinath was the first editor of Gram Barta.

Question 8

When was the Calcutta Madrasa established?

1. 1761
2. 1771
3. 1781 
4. 1791

Answer

(c) 1781

Explanation:

The Calcutta Madrasa was established in 1781.

Question 9

Who established the Calcutta School Book Society?

1. Radhakanta Deb
2. Ram Mohan Roy 
3. David Hare
4. Radhakanta Dev

Answer

(c) David Hare

Explanation:

The Calcutta School Book Society was established by David Hare in 1817.

Question 10

Who established Sreerampore Mission?

1. Marshman
2. Carey
3. Ward
4. Colebook

Answer

(b) William Carey

Explanation:

William Carey (1761-1834) along with few other Scottish missionaries established the Serampore mission. This mission resulted in the setting up of a printing press in 1800 and a college in 1818.

Question 11

Whose request led to the creation of Calcutta University?

1. Wood
2. Macaulay
3. Elphinston
4. Hardinge

Answer

(a) Wood

Question 12

Who is said to be India’s first modern man?

1. Vidyasagar David Hare
2. Derozio 
3. David Hare
4. Rammohan

Answer

(d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Explanation:

Raja Ram Mohan Roy is often considered as the “Father of Modern India”. He was a social reformer, philosopher, and writer who played a significant role in the Indian Renaissance movement. He was one of the founders of the Brahmo Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement, and was a strong advocate for the abolition of sati and other social evils prevailing in the Indian society of his time.

Question 13

Who wrote Shabdakalpadum?

1. Rammohan
2. Radhakanata 
3. Vidyasagar
4. Vivekananda

Answer

(b) Raja Radhakanta Dev

Explanation:

Shabdakalpadrum is a Bengali thesaurus, and it was written by Raja Radhakanta Dev, who was a Bengali poet, writer, and philanthropist. He was one of the leading figures of the Bengal Renaissance movement, and his works had a significant impact on the development of Bengali language and literature.

Question 14

When was the Hindu College established?

1. 1717
2. 1817
3. 1819
4. 1835

Answer

(b) 1817

Explanation:

Hindu College was established in 1817 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, David Hare, and other prominent citizens of Kolkata.

Question 15

Drinkwater Bethune belonged to which country?

1. England
2. Scotland 
3. Wales
4. Ireland

Answer

(a) English

Explanation:

Drinkwater Bethune was a British citizen, and he was born in Bristol, England in 1780. He arrived in India in 1808 and played a significant role in the development of education for girls in Kolkata. He founded the Bethune School in 1849, which was one of the first institutions in India to provide education for girls.

Answer the following questions

Question 1

Who was the first woman to get admission as a student in Calcutta Medical College?

Answer

Kadambini Ganguly was the first woman to get admission as a student in Calcutta Medical College.

Question 2

Who was the first Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University?

Answer

Sir James William Colvile was the first Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University.

Question 3

Who was the first Bengali Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University?

Answer

James William Colvile who was the first Vice -Chancellor of Calcutta University.

Question 4

Who conducted the first autopsy in Calcutta Medical college?

Answer

Pandit Madhusudan Gupta is credited with conducting the first autopsy at Calcutta Medical College in 1836.

Question 5

Who was given the title of Brahamananda?

Answer

Devendranath Tagore appointed Keshub Chandra Sen as the “acharya” in the year 1862. Tagore gave him the title Brahmananda to Keshub Chandra Sen.

Question 6

Who created the Nababidhan?

Answer

In 1881 Keshab founded the Church of the New Dispensation (Naba Bidhan) for the purpose of establishing the truth of all the great religions in an institution that he believed would replace them all. When he died in 1884, the Brahmo Samaj began to decline.

Question 7

When was the custom of sati banned?

Answer

The custom of sati was banned in 1829.

Question 8

Who created the Young Bengal?

Answer

Henry Louis Vivian Derozio created the Young Bengal movement.

Say whether it’s True or False

1. Swamiji said every religion has its own path to reach God. 
2. Sri Ramkrishna said, ‘let the New India awake through the plough’.
3. Lalan Fakir is called the Baul Samrat.
4. Bijoy Krishna Goswami was both a sage and a doctor. 
5. ‘Gram Barta’ is a Sanskrit magazine.

Match the Following

Answer

Or,

Answer

Question 2

Discuss the influence of the play Nil Darpan.

Answer

Nil Darpan, written by Dinabandhu Mitra, is a famous Bengali play that was first published in 1858. It is based on the true story of the oppression of indigo farmers in Bengal by British planters. The play highlighted the problems of indigo cultivation, which was a major source of revenue for the British. The play portrayed the sufferings of the indigo farmers who were forced to cultivate indigo, which led to the exploitation and abuse of the farmers by the planters. The play also highlighted the struggle of the farmers against the planters, which eventually led to the victory of the farmers. The impact of the play was significant in creating awareness among the people about the problems of the indigo farmers. The play generated widespread sympathy for the farmers and drew attention to their plight, leading to a public outcry against the planters. It played a key role in the indigo revolt of 1859. The play also marked a turning point in Bengali literature, as it depicted the sufferings of the people in a realistic manner, which was a departure from the earlier romantic literature. The play also highlighted the role of theatre in creating social awareness and reform. The influence of the play can still be felt today, as it continues to be studied and performed, and remains an important part of Bengali literature.

Question 3

Why is Hutom Pyanchar Naksha considered a novel of very high standards?

Answer

Hutom Pyanchar Naksha, written by Kali Prasanna Singha, is considered a novel of very high standards because of several reasons. Firstly, it is a satirical work that mocks the flaws of the society and its people. Secondly, it is a work of art that provides an intricate and vivid description of the life and customs of 19th century Bengal. Thirdly, the novel is rich in humour and wit, which makes it an enjoyable read. Fourthly, it is a literary masterpiece that makes use of literary devices such as irony, metaphor, and personification. Finally, it is a pioneering work in Bengali literature that played a significant role in shaping the modern Bengali language and literature. These factors make Hutom Pyanchar Naksha a novel of high standards and a masterpiece of Bengali literature.

Question 4

Discuss the role of David Hare in the spread of education in India.

Answer

David Hare played a significant role in the spread of education in India during the 19th century. He was a Scottish philanthropist who arrived in Calcutta in 1819 and devoted his life to improving the education system in India. He established the Hindu College in 1817, which became a model for other educational institutions in the country. He also supported the establishment of Bethune School for girls in 1849.

David Hare was an advocate of English education and saw it as a means to promote social and economic progress in India. He founded the School Book Society, which published textbooks in English and Bengali. He also founded the Calcutta School Society to provide education to the poor and underprivileged sections of society.

Hare also played a key role in the establishment of the Calcutta University in 1857, which provided a platform for higher education in the country. He was appointed as the first secretary of the university.

David Hare’s contributions to education in India were significant and far-reaching. He worked tirelessly to promote education, especially in English, as a means to empower individuals and uplift society. His efforts had a profound impact on the educational landscape of India and paved the way for future educational reforms in the country.

Question 5

Describe the history of the Calcutta Medical College and also its medical education.

Answer

Calcutta Medical College is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical institutions in India. It was established in 1835 by Lord William Bentinck, the then Governor-General of India. The college was started to provide medical education to Indian students and create a pool of qualified Indian doctors.

Initially, the college was set up as an affiliated institution of the University of Calcutta. It was located in the premises of the Presidency General Hospital. In 1857, the college moved to a new building at Bowbazar Street in Kolkata.

Calcutta Medical College played a significant role in the development of medical education in India. It was the first medical institution in the country to introduce a formal medical curriculum and offer medical degrees. The college also established the first medical library in India.

The medical education offered by Calcutta Medical College was based on the British system of medicine. The college provided training in anatomy, physiology, surgery, and pharmacology. The college also offered practical training in hospitals and dispensaries. The medical education was rigorous and demanding, and only a few students could complete the course.

The college has produced several notable alumni, including Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, and Dr. B.C. Guha, the founder of the first medical college in Bangladesh.

Question 6

Why is the Calcutta University considered to be a very grand seat of learning?

Answer

Calcutta University, established in 1857, is considered a grand seat of learning due to its rich history, academic excellence, and pioneering role in higher education in India. The university produced many famous scholars, scientists, and leaders, including Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, and C.V. Raman. It was the first modern university in South Asia and one of the earliest institutions of higher education in the world.

The university has a long and illustrious history of academic excellence and research. It has a well-established reputation for excellence in humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences. The university has many renowned faculties, including the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Commerce, Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

The university has a vast campus with numerous departments, colleges, research centers, and libraries. It has excellent infrastructure, including modern laboratories, libraries, and classrooms, which provide an ideal environment for learning and research. The university has a highly qualified faculty, including many renowned scholars and experts in their respective fields.

Question 7

Give a description of the movement which wanted to promote widow remarriage.

Answer

The movement to promote widow remarriage emerged in 19th century Bengal as a response to the societal taboo against widow remarriage. The movement was led by social reformers such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Pandit Iswar Chandra Gupta, and Keshub Chandra Sen. These reformers sought to abolish the stigmatization of widows and to encourage them to remarry. They argued that this would improve the status of women in society and reduce the number of widows who were forced to live in poverty and social exclusion. The movement also sought to challenge the traditional Hindu practices that prohibited widow remarriage. It was a controversial movement that faced opposition from conservative sections of society. Despite the challenges, the movement achieved some success in changing social attitudes towards widow remarriage and improving the status of widows in Bengal. The Widow Remarriage Act of 1856 was a significant milestone in this movement, as it legalized widow remarriage in British India.

Question 8

Describe the characteristics of the division of Brahamo Samaj.

Answer

The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, was divided into two groups in 1866. The division occurred due to a dispute over the nature of worship and the use of images in the temple. The first group was known as the Adi Brahmo Samaj and was led by Debendranath Tagore, while the second group was known as the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj and was led by Keshab Chandra Sen.

The Adi Brahmo Samaj believed in a pure monotheistic form of worship without any ritualistic practices. They believed in the existence of one God and rejected idol worship. They also emphasized the importance of social reforms and education.

On the other hand, the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj believed in a more liberal and inclusive form of worship that allowed for the use of images and music. They believed in the existence of one God but did not reject the possibility of other deities. They also believed in the importance of social and political reforms and advocated for women’s rights and education.

Question 9

Describe the debate on the Bengal Renaissance.

Answer

The Bengal Renaissance was a period of cultural awakening and transformation that took place in Bengal during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The term is often used to describe the emergence of a new class of educated, middle-class Bengalis who sought to modernize and reform their society. However, there is some debate among historians about the true nature and impact of this movement.

Some scholars argue that the Bengal Renaissance was a genuinely transformative period that ushered in a new era of intellectual and social progress in Bengal. They point to the many achievements of this period, including the development of modern literature, the promotion of women’s education, and the emergence of new political and social movements.

Question 10

Sri Ramakrishna viewed the objectives of all religions to be the same-describe.

Answer

Sri Ramakrishna was a 19th century Indian saint and mystic who believed in the unity of all religions. He considered that all religions lead to the same ultimate goal, which is the realization of God. According to him, different religions are like different paths that lead to the same destination. He used to say that just as water can be drawn from different wells but it is the same water, similarly, God can be realized through different religions, but it is the same God.

Sri Ramakrishna believed that religious diversity is necessary because people have different temperaments and preferences. He often used parables to explain this, such as comparing different religions to different flowers in a garden that all contribute to its beauty. He also emphasized the importance of experiencing God directly rather than just reading about or hearing about it.

Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings influenced the formation of the Ramakrishna Mission and the Vedanta Society, which aimed to spread his message of religious harmony and service to humanity. His views on the unity of religions continue to inspire people of different faiths and cultures to seek common ground and work towards a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Question 11

Write a short note on Lalan Fakir.

Answer

Lalan Fakir was a notable poet, musician, and philosopher who lived in Bengal during the 19th century. He was the founder of the Baul movement, which was based on the philosophy of self-realization through music and poetry. Lalan Fakir’s compositions were known for their simplicity, depth, and universality. His songs addressed the issues of love, humanism, and the quest for the divine. Lalan Fakir was a proponent of the idea of unity among all religions and communities. His teachings emphasized the importance of inner spirituality over external rituals and dogmas. Today, Lalan Fakir is revered as a spiritual master and his legacy continues to inspire artists and musicians across Bengal and beyond.

Question 12

What was the contribution of Bijoy Krishna Goswami?

Answer

Bijoy Krishna Goswami (1849-1929) was a prominent figure in the Bengal Renaissance movement. He was a philosopher, social reformer, and educationist who made significant contributions to Bengali literature and culture. Goswami believed in the importance of education and worked tirelessly to promote it.

One of his notable contributions was the establishment of the Brahmo Girls School in Kolkata in 1886, which was one of the first schools for girls in India. He also founded the Brahmo Balika Shikshalaya, a girls’ school in Dhaka, in 1888. Goswami was a strong advocate for women’s education and played a key role in promoting it.

Goswami was also an accomplished writer and translator. He translated several works of English literature into Bengali, including Shakespeare’s plays, and wrote extensively on philosophy and religion. He was a disciple of Keshub Chandra Sen, the founder of the Brahmo Samaj, and was instrumental in spreading the message of the Brahmo Samaj in Bengal.

Question 13

How successful was the Bengal Renaissance?

Answer

The Bengal Renaissance was a period of significant cultural, social, and intellectual awakening in Bengal. It brought about changes in the fields of education, literature, art, science, and social reform. The movement contributed to the development of a new generation of intellectuals who sought to create a modern, progressive society. The movement also emphasized the importance of reason, humanism, and social justice.

The Bengal Renaissance was successful in awakening the people of Bengal to the need for change and progress, and it laid the foundation for a modern Indian society. The movement led to the establishment of institutions of higher learning and contributed to the growth of the press, which played a significant role in spreading knowledge and awareness among the masses.

However, the movement also faced significant challenges, such as opposition from conservative elements of society and the limitations of the colonial system. The movement’s success was also limited by its focus on the elites and the urban population, with rural areas and the masses often left out. Despite these challenges, the Bengal Renaissance had a significant impact on the development of modern India and remains an important period in Indian history.

Explanatory questions

Question 1

Write in detail about the writer Kaliprasanna and his work Hutom Pyanchar Naksha.

Answer

Kaliprasanna Singha was a prominent writer of the 19th century Bengal renaissance, known for his literary works that reflected the socio-economic conditions of the time. His most famous work, Hutom Pyanchar Naksha, is a satirical novel that exposes the hypocrisy of the Bengali aristocracy. The novel, published in 1862, follows the life of a lower-class protagonist, Hutom Pyancho, who comes to Kolkata and interacts with the elite class. Through Hutom’s experiences, Singha highlights the corrupt and decadent nature of the Bengali aristocracy, their obsession with Western culture, and their disdain for their own roots.

Singha’s work is considered to be a classic of Bengali literature due to its use of a unique literary style and language. He wrote in the colloquial Bengali language, which was different from the Sanskritized Bengali used by most writers at that time. This made his work accessible to a wider audience, including those who were not well-educated.

Hutom Pyanchar Naksha also explores the issues of colonialism, Westernization, and the impact of these forces on Bengali society. Singha was critical of the westernization of Bengali culture and called for a return to traditional values. Through his novel, he also highlighted the plight of the lower class in Bengal, who were often ignored by the elites.

Singha’s contribution to Bengali literature goes beyond Hutom Pyanchar Naksha. He was a prolific writer who wrote plays, novels, and satirical essays. He was also a social reformer who worked for the betterment of society. Singha’s work remains relevant to this day and is studied by students of Bengali literature.

Question 2

Write in detail about the spread of Western education in India.

Answer

The spread of Western education in India began with the establishment of English-medium schools by Christian missionaries in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The British East India Company also played a significant role in the spread of Western education, as they needed Indians who were educated in English to work as clerks and administrators.

The Charter Act of 1813 allowed the Company to spend money on education, leading to the establishment of more schools and colleges. One of the earliest and most notable institutions was the Hindu College in Calcutta, founded in 1817. However, these institutions were initially only accessible to the wealthy and elite classes.

The introduction of the English language as the medium of instruction led to the spread of Western education beyond the confines of the colonial elite. The vernacular press also played an important role in disseminating Western ideas and knowledge to a wider audience. Western-style universities were established in major cities like Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras in the latter half of the 19th century.

The contribution of individuals like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Keshub Chandra Sen was also significant in the spread of Western education in India. They advocated for the education of women and lower castes and also sought to combine Western education with traditional Indian knowledge and values.

Despite its many successes, the spread of Western education in India also had its drawbacks. It was often criticized for promoting a narrow and elitist view of knowledge, as well as for being disconnected from the realities of Indian society. Nevertheless, it remains an important chapter in India’s intellectual and cultural history.

Question 3

Discuss the evolution, division, characteristics, and conclusion of the Brahamo Samaj.

Answer

(a) The Brahamo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, evolved as a socio-religious movement aimed at reforming Hindu society. It focused on monotheism, discouraging idol worship, and denouncing caste discrimination. The Samaj gained popularity and attracted many followers, and its members aimed to modernize and liberate Hindu society.

(b) The Brahamo Samaj was divided into two groups – the Adi Samaj and the Sadharan Brahamo Samaj. The division was mainly caused by ideological differences regarding the approach to religious reform. While the Adi Samaj followed a more conservative approach, focusing on monotheism and prohibiting idol worship, the Sadharan Brahamo Samaj advocated for a more liberal approach, incorporating diverse religious beliefs.

(c) The characteristics of the Brahamo Samaj included a belief in monotheism and the rejection of caste discrimination. The Samaj advocated for women’s education, the promotion of science and rationality, and the abolition of child marriage. It also aimed to create a society where people of all castes and religions could coexist in harmony.

(d) The Brahamo Samaj contributed significantly to the Indian Renaissance, which led to the reform and modernization of Indian society. The Samaj played a critical role in the social and religious reforms of the 19th century, including the abolition of the practice of Sati, the promotion of women’s education, and the fight against caste discrimination. Although the Samaj experienced division and fragmentation, its ideas and values continued to inspire and influence social and religious reform movements in India. The Brahamo Samaj marked the beginning of the modern era in Indian history and paved the way for a new way of thinking, where science and rationality could play an essential role in shaping Indian society.

Question 4

Discuss how Swami Vivekananda turned the ideals of religious reforms to Nabavedanta.

Answer

Swami Vivekananda was a prominent disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and played a crucial role in the revival of Hinduism in the late 19th century. He firmly believed in the idea of universal religion and worked towards its propagation. He transformed the ideals of religious reforms into the concept of Navavedanta, which aimed at the spiritual upliftment of the masses.

The Navavedanta movement emphasized the five core ideas of Vivekananda’s philosophy: Brahman, Atman, Maya, Karma, and Bhakti. It was based on the belief that all religions were different paths leading to the same ultimate goal. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings aimed at promoting harmony, brotherhood, and understanding among people of different faiths.

Swami Vivekananda also stressed the importance of social reform and encouraged the practice of selfless service or Seva. He believed that true spirituality involved serving others and contributing to the betterment of society. Vivekananda’s emphasis on the practical aspect of spirituality was a significant departure from the traditional approach.

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and philosophy inspired the founding of the Ramakrishna Mission, a spiritual organization that works towards the welfare of humanity. The Ramakrishna Mission has played an instrumental role in various fields, including education, health, and social service.

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