NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Glimpses of the Past
NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Glimpses of the Past are provided below. These solutions contain answers to all the textbook questions. All the questions are solved by experts with a detailed explanation that help students to complete their assignments and homework. NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 3 Glimpses of the Past are prepared as per the latest CBSE syllabus and curriculum. Students of Class 8th can study the answers provided here to score well in their school exams.
Glimpses of the Past Class 8 NCERT Questions and Answers
Comprehension Check (Page 45)
Question 1: Look at picture 1 and recall the opening lines of the original song in Hindi. Who is the singer? Who else do you see in this picture?
Answer: The opening lines of the Hindi Song are “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon, Tum Khub Laga lo Naara: Ye Shubh Din Hai Hum Sab Ka Lehralo Tiranga Pyara, Par Mat Bhulo Seema Par Veron Ne Hain Pran Gawayen.” It was sung by Lata Mangeskar. We see Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Lai Bahadur Shastri and Mrs Indira Gandhi in this picture.
Question 2: In picture 2 what do you understand by the Company’s ‘superior weapons?
Answer: The East India Company’s “superior weapons” refers to the arms and ammunition such as guns and cannons, wit, strong rules and regulations and diplomacy of the British rulers.
Question 3: Who is an artisan? Why do you think the artisans suffered? (Picture 3)
Answer: An artisan is a craftsman, skilled in some trade. They suffered because the goods that they produced lost demand in the Indian market.
Question 4: Which picture, according to you, reveals the first sparks of the fire of revolt?
Answer: Picture 7 reveals the first spark of the fire of revolt.
Working with the Text
Answer the following questions.
Question 1: Do you think the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach to the events of 1757?
Answer: Yes, the Indian princes were short-sighted in their approach. They fought against each other with the help of the British. Thus the British became the virtual rulers.
Question 2: How did the East India Company subdue the Indian Princes?
Answer: The Indian princes were constantly at war with each other. They called the English merchants to help them in their fights. The people had no peace due to such constant fights. The rivalries helped the East India Company subdue the Indian princes one by one.
Question 3: Quote the words used by Ram Mohan Roy to say that every religion teaches the same principles.
Answer: According to Ram Mohan Roy, “Cows are of different colours, but the colour of their milk is the same. Different teachers have different opinions, but the essence of every religion is the same.”
Question 4: In what ways did the British officers exploit Indians?
Answer: The British rulers passed a resolution under which an Indian could be sent to jail without trial in a court. The goods manufactured in England were exempted from custom duty. The officers prospered on the company’s loot and their private business flourished.
Question 5: Name these people.
(i) The ruler who fought pitched battles against the British and died fighting.
(ii) The person who wanted to reform the society.
(iii) The person who recommended the introduction of English education in India.
(iv) Two popular leaders who led the revolt (Choices may vary.)
Answer: (i) Kunwar Singh
(ii) Ram Mohan Roy
(iii) Macaulay
(iv) Maulvi Ahmedulla of Faizabad and Peshwa Nana Saheb
Question 6: Mention the following.
(i) Two examples of social practices prevailing then.
(ii) Two oppressive policies of the British.
(iii) Two ways in which common people suffered.
(iv) Four reasons for the discontent that led to the 1857 War of Independence.
Answer: (i) Untouchability and child marriage.
(ii) The British masters allowed imports in India tax free. They ruined Indian cottage industries.
(iii) The farmers were taxed heavily and the thumbs of skilled workers were cut.
(iv) (a) Santhals who lost their land became desperate and they revolted.
(b) The sepoys in the English army were paid much less than white soldiers. So they were discontented and angry.
(c) The Brahmins were furious when they came to know that the bullets they had to bite, contained cow fat and pig-fat.
(d) Many landlords were sore because the British policies deprived them of their land and estate.
Working with Language
In comics what the characters speak is put in bubbles. This is direct narration. When we report what the characters speak, we use the method of indirect narration.
Study these examples:
First farmer: Why are your men taking away the entire crop?
Second farmer: Your men have taken away everything.
Officer: You are still in arrears. If you don’t pay tax next week, I’ll send you to jail.
- The first farmer asked the officer why his men were taking away the entire crop.
- The second farmer said that their men had taken away everything.
- The officer replied that they were still in arrears and warned them that if they did not pay tax the following week, he (the officer) would send them (the farmers) to jail.
1. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.
(i) First man: We must educate our brothers.
Second man: And try to improve their material conditions.
Third man: For that we must convey our grievances to the British Parliament.
The first man said that_____________________________
The second man added that they ___________________
The third man suggested that________________________
Answer: (i) The first man said that they must educate their brothers.
The second man added that they should try to improve their material conditions.
The third man suggested that they must convey their grievances to the British Parliament.
(ii) First soldier: The white soldier gets huge pay, mansions and servants.
Second soldier: We get a pittance and slow promotions.
Third soldier: Who are the British to abolish our customs?
The first soldier said that_____________________________
The second soldier remarked that___________________
The third soldier asked_____________________
Answer:
The first soldier said that the white soldier got huge pay, mansions and servants.
The second soldier remarked that they got a pittance and slow, promotions.
The third soldier asked who the British were to abolish their customs.