315

Senior Secondary Course

Intermediate (TOSS) Course

HISTORY
(English Medium)

STUDY MATERIAL

Telangana Open School Society (TOSS), Hyderabad

SCERT Campus, Opp. to L.B. Stadium, Basheerbagh, Hyderabad - 500 001, Telangana.
Phone : 040-23299568, website : telanganaopenschool.org. E-mail : [email protected]
 © TELANGANA OPEN SCHOOL SOCIETY
GOVERNMENT OF TELANGANA, HYDERABAD

First Published : 2011

Reprint : 2013
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This Study Material is Prepared on the basis of Original Political Science (315)
(English Version) of TOSS, Hyderabad

Published by:
Telangana Open School Society (TOSS) Hyderabad

i
 FORE WARD

Education plays an important role in the modern society. Many innovations can be
achieved through Education. Hence the Department of Education is giving equal
importance to non-formal education through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode on
the lines of formal education. This is the first State Open School established in the
country in the year 1991 offering courses up to Upper primary Level till 2008. From
the academic year 2008-2009 SSC Course was introduced and Intermediate Course
from the year 2010-2011. The qualified learners from the Open School are eligible for
both higher studies and employment. So far 7,67,190 learners were enrolled in the
Open Schools and 4,50,024 learners have successfully completed their courses.

With the aim of improving the administration at the grass-root level the Telangana
Government re-organized the existing Districts and formed 31 new Districts. The
formation of new Districts provide wide range of employment and Business
opportunities besides self employment. Given the freedom and flexibilities available,
the Open School system provides a second chance of learning for those who could not
fulfill their dreams of formal education.

Government of Telangana is keen in providing quality education by supplying study

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Highly experienced professionals and subject experts are involved in preparing
curriculum and study material based on subject wise blue prints. The study material for
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I wish the learners of Open School make best use of the study material to brighten
their future opportunities and rise up to the occasion in building Bangaru Telangana.

With best wishes ........

S. Venkateshwara Sharma
DIRECTOR,
Telangana Open School Society,
Hyderabad
 315 History Study Material
CONTENTS
Lesson Name Page. No.

1. Understanding Indian History 1-3

2. The Geographical Setting and Pre-Historic Cultures of India 4-7

3. The Harappan Civilization 8-10

4. The Vedic Age (1500 BC - 600 BC) 11-14

5. From Janapadas to Empire 15-19

6. Post Mouryan Developments 20-23

7. The Guptas and their Successors (A.D.300-750) 24-27

8. India between A.D. 750 to A.D. 1200 28-31

9. Establishment and Expansion of the Delhi Sultanate 32-35

10. Establishment of the Mughal Rule 36-41

11. Emergence of Regional States in India : Twelfth to Eighteenth Century 42-45

12. Administrative System and Institutions 46-49

13. Economy 50-54

14. Cultural Developments in Medieval India 55-60

15. Understanding Eighteenth Century India 61-65

16. Establishment of British Rule in India till 1857 66-70

17. Economic effects of British Colonialism 71-74

v
 1
Understanding Indian History

Indroduction

History as field of study, is of utmost importance among social sciences. It lies at the base of all
concepts, theories and inferences found in different social sciences and hence a study of historical
background is indispensable for an understanding of the conceptual content of different Social Sciences.
History is the study of past events and is the mirror of men progress. It helps us to understood
those processes that enabled the early humans to successfully conquer their environment and develope
the present day civilization. It is not just a study of battles and kings as is normally understood by some.
It is an analysis of society, economy and cultural trends over a long period as reflected in available
sources. History deals with man and his times; man is dynamic and time progresses in a linear way;
prevalent values keep changing in accordance with the needs of the society and depending up on the
civilization and cultural levels of the society. Therefore, the actions and reactions of human beings can
not be reduced to predictable quotients. The job of a historian is ascertain the fact through cross
checking if different historical evidences. Further the explanations of human actions and reactions vary
from historian to historian because human perceptions are not uniform. A historian should defferentiate
the fact from the fiction. How ever, myths which are based on oral traditions of the society may contain
memories of past happenings.

Essay Questions
1. Explain the sources for Indian History ?
A. ● Unlike the other countries, Indias has abundant sources
● Sources are mainly two kinds i.e. Archaeological sources and Literary sources.
● Archaeological sources are three kinds, i.e., monuments, coins and edicts.

1
 ● Monuments and artifacts of different kinds - tools, pottery, furniture etc.
● Coins issued by kings of different dynasties and those of foreign origin found in different parts
of India.
● Inscriptions established by various kings are other main source for Indian History.
● Literary sources are also two kinds i.e. religious and secular Literature.
● Religious literature is again of two kinds i.e. domestic and foreign.
● Vedic literature, Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, Past vedic ritual literature, upanishads.
Relegious books of Jainism and Buddhisum i.e., Tripitakas, Jatakas are the main relegious
sources for Indian History.
● Manu smriti, Kautilya's Artha Sastra, panini's Ashtadhyayini, Kalidasa's writings, kalhana's
Rajatarangini, Harsha's "Harsha charitha" and Sangoma literature etc are also the important
sources for Indian History.
● Some more foreign accounts i.e., Megastaneese, Ptolemy, Fa-hsien and Hsuan Tsangs writ-
ing also supplemented the indigenous Literature.

Short type Questions

1. Explain Meaning and Definitions of History.

A. History is the mirror and records the clear picture of the evolution of man's progress.
● History is derived from the greek word historia which means research, enquiry and observa-
tion.
● After understanding the history by many historians, history in broad sense is every thing that
ever happened.
● According to Aristotle "History is an account of unchanging and uniform past".
● Renier's definition of history is the story of men living in societies.
● According to Lord Action "history is the unfolding story of human freedom".
2. Epigraphy : The study of inscriptions is known as epigraphy. Inceriptions are available to us on
hills, caves, rocks stone pillars and metal plate. The language on those inscriptions reflect contem
porary conditions of that period. They stand for victory celebrations, appreciation charts and
political matters.
3. Puranas - They are 18 in number. They contain worldy and secural knowledge. They deal with
creation of genealogy of Gods and raising of history of royal dynasties. Vishnu, vayu, matsya
puranas are some of the important puranas.
2
 4. Vedas : They are the main sources for both Aryan civilization as well as Ancient India. They are
four in number. Rigveda, Yajurveda, Atharvanaveda and samaveda. Of the vedas Rigveda was
first one. They are the symbols of sacredness. They are the standard sources for knowing about
Aryan culture and society.

VI. One Ward Answer Questions

1. What are the Upanishads ?

A. Concluding portions of vedas are called Upanishads. They discuss the philosophy of Atma and
paramatma.

2. Define Paleography ?
A. Style of ancient Writing.

3. Which dynasty issued the first gold coins in India ?

A. Kushans

4. Which chineese traveller refer to the glory of Nalanda University ?

A. Huan Tsang.

5. What is the use of C 14 dating ?

A. It helps in dating the bones or wood found in archaeological excavations.

✤✤✤

3
 2
The Geographical Setting and Pre-Historic
Cultures of India
Introduction

History of any Country (or) region cannot be understood without some knowledge of its geogra-
phy. The history of the people is greatly conditioned by the geography and environment of the region
which they live. The physical geography and environmental conditions of a region include climate, soil
types, water resources and other topographical features. These determine the settlement pattern,
population spread, food products, human behaviour and dietary habits of a region.

Geographically speaking the Indian subcontinent in ancient times included the present day India,
Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan. On the geographical diversities the subcontinent can be
broadly decided into three main regions. They are (i) Himalays (ii) The River plains of N.I (iii) The
peninsular India.

Objectives

● The main objectives of this lesson are

● explain the physical divisions of Indian sub continent
● recognise the distinct features of each region.
● Under stand the importance of each region
● Understand the environment of the region.
● define the term pre history, the pre historic cultures and micro liths.
● explain the Neo-lithic age and its characteristics.
● To understand the difference between Paleolithic and Neo lithic periods and
● learn about prehistoric art.

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Essay Questions

1. Assess the influence of the geographical features of India on its history ?

A. The sub continent of India has three distinct features, a long east - to - west stretch of Himalayan
Mountains, the Indo - Gangetic plains and the Deccan penisula.
● Himalayan mountains in the north, Bay of Bengal in the east, Indian ocean in the south and the
Attantic ocean in the west are the natural boundaries of India.
● Geographically India is in the Northern hemisphere between 804' and 3706 north latitude and
6807' and 97025' east longitude. Distances: North to South - 3214 KM (1997 miles)
East to West - 2933 KM (1822 miles)
● The Himalayan mountains run west to east to a distance of 2400 kms. The mountain range has
three parallel rows in between which eleven mountains peaks soaring to height of 20000 feet
or more; the tallest among them Mr. Kailasa also known as Gauri Sankar Peak. The other
important mountain peaks are kanchana Janga, Dhavalagiri and Nanda parbat.
● In the North west there is a mountain line starting from pamir and running in a northwestern
direction.
● Amidst the Himalayas lies Kashmir often described as "heaven on the earth".
● The perennial rivers that shaped the history of India are the Indo- Gangetic plains, form in the
Himalayas.
● South of the Vindhya mountains, lies a central plateau flanked on the East and West by moun-
tain ranges.
● Deccan plateau has many rivers like Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Penna and host of other
rivulets to flow East word to merge in the Bay of Bengal.
● The Vindhya - Satpura mountains and the western and Eastern Ghats had thick forests which
were the habitats of Munda, Bhil, Gond, Santhal, Savara and other tribes.
● The Eastern and western coast carried on a lucrative trade with the Roman empire, Malaya
and South Eastern countries.

Shorts Essays

1. How is history related to other Social Sciences?

A. ● History is described as mother of all social sciences
● History is closely related to different social science.

5
 ● It shares knowledge with sociology on studies like family, tribe, race, society, customs and
traditions, religion and culture.
● Political Science draws from history on concepts relating to the origins and forms of the states
and governments.
● Economics and history share knowledge on formation of economic institutions, concepts,
their workings and merits and demerits.
● Literature comes into the history as one if its sources.
● Public Administration depends on history for a historical background to its theories.
● History also draws upon psychology and Anthropology.

2. What are the views of Karlmarx on history as a Social Science ?

A. Karlmarx who has applied the dialects of Hegel formulated valuable principles for the writing and
study of social sciences.

● He studied history through dialectical approach and drew inferences.

● Marx opinion, society is a class-ridden institution such as 'the haves' and 'the have nots'.
● Dominant classes exploit the weaker classes and that lead to a class war. Class-war is a
feature of class ridden society.
● The remedy lies in the establishment of a class less society.
● Marx also says that economic factors are the governing factors in all social processes.

3. What were the chief features and uses of the tools used during the Paleolithic period ?

A. Hand axes, cleavers, choppers (chopping tools), the flake tools or chipped pieces and burins
and scrapers were the main tools of lower middle and upper Paleolithic ages respectively.

● In hand axes, the butt end is broader and the working edge is narrow. These were used for
cutting the trees or digging the roots.
● The cleavers had a bifaced edge. These were meant for splitting objects like the trunks of
trees.
● The choppers were the massive core tools with a unifacial working edge and were used for
chopping purposes.
● The burins were like flakes or blades. The scrapers were also made of flakes. These tools
served the purpose of obtaining barks of trees and skins of animals.

6
 4. Describe the geographical distribution of Neolithic sites ?

A. ● Neolithic sites were spread over almost all the regions of Indian Subcontinent.

● In the North Western region Mehrgarh is a classic site in the Kanchi plains of Baluchistan.
The excavations at Mehrgarh revealed the evidence of houses built by Neilithic people. These
were bult of sun dried bricks.
● The evidence of cultivation of crops like wheat, barley and cotton were discovered.
● Burzahom and Gufkral in Kashmir Valley form an important feature of Neilithic culture.
● The Belan vally along the vindhyan plateau has many Neilithic sites.
● Chirand in Bihar, Sanganakallu, Brahmagiri, Maski, piklihal, Halluru in Karnataka, Utnur,
Nagar juna Konda, Budihal in AP and pyampalli in Tamil Nadu have many sites of Neilithic
age.

IV. One Mark Questions

1. What are the two important relegions which took birth in middle Gangatic plain ?
A. (a) Jainism and (b) Buddism.
2. The Kaveri delta is famous for which crop ?
A. Rice - paddy
3. Which region is known as the 'bread basket of the subcontinent.
A. Punjab and Sindh in Indus plains.
4. Which region supplied iron ore and timber to Magadha ?
A. Chotta Nagapur
5. What source has been given to the tools of the Mesolithic age?
A. Microliths
6. Who coined the term ' Neolithic'?
A. John Lubbock.
7. Rock painting was distinct feature of which period ?
A. Mesolithic period
8. Point out the main subjects highlighted in prehistoric rock art?
A. Hunting, fishing, food- gathering, child birth, rearing of a child and Burial ceremony.

✤✤✤

7
 3
The Harappan Civilization

Introduction

For a pretty long time it was believed that the history of Ancient India started with the Aryans and
their culture. But excavations started by archeological survey of India under the leadership of D.R.
Sahani and R.D Benerjee at Mohanzodaro and Harappa proved that belief to be erroneous. On the
basis of the archelogical findings the Harappan civilization has been dated between 2600 BC - 1900
BC and is one of the oldest civilization of the world. It is also sometimes referred to as the 'Indus
valley civilization" because in the beginning majority of its settlements discovered were in and around
the plains of the river Indus and its tributaries. It is the first urban culture of India and is contemporary
to other ancient civilizations of the world such as those of Mesopotamia and Egypt. Our Knowledge
about it is based only on the archeological excavations as the script (Sarpalekhanam (or) Brahmi script)
of that period has not been deciphered yet. This civilization comes under chalcolithic age and culture.
These were basically rural in nature. This civilization came to an end after Aryans invasions and natural
calamities.

Objectives

● explain the origin and extent of the Harappan civilization;

● describe the characterstics of the Harappan civilization which includes Town - planning, Great
bath, citadal like structures and seven layers of the city of Mohenzadaro;
● discuss the Harppan relegious beliefs;

8
 ● Explain how and why did civilization decline,
● Identify the chalcolithic Communities outside the Harappan Zone.
● Explain economic condition and settlement pattern of these chalcolithic Communities.

Essay Questions

1. Describe the important features of Harappan civilization ?

A. ● The most interesting urban feature of Harappan civilization is its town-planning. Towns were
built according to plan. Main streets ran North to South and East to West, intersecting at right
angles. Houses were bult in square and rectangular blocks. Each street had a common well
and each house had a well and baths. Utility was the main concern in the construction of
Houses.
● Drainage System : It was elaborate and well laid out. Every house had drains, which
opened in to the street drains which were covered with man hole briks or stone slabs. This
shows that the people were well acquainted with the science of sanitation.
● Great Bath : The most remarkble feature of the Harappan civilization was the construction
of Great Bath. It was sourrounded by carridars on all sides and is approached at either end
by flights of steps in north and south. A thin layer of bitumen was applied to the bed of the
bath to ensure that water did not steep in. Water was supplied by a larger well in an adjacent
room. There was a drain for the outlet of the water.
● food habits : The people of Harappan civilization used rice, wheat, barly, beans, dates,
vegetables, Milk, fish, Muttoon etc.
● Dress and Ornaments : Cotton and wool were used by both Men and Women. Bangles,
Ear rings, nose anklets and neckles etc were main ornaments of that day.
● At both Harappa and Mohenzodero on the west side, huge elevated platforms were raised
and enclosed by citadel structures.
● Indus Valley people were belonged to racial composition of proto - Austroloid, mediterranean
Mongoloid and Alpine sects.
● Indus people, pursued the twin - occupations of agriculture and trade and commerce. At one
side they produced cereals, sorghum and sesamum and the other side they had trade contacts
with Mesopotamia.
Script : Their script was not yet deciphered. They had pictures in their script. Their script is
called brahmi lipi on Sarpalekhanam or boultroprodon.

9
 ● Indus people used to worship female gods like. Mother goddess, Male god pasupathi was
also worshipped. Animals like bull snakes trees like pipal, neem were worshipped.
● Decline : Even though it was not clear how the great culture was dis appeared. It was
belived that due to Aryan invasions or in natural calamities it was destroyed.

One Mark Questions

1. Where was the Great Bath discovered ?

A. Mohenzodaro

2. Harappa is located on the banks of which River ?

A. Raavi

3. Which place was the chief source of copper for the Harappan people ?

A. Khetri mines in Rajasthan.

4. Harappans used clothes made of which meterial ?

A. Cotton, Wool.

5. How was the Harappan Script Written ?

A. Right to left.

✤✤✤

10
 4
The Vedic Age (1500 BC - 600 BC)

Introduction

After the downfall of Harappan Civilization we found Archeological evidence of the arrival of
new people known as Aryans or Indo - Aryans on the out skirts of the Harappan region. In this lesson,
we shall study the circumstances under which Aryan people arrived and also learn about the main
features of their culture as depicted in the literature called the Vedas. Who were the Aryan's ? What
was their original habitat ? If they originally belonged to a region other than India, how, why and when
did they arrive in India. These are some important questions to be addressed to, initially.

Objectives

● Learn about the vedic text and the nature of their contents;

● Learn about the Aryans and identify the region from where they migrated;

● Locate the regions inhabitated by the early vedic (1500 BC to 1000 BC) and the later vedic
people (1000 BC - 600 BC);

● explain the importance and impact of the use of iron implements which began in later Vedic
period and;

● identify the changes which appeared in the economic, social, religious and political structures and
institutions of the vedic people over a period extending from 1000 BC to 600 BC.

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Essay Questions

1. Write about the rigvedic culture ?

● The Literature which explained about Aryans is called Vedas. The foremost veda is called
rigveda. They are four in number but in can be devided in to two catagories. First one is
Rigveda and the second was later vedas.

● Rigveda is a collection of hymns used at the sacrificial rituals where 'Devas' (the Bright and
the Rediant) were Worshipfully addressed.

● From Rigveda we learn that the Aryans initially settled in the region watered by the Seven
rivers. (Sapta Sindhu) The five rivers of Punjob, Sind and Saraswathi.

● The chief of the Aryan clans was called 'Rajan' and the area under his control was called
'Janapada'. The Rajan was aided by two popular class assemblies known as Sabha and
Samithi. The Rajan also aided by 'Senani' (head of the force), purohita (priest) and Gramani
(Chief of a village). Rajan took care of protection of clan and prosecution of battles against
rival clans. His income came from Bali and Bagha. Rajan had no Judicial function to perform.

● Vedic economy : Cattle rearing was their main occupation and they are Pastoralists. But it
does not mean that they did not aware of agriculture. Apart from cattle rearing, people were
engaged in many other economic activities. Hunting, Carpentry, tanning, weaving, chariot -
making, metal smeltry etc were some of such activities. Which they were practised.

● Early vedic Society : Family was the basic unit of Rigvedic society. It was patriarchial in
nature. Monogamy was the usual form of marriage but the chiefs at times practised polygamy.
Family was part of a larger grouping called Vis (or) clan. One or more than one clans made
Jana or tribe.

● The warriors, priests and the ordinary people were the three sections of Rigvedic tribe.

● During early vedic period women enjoyed respectable position. Women get married at a
proper age and could choose a husband of their own choice. Women of Rigvedic period
could take part in the proceedings of the Tribal assemblies called 'Sabha' and 'Samiti'

● The Rigvedic gods were generally personifications of different aspects of natural forces such
as rains, storm and sun etc. Indra, Agni, Varuna, Mitra, Dyaus, pushana, yama, soma are
some importants gods.

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 Short Questions

1. Explain the system of exchange during the early Vedic period ?

A. Apart from cattle rearing and small scale cultivation, early Aryan people were engaged in many
other economic activities. Hunting, carpentry, tanning, weaving, chariot - making, metal - smeltry
products were exchanged through barter system. However, cows were the most favoured medium
of exchange. The priests received cows, horses and gold ornaments as fees for performing
secrificial rituals.

2. Describe the main cultural traits of Aryans ?

A. Originally the Aryans seemed to have lived some where in the steppies streching from southern
Russia to Central Asia. Aryan Culture was known as Andronovo culture situated in Siberia. This
culture flourished in the second millennium BC. During the period between 1900 BC and 1500
BC we get in these regions, evidence of horses, spoked wheels, fire cult and cremation which
formed important part of Aryan life in India. Apart from these, the artifacts and ceramics also
suggest movement of people from central Asian region to South Asian region.

Short Questions

1. What do you understand by the term Veda ?

A. Sacred knowledge

2. Explain the term vedanta ?

A. Philosophical discussions.

3. List the rivers included in the Collective term Sapthasindhu ?

A. Sindhu, Jeelam, Chenab, Raavi, Beas, Sutlez, Saraswathi.

4. Who is known as the 'lord of plough'?

A. God Indra.

5. How did inequalities appear in the early Vedic Society ?

A. Concentration of larger share of war booty in the hands of chiefs and priests.

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 6. What was the nature of the later vedic family ?

A. Joint family

7. Explain the composite term Varnasrama darma ?

A. Brahmacharya (Student life), Grihastha, (house holder) Vanaprastha (hermitage) and Sanyasa
(forest life) together with varna, it came to be known as varna - ashrama dharma.

8. What do you understand by the term ' gotra'?

A. Descendant from a common ancestor .

9. What were the purpose of Yajnas ?

A. To establish authority of chiefs over people and to reinforce territorial aspect of polity.

10. What were the function of the coronation rituals ?

A. To establish the authority of the chiefs.

✥✥✥

14
 5
From Janapadas to Empire

Introduction

We know that agriculture activity was started in the later vedic period on the Ganga basin. Now,
in this chapter we will discuss how the agrucultural activity increased and how the settled life led to the
rise of sixteen Mahajanapadas in North India in the 6th century B.C. We will also discuss the factors,
which enabled Magadha to defeat all others to rise to the status of an empire later under the Mouryas.
During the Mouryan period we have witnessed first time economic and cultural progress. How over
the Mouryan empire collapsed within fifty years after the death of Ashoka. We will also analyse the
factors responsible for this decline. This period is also known for the rise of many new religions like
Jainism and Buddhism. We will be looking at the factors responsible for the emergence of these
religions and also inform you about their main doctrines.

Objectives

● Explain the material and social factors which were responsible for the rise of Mahajanapadas and
the new religions in the sixth century B.C. ;

● Analyse the doctrine, patronage, spread and impact of Jainism and Buddhism;

● Trace the growth of Indian polity from smaller states to empires and list the sixteen Janapadas;

● Examine the role of Ashoka in the consolidation of the empire through his policy of Dhamma;

● recognise the main features like administration, economy, society and art under the Mouryas and;

● identify the causes of the decline of the Mouryan empire.

15
Essays questions

1. Factors responsible for emergence of Jainism and Buddhism ?

A ●. The 6th century B.C is known as an era of second urbanisation in the sub continent.

● and it occupies valuable place not only in India but also in the world.

● The Vedic religions were expensive and violent.

● Common people were forbidden to perform rituals and scrifices.

● Sudras had no place in the social order and they were not eligible to avail education.

● The social rivalry between the Aryans and non-Aryans and the social unrest was another
cause.

● The improvement in agriculture and development of trade, money and urbanisation had an
impact on the society and due to these changes traditional equality and brotherhood gave a
way to inequality and social conflict.

● Brahmanical domination was also led to rise of new religions started by Kshathriyas.

2. What are the main teachings of Jainism and Buddhism ?

A. Jainism :

● Vardhamana Mahaveera is regarded as the founder of Jainism and he was born in 599 BC in
Bihar. He was 24th and last theerthankara of Jainism. He believed that the main goal of
human life is the purification of soul and attainment of 'nirvana' through three Rathna or three
Jewels i.e., Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct, which can lead to liberation.

● Right conduct means observance of five great vows; ahimsa, sathya vachana, asteya, aparigraha
and brahmacharya.

● The main distinguishing feature was the concept of anekantavada or Syadavaa means attain
truth through various angles.

● Jainism emphasis on extreme form of penance, austerity and strict non - voilence and
discipline.

● Jainism used mass language of prakrit to spread its message.

3. What are the main teachings of Buddhim ?

A. ● Gautama Buddha who was born in 566 B.C at Lumbini was the founder of Buddhism. He

16
 attained the true knowledge i.e. enlightenment at Budhgaya and delivered his first sermon at
Saranath which is knows as dharma - chakra - pravartana. He also established his samgha
there. He died in 486 BC at the a age of 80 at Kusinager in Eastern U.P.

● Buddha asked his followers to refrain from the worldly pleasures and asked them to practice
strict abstinence and asceticism. This philosophy of Madhya marga (or) middle path is re-
flected in all the issues related to Buddhism.

● Buddha teachings are mainly depend on the concept of four noble truths and astanga
marga.

● Dukkha, dukka samudya, dukkha nirodha and Dukkha nirodini are the four noble Truths.

● If one want to get rid of suffering one has to conquer the desire. This removal of desire can be
achieved through eight fold path. Right faith, right resolve, right speech, right action, right
living, right effort, right thought and right self concentration.

● Buddha also used pali language spoken by masses to propagate his teachings.

● Buddha allowed lower varnas and women to join the sangha. Buddhist councils over differ-
ent period played significant role in propagation of Buddhism.

3. What are the main attributes of Ashokas policy of Dhamma ?

A. ● Asoka is considered as one of the greatest kings in Indian History.

● He is praised not so much for his militaristic activity but for his policy of Dhamma.
● He became Budhist after the Kaligna war.
● Ashoka turned himself towards the propagation of Buddhist Dhamma.
● To propagate the Budhist Dhamma he engraved them on rocks, pillars and caves throughout
his vast kingdom.
● The aspect of Dhamma which he emphasised was a code of morality rather than a system of
religion.
● He was not mere preacher of morals but he followed the law of piety in his private life.
● He was the responsible for called the Third Buddhist Council and appointed special officers
called Dharma Mahamatras to enforce the Dhamma.
● Ashoka issued an ordinance forbidding the slaughter of animals. He built hospitals both for
men and women. He planted trees, dug wells and constructed rest houses and water sheds
for the convenience of travellers.
● Asokha ruled his people as a father towards his children.
17
Short Questions

1. What are the Mahajanapadas ?

A. ● During the 6th century B.C. along the great northern high way from Takshasila in the north-
west to the Eastern Ganga ports many state came into existence. Important among them are
Mahajana padas. They are 16 in number.

● The 16 Mahajana padas mentioned in the Jaina scriptures are Anga, Magadha, Vajji and
Malla in middle ganga plains, West of them kasi, kosala and vatsa, still further west kuru,
panchala, Matsya and surasena; kambhoja and Gandhara in the north west, Avanthi and
Chedi are in central Indian region and Asmaka in the south, Vajji, Malla and were confedera-
cies of clans.

2. Describe the contribution of Mouryan rule in the field of Art ?

A. ● The Mouryan period provides the earliest examples of ancient Indian art and architecture.

● Ashokan pillars at Rampurva, Lauriya Nandangarh and Saranath present excellent examples
of stone sculptures.

● Our national emblem comes from the Ashokan pillar at saranath near Benaras.

● All these pillars are circular and monolithic and all made of Sand stone found at chunar in U.P.

● The Ajivaka caves are regarded as 'marvels of worksmanship'. The Mouryan art is typically
Indian both in spirit and workmanship.

Short Questions

1. Who was the founder of the Ajivaka sect ?

A. Makhali Goshal.

2. How are Mahayana and Hinayana different ?

A. Mahayana adopted Sanskrit as its language and started worshipping Budha in the form of an
idol, while Hinayana continued to follow pali and treated Budha as a guide.

3. In whose rule was the second Buddhist council held ?

A. Kalashoka

18
 4. Who is the author of Indica ?

A. Megasthenes

5. What was the function of the Dhamma mahamathras ?

A. To take care of Brahmans and all other kinds of Monks.

6. Jataka : Collection of Budhist Stories about the previous births of the Budha.

7. Samaj : Religious and merry making congregation of common people.

8. Chauri : A hairy fan waved to and from around a king or religious object.

9. Thirthankara : Traditional prophets in Jainism :literally 'for - maker'.

10. Nirvana : Extinction of human desire.

19
 6
Post Mouryan Developments

Introduction

In around 187 BC the Mouryan empire met its end. In this chapter we shall study the political
and cultural development in the Indian subcontinent from the end of the Mouryas to the rise of Guptas
i.e. from BC 200 and 300 AD. During these five hundared years we see not only the rise of multiple
political powers in different parts of the subcontinent but also the introduction of new features in art,
architecture and religion.

Objectives

● To analyse the political conditions after the decline of the Mouryan empire ;
● to understand the conditions which favoured for central Asian rulers ;
● the growth of trade between the Roman world and India and its impact ;
● important features of various schools of art and sculpture which emerged during 200 BC - 300
AD and ;
● the early history of South India and the significance of the Sangam literature.

Essay questions

1. Who were Kushans ? How would you asses their countribution to India?
(or)
Achivements and Services of Kanisha ?

A. The Kushans, originally belong to western China, and yuezhi -chis sect. The prominent rulers of
the kushans were kujula kadphises and kanishka.

20
 ● Kanishka ascended the throne in 78 AD and stated the era called 'Saka era'.

● Kanishka conquered many regions and extended his empire from central Asia to North India
and included Varanasi, Kaushambi and Sravasti in Uttar Pradesh.

● He integrated Central Asia with North India as part of a single empire which resulted in the
intermingling of different cultures and increase in inter regional trading activities.

● He annexed the Kashmir and founded a city 'Kanishka pura'.

● He adopted Budhism by Asvaghosha and Convened the Fourth Budhist Council at Kundala
vana. It was in this council that Buddhism got split into two schools - Hinayana and Mahayana.

● He patronised many scholars including Aswaghosa, Vasumitra, Charaka and Acharya

Nagarjuna. During his period Gandhara school of Art came in to existance.

2. Write a short note on the achivements of Gauthamiputra Satakarni ?

A. ● Gautamiputra Satakarni was the 23rd and greatest kings of satavahanas.

● It was critical moment not only for the Andhras but for the whole of South India when he
came to power.

● In the prasasti of Nasik inscription of his mother Balasri, he is described as the "destroyer
of sakas, yavanas and pahlavas ... the restorer of the glory of the satavahana family, the
elavator of his family to high fortune ...."

● He conquered kukura, Anupa, Assaka, Vidharba, Aparakuta and Kuntala.

● He is also credited with the extension of satavahana dominions by defeating Nahapana, the
Saka ruler of Western India.

● His empire included Godavari region, Berar, Malwa, Gujarat, Konkan, Kathiwar and Kuntala.

● He won the title of 'Ekabrahmana' for his patronage of vedic relegion and for protecting the
Brahmins.

● Arabian Sea in the west, Rajaputana and Mukhalingam in the North and North East, Bay of
Bengal in the East and cuddalore in the south were the boundaries of his kingdom.

● He organised an efficient administration and levied equatable taxes and took the greatest care
in welfare of his people.

● He was a great scholor and proclaimed himself as a champion of arthudox.

21
Short essays

1. Gandhara Art.

● Gandhara is located in the north western part of India and to the right and left of Indus river.

● As it was ruled by sakas, pahlavas and Kushans, a mixed culture was existed which was
known as 'Gandhara Art'.

● The statues of Buddha and Bodhisatva were made in the the style of Gandhara Art in the
different postures.

● It was the result of blending of the Indian and Greek - Roman style.

● The greek features of depiction of transparent garment droped in Greako - Roman fashion
and curly hair, muscled body in Gandhara sulplure came in to existance.

● The Gandhara Artists had the hand of a Greek and the heart of India.

2. Sangam Literature :

● The term 'Sangam' refers to an assembly or meeting together of Tamil poets.

● All the three Sangam's took place at different places under the patronage of the pandya kings
of Madhurai.

● Poems in Sangam Literature were composed on two broader themes and later put together in
eight collections called 'Ettutogai'.

● This literature belongs to 300 BC to 300 A.D.

● A remarkable feature of the sangam literature is its vivid portrayal of the contemporary soci-
ety and culture of Tamil Region and its peaceful and harmonious interaction with the northern
(Aryan) culture.

1 or 2 Marks Questions

1. Who was Kharavela ?

A. Kharavela was the ruler of the Chedi dynasty which ruled over Kalinga around the second
century B.C. His achivements were recorded on an inscription, known as Hatigumpa inscription,
situated in the Udayagiri hills near Bhuvanaswar in orirsa.

22
2. Who was Charaka ?

A. Charaka was court poet of Kushan king Kaniska. He was considered as father of Ayurveda,
who wrote a book on medicine called 'charaka Samhita'.

3. Who was Heliodorus ?

A. Heliodorus was an envoy of the Greek ruler Antial kidas, king of Taxila in the court of Kashiputra
Bhagabhadra, a shunga ruler.

4. What was Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha ?

A. Uttarapatha was land route which connected northern and eastern parts of India with the north
western fringes i.e. pakistan and further beyond.

Dakshinapathc was a land route which connected peninsular India with western and norther
part of India.

5. What were "guilds" ?

A. Communities of merchants and artisans.

6. Differenciate between a Chaitya and Vihara ?

A. Within the Budhist architecture both Chaitya and Vihara were rock-cut structures. Chaitya was
used as a shine and vihara as the residence for monks.

7. What was "sthupa" ?

A. Stupa was Budhist place of worship, as it has relics of Budha or Budhist Monk.

8. Which are the five tinai or eco-zones noted in the Sangam poems ?

A. Kurinji (hilly area) : Palai (arid zone); mullai (pastoral tracts); marudam (wet lands); and neital
(Sea Coast).

✤✤✤

23
 7
The Guptas and their Successors
(A.D.300-750)

Introduction

India witnessed the rule of Guptas after the decline of Kushans in North India. The rulers of this
dynasty were able to establish a vast empire that covered almost the entire north India. They operated
from Eastern UttarPradesh and Bihar which was very fertile. They could also exploit the iron ore of
Central India and Bihar to their advangtage. Their period was marked by great progress in art,
architecture and literature and marked as 'golden period' in Indian History. They ruled up Circa A.D.
550. After their Collapse there emerged various regional kingdoms in north India. South India too
witnessed the rise of two important Kingdoms under the Chalukyas and the pallavas during AD 550-
750.

Objectives

● Explain the rise of the Gupta and the political achivements of Gupta rulers ;

● Emergence of regional kingdoms after the fall of the Guptas ;

● Analyse the nature of the Gupta and post - Guta politicial structure ;

● notify social and economic changes from AD. 300 to 750;

● identify cultural developments with special reference to art and literature;

● learn about consolidation of Brahmanical tradition and the emergence of Pauranic religion; and

● list the developments in science and technology.

24
Essay Questions
1. Give an account of the Gupta administration ?

A. ● The Gupta dynasty was established by Shrigupta and came to high light by chandragupta 1,
Samudra gupta and started decline after chandragupta II in AD 515.

● Inscriptions of Gupta emperors, their coins, account of Fahien and the literature of the Gupta
period throw much light on the system Gupta administration.

● The Guptas followed the monarchial form of governement and kingship was hereditary. The
pompous titles such as maharajadiraja, parambhattaraka, parameshwara etc were adopted
by imperial Guptas. The king was assisted by council of Ministers and officials like sandhi
vigraha, ranabhandagarika, Mahapratihara etc.

● For the sake of administrative convenience, kingdom was divided into many provinces called
"Buktis". 'They were kept under Uparika. Buktis were sub-divided into Vishyas and
Vishayapati. Grama or village was the lowest unit of Administration headed by gramadyaksha.

● Land revenue was the principal source of Income to the state which was normally 1/6 of the
produce. Duties at ports, ferries and fortified stations were also collected.

● The Judicial system was far more developed under the Gupta rulers than in earlier times. For
the first time civil and criminal laws were clearly demarcated.

● The guptas maintained a strong army which was well trained and well equipped.

● The most notable movement of the age was the gradual displacement of Buddhism by a
modified form of Brahmanism. Most of the Gupta rulers were the workshippers of Lord
Vishnu. But the Guptas followed a policy of religious tolerence.

● The Gupta period was marked by a great out burst of literary activity. Pataliputra, Vallabhi,
Ujjain, Kashi, Mathura, Nasik and Kanchi etc were became important centres of learning.
The Nalanda University became famous all over Asia. The universities provided both reli-
gious and secular education to the students.

● Remarkable progress was made in the field of astronomy, medicine, mathematics and other
sciences. Aryabhatta has been accepted as the greatest scientist and mathematician of the
age. He wrote Aryabhatiya. He was the first Indian astronomer to discover that the earth
rotates on its axis. The theory of zero was formulated during this period. Varahamitra was

25
 another scientist and astrologer of this age. His work 'Brihat Samhita' is an encyclopaedia of
information in various branches of knowledge.

● Science of medicine, metallurgy also progressed during this age. Nagarjuna, the great Bud-
dhist scholar was the student of medicine, chemistry and metalurgy. Brahma gupta, the
author of "Brahma Siddanta" was also belongs to this age.

● The famous iron pillar near Delhi belongs to this period.

2. Why is the Gupta age considered the Golden age of art and literature ?

A. ● The huge body of religious and secular literature was compiled in this period.

● The two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha were finally completed in the 4th
century.

● The Gupta period marks the beginning of the writing of the literature known as puranas.
major puranas were written during this period.

● The literature in Gupta period was written in Sanskrit. The greatest of the poets was Kalidas
who lived in the Court of Chandragupta II. Meghadutam, Abhignana Sakuntalam,
Raghuvamsham, Kumar Sambavam and Ritusamhara are the famous books written by him.

● Sudraka's Mrichakatakam and vishakadatta's Mudrara kshasa were the famous dramatics
of that period. Thus the Gupta period was considered as the golden age in the field of Art
and Liturature.

● Ajanta cave paintings, the famous Mahabalipuram rath temples are also creation of this pe-
riod.

Short Essays

1. Write about Harshavardhana ?

A. ● He belongs to the pushya buti dynasty who had their capital at Thaneswar.

● This dynasty became influential and powerful with the accession of Harshavardhana in AD
606 when he was 16 years of age.

● He united the kingdom with the help at his widowed sister Rajyashri and shifted his capital to
Kanauj.

26
 ● He brought punjab, UP, Bengal, Bihar, under his control, but he was defeated by chalukya
ruler pulakesi II.

● He died in AD 647.

● His court poet Banadhatta's Harshacharita and chinesse traveller Hsuan Trang's Si-yu - ki are
major records for his regime.

Small Questions

1. What is the importance of the Allahabad pillar inscription in the history of Samudra
gupta ?
A. It gives detailed account of samudraguptas' period.
2. Which group of family did Toramana belong to ?
A. Huna
3. Name the two dynasties that emerged in North India after the decline of the Guptas ?
A. Pushyabutis at Taneswar, Maukharis at Kanauj.
4. What was pulakesi II known as ?
A. Dakshina patheswara
5. Who were the Kumaramatyas ?
A. High level Central officers.
6. What is Stridhana ?
A. Presents received by the bride at the time of her marriage.
7. Where do we find the first epigraphical evidence to 'Sati'?
A. Eran in M.P.
8. What were the gupta coins known as ?
A. Dinaras
9. Who was Andal ?
A. Alvar women saint of South India.
10. Name the text written by Varaha Mihira ?
A. Panchasiddantika
11. Eulogy : A formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently.

✤✤✤

27
 8
India between A.D. 750 to A.D. 1200

Introduction

The period between AD 750 and AD 1200 is referred to as an early medieval period of India
History. It is also considered by historians as a "dark phase"During this period the entire country was
devided into numerous regional states which were busy fighting with each other. But India wintnessed
a growth of new and rich cultural activities in the field of Art, literature and language. Infact, some best
specimens of temple Architecture and Indian literature belong to this period. Thus, far from being
'dark' it may be treated as a bright and vibrant phase of Indian History.

Objectives

● Identify the various regional kingdoms which emerged between AD 750 and AD 1200;

● examine the nature of state ;

● highlight the social and economic changes;

● evaluate the cultural activities and;

● assess the significance of India's contacts with southeast Asia during 8th to 12th centuries.

Essasy Questions

1. Name any three dynasties which were involved in the 'Tripartite struggle" ?

A. ● Tripartite struggle means struggle among three powers. These were Gurjara pratiharas in
North India, palas in Eastern India and Rastrakutas in South India.

● These powers were constantly fighting with each other with a aim to set up their control on
Gangetic region in northern India.

28
 ● Pratihara dynasty was founded by Nagabatta in the region of Malwa in 8th century. The
famous king in this dynasty was Vatsaraja. He extended his empire and his policy of expan-
sion brought him in conflict with Dharma pala, the pala king of Bengal and Bihar.

● Soon Rastrakuta king Dhruva from South India jumped into the fight which was known as
"Tripartite struggle ".

2. Trace the process that led to the 'Samantas' becoming an integral feature of the politi-
cal structures of kingdoms in the early medieval period ?

A. ● The state structure of this period has often been described as 'decentralized' political system.

● Decentlized polity means there is of course a king as the main authority at the top, but he
shares his rule with other small chiefs called feudatories or the 'Samantas'

● Samanta basically refers to a king who has been defeated but his kingdom has been resotred
to him but with the condition that he will countinue to accept the over lordship of the conquer-
ing king and also pay regular tribute to him in cash. He may also be asked to help with military
assistance in times of need.

● As these chiefs enjoyed freedom of administration over their regions they were quite powerful

3. Trace the major cultural achievements during the early medieval period ?

A. ● The new regional kingdoms led to the emergence of new regional cultural zones such as
Bengal, and Orissa, as well as Andhra, Karnataka and Tamilnadu in South India.

● The various cultures that form an important part of our regional cultures today took their
shape during this period.

● The literary works in the regional languages were often composed under the patronage of the
new regional rulers.

● Though the regional languages flourished, the sanskrit retained a position of importance among
the elites as a language of learning.

● Another important activity that received royal patronage was that of temple building. The
temples served as representatives of the might and glory of the kings who had bult them .

● The three types of temple architecture which evolved during this period are known as the
Nagara, Dravida and Vesara styles.

29
 ● There was also great improvement in the art of making sculptures in this period. An important
contribution of chola artists in this respect was the branze images of Nataraja.

4. What are the salient features of Chola Administration ?

A. The village administration of the chola's was described in details in "Uttarameru" inscription.

● The village administration was also called as local self government.

● According to K.A.N. Sastri there are two types of assemblies in the village. They are

1. Ur - all the land lords of the village were members.

2. Sabha - the brahmins were members in the Sabha.

● Election proccedure : The members of the executive committee were elected by the people.
Each village divided into number of wards known as 'Kudumbam'. The qualifications to be a
member were as follows

1. He must be of 35 to 75 years of age

2. He must be well versed in vedas and must be a resident of the village

3.He must own his own property and must not have committed the sins like theft, bribery,
adultery and other criminal offences.

● The names of persons nominated for selection were written on scripts of palm leaves called
'Kuda volai'. On the day of election the villagers met at a public place and the members of the
executive committee were called 'Variapperumakkal' or "Alummakkal".

● Village Committees.

30 members who are elected in this way would be working in different sub committees called
Gardens, schools, the collection, tanks and choultries and temples.

● The organization of these 'little Republics'. the tiny states at the base encouraged the commu-
nal life of the people. It developed a sense of civil duties, fostered a sense of liberty and
guaranteed a high standerd administrative efficiency.

Short Questions

1. Who was the pratihara ruler who received praise from the Arab Scholar ?
A. Mihira Bhoja (Gurjara Pratihara King)

30
2. Who founded the Vikramashila University ?
A. Dharmapala

3. Which Chola king acquired the title 'Gangaikonda' and why ?

A. Rajendra 1 as he was the conqueror of Ganga.

4. What was the main factor for the growth of Rajput Class ?
A. Extension of agricultural activities in Rajastan.

5. What is the most important Countribution of cholas to the art of Sculpture ?

A. Bronze image of Nataraja.

6. Mention the two important temples in South East Asia ?

A. Angarval (Combodia); Barabudur (Java).

✤✤✤

31
 9
Establishment and Expansion of the Delhi
Sultanate

Introduction

The rulers who ruled substantial parts of the North India between 1206 AD to 1526 AD were
sultans, Delhi as their head quarters. These rulers were Turkish musalmans of Afghan region. They
established their rule in India after defeating the Indian ruling dynasties which were mainly Rajputs in
Northern India.
The rise of Islam is a very significant event in the history of the world. It originated in Arabia. The
Arabs were responsible for propagating Islam beyond the frontiers of Arabia. When the powers of the
Arabs declined, the Turks took its cause and made it the foremost religion of Asia.
These sultans ruled Indian more than 300 years. The last of Delhi sultan, Ibrahim Lodi was
defeated by the Mughals under the leadership of Babur in 1526 AD who established the Mughal
empire in India. In this lesson we will give you a detailed account of the process of conquest, expansion
and consolidation of Delhi sultanate in India.

Objectives

● Describe the early invasion on India from the North-West region by the Arabs.
● Nature of attacks by Mahmud Ghazni.
● Describe the nature of Muhammad Ghori's invasion.
● Identify the factors that helped the establishment of Turkish rule in North India by the Muhammad
Ghazni.
● Provide an account of the expansion of Delhi sultanate under the Mamluce Sultans.

32
 ● Describe the expansion of sultanate by khiljis and Tuglaks.
● Outline the challenges faced by the sultans in consolidating their rule.
● List the causes of the decline of the sultanate.

Essay Questions
1. Explain the greatness of Balban?
A. ● Ghiyas-Ud-din Balban was the greatest among the rulers of the slave Dynarty. He belongs to
the family of Ilbari Turks. He was bought by sultan Iltutmish. He started his career as a
water-carrier, later enrolled in the 'Corps of forty slaves'. His great services against the
Mongols earned for him the tittle of 'Ulugh Khan' or 'powerful' lord which made him to marry
Nazir-Ud-din's daughter. Saintly Nazir-Ud-din practically left the real authority in the hands
of Balban and after his death Balban ascended the throne of Delhi without any opposition.
● As a king Balban realised that as long as 'chihalgani' was strong there was no safety for his
position. Thus, he took stringent action and destroyed them completely.
● During his period Mongols used to make frequent raids on India. To meet it he placed his
sons Muhammad and Bugrekhan over the provinces of Samana and Multan which were
prone to the Mongol attacks.
● Balban has been regarded as capable ruler. He enhanced the dignity of kingly office and
elavated the moral tone of the court. He maintained a magnificent court and patronized
eminent literary men, historians and poets. It is believed that he offered a grand reception to
Madvacharya, exponent of Dvaite philosophy.
● During the year 1246-1252 AD he put down the khokas in the punjab, reduced the Doab to
obedience and ravaged Mewar and Ranathambore. he led victories expeditions against Gwalior,
Chanderi and Marwar.

2. Write about Alla-Ud-din Khilji (1296-1316 AD)?

A. Ala-Ud-din was a nephew and son-in-law of Jalal-Ud-din Firoz. He was brave, intelligent and
ambitious. He was made the governor of Kara in 1192 AD and Oudh. Being an ambitious young
man, he invaded and plundered Devagiri. The wealth of Devagiri enabled him to plot against his
uncle and bring about his assassination. Later he proclaimed himself as the sultan of Delhi and
sons of Jalal-Ud-din were blinded.
● Conquests : He decided to revive Balban's policies of ruthless governance and curb the powers
of the nobles and interference of Ulema in the matters of the state. He felt there the were four
reasons for these rebellions;

33
 1. The inefficiency of spy system.
2. The general practice of the use of wine.
3. Social intercourse among the nobles and inter marriage between them and
4. The excess of wealth in the possession of certain nobles.

● Market reforms
These reforms obtained the good name and fame to khilji. Ala-ud-din maintained a huge army
and paid his soldiers in cash. In order to enable the soldier to live on the pay fixed by the sultan
he controlled and regulated the price of cloth, sugar, grain and other necessities of life. To Carry
out his regulations, he appointed a controller of market. Defaulters were severely punished.
Grain was stored to meet emergencies.
● Sultans revenue reforms were aimed at the improvement of state finances. Land revenue was
the chief source of income. The Hindus had to pay 50% of the produce as tax. Jizya, grazing
and house taxes were collected from the Hindus.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who was Mahmud Ghazni? Why did he invade India?
A. Mahmud Ghazni was son of Sabuktigin, the founder of Ghazni dynasty and Turkish Slave
commander.
Ghazni was attracted by Indian prosperity and wealth. Ghazni invaded India 17 times during
1000AD - 1206 AD. Even though he was succeeded in acquiring India, he did not wish to
establish an empire in India. Ghazni's raids on India were only to acquire the famous wealth of
India.
2. Qutbuddin Aibak (1206 - 1210AD) : He was a Turkish slave and had risen to high rank in
Muhammad Ghoris army. After Ghoris death, the control of his Indian possessions was passed
on to Aibak. He was the founder of Delhi sultanate. He was brave, faithful and Generous. Due
to his generosity he was known as 'Lakh Baskh'.
3. Sultana Razia (AD 1236 - 40) : Razia was the daughter of Iltutmish. She was the first ever
women ruler in the history of Muslim rule in India. Iltutmish did not consider any of his sons
worthy of the throne. She got killed after she was defeated by the nobles. Thus her reign was a
brief one and came to end in 1240 AD.

34
Small Answer Questions
1. What was the one major difference between the invasion of Mohammud of Ghazni and
Muhammud of Ghori?
A. Mohmmud Ghazni was interested in plundering the wealth of India where as Mohammad Ghore
wanted to establish Turkish rule in India.

2. Why was 'Group of forty' (Turkani-i-chahal gani) founded by Iltutmish?

A. To support monarchy.

3. Why was the capture of Rana Thambore necessary?

A. The capture of Rana Thambore was necessary to break the power and morale of Rajputs.

4. What was the political motive of Muhammad's transfer of capital?

A. a. To maintain control over Deccan.
b. To establish centrally located capital.

5. Why were Mongols attacked the Delhi Sultanate?

A. Changes in central Asian politics and the plunder the riches.

✤✤✤

35
 10
Establishment of the Mughal Rule

Introduction

After the decline of Delhi sultanate, India witnessed the emergence of various regional powers.
Therefore when Babur invaded India in 1526 the central power of Delhi sultanate had substantially
weakened and there were a number of independent Kingdoms. The Delhi and adjoining regions were
under sultan Ibrahim Lodi. Other important Kingdoms were Gujarat, Malwa, Bengal, Bijapur, Golconda,
Ahmednagar, Berar, Mewar and Vijayanagar empire in South India, Besides a larger number of smaller
autonomous chiefs were also ruling in different parts of the country.
In this lesson you will study the conquest of India by a new ruling dynasty - Mughals. Mughals
build one of the biggest Islamic empires in India. They were led by an able military commander and
administrator from central Asia named Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur. His successors were successful
in establishing an all India empire gradually. They organised an efficient administrative machinery and
encouraged the progress of a cultural movement. It ultimately added to the glory and richness of Indian
civilization.

Objectives

● Know the circumstances under which Babur invaded India;

● Describe the reasons for the success of Mughals against Indian rulers;
● List the challenges faced by Humayun after Babur's death;
● Analyse the circumstances that led to the success of Shersha, Afghan ruler;
● Describe the events leading to recapture of India by Humayun;

36
 ● Give an account of the expansion and consolidation of Mughal empire under Akbar;
● Describe the territorial expansion upto the reign of Aurangzeb and;
● Analyse the challenges faced by the Mughal empire in India.

Essay Questions
1. Trace the establishment of the Mughal rule in India under Babur?
A. Babur is founder of Mughal rule in India. He was born in 1483 to Qutulgug Nigarkhan and Umar
Shek Mirza. Babur traced his lineage from Timur from fathers side and to Chenginzkhan the
distinguished conqueror from mothers side. Babur ascended the throne in 1494 Farghana at the
age of twelve after his father death. But Babur had to face a lot of resistance from the nobility
itself and finally lost both Farghana and acquired samarkhand to the Uzbeks.
Having lost his peternal dominions, he become a Vagabond and moved from place to place
like a king on the chess-board. As the found the throne of vacant due to the death of his
Uncle, Ulugh Beg Mirza, he usurped the throne of Kabul in 1504 without a fight. Later in
1507, he assumed the title padusha or emperor which had never been borne by any Timurid
before him. The conquest of Kabul was a turning point in the life of Babur because his
wondering career came to an end.
When all his attempts failed to realise his life's ambition of conquering central Asiatic dominions
Babur thought of trying his luck in India. He led three expeditions in 1519 and 1520 against India
and occupied Bajour, peshawar, Sialkot and Kandahar. At the invitation of Davlat Khan Lodi
and Alam Khan Lodi, he undertook the fourth expedition of India in 1524 and conquered Lahore,
Dipalpur and Jallundar. However due to the sudden hostility of Daulatkhan, he decided to
invade in 1525. After subduing punjab, Babur advanced towards Delhi and met Ibrahim Lodi on
the historic field of panipat where Ibrahim Lodi was killed and Babur occupied Delhi and Agra.
The battle of panipat did not end the task of the Babur in India. The victory at panipat made him
the master of Delhi and Agra but he had no hold over Hindustan. In order to achive the over
Lord ship of Hindustan he had to face more formidable powers like Rajputs and Afghan military
generals. However, Babur could able to defeat Rajputs and Afghan rulers in the wars of Kanwaha
(1527) Chanderi (1528) and Gohogra battles (1529) within a couple of years and estabilished
his mastery over Hindustan.
● Babur died in 1530. Still the rulers of Gujarat, Malwa and Bengal enjoying substantial military
power and were not suppressed. It was left to Humayun to face these regional powers.

37
2. How did Akbar establish Mughal Supremacy in the Deccan?
A. ● If Babur started the Mughal dynatsy in India, it was Akbar who extended and established
Mughal Supremacy in India.
● Akbar ascended the throne in 1556, at the age of thirteen after the death of Humayun and
continued as a ruler upto 1605 AD.
● The first major achievement of his regency period was the defeat of Hemu and the Afghan
forces, who were posing a serious threat to the Mughal empire in the second battle of panipat
in 1556.
● Akbar started a policy of expansion after over overcoming, initial problems and consolidating
his hold on the throne.
● The first step that Akbar took after the dismissal of Bairam Khan was to put an end to the
conflict within the nobility.
● Akbar started his policy of expansion in central India by invading Gwalior, Malwa, Burhanpur
and Gondwana. After that he invaded Rajput kingdoms and defeated Rana Pratap at Haldi
Ghat.
● After annexing almost North India, Akbar concentrated his interest on South India and an-
nexed Ahmednagar, Khandesh and Bijapur.
● In addition to conquests. Akbar has introduced so many reforms which includes benevolent
dictatorship, provincial administration, Mansabdari system, renowed revenue administration,
efficient Judicial administration, Rajput policy and tolerant religious policy (Din-i-Ilahi).
● Akbar also constructed so many buildings. He was a great builder. His regime saw for the
first time the fusion of Hindu-Muslim or persian styles of architecture. Fatepur sikri, the
dream city of Akbar built in honour of chisti, Jodhpur palace, Birbal is house, Buland Dharwaja,
the forts of Agra and Lahore etc. were important among them.

3. How far Aurangazeb was responsible for the down-fall of the Mughal empire?
A. The Mughal empire founded by Babur build and consolidated by Akbar reached the zenith of its
glory during the early years of Aurangazeb. But it was on the path of its disintegration during the
closing years of Aurangazebs reign. After the death of Aurangazeb it was on decline. Several
causes were responsible for the downfall of the Mughal empire. They were
1. Aurangazeb's responsibility i.e. his religious policy towards Rajputs, Marathas and Deccan
states and defects in his character.

38
 2. Aurangazeb's successers are weak and ineffecient.
3. There was no established law of succession to the Mughal throne. The sword and not the
principle of Justice became the grand arbiter of right.
4. The Mughal nobility which was noted for integrity, ability and self sacrifice lost all its vigour
and degenerated in a body of selfish crooked, debauchers.
5. There was no unity and solidarity in the Mughal nobility. Further they were divided into three
groups of fractions viz Irani by Sadat Khan, Turani by Asaf Jah and Hindustani headed by
Sayyad Brothers.
6. The Moghals failed to realise the importance of maintaining a strong navy to protect the vast
empire from the European encroachments.
7. The other important factor was the financial bank-ruptacy. The sound financial system set up
by Akbar was not continued by his successors.
8. The invasions of Nadirshah and Ahmed Shah Abdali gave a death blow to the shaking Moghal
empire.
9. Taking undue advantage of confusion created by the foreign invaders, the Moghal subedars
asserted independence. Thus Bengal under Alivarthi Khan, Oudh under Sadat Khan and
Hyderabad under Nizam-Ul-Mulk were slipped from the Moghal authority.
10. The rise and growth of British power finally brought the Moghal empire to a close. In the
Battle of Buxar in 1764, Shah Alam II, the Moghal emperor was not only defeated but also
forced to sign the treaty of Allahabad. Bahadurshal was the last king of the dynasty. He and
his sons participated in 1857 revolt, then arrested and sent to Rangoon where he died in
1862.

Short Essay Questions

1. Write about Nurjahan?
A. ● Nurjahan was the most fascinating women ruler of Indian History. She was highly mastered
both the polity and diplomacy. Above all she was ambitious and had a great lust for power.
As such she played a very remarkable role since her marriage in 1611 AD. With Jahangir, not
only in his career but also in Moghal History.
● Nurjahan's original name was Meharennisa. She was the daughter of Mirja Ghias Beg a
native of Persia. In the mean while Meharunnisa grew up into a hand some maid and got
married to a Persian Sher. After his death, Meharunnisa's marriage with Jahangir was quite
controvercial.
39
 ● After her marriage with Jahangir she became powerful in Jahangir regime and organized
'Nurjahan Junta' for acquiring power.

2. "The reign of Shah Jahan sounded the death knell of the empire" explain?
A. Shah Jahan was the most magnificent of Moghal emperors. Being a great conqueror, he was a
good administrator and affectionate husband, a patron of Arts and letters. But smith thought that
Shahjahan was a failure both as a man and as a monarch. But neither of the views is absolutely
correct. The regime of shaljahan not only marked the climax of Moghal rule but also the tendencies
of decay.
● The scholars who held that the regime of shahjahan was 'a golden age' in Moghal history put
forth the following arguments in support of their view. 1. Peace and order, 2. Administrative
stability, 3. Economic prosperity, 4. Literacy glory and Artistic excellence.
2. Sounded the death knell of the Moghal empire : The scholars who contend that the
regime of shahjahan sounded the death knell put forth the following arguments. 1. Adminis-
trative defects. 2. Military weakness, 3. Economic poverty, 4. Religious bigotry.

3. Was Shershah a fore runner of Akbar in the field of land revenue system? Discuss?
A. ● Shersha was the first Muslim monarch in Medieval period to introduce a land Revenue system
mainly intended to promote and safeguard the interest of the farmers. This was called the
Ryatwari system'.
● In land Revenue system of shershah, land survey, division of land on the basis of fertility,
fixation of land revenue, payment of land revenue either in cash or in kind, given the pattas to
obtained qabuliyats from peasants were the important measure taken by shersha. The tax
had to be paid to either to the govt or to govt employees by the peasant.
● Akbar indeed scrupulously followed Shershas by introducing some changes in the same
Ryathwari system. The same survey and measurement and division and share and division of
land revenue, fixation and payment was followed. But with more scientific manner which
would benefit to the Ryoth more.
● To sum up, Akbar land revenue system was better than that of shershah. The measures taken
by Akbar for the welfare of the farmers were better than Sher Shah.

III. Short Notes

1. Bairam Khan : He was the most able, loyal, wise noble of the Moghal period. He was primarily
responsible for the existence of the Moghal empire in its early days. He accompanied Humayun
in exile and finally recovered Kabul and Hindustan for his master.
40
 On the death of Humayun, he proclaimed Akbar as the emperor of Delhi and played a key role
in second panipat war. Akbar had a great love for him and called him "Khan Baba" affectonately.
As Guardian and regent of Akbar, he maintained law and order in the infant kingdom. Though
loyal and able, he was disliked by many. His harsh arrogant nature, shia faith, popularity excited
the ill-will of not only the other nobles but also the relatives of Akbar. Finally Bairam Khan over
throned from Guardian post and was killed by an Afghan on the way to Macca.
2. Din-i-illahi : Din-i-illahi was a new religion promulgated by Akbar. It contained the best principles
of all the religions. It was based on the principle of universal tolerance. Its teaching were
(a) Sacrifice of property, life and religion for the sake of emperor. (b) Prohibition of meat eating
or rating. As a true liberal, Akbar neither compel anybody to embrace the new religion or
propagate like Buddhism of Asoka.
3. Raja Todar Mal : He started his career under Sher Shah. After the fall of Sur dynasty, he
joined the services of Akbar as an ordinary clerk and soon rise to the high position i.e. Revenue
Minister by virtue of his merit. He was the chief architect of the Bandobast system of Akbar.
He was also a good general. Due to his efforts, the Hindus took great interest in the study of
Persian and soon they became the great Persian teachers. He died in 1589.

Small Answer Questions

1. What was Babur's strategy at the battle of panipat?
A. Babur effectively applied the Rumi (or) Homan method of warfare (or) Araaba.
2. Why did Humayun failed to defeat shershah?
A. Humanyun failed to defeat Sher Shah because his brother Hindal Mirza, who was supposed to
provide supplies for his army, declared his independence.
3. Name the lady ruler who fought with the Moghals? Which was the territory ruled by
her?
A. Chand Bibi; Ahmednagar
4. Where was Shivaji coronated? What was the tittle that he took?
A. Raigarh, 'Chatrapathi'.
5. Which Moghal commander brought the Ahom Kingdom under Moghal court?
A. Mir Jumla.
6. Who was the ruler from Deccan who defeated the Moghal forces under Jahangir?
A. Malik Ambar.
✤✤✤

41
 11
Emergence of Regional States in India :
Twelfth to Eighteenth Century

Introduction

There are twenty eight states and six union territories in India today. Each of these states has a
specific language, geography, food and culture that make the culture of India rich and full of varieties.
Have you wondered how these different states and the regional cultures developed? Were they like
this from time immemorial? When we go back to history, we realise that these states existed in different
forms under going a constant process of change in different periods of time.
In this lesson, you will study the history of various regional states that existed from 12th to 18th
century. Some of the regional states of this period are today a part of one single state. For example
Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur that existed as independent regional states in the medieval period are all
today districts of the state of Rajastan. Some of regional states are now a part of more than one state.
For example the Vijayanagar empire (1336-1565 AD) is now a part of the modern states of Karnataka,
Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. There are some regional states that had the same names as those of
the modern states today, but were different in terms of areas they covered. For example, the modern
states of Gujarat, Bengal, Kashmir and Orissa existed from 12th and 18th century under same names,
but their respective geography today is different from what it was in the period between twelfth and
eighteenth century.

Objectives

● Give brief account of different regional states from twelfth to eighteenth century.
● Understand the meaning of the term regional states.

42
 ● Understand the nature of relations between the regional states and the Delhi Sultanate and the
Moghal empire.
● Appreciate the relations between various regional states.
● Describe the political ideas and organisations of these regional states.
● Explain the economic and cultural conditions in the regional states.
● List some of the primary sources or documents of that time that gives us information about the
regional states.
● It is very difficult to provide account of all the regional states in one smaller lesson only a few of
them have been selected here for the study.

Essay Questions
1. Trace the development of regional states from 13th century to 18th century in India?
A. ● The rise of regional states from 13th to 18th century is due to internal weakness of Delhi
sultanate and decline of Moghal empire.
● Agriculture and agricultural activities played a very significant role in the development regional
states. Where ever good agricultural activity took place, it not only fed the population but
generated a large surplus that could be sold and wealth could be generated.
● Trade and trading activities, overland as well as maritime, also provided an important source
of revenue. This led to the rise of powerful sections in the society.
● Some times, some memoers of this powerful section asserted themselves and acquired politi-
cal power and became kings and established ruling Dynasties.
● This led to laying the foundation of the states.

2. How Bengal was able to assert its independence so easily?

A. ● Bengal was an important regional kingdom under the Palas in the 8th century and the Senas in
the 12th century.
● Bengal was the eastern most province of the Delhi sultanate. The long distance, uncomfort-
able climate and poor means of transport and communications made it difficult for the Delhi
sultanate to control this province.
● Therefore, it was easy for Bengal to assert its independence in 14th century itself.

43
3. Describe Amara - nayaka system of administration?
A. ● One of the important characteristics of Vijayanagar administration was the Amarnayaka sys-
tem.
● In this system, the commander of the Vijayanagar army was called the Nayak.
● Each Nayak was given an area of administration. He was responsible for expanding agricul-
tural activities in his area. He collected taxes in his area and with this income maintained his
army, horses, elephants etc.
● They sent tribute to king annually. They were a powerful section that challenged the vijayanagar
authority after 1565 AD.

4. What was unique about Mahmud Begarha and why is he considered and important
ruler of Gujarat?
A. ● Gujarat was a fertile and prosperous province. It had flourishing sea ports and was famous
for its handicrafts.
● Perhaps the most important ruler of Gujarat was Mahmud Begarha. He was called Mahmud
Begarha as he had captured two powerful forts or garh, Girnar and Champaner.
● He founded a new town called Mustafabad at the foot of a hill. He ruled for 52 years. He
was also a great patron of art and literature. His court poet was Udayaraja, who composed
poetry in Sanskrit.
● Mahmud Begarha led an expedition against the Portugeese who had settled on the western
coast. He died in 1511.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who was Mahmud Gawan?
A. ● He was an Iranian by birth and first reached Deccan as a trader. He was granted the tittle of
'chief of the Merchants' or 'Malik-ul-Tujjar' by Bahamani ruler Humayun shah.
● Later on he became a wazir and was given the tittle of 'khwaju-i-jahan'.

2. Who is referred to as Akbar of Kashmir?

A. One of the greatest rulers of Kashmir, Zainul Abidin has been described by some scholors as
Akbar of Kashmir and Bud shah (or) the great king of Kashmiris.

44
3. List any four characteristics of Regionalism in India?
A. Language, religious affiliations, interaction through trade and commerce, regional arts schools.

4. Which Bhakti religious developed in the regions of India during Medieval times?
A. Namdev, Raidas, Tukaram and Gurunanak.

5. Temple of Tirupathi was developed during the region of which king?

A. Krishnadeva Raya.

6. Regional states in 18th Century have been divided into how many categories?
A. 1. Founded by Moghal nobles.
2. Watan Jagirs.
3. Rebelled from Mughal authority.

✤✤✤

45
 12
Administrative System and Institutions

Introduction

A new ruling class emerged in India with the Delhi Sultanate introduced a new administrative
system and new institutions. But during Moghal rule some of these underwent changes and a few new
ones got introduced. A few of the administrative institutions had their roots in Arab and central Asia
from where the new ruling group came. While some others were Indian origin. A significant feature of
these was that many of these got transformed and in due course of time developed as suitable to Indian
context.
The new administrative system and institutions contributed in the consolidation of the Sultanate
and Moghal empires. The ruling class kept changing during this period. These institutions were used by
various rulers for other purposes also. The rulers from time to time included people from various social
classes in the administrative apparatus in order to have social harmony. It was natural on the part of
these social classes to stake claim in the system of governance and various rulers readily accommo-
dated them in the system. In this sense these institutions also emerged a tool to contain any kind of
social conflict in the society though there were various other measures also that were used by the rulers
for this purpose.

Objectives

● Know about the nature and composition of Sultanate and Moghal ruling class;
● Understand the administrative structures of the Delhi sultanate ;
● Recall the main administrative department of the Sultanate period ;
● Describe the provincial and local administration under the sultanate;

46
 ● Discuss the main features of the iqta system;
● Analyse the market control policy of Alauddin Khalji;
● Know about the central and provincial administration of Moghals;
● Discuss main features of Jagir system;
● Trace the evolution of Mansabdari system and ;
● Understand administrative structure under the Marathas.

Essay Questions
1. Discuss the administrative reforms of Delhi Sultanate?
A. Delhi Sultanate established in the year 1206 AD by Qutubuddin Aibak and ended after 1526
AD when the Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last emperor of Delhi Sultanate.
1. Administration : During the Sultanate period the administrative apparatus was headed by
Sultan who was helped by various nobles and the religious intellectual groups of Ulema.
Sultan was central figure in the administrative set up and head of the civil administration
and supreme commander of the Army. He made all the appointments and promotions. The
position of Sultan was always under pressure from the powerful group of nobility and Ulema.
He was also assisted by different ministers i.e. Diwan-i-wizart, Diwan-i-Arz, Diwan-i-insha
and Diwani-i-Rasalat etc.
2. Provincial Administration : For the Administrative convenience, the entire empire was
divided in to various institutions i.e. Iqta's, Shiq's etc, under various officers. The village was
the smallest unit of administration. Khut, Muqaddam and patwari were officials in village
administration.
3. Market reforms : Sultanates especially Alla-Uddin khilji under took various stringent mea-
sures to control the prices in a systematic manner. He fixed the prices of all commodities from
grain to cloth, slaves, cattles etc. An officer (Shehna) was in charge of the market to see that
no one violates the royal orders. Barid and Munihiyan were also appointed. Any how these
reforms did not last long and after the death of Allauddin these reforms got disappeared.

2. Trace the evolution of the Mansabdari system from Akbar to Aurangazeb?

A. Akbar was not the innovator of Mansabdari system. Its traces can be seen from the times of
Delhi Sultanate itself. However, Akbar not only regularised and systematised and made it as
scientific as possible.

47
 The word 'Mansab' denotes rank, dignity or office. The holder of a mansab was called 'Man'
'Sabdar'. His main duty was to render military or other services to the emperor whenever
required.

Its features:
● Each Mansabdar had to maintain according to his rank.
● The appointment, promotion and dismissal of Mansabdars rested at emperor's will and plea-
sure.
● The salaries of Mansabdar can be paid either in cash or in Jagir's.
● In turn Mansabdar had to discharge both civil and military duties.

Defects :
1. It did not provide any contact between the emperor and the soldier
2. Since the soldiers are recruited by the mansabdar, they were more loyal to the Mansabdar.
3. It lacked the homogenity, no classification of troops and there was a possibility of becoming
more corruptive.
Merits
Inspite of its defects, it was an improvement over the medieval military system. It combined the
advantages of the both federal system and tribal leadership and it was through this system the
loyality of the people (Mansabdari team) was ensured to the Moghal empire.

3. Discuss the main features of "Maratha administration" ?

A. The rise of Maratha power was a significant phenomenon in the history of the Deccan. This was
very much influenced by the administrative system of the Moghals and Deccani states.
Central Administration : The king was at the helm of the affairs. For the administration sake,
it was divided into eight departments headed by ministers who are called 'Ashta Pradan'. Peshwa
Waquai-navis, Majumdar, Dabir, Surnvis, Pandit Rao, Nyayadeesh and Sar-i-naubar are eight
ministers.
Provincial Administration : For administrative facility empire was devided into Prants, sub
Prants, Pargana Turfs, Mojas and villages etc. The lowest unit of administration was village under
Kulkarni and Patel. The police officer in rural area was called Faujdar and in urban area was
called "kotwal".

48
 Revenue administration : Shivajis land revenue system was that of ryotwari. He abolished the
system of taking of farming and established a direct contact between the government and the
ryot. In addition to ryotwari, shivaji collected the chauth and Sardeshmukh taxes from neighbouring
states.
Military administration : Shivaji was a great military genious. Since he had to fought with arch
rival Moghals, he maintained well organised and deciplined force. He is cavalry consists of the
Bargis and the Silhadars. The Bargis were supplied with horses and arms by the state and the
Silhadars had to find their own equipment. In addition to infantry, Navy, forts, artillery forces
also.
Religious tolerance : Though an orthodox Hindu, Shivaji was liberal exponent of religious
tolerance. He recruited even the Muslims into his army and treated them with due respect and on
par with Hindus.
Shivaji was described by R.C. Majumdar as "an enlightened ruler of the people."

Small Answer Questions

1. Who was Fawazil?
A. Fawazil was the balance of the revenue income of the muqti was which send to the sultan after
meeting his army's expenses.

2. Who were Banjaras?

A. The Banjaras used to transport food grains from the country side to the city. During time of
Allauddin Khilji, they formed themselves in a body and settled on the banks of Yamuna.

3. Who was Mutasaddi? What were his duties?

A. The Mutasaddi was the governor of the port. He collected taxes on merchandise and maintained
a custom house. He also supervised the mint house at the port.

4. What is Jat and Sawar?

A. The Zat denoted personal rank of an official and the Sawar indicated the size of contingents
maintained by the mansabdar.

5. What is the Jagir System?

A. The area assigned by the Moghals is called 'Jagir' and its holders are Jagirdars.
✤✤✤

49
 13
Economy

Introduction

The people in medieval India persued diverse range of economic activities to earn their livelyhood.
The sphere of their works varied from agricultural to artisanal production, trade and commerce and
associated commercial and financial services. These activities underwent various changes through out
the course of this period. The state mobalised its resources through collection different types of taxes
for its survival and expansion.
In this lesson, you will learn about various ways and means of production, mobilization of re-
sources by the state and the trade and commercial activities. In the section on agricultural production,
we will discuss extent of cultivation, crop pattern and means and methods of irrigation. Under the
taxation system, land revenue administration, role of landed intermediaries in the revenue administration
and burden on peasantry will be analysed.
In the section non-agricultural production, you will learn about a wide variety of medieval Indian
crafts, technologies of production involved therein and organisation of production. You will also earn
various aspects of the medieval Indian trade and commerce like commercial classes such as the sarrafs,
merchants brokers etc. and commercial practices such as, bill of exchange (hundi), brokerage, insur-
ance etc.

Objectives

● Know the extent of cultivation; main crops grown; means and methods of irrigation in India;
● Analyse revenue system of Medieval India;
● Know the role of landed intermediaries in the revenue collection;

50
 ● Discuss the production of various articles of craft;
● Appreciate how non-agricultural production was organised;
● Describe inland and foreign trade;
● Know the main commercial practices and personnel of trade and
● Describe the currency system of this period.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do you understand by persiah wheel? How did it function?
A. ● A number of artificial devices were used to lift water from wells during the medieval period.
The foremost among them were pulleys and persian wheel.
● Persian wheel began to be used in India from the sultanate period.
● It was the most advanced water lifting device of this period. In this method, a garland of pots
was attached to the rim of a wheel, a gear mechanism was also attached to it and with the help
of animal power this wheel was made to rotate.

2. Name some of the canals constructed by firoz shah Tuglaq for irrigation?
A. ● The Delhi sultans, in particular Ghiyasuddin and Firoz Shah promoted Canan irrigation.
● Firoz shah Tuglaq laid the largest net work of canals. Important among them were
(a) From Sutlej to Ghaggar,
(b) Opening from the nadvi and simur hills to Arasani
(c) From Ghaggar, reaching up to the village to Hiransikera and
(d) Excavated from yamuna and extended upto Firuzbed.

3. Identify various stages of land revenue assessment in its most elaborate form?
A. ● During the medieval period different methods of revenue assessment and collection were
used.
● The first and most simple and basic method was Crop Sharing or Batai. In this method, out
of the total produce the state share was collected by designated official.
● The second method known as Kankut. In this method the measurement was important. Land
was first measured after the productivity of land was estimated to fix the revenue demand per
unit of measured area.

51
 ● The third method was called zabt. In this method the assessment was done on the basis of
measurement. Based on yields the share of the state was decided.
● The Moghal land revenue administration was organised at the Farghana level. Amin was the
head of surveying party whereas the Amil was incharge of revenue collections.

4. What was 'Karkhana'? How did it function?

A. ● There were various units in craft production. One among it was karkhana or Royal work-
shop. These karkhanas were part of the royal establishment.
● These units produce commodities for the consumption of the royal household and the court.
Generally, expensive and luxury items were produced here.
● The Karkhana's employed skilled workers who worked under one roof and where super-
vised by state officials.
● Two kinds of karkhanas were existed.

5. Who was Sarraf? What role did he play?

A. ● Sarrafs was one of the mercantile community which played an important role in the medieval
period economy and society. It also engaged in monetary transactions.
● Sarrafs employed three distinct functions.
(i) Money changers - in this role a sarraf was considered an expert in Judging the metallic
purity of coins as well as their weight. He also determined the current exchange rate of
specific coins.
(ii) As bankers, they received deposits and gave loans on interest.
(iii) As traders, they dealt in gold, silver and Jewellery. Besides, they also issued hundis or
bills of exchange.

6. Briefly comment on the role of landed intermediaries in revenue collection?

A. ● In addition to the state officials, various categories of intermediaries existed between the
peasants and the state. They played a crusial role in land revenue realization.
● They claimed revenue exemptions on their lands or a share in land revenue in turn for the
service rendedred by them.
● Before the sultanates, raja, rajaputra, ranaka and Mahasamanta etc. were hereditary right
holders connected with land.

52
 ● During the sultanate period, intermdiaries like Khuts (small land lords), Muqaddams (village
head man) and a group of intermediaries such as Rai, Rana, Rawats etc. were played an
important role.
● During the Moghal period Rais, Ranas, Rawants and other such intermediaries referred as
Zamindars.

7. Brifly Comment on the currency system of medieval India?

A. ● The silver and copper coins were in circulation for cash transactions.
● Under sultanate the pure 'Silver Tanka' with fluctuating proportion of silver was the main
coinage.
● The Jittal and Dang were copper coins.
● Under Shershah for the first time the purity of metals in coinage of gold, silver and copper was
established. The Rupaya of silver came to be used as the basic coin for transactions. It was
178 grains. The same was continued under Akbar with minor fluctuations under his succes-
sors.

Small Answer Questions

1. What was a Hat?
A. Hat was a periodic local market, held on fixed days in a week. In these markets local people
purchased their articles of daily use.
2. Who were Muqaddams and Patels?
A. The Muqaddams and Patels were village headmen in north and south India respectively who
Where responsible for collection of land revenue and maintainance of law and order in their
respective villages.
3. Name four important centres of Diamond production?
A. Golconda, Bairagarh, Panna and Khokra.
4. What were Polaz, Parati and Chachar Lands?
A. Polaz : Land from which two crops raised every year.
Parati : Land to be left uncultivated for some time.
Chochar : Unfertile land brought to cultivation once in 3 to 4 years.
5. Qabuliyat : A deed agreement taken from peasants which made him to promise to pay land
revenue to the state as per Patta specifications.

53
 6. Dadni : a form of artisanal production where in an artisan was provided with necessary raw
material and advanced money by such merchants who trade in these commodities.
7. Tanka : Standard silver coin of Delhi sultanate.
8. Karwanis : Merchants who moved together in large number and specialized in transportation of
grain from rural areas.
9. Dastur : Revenue circle; division of territory into revenue circles for the purpose of land revenue
assessment. Each circle was called a dastur.
10. Bohra : A leading mercantile community of Gujarat.
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 14
Cultural Developments in Medieval India

Introduction

The medieval period is considered as an age of great cultural synthesis in India. During this
period a new phase of cultural development was initiated. The Turks and Moghals introduced fresh
ideas and helped in giving rise to new features in the areas of religion, philosophy and ideas, language
and literature, styles of Architecture and use of building material, painting and fine arts, music and
performing arts.
India already had a very rich cultural tradition in all spheres. But the synthesis between different
(Hindu and Muslim) cultures gave birth to new philosophical and religious traditions, ideas, forms and
styles in almost all spheres of culture. In this lesson you would be introduced to these new cultural
developments in some important spheres. We will focus on
● New religious movements like Sufism and Bhakti Movement.
● Rise of Sikkism as a new religion ;
● Growth of Urdu and Persian language and literature ;
● Growth of literature in various Indian languages;
● The architecture of the sultanate and Moghals with regional variation.
● New forms of music.
● The Moghal painting and other new styles that emerged in India.

Objectives

● Know the philosophy and practices of various orders of sufis in India ;

55
 ● Discuss the philosophy and practices of various orders of Bhakti saints in India;
● Trace the rise of Sikhism, its practices, institution of Gurus and Khalsa panth;
● Describe various styles and forms of painting in medieval India;
● discuss the rise of new languages and the growth of literature in medieval India ;
● Discuss various schools of music and dance styles in medieval India and;
● Describe main styles, materials used and techniques adopted in medieval architecture.

Essay Questions
1. Discuss some of the important aspects of sufi teachings?
A. ● 'Sufism' is a term used to refer to mystical religious ideas in Islam. It had evolved in to a well
developed movement by the 11th century.
● Sufi movement was the result of the effect of Hinduism on Islam. It emphasises the realisation
of God. It regards the relation of god with man, as the infusion of the devine into human soul.
● The Khanqah (the hospice) was the centre of activities of the various sufi orders. It was led
by shaikh, peer or Murshild (teacher) who lived with his murids (disciples).
● By the 12th century the sufis were organised in silsilahs (orders). It meant Chain and it
represented signifying an unbreakable chain between the peer and the murid. With the death
of the peer his tomb or shrine, the dargah became a centre for his disciples and followers.
● The principles of sufism were greatly influenced by Hinduism.
1. Search and love for the supreme reality is common to both Hindus and Muslims.
2. The conception of God and Soul as one of beloved and the lover, peculiar to Hinduism
was accepted by sufism in India.
3. Pacification and non-voilence were adopted by sufism.
4. The sufis were also adopted starving and torturing of the body from the Hindus, Jains
and Buddists.
5. Sufi saints Like Hindus are organised in to various orders or silsilas. Chisti and Suhrawardy
are popular in India.
6. Love and liberalism are the key notes of sufism and Hinduism.

56
2. What were the similarities in the teachings of various Bhakti saints?
A. ● The Bhakti movement in Indian History represents a movement that popularized devotional
surrender to personally conceived supreme god.
● From the eight century onwards the vaishnavite and saivite saints started the Bhakti move-
ment in India called Bhakti cult.
● Bhakti movement aimed at purification of religion and liberation of masses, from the priestly
class. A lot of Bhakti literature was produced in almost all the Indian languages specially in
Hindi, Bengali Marathi and Sanskrit.
● There are similarities in the teachings of the various Bhakti saints.
1. Most of the monotheists belonged to the low castes and were aware that there existed a
unity in their ideas.
2. All of them were influenced by the vaishnava concept of Bhakti, the Nath panthi move-
ment and sufism. Their ideas seem to be a synthesis of the three traditions.
3. The Bhakti Saints refused any formal association with the organized religions of the time.
They rejected the authority of the Brahmans and attacked the cast system and practise
of idol worshipping.
4. They composed their poems in popular languages and dialects spoken across north
India. This enabled them to transmit their ideas among the masses. It helped their ideas
to spread rapidly among the various lower classes.

3. Highlight the important aspects of the teaching of Gurunanak?

A. ● Gurunanak was born in 1469 at Talwardi near Lahore. He was a religious preacher of saintly
disposition. He preached the unity of God.
● The teachings and philosophy of Gurunanak form an important part of Indian philosophical
thought.
● His philosophy consists of three basic elements; a leading charismatic personality (the Guru),
idealogy (Shabed) and organization (sangat).
● Teachings of Gurunanak
1. Gurunanak evaluated and criticized the prevailing religious beliefs and attempted to es-
tablish a true religion, which could lead to salvation.
2. He denounced the idol worship and did not favour pilgrimage nor accept the theory of
incarnation. He condemned formalism and ritualism.

57
 3. He denounced the caste system and stood for the equality of all men. He argued that the
caste and honour should be judged by the acts or the deeds of individuals.
4. He advised people to follow the principles of conduct and worship; sach (truth) halal
(lawful earning), khair (wishing well of others), niyat (right intention) and service to the
lord.
5. His teachings constitute the basic doctrines of sikh religion. They were complied in the
form 'Granth Saheb'.
6. Nanak was from the Khatri mercantile caste whereas his followers were mostly rural
jats.

4. What were the important features in the new painting styles that emerged under the
Moghals?
A. ● Paintings in medieval India entered a new phase under the Mughals. They altered the charac-
ter of painting across north India.
● Though the Quran prohibits painting, the Moghals except Aurangazeb had a great liking for it.
Like architecture, in Moghal painting too there was a happy blend of Indian and extra-Indian
elements.
● The early origins of the Mughal school of painting can be traced to Kabul. Though Babur and
Humayun had a taste for painting but it received a great impetus under Akbar. Mir Syed Ali
and Abdur Samad were patronized by Akbar.
● Akbar patronised about 100 Hindu and Muslim painters. Among them Abdur Samad was a
renowned painter. He won the title 'Sweet pen' (Shirin Kalam) for his outstanding skill. Infact
Akbar maintained a National school of Indian painting which attracted painters from all over
the country. The famous paintings of the age were changiznamah, Zafarnamah, Ramanama,
Naladaman and Kaliyadaman etc.
● The paintings reached its zenith during the reign of Jahangir. The paintings was freed from the
Persian influence and became essentially Indian in character under Jahangir. He also patronised
both the Hindu and Muslim painters.
● Since Aurangazeb was a puritan, the art of painting declined with the death of Jahangir.
● Among the important features of the paintings of this period are restricted movement of the
figures, fineness of lines of drawings and flat dipiction of architectural columns.
● The Moghal paintings are also marked with a naturalism and rhythm, the clothing of the ob-
jects assumed Indian forms and the use of subsidiary scenes in the back ground.

58
 ● The two most common themes in Moghal paintings of this period are specific events in the
court and the portraits of leading personalities.

5. Write about the greatness of Ranjit Singh? (1780-1889) ?

A. Ranjit Singh was a great warrior and states man. He was born at Gujran wala in november 1780
AD. He was the son of Man singh, the Sardar of Sukarchakia MISL. He ascended the thrown
at the age of 12 years
His conquests : Ranjit Singh defeated the group of 11 misles. With this victory ranjit prestege
was increased.
Treaty of Amrit Sar (1809) : He concluded a treaty with the British in 1809. According to this
treaty the river Sutlez became a boundary line between the Ranjit singh and the British.
Administration: He was very good administrator. For the administrative convenience, the
kingdom was divided into provisions, paraganas, taluqs and villages.
Rajot singh maintained a vast army. He was the first ruler to pay salaries to soldiers.
He was the creator of sikh nation state, so Ranjit singh was rightly called the 'Lion of Punjab'.

Short Questions
1. The Chishti Silsilah : This order was established in India by Muinuddin chisti. The fame of
Khwaja Muinuddin grew after his death in 1235. The chisthis believed in
● Love as the bond between god and individual soul,
● the tolerance between people of different faith,
● acceptance of disciples irrespective of their religious beliefs.
● attitude of benevolence to all.
● association with Hindu and Jain Yogis and
● use of simple language.
all these enabled sufis to maintain a loyal and dedicated following.

Small Answer Questions

1. Who was AL-Ghazali?
A. An important sufi who reconciled Islamic mysticism with Islamic orthodoxy.

59
2. Who was chaitanya?
A. He was an important Bhakti Saint from Bengal.

3. What do you understand from the term Khalsa?

A. A Sikh having a direct link with the Guru.

4. Name of two important works of Ziaudin Barani?

A. Fatwa-i-Jahandari and Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi.

5. Name the Musical instrument created by Amir-Khusru?

A. Sitar

6. What is a true arch?

A. A style of arch making that emerged in the medieval period. The centre stone was important in
this.

7. Name a few monuments associated with early forms of Indo Islamic architecture?
A. Quwwat Ul Islam Mosque, Qutub Minar, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.

8. Name some of the decorative styles used in medieval architecture?

A. Calligraphy and Geometric shapes.
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60
 15
Understanding Eighteenth Century India

Introduction

The eighteenth century in India was characterized by two critical transitions which altered the
structure of power and initiated important social and economic changes. The first was the transition in
the first half of the century from the Moghal empire to the regional political orders. The second was the
transition in the polity, society and economy.
In the 18th century English East India company steered its way to the position of political domi-
nance. The decline of Moghal authority gave rise to the emergence of a number of independent king-
doms. In this chapter we will study the emergence of these independent kingdoms in different parts of
the country. The aggressive British policies affected the economic situation. The agricultural and non
agricultural production was altered. The commercial activities also under-went changes. These also be
discussed in the chapter. The socio and cultural scenario of 18th century will also be analyzed.

Objectives

● Analyse the factors for the fall of Moghal empire and rise of the regional polities ;
● Explain the major political powers that emerged during this period;
● Distinguish the regional variations within Indian economy of the period ;
● Identify the features of society and culture in 18th century ;
● List the issues involved in understanding the 18th century .

61
Essay Questions
1. Describe the causes for the downfall of Moghal empire after the death of Aurangazeb?
A. The Moghal empire founded by Babur, built and consolidated by Akbar reached Zenith of its
glory during the early years of Aurangazeb. The unity and Stability was shaken during the long
and strong reign of Aurangazeb. After his death the Moghal authority weakened and it was on
decline. Several causes were responsible for it. They were
1. Aurangazeb is religious policy of transform the whole of Hindustan into an Islamic state re-
sulted a great apathy against Aurangazeb. His Rajput and Deccan policy also created a great
resentment among the Rajput and Deccan rulers.
2. Aurangazeb's personnel defects such as suspicion, in tolerance, espionage, over-centralisation
and oppression etc. created enemies for himself.
3. The successors of Aurangazeb were weak and incompetent. Thus the absence of strong ruler
to wield power at the centre, the provinces went their own way to become independent.
4. Since there was no established law of succession as in Hinduism, the sword and not the
principle of Justice became the grand arbiter of right. Thus there was not only ruined the
prestige and moral of the Moghals but also gave wide scope to the disturbing elements to take
undue advantages of it.
5. Just like the masters, Moghal nobility became a pack of cowards, which further disintegrate
the Moghal authority.
6. The Moghals failed to realise the importance of maintaining a strong navy to protect the
empire from the European encroachments.
7. It is unthinkable that an empire can survive without sound finances. The sound financial
system setup by Akbar was not continued by his successors.
8. Foreign attacks specially, Nadir shah and Ahmed Shah Abdali added an insult to an in Jury.
9. The rise and growth of British power finally brought the Moghal empire to a close.

2. Describe the significant changes in the economic sphere in 18th century India?
A. ● The Indian economy before the British conquest of India was marked by the self-sufficient
village economy on the one hand and towns which were the seats of Indian handicrafts on the
other. The Indian products enjoyed world-wide reputation.
● After the conquest of India by the British, the Indian economy was transformed into a colonial
economy. Its nature and structure was determined by the needs of the British economy.

62
 ● Every step taken by the British i.e. either the expansion of the Railways or the revenue settle-
ments etc. was primarily aimed to accelerate the process of economic drain from India.
Economic consequences of the British rule on India : In the beginning the company mainly
bent on Indian goods for their prosperous European trade. In turn the Indian artisans and crafts
man had plenty to enjoy. But the industrial revolution that broke out in England brought the
sudden and quick collapse of Indian handicrafts, which created death knell to the Indian economy.
1. Decline of Indian handicrafts and the ruin of artisans and craftsman.
2. Progressive ruralisation or deindustrialisation of India.
3. Impoverishment of the peasantry.
4. Commercialisation of Agriculture and stagnation and deterioration of agriculture.
5. Poverty and famines etc. were some its consequences.

3. Why is there a debate on the nature of 18th century?

A. ● The debate on the nature of eighteenth century has engaged historians of Moghal India as well
those interested in colonial studies.
● Early Moghal studies view the over all changes in the shadow of Moghal political collapse and
project the period as 'dark ages', thus the Moghal political crisis is seen to be accompanied
by economic and social break down as well.
● This again resulted in two arguments around "Continuity versus change".
● Indian historians argued that colorial Conquest of India during mid eighteenth century as a
point of departure for Indian History. So the basic issues pertaining to eighteenth century are
two-whether the fall of Moghal empire initiated the fall of socio-economic structure as well
and secondly whether the arrival of colonialism was a fundamental break or not? Was the
18th century a dark age or was it a period of economic boom? Did it mark a sharp break or
was it a period of continuity and change? How British power in India expanded during the
18th century?
● These and other questions concerning the nature of politics, society, economy, religion and
culture made the study of history of 18th century highly debatable.
● Traditional historians viewed that India's 18th century as a dark era of warfare, political chaos
and economic decline sandwiched between stable and prosperous Moghal and British hege-
monies.

63
 ● But, above said view was severely criticised by recent generation of Indian historians, who
have emphasized the continuities between the earlier Moghal and later British states and the
constellation of small successor states that emerged with the ebbing of Moghal power. The
political turmoil which affected the whole century, forces one to ask whether the fall of the
Moghal empire led to a break of the central political authority triggering the phase of anarchy
firstly leading to the rise of regional kingdoms which paved the way for dominance of British
colonialism.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who were popularly known as 'Sayyed Brothers?' Mention a few of their achieve-
ments?
A. Abdulla Khan and Hussian Alikhan were popularly known as Sayyed Brothers.
Achievements :
1. They held the position of 'Vazir' and 'Bakshi' respectively under Moghals administration
2. They suppressed the sikh revolts and tried to conciliate the Rajputs.
3. They abolished repressive tax like 'Jazia'.
4. They were more influenced under Farruk Siyar Court.

2. Write about chin Kilich Khan

A. ● The founder of Hyderabad 'Nizam-ul-mulk' original name was chin kilich khan.
● He had played a key role to dislodge the Sayyed Brothers and held the position of the 'vazir'
under Moghals.
● Later on he was deputed as Subedar of Deccan 'Subha'.
● By taking advantage of Moghal disintegration, he declared independence state of Hyderabad
in 1724.

3. Bengal independence:
A. ● Bengal became an integral part of Moghal during Akbar period.
● During Aurangazeb period Murshid Quli Khan had appointed as Diwan of Bengal, but with
the growing weakening of the central authority he declared independence to Bengal but used
to sent tribute to the Moghal emperor.
● In 1739, Ali vardhi Khan who deposed the family of Murshid made himself the Nawab of
Bengal.

64
 ● The successor of Ali vardhikhan, Siraj-ud-daulal had to fight the English company over the
trading rights and defeated in plassey war in 1757, which paved the way for subjugation of
Bengal as well as India.

Small Answer Questions

1. The ruler of which country invaded India in 1738?
A. Nadir shah of Iran invaded India during 1738-39 AD.

2. Chauth : 1/4 of the income

A. Sardesh mukhi : paid by Desaswami, Desa sai and Desh mukh to Sardesh Mukh. It is 1/10 of
the income. Both taxes were collected by Shivaji.

3. Name the various ruling dynasties of the Marathas confederacy?

A. Bhonsles of Nagpur, Gaikwads of Baroda, Holkars of Indore, Sindhias of Gwalior and Sivajis
successors constituted as Maratha confederacy.

4. Who was Ahalya Bai ? What was her main achievement?

A. She was the widowed daughter in law of the Holker ruler Malhar Rao. She consolidated the
power of the Holkers and brought great glory to it.

5. Name Major colonial port cities, that replaced earlier commercial centres?
A. Colonial cities like Bombay, Madras, Calcutta replaced earlier commercial centres.

6. List the major social evils prevalent in 18th century India?

A. Women of the upper classes had to follow Pardah. Child marriage, Polygamy and Dowry were
other social evils in the society. But the most cruel and worst social evil was the custom of Sati.

✤✤✤

65
 16
Establishment of British Rule in India till
1857

Introduction

Commercial contracts between India and Europe were very remote. In the medieval period, the
Europeans carried on trade with India through the land and sea routes, but the capture of Constant
nople by the Iurks in 1453 practically closed these routes to the Europeans. Hence the Europeans had
no alternate except to invent a new sea route to India and other Eastern countries.
The British East India company i.e. John Companay was a joint stock company established in
1600 entered into the East Indies. During these time other trading companies, established by the
Portuguese Dutch, French and Danish were similarly expand in the region. The British company gained
footing in India in 1612 after Mughal emperor Jahangir granted rights to establish a factory in Surat to
Thomas Roe, a representative diplomat of Queen Elizabeth Ist of England.
The formal British rule in India is understood to have commenced in 1757, after the battle of
plassey. Hence forth the British Company transformed from a commercial trading venture to a political
entity which Virtually ruled India. Now it aquired auxillary Governmental and Military functions until its
dissolution in 1858.

Objectives

● Learn the European commercial and political stakes in India.

● The reasons for the conflicts between the English and the French in India in 18th century.

● Know the growth of British power in Bengal.

● Understand the expansion of British power in India.

66
 ● Gain knowledge about the Subsidiary Alliances concluded by Lord Wellesley.

● Know how the policy of Doctrine of lapse, introduced by Lord Dalhousie led to the expansion
of British power in India.

Essay Questions
1. How the British empire in India was founded?
A. Robert Clive was the founded the British empire in India after the battle of plassey in 1757. It
was the Boxer war in 1764 which consolidated the British power in Bengal and then in India.
Battle of Plassey : Suraj-ud-Dawla a young man of twenty three was hot tempered and head
strong came into conflict with the British. The British offended the young Nawab by giving
shelter to Krishna Vallabh and conspiring with his aunt Ghasti Begum.
At this juncture, inview of the out break of the Carnatic wars, Britishers emerged as winners
and the Nawab of Bengal ordered both of them to stop the fortification of their settlements. The
French responded immediately, but the British defied order. Thereupon Siraj declared war on
the British and occupied their settlements Kasimbazar, Fort William and Culcutta.
Battle of Plassey, 23 June 1757 : After the fall of Culcutta, the officers Siraj imprisoned some
English men, where they died of suffocation. Which known as "Black hole incident". This electrified
the situation and led to war. Compony under the leadership of Clive declared war at Plassey
where Siraj was defeated. The successor of Siraj, Mir Jafar granted a Jagir of 24 paraganas to
the company.
Thus the battle was a decisive one. It revealed the shallowness of the native rulers and the
military domination of the British. In fact plassey was decided not only the fate of Bengal but also
India.
Boxar (1764) : After the departure of clive Vansittar became a governer of Bengal and he was
greedy. He deposed Mir Jafar and placed his son-in-law Mir Kasim on the throne of Bengal.
The friendship between Mirkasim and the British was short lived. Soon differences cropped up,
Mir Kasim demanded that the English should stop the misuse of 'Dastaks'. In turn Britishers
deposed Kasim and replaced Mirkasim on the throne once again.
The deposed Mir Kasim fled away to Oudh and farmed Confederacy with Oudh Nawab and
Moghul emperor Shah Alam II. However the confedaracy of Mirkasim was routed in the battle
of Boxar in 1764 by the British general Major Munro.
The Battle of Boxar was more decisive than Plassey. In this battle, the ruler of Hindustan was
defeated in the hands of Britishers. This eventually assured the ascendency of the British in India.

67
 2. How did Lord wellesley expand the British power in India? Explain merits and demerits
of the Subsidiary Alliance?
A. One of the methods introduced by Wellesley to transform British power into the British empire of
India was the Subsidiary system. Though it was not new a innovation of Wellesley it got good
name and fame under him.
The money or the territory which was to be given to the British for the upkeep of the army is
called a 'Subsidy'. The whole system came to be called a 'Subsidiary system'.
The features of subsidiary system : A native ruler who joined the system must fulfil the
following conditions.
1. He should disband all his military forces and relay upon the British for internal defence and
external security.
2. He should deal with other states only through the English.
3. He should acknowledge the paramountcy of the British Government.
4. He should not wage war or made alliance without the knowledge of the British.
5. All the non-english Europeans should be expelled from the state.
6. He had to accept a British resident and contingent of troops for whose he had to pay or grant
some territory.

Merits
1. It enhanced the power of British.
2. It enabled the British to throw forward their military strength in advance of their political
frontiers.
3. The British enlarged its army to enlarge its empire in India without spending a single pie.
4. It destoryed the French power and influence in India without blood shed.

Demerits
1. It destroyed the political independence of the Native states.
2. Indian ruler became impotent and careless in his responsibilities as a ruler.
3. The disbanded soldiers became decoits and Pindaris and
4. Misrule is another result of this system.

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Short Answer Questions
1. Doctrine of Lapse : This was followed by a great imperialist and annexanist Dalhousia who
was governer of India from 1848-1856 A.D.
Meaning : It means, whenever a ruler of a Indian dependant state or state created by the Brisith
was without natural heirs, he should not adopt a son without the prior sanction of the British. If
any ruler violated this rule, the adopted son will inherit only the personal property of the diseased
ruler, while the principality or state will be lapsed to the paramount power (British).
Application : But, Dalhousie launched a vigorous application of the doctrine and annexed more
and more territories. The states that annexed to the British dominion by the principle of 'Doctrine
of lapse' were Satara in 1848, Nagapur, Jhansi, Jaipur, Sambalpur, Bhagat, Udaipur and Karauli
etc.
Criticism :
1. This ill fated doctrine of lapse had no Justification in India. It was against the traditions and
customs of the Indians.
2. There was no court of law to decide whether decision taken by the English was valid or not.
3. He followed no scruples in annexing the Indian states.
4. It roused the supsicion, excitement and unrest among the Indian native states.

2. Discuss the methods by the British used to establish their rule in India?
A. The Britishers became Indian rulers within a little bit of 100 years adopting various methods.
The most among them were as follows
1. Wars and Conquests,
2. Subsidiary alliance,
3. Doctrine of lapse,
4. In the name of mal administration,
5. Not paying taxes to British dominion etc.

3. Explain the terms, rule of law and equality before law?

A. Rule of law is also called supremacy of law, means that the law is above every one and it applies
to every one. Whether governor or governed, rulers or ruled no one is above law, no one is
exempted from the law, and no can grant exemption to the application of the law.
Equality before law : Equality under the law or legal egalitarianism is the principle under which

69
 each individual is subject to the same laws, with no individual or group having special legal
privilizes. Legal egalitarianism admits no class structures entail seperate legal practices.
Short Essay
1. Dual Government : This system was introduced in Bengal through the Allahabad Treaty of
1765 after the battle of Boxar. As the Diwan of Bengal the company directly collected its
revenue, while the nizamat or the police and judicial powers remained with the Nawab.

4. Effect of the Carnatic wars?

A. The British supremacy was established and the weakness of the Indian regional powers in particular
their inability to make naval interventions and the ineffectiveness of large armies of some of their
powers against smaller European forces became manifest.
✤✤✤

70
 17
Economic effects of British Colonialism

Introduction

British relationship with her Indian colony was one of political subordination, but economic ex-
ploitation formed the core of this relationship. This process of colonization was geared clearly to
benefit the mother country, even at the cost of the colony.
The word 'colonialism' was derived from the word colony. The word Colonialism was first used
by communists in 1920. Colonialism may be defined as a "practice of one country conquering, occu-
pying, politically subjugating and economically exploiting another country".

Objectives
● Study the three phases of British colonialism in India.
● Examine the changes brought by colonial revenue settlements in the Indian country side.
● Analyse the mixed impact of colonial capitalist innovations within the colony.
● Explain the "drain of wealth" theory propounded by early nationalists and
● Understand the distinct nature of colonial 'modernisation' in the colony and that if did not necessarily
imply 'progress'.

Essay Questions
1. What were the revenue policies introduced by the British, and what changes did they
bring about in the countryside in the colony?
A. From Anciant India to even today, agriculture was the chief occupation of the Indians and
land revenue was the main source of income to the state. After the foundation of the British
empire in India, the British introduced the principle of the owernship of land to make revenue
collections easy. Having this motive they introduced primarly three methods of land revenue
systems in India. They were

71
 1. Zamindari system.

2. Mahalwari system

3. Ryotwari system

1. Zamindari system : It was also called 'Permanent Revenue settlement'. The British obtained
Diwani in Bengal province by the treaty of Allahabad in 1765. Warren Hastings introduced
the systgem of bidding in the revenue collection for a fixed period. As a result a new agricultural
class called Zamindars came into being.

Under these conditions Lord Carnwallis introduced a new settlement called the 'ten
year settlement'. According to this settlement, the Zamindars were made practically the owners
of the land. As long as they pay the revenue regularly they will continue as the owners of the
land. Otherwise their lands will be forfeited. Since the ten years settlement worked well in the
first five years, this was made permanent in 1993. Though collection became cheap and easy
to the Britishers, Zamindars exploited the cultivators and the peasants were reduced to poverty.

2. Mahalwari System : It was introduced in Agra, Oudh, NWFP, Punjab etc. In this system
village was taken as unit in fixation and collection of land revenue. Ryots were the owners of
the land. But Britishers entrusted the collection of revenue in that village to elders i.e.
Mahalwaris.

3. Ryotwari system : It was introduced in Madras, Bombay, Bihar and Assam etc. In this
system the peasant was the owner of the land. He had property right over his land.

The government will fix the land revenue according to fertility of the soil and the produce.
The ryots were pay the land revenue directly to the state or its officers. There were no middle
man between the state and the ryot. As long as he pays the land revenue, he enjoyed
property right over his land.

Though the ryotwari system was better thant he Zamindari and Mahalwari system, but
in actual practice, it did not ensure the welfare of the peasants.

2. What is meant by colonialism? What were its stages?

A. The word colonialism was derived from the word 'colony'. It was first used by communists in
1920. It may be defined as a practice of one country conquering or occupying.
Phases of British colonnialism : Colonial exploitation was carried on broadly through three
phases.

72
 1. The first phase (1757 - 1813) of 'merchatalism' was one of 'direct pluder'.

2. The second phase of Free trade (1813 - 1858).

3. The third phase (1858 onwards) was Finance imperialism.

1. The first phase of British colonialism : The basic concept of this stage that the prosperity
and wealth of a country depends upon its foreign trade and commerce. The East Indian
company won the battles of plassey. Buxar and Carnatic and established their hegemony in
Bengal and Carnatic region. After established their hegemony the Britishers adopted number
of methods to loot or drain the wealth of India.

2. Stage of Industrial colonialism or Free trade (1813 - 1857) : The monopoly of Indian
trade accorded to abolished by the chacter act of 1813. As a result the doors of Indian trade
were opened to all the Britishers. Thus, free trade existed; in addition to the broke out of
industrial revolution, the stage of trade and commerce was transformed in to Industrial
colonisation. During this stage the British purchased the raw material from India at a cheeper
rate, converted them in to finished products in English factories and marketed them once in
India at higher prices.

3. Stage of Industrial capitalism (1858 - 1947) : The out come of the Industrial revolution
was the emergence of capitalist class. During this stage the British capitalists invested their
capital in the fields of plantations, railways, industries, factories etc, in India. As such they
purchased the raw material at a lower price, setup factories in India, employed Indians as
cheap labour and sold their products at exorbitant rates. Further Managing Agency system
and the home charges collected from the financiers also constitute the major source of income
to the British.

Short Questions
1. Drain of Wealth Theory : This was propounded by Dadabhai Naoroji. It is also called poverty
in India. According to him poverty in India was the result of steady drain of Indian wealth in to
Britain a British colonial policy.

2. Pindaries : They were aband of free-booters. Their number grew with the entry of the disbanded
soldiers of the native rulers that joined the subsidiary system. Marques of Hastings crushed the
Pindaries menace with the help of Thomas Hislop.

3. Ceded Districts : The modern districts of Bellary, Anantapur, Kurnool, Cuddaph correspands
to the ceded districts. Nizam of Hyderabad accquired these districts as reward for the help

73
 rendered to the British during the third Mysore war. In 1801, the Nizam joined the subsidiary
system of wellesley and ceded these districtsd to the British.

Small Answer Questions

1. Which economist propounded the idea of Free Trade or Laisez Faire in the 18th cen-
tury?
A. Adam smith.

2. How did the commercialization of agriculture cause famine?

A. The production of cash crops were encouraged at the cost of food crops.

3. Bullion
A. Wealth is the form of precious metals like gold and silver.
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 18
Social changes in Modern India

Introduction

The Indian subcontinent wintnessed significant social changes during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The on set of British rule, increasing urge for social and religious reform, rise of a middle class, rapid
growth of newspapers in both English and Indian languages, change in physical infrastructure and semi-
political unification of the country were partly responsible for these changes. The end of the Moghal
rule was followed by the strengthening of many regional kingdoms during the 18th century. The gradual
expansion of British rule in this vaccum signified an entirely unfamilier system of governance with long
term repercussions.

Objectives

● Trace the broad outlines of cultural policies of British rulers in India;

● Examine the nature of the conflict between the orientalists and the Anglicists;
● Assess the impact of British rule on educated classes in India;
● Explore the evils in the social and religious life;
● Explain the background of the rise of a modern Indian intelligentsia.
● The reform movements and the issues raised by reformers ;
● Identify the stages of the growth of Western education in India and
● Identify the stages of the growth of press in India.

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Essay Questions
1. What was the contribution of the orientalists in popularising India's past?
A. ● The first generation of British administrators in India were viewed that India had a glorious
past which had subsequently degenerated. These were called 'orientalists'.
● Important among them were Warren Hasting, William Jones, Jonathan Duncan, Lord Wellesley
etc.
● They were keen to learn and propagate Indian languages and tradition. They thought that
they would ensure a better understanding of India which would eventually strengthen their rule
over this country.
● Further to stretch this orgument, the orientalists depicted Indias past in a way that was in
Consonance with the needs of the Colonial administration.
● Various institutions came into existed to propagate the India's past. Calcutta Madvarsa (1781)
by warren Hasting, The Asiatic society of Bengal (1784) by William Jones and the Sanskrit
college at Benaras (1974) by Jonathan Duncan were some of them.
● There was a strong urge to make local British administrators familiar with Indian culture and
tradition.
● Fort william college was founded by Wellesley in 1801 to train the young British recruits to the
Civil services in India was meant to serve primarly this purpose.
● Influence of ideas was clearly visible in the administrative and economic policies.

2. What were the important issues raised by the Arya Samaj?

A. ● The most propound reform movement in the late 19th century in India was the Arya Samaj in
1875 by Dayananda Saraswathi.
● Though, he had no knowledge of English education but he was an eminent scholar in Sanskrit
and wrote Satyartha Prakash (light of the truth). His slogan was 'Goback to vedas' was a
popular one and he wanted to reform the society on the basis of Vedas.
Teachings of Dayananda Saraswathi :
● He condemned the idol worshiping and caste system.
● He believed in the oneness of god (Monotheism)
● He attacked the puranas, polytheism, idolatry and domination of priestly class.
● He led a crusade against child marriage.

76
 ● He advocated the 'Suddi Movement' to convert the members of the other faiths into Hinduism
and stood for cultural unity of India.
● He was fiercely opposed to multiplicity of castes which he thought was primarly responsible
for encouraging conversion of lower castes into christianity and ilsam.
● After Dayanand's death in 1883, the samaj lay scattered. But many a attempts were made to
unite the samaj which includes the founding of Dayananda Anglo Vedic Trust and Management
Society in Lahore in 1886.

3. Identify the important reform movements in the Muslim community during 19th cen-
tury? What were the issued raised by them?
A. ● It is well known fact that revolutionary changes evolved in the Indian society and Indians with
the introduction of English education in India. British rulers were in opined that it would create
a class of Indians who might act was reliable agents of the British emphire.
● It was true in case of not only in Hindus but also in Muslim community.
● The Reform movement among Muslims date back to 19th century, first by "Farazis' which
arose among the Muslim Peasants. They followed the teachings of Shah Walliulla of Delhi
(1703-63) who talked about regaining purity of Islam and objected to infiltration of non-
Islamic customs among Muslims.
● Another movement which arose among Muslims of Bengal was the 'Tariqah - I - Moha--
mmadiyah'. This was also talked about return to purity. Muslim priestly class (Ulema Class)
in United Provine was also concerned about the decline in power.
● Delhi college now present (Zakir Hussian college) was also became a centre for Muslims
reform movement which had began imparting a paralle education islamic as well as English.
This helped to foster a modern consciousness in the Muslim community.
The Muslim reform movement got momentam when Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan (1817-
98) took the initiative who rightly thought that the modern education was the most important path
for improvement in the condition of Indian Muslims. He called for the study of European sciences
and technology. In 1866, he formed the 'British Indian' to adopt some positive features of the
English society like its discipline, order, efficiency and high levels of education.
He founded the 'Mohemmadan Anglo oriental college' at 'Aligarh' in 1875 which went
on to become the most important seminary for modern higher education among Muslims. In
1886, Sayyid founded the 'Mohammadan Anglo oriental education conference'. The Muslim
graduates of Aligarh in due course of time provided an able and modern leadership to the
community.

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Short Essay Questions
1. Ramakrishna Mission
Notable Reform movement in Bengal, which spread to other parts of the country was
the 'Ramakrishna Mission of Swami Vivekananda'. Narendranath who later on became Swami
Vivekananda, a great disciple of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (earlier Gadhadhar
Chetterjee) who accepted Ramkrishna as guru in 1885 established Rama Krishna mission in
1897 to spread Ramakrishna preaches of univesality of all religions and favoured preserving
beliefs and rituals of Hinduism. He pointed out that the present condition of Hindus was due to
their ignorance which was helped by their being a subject race. He attempted to establish Hindu
spirutual supremacy Vis-a-vis the selfish civilization of the west. However, he believed that India
had to learn work ethics, forms of organisation and technological advance from the west.

2. Hunter commission
A. A commission was setup in 1882 under W.W. Hunter to review the progress made in the field of
education following Woods Dispatch. It was confined mostly to secondary and primary education.
This commission made large number of recommendations. It laid special emphasis on primary
education whose control ought to be transferred to district and local bodies. At the secondary
level there should be two streams-one literary education and the other a practical nature leading
to a career in commercial or vocational field. It also recommended the private initiative.

3. Wood's 'Dispatch' proposal

A. After along discussions, the British government in India finally introduced English as medium of
instruction. After then, it started to spread rapidly in Indian people. The wood's Dispatch
proposals are part and parcel of it's extension. Charles wood, the secratary of state, in 1854
prepared some guidelines for the development of English education in India which were popularly
known as 'Wood's Dispatch'.
Its important features
● The aim of education in India to be diffusion of European knowledge.
● English would be the preferred medium of instruction while vernacular languages preferred to
the masses.
● It recommended grant-in-aid for the first time to encourage private efferts in education.
● It proposed to establish a 'Department of Public Instruction', headed by a 'Director' at province
level.
● It also proposed to set up Universities at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras.
● It also recommended setting up of a 'Training institute' for prospective teachers.

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One Mark Questions
1. Which act asked the company to spend 1 Lakh Rupees on education?
A. Charter Act of 1813.

2. Briefly examine the motive of Macaulay in spreading English education in India?

A. He thought that spread of English in India would create a class of Indian who whould support
British rule. A class of persons Indian in blood and colour but English in taste.

3. What was the 'downward filtration' theory?

A. It is nothing but moulded the Indians to accept British culture and traditions by the means of
English education. Macauley theory and his thought was behind it.

4. What was the Vernacular press Act of 1878?

A. The Vernacular press Act of 1878 by Lord Lytton imposed strict control over the news papers
published in Indian Languages.

5. What is 'whig political philosophy'?

A. Executive, Legislative and Judiciary should be seperate organs of the governemnt.

6. Custom of Sati
A. Practice of immolation of wife in the funeral fire of husband.

7. Polygamy :
A. Having more than one wife.

8. Monotheism
A. Believe in One God.

9. Underline the importance of 'Asiatic society' in promoting studies on India?

A. It was founded by Willian Jones in 1784 and around 50 years, it was an important centre of
learning and a rare institution to under take translations of nobable sanskrit texts.

10. Who estblished the 'Fort William college'?

A. It was Wellesley in 1801 to train young British recruits in the Civil Service.

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 19
Popular Resistance to Company Rule

Introduction

During the initial years of company rule in India there were many a number of up risings and
rebellions. As we have learnt, over a period of 100 years, the company adopted various measures to
transform India into a colony were primarly in the interest of the British. A number of Land revenue
experiments were made which caused hardship to cultivators. Local administration failed to provide
relief and natural Justice to the rural poor.
In this lesson we will learn how the peasantry and tribal people suffered under the colonial Ad-
ministration and why they resorted revolts. With a brief narrative of important popular uprisings, we
will analyze the nature and significance of these uprisings. The Revolt of 1857 has a major significance
because, for the first time, it brought together people having different ethnic, religious and class back
ground in a unified movement against the British rule.

Objectives

● Discuss the background to the popular movements till 1857 AD;

● Identify the issues that led to the Revolt of 1857 and ;
● Analyse the importance and significance of the revolt.
Essay Questions
1. Discuss the causes of the Revolt of 1857 and its significance?
A. The great revolt of 1857 was the most important episode in the history of modern India. It has
been often called as the 'Sepoy Mutiny', 'the first war of Indian independence', a plot by
both Hindus and Muslims against foreigners and the Great Revolt. There were specific

80
grievances which actually precipitated the people's discontent against the British Raj and led to
the Revolt of 1857.
1. It was said that Dalhousie policies were mainly responsible for the out break of the Revolt.
His policy of annexations and 'Doctrine of lapse' created not only the distrust and discontent
among the Indian princes but also made them to participate in Revolt directly.
2. Dalhousie reforms were also resulted Indians feared that these reforms were meant only to
convert them into christianity.
3. The annexation of Oudh by Dalhousie and the proclamation of Lord canning of abolish titles
and privileges of Bahadur Shah disturbed the both Hindus and Muslims by the feelings of
uneasyness and vague apprehension.
4. As fas as religion is concerned the main aim of the British was christianing the Indians. To
facilitate conversion of Hindus to christianity a number of measures were taken which includes
compulsory reading of Bible in education and made English as official language. This has
regarded by Hindus as an end to their religion and culture.
5. The social reforms such as abolition of sati, Widow remarriage etc. introduced by British
were considered by Hindus as a challange to their religion and culture. In the same way the
introduction of Railways, Telegraph and Postal systems were also created suspicion in the
Indian mind.
6. The ill treatment of sepoys at the time of promotion, payment and priveleges by the Britishers
was the another important cause for great Revolt.
Thus, when the situation was highly inflamable the true story of greased catridges fell as
a spark on it. Though the British assured to with draw the greased catridges, it was of no use.
On march 29, 1857, a sepoy named Mangal Pande murdered an European officer at Meerat
with this the Revolt began.
The importance : Though the Revolt of 1857 was suppressed and failed but it was an important
event in the history of Modern India.
● The most important result of the revolt was the passing of the Government of India Act of
1858 by the British parliament. According to it, East India company was abolished and Govt
of India was transfered from the company to the crown. A Secratory of State was appointed
to look after Indian affairs. The Viceroy was replaced Governer general of India.
● Lord Canning held a Durbar at Allahabad and announced 'Queen Victoria' proclamation of
1858. Because of liberal reforms in it the Queens proclamation was called "the Magnacarta
of the Indian people".

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 ● The Army which was the chief instrument of rebellion was thoroughly reorganised.
● The mutiny gave an irreperable setback to the Muslim renaissance at Delhi.
● The revolt created mutual distrust and rivalry between the English and the Indians.

Short Essay Questions

1. The Santhal Revolt of 1885 : Of all the tribal revolts, the most prominent was the revolt of
Santhals. They were inhabited in Bhagalpur, Rajmahal region of Bihar and Bengal. They were
exploited by Dikus (middle men), money lenders, British servants etc. Their fields were trampled
by elephants.
Unable to bear the insults, santhals revolted in 1855 under the leadership of Sidhu and Kinhu.
Finally with great difficulty leaders were arrested and British took full advantage on the Santhals,
finally in 1917 Santhal revolts were completely suppressed by the British.
2. Rampa Rebellion (1879 - 80) : The tribals of Godavari agency revolted against the exploitation
of a few English officers and Tashildar at Rampa in 1879 under the leadership of Koyakonda
Dora. It took two years for the British to bring the whole situation under control.

3. Enlist any three major causes of the failure of the Revolt?

A. ● The rebels had limited supply of arms and ammunitions.
● There was a lack of communication and centralized leadership among the rebels.
● The British had sufficient resources and also better arms and equipments.
● The rebels had failed to enlist the support of other sections specially from mass.
● Rebels did not have clear political agenda for future except their distrust on the foreign rule.

One Mark Questions

1. How did Indian peaesantry met the increasing demand of taxes by Britishers?
A. By selling their land-holdings.

2. Which novel immoralize the Sanyasi Rebellion?

A. Anand-math written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

3. Name any five important leaders of rebellion of 1857?

A. Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tantia Tope, Begum Hozrat Mahal, Nana Saheb and Kunwar Sing of Arrah.
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82
 20
Nationalism

Introduction

The most important event in the history of Modern India was the growth of Nationalism or
national consciousness among the Indians in the 19th Century.
Have you ever wondered when all this may have begun? What is the history of Nationalism?
How old is this idea? Or did people always love their country? Does the word 'nationalism' carry any
other meaning apart from a feeling of loyalty for one's country? These are the questions that we shall try
to answer in this lesson.

Objectives

● Trace the history of idea of Nationalism ;

● Explain the reasons for the rise of nationalism in Europe;
● Relate the growth of Nationalism in India with the struggle against British colonialism;
● Trace the emergence of ideas of nationalism in the field of culture in India ; and
● Explain how nationalism was expressed in economic terms.

Essay Questions
1. Describe the factors that helped the rise of Indian National Movement?
A. There were several factors responsible for rise of national feelings or nationalism among the
Indians.
They were as follows

83
1. British imperialism : British had the credit of uniting political India since a long time which
India and Indians did not enjoy. Even the Moghuls did not achive it permanently. But with the
advent of British imperialism, India became one and the Indians from different parts of the
country began to understood one another and meet to each other. Their centralised control
and uniformity of administration promoted the feeling of oneness among the Indians. Thus the
British imperialism gave political unity to the country.
2. The Western education brought the Indians into touch not only with the liberal and radical
thought of J.S. Mill, Spencer Rousseau, Voltaire etc. but also the Nationalist movements of
Europe.
In the absence of a common language people of India speek many languages, under
which it will be very difficult for them to understand each other. As the British made the
English as official language it enable the Indians to exchange their ideas and thoughts freely.
This linguistic unity paved the way for the national unity.
3. The Socia - Religious Reform moments by many reformers also infused self -respect and self-
condiflence in the Indians. They roused the patrotic spirit and national consciousness amongst
the Indians. They glorified Indias past and encouraged the people to fight against the alien
rule.
4. The Indian press both the English and the Vernacular played a vital role in the national awakening
of the people. These papers not only brought to light the economic and polical exploitation of
the country by the British but also educated them in building up an Independent India. In
1875 there were about 475 news papers in India.
5. The writings of great intellectuals viz Tagore, B.C. chatterjee, Deena Bandhu Mitra did a lot in
rousing political consciousness among the Indians and prepared them for the national struggle.
In fact the novel 'Anand math' became the 'Bible of Modern Bengali' patrotism. It contained
the famous song 'Vandemataram'.
6. The economic exploitation of India brought misery and suffering to the millions of India. The
free trade policy of the British proved very distartrous to Indian economy was transformed
into a colonial economy. India fundamentally remained as country to supply raw materials
and a market place for the British goods.
7. When a severe famine ransacked the country Lytton held imperial durbar at Delhi by sending
huge sums of money. Thus anti - Indian policies of Lord Lytton accelerated the forces of
Indian nationalism in the country.

84
 8. In the said conditions, the Ilbert Bill controversy became an eye opener to the Indians. It
clearly proved that the Indians could not acecept Justice and fairplay from the English when
their own interests were involved.

9. The wide - spread of discontent led to the birth of political organisations in different parts of
India to ventilate their grievances. In course of time, the Indians felt the need of an All India
organisation to ventilate their grievances on grand scale and to fight against the Britishers. At
this juncture an initiave came from A.O. Hume to establish an All India Association known as
Indian National Congress on 28th Dec, 1885 A.D.

2. How did Dadabai Naoroji and R.C. Datt contributed to the growth of economic nation-
alism?

A. ● The origins of economic nationalism can be traced back to the second half of 19th century
when Indian leaders like Dababhai Naoroji, M.G. Ranade and R.C. Dutt began realizing that
the British rule was economically exploiting India and that it was largely responsible for keeping
India under extreme proverty.
● They emphasized that British was exploiting India in variety of ways. Initially this exploitation
was confined to heavy taxation of the peasantry and later on as a supplier of raw material for
their industries and markets.
● The relevance of economic nationalism was two folds. First it demolished the notion that the
British colonial government was benevolent govt and would ultimately lead to Indias economic
development. Secondly economic nationalism laid the foundation for a powerful nationalist
agitation againt the colonial rule which started under the leadership of M.K. Gandhi in the
20th century.

Short Essays

1. Write about the Brahma Samaj of 1828 ?

A. Brahma Samaj (1828) : Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the founder of the Brahma Samaj. He was
a great scholar and a prophet of the new age. His services marked a brilliant chapter in the
history of Hindu renaissance. Infact he was the "Father of Indian Renaissance".

Principles of the Brahma Samaj

● It condemned the image worship and caste system.

● It stood for universal tolerance and respect for all religious and scriptures.

● It believed in the unity of God.

85
 ● It advocated universal brotherhood as honesty.
● Besides the religions activities, it also took harity, female education, technical and general
education as it aims.
The other great leaders of the Samaj were Devendranath Tagore and Keshav Chandra Sen.
2. Write about the Prarthana Samaj (1867 A.D.) ?
Prarthana Samaj (1867 A.D.) : Prarthana Samaj was started in Maharastra under the leadership
of Atmaram Panduranga. Justice Ranade, R.G. Bhandarkar and G.K. Gokhale were the other
great leader of the Samaj.
● The Samaj aimed at rational worship and social reform.
● It thrived for adult education and female education conducting night schools and women's
associations.
● It started a Depressed Classes Mission to look after the condition of depressed sections in
the society. Ranade founded 'Deccan Education Society' and 'Widow Remarriage
Association' at Poona.
3. Write about the Theosophical Society (1875 - 79) ?
Theosophical Society (1875 - 79) : The Theosophical Society was founded by Madame
Blavatsky and Col. Olkott of U.S.A in 1875 A.D. Later it speed to India in 1879, having its
head quarters at Adayar, near Madras. It became popular under Mrs. Annie Besant, when
she became it secretary in 1893. It condemned the caste system and stood for the equality of
all religions. Its services to Hindu revival and Social solidarity was remarkable in the
reawakening of India. To quote here "without Hinduism India has no future. Hinduism is the
soil into which India's roots are struck and torn out of that she will invincibly wither as a tree
torn out from its place".

Short Eassy Questions

1. Mention two important features of cultural nationalism?
A. 1. Opposition to some element of the traditional Indian culture and a resistance to the encroachment
of colonial culture in the lives of the people.

2. Name the Indian leader who introduced Ganapati festival in order to reach out to the
people?
A. Bala Gangadhar Tilak
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 21
Indian National Movement (1857-1947)

Indroduction

The history of our freedom movement is not a single homogeneous story. It has several diverse
factors that interline and influence each other and unfold into the narrative of a struggle of our people for
independence.
The efforts of the moderates led to legal and constitutional changes. The zest of the revolutionaries
led to heroic actions and an uncompromising struggle. The mass movement brought to focus by Mahatma
Gandhi led to widespread respons from all sections of the population. We shall study in this lesson
these different movements and see how each affected the other and led to the achivement of the common
goal i.e. independence.

Objectives

● Form an overall idea of the Indian National movement;

● identify and place chronologically, the various strands of the movement ; and
● see how each section of the national movement influenced each other.

Essay Questions
1. Describe the growth of National Movement in India from 1885-1905 AD ?
A. The History of the National movement from 1885 to 1905 is considered as the period of
'Moderate' nationalism. During the first 20 years of its inception, the congress was led by the
Moderate nationlists who were modest in their demands. Noiroji, S.N. Benerjee, Gokhale,
Ranade, Malavya, Wedderburn and A.O. Hune were the some of the eminent Moderates of this
period.

87
 The Moderates believed that the stability of the British rule was the sine quanon of India's progress
and the western education, speedy of communications were some of its blessings. They also
believed in the British sence of Justice and fair play and were confident that their grievances
would be redressed.
1. Demands of Moderates : They urged the government to introduce a number reforms. The
main among them were 1. Reorganisation of the legislative councils, 2. Holding simultaneous
examinations for 1CS at London and Calculta 3. Abolition of Indian Council 4. Repeal of the
Arms Act 5. Reduction of military budget 6. Appoinment of Indians to the Commissioned
Ranks etc.
2. Methods : Moderates followed the peaceful and constitutional methods of agitation to achive
their demands. In short they adopted a policy of pray, petition and protest.
3. Achivements : Though the policy and programme of the moderates was regarded as 'politi-
cal mendicacy' by the Indian youth, they made a noble contribution to the progreess of na-
tional movement. By holding sessions, resolutions, petetions etc. they focussed the attention
of the people and moulded public openion and brought many Indians within the fold of con-
gress.
The attitute of the government towards congress movement was aptly said by Ramsay Macdonald
as the attitude of friendship at first and bitter opposition later.

2. Sketch the history of Indian National Movement from 1920-1947 AD ?

A. Mahatma Gandhi was the sole and supreme head of the Indian National Movement during this
period. He skilfully led the freedom struggle, gave it a new turn, imparted a new force character
and meaning. It was only under his leadership that the Indian National Congress was transformed
in to a fighting force and non voilent revolutionery organisation and finally obtained independence.
During this period he led three national wide movements they are as followes.
1. Non Co-operation Movement 1920-22 : After his success in South Africa, he retured to India
in 1915. He took up iniative the cause of Indigo platation workers of Champaran, industrial
workers of Ahmadabad and Khed Satyagraha and succeded. When his request failed against
Rowlat Bill's he organised the country wide hartal which led to 'Jallian Walabagh tragedy'. Mean
while 'Khilafat' movement was organised against the British raj. To undone punjab killings and
restore 'Khalifa', Gandhi decided to launch "Non Co-opertation Movement".
The Programme of Non Co-operation consisted of boycotte of school, colleges, Law Courts
and foreign goods, Surrender of titles. and honorary offices and resignation from local bodies

88
and establishment of national schools, colleges, adoption of swadeshi goods and the use of
private arbitration courts etc.
● The movement evoked a great response throughout the country. When the movement reached
its zenith a voilent incident occured at 'chawra chawri' in 1922 which led to the supension of
the movement.
● At this crucial time C.R Das and Motilal Nehru came out from Congress party and formed a
'Swarajya Party' to inspire the people in 1923. The Swarajists kept the nationalism alive and
dispelled the feelings of depression and frustration that gripped the people.
● Mean while the British government appointed a commission headed by John Simon to en-
quire in to the working of Dyarchy and political situation in India. Due to its all-white compo-
sition, the leaders of freedom struggle boycotted it and it was greated by black flags and
slogans of simon Go Back.
● As a rebuff the Simon Commission the congress party appointed committee under the Motilal
Nehru which was knowned as 'Nehru report', demanded ' dominian status'. In addition
Congress Committee assembled at Lahore in 1929 under the leader ship Jawaharlal Nehru
declared 'purna Swaraj' as the goal of the congress.
● In accordance with the Lahore decision Gandhi announced 'Eleven points' for the consider-
ation of the British. When this failed Gandhi started his famous march to Dandi to break the
Salt laws.
Gandhi - Irwin pact 1931 :- Mean while British Government convened the first Round Table
Conference of Indian leaders in London to discuss Simon Commission Report and formulate
proposals for an Indian Constitution. But the congress did not take part in it. But the efforts of
T.B. Sapru and M.R Jayakar, resulted to the Treaty of Gandh - Irwin pact in 1931.
● In accordance with the Pact Gandhi alone, attended the Second Round Table Conference in
1931. The conference ended in failure due to grant separate electorates to Harijans. Gandhi
ruturned to India and reiterated the Sathyagraha Movement. Mean while the Hindu and
Harijan leaders Came into a Compromise and concluded the 'poona pact' of 1932. The
Third Round Table Conference was convened in 1932 in which Gandhiji and Congress did
not participate.
● The Govt of India Act of 1935, provided 'provincial autonomy' in the provinces and 'Dyarky'
at the centre. When the second world war broke out in 1939, the congress protested against
the Linlithgow declaretion of India as enymy country to Germany, there up on all the congress
ministers resigned.

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 3. The congress refused the 'August offer' of the British and Gandhiji started the individual
Sathyagraha. In the midst England faced difficult situation in world war and deputed Sir
stafford Crips to win the moral support of Indians. It was welcomed by Indians. But the
Cripps was failed and rejected by all sections of Indians including Jinna. Gandhi described it
as a "post - dated cheque in a crashing bank".

4. Congress Working committee met at Bombay adopted the famous 'Quit India resolution'
where Gandhi delivered a great speech and concluded with the slogan of "Do or Die".
Ofcourse the the movement was suppressed by the British.

5. After the war, the Labour party came to power in England which Committed to policy of
transferring power to India and appointed Cabinet Mission, which consists of three minis-
ters. The mission proposed the interim government, a Constituent Assemble to draft a
new courtitution and a sub-federation of Muslim province in the Federal Union of India.

6. But the formation of interim government and Muslim league direct action Day created a lot ot
Blood shed in India. The congress disgusted with the tactics of the League and its atrocities.

Finally Atlee, British Prime Ministers declared that British would transfer power and quit India.
By the Indian Independence Act of 1947, the Britishers transfered the power on 15th August
1947.

Short type Questions

1. C.R. Farmula (1944)

A. When the conditiones in India after Quit India Movement were favour to India divisions,
C.Rajagapala chari with the direction of Gandhiji prepared a formule for a permanent solution of
Indian politics

Main provisions of C.R. Formula :

● The Muslim lague should co-operate with the congress in its demand for independence.

● The league should join the interim government.

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 ● After the war, a commission will be set up to demarcate Muslim majority areas. Thereafter
plebicite will be taken on the basis of adult franchise in these areas to decide the issue of
partition.

● Before plebicite, every political party will be given the fullest opportunity to express its view
before people.

● In case of some of the provinces wanted separation an agreement will be signed with them
about Defence, Commerce, Communication etc.

● If partition was unavoidable, there will be no use of force in transfer of population.

● All these terms will be affective only after the transfer of power.

2. Nehru Constitution

A. The Congress Working Committed appointed a Commission under the leadership of Motional
Nehru which created a 'New Constitution'.

Salient features

● Dominion status for India.

● India was to be a secular state with no state religion.

● Complete responsible government i.e. the responsibility of the Executive to the legislature
legistature to have full powers.

● To have a Bicameral legislature at the centre.

● There was to be the system of joint electorates with reservation of seats.

● Seats were to be reserved for Muslims in provinces where they were minority and non-
Muslims in North West Frotier Province. Such reservation was to be in accordancewith the
population, with the right to contest additional seats.

● No reservations in the provinces of Bengal and Punjab to any community.

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VI. One Word Answer

1. Who announced the partition of Bengal and when ?

A. Lord Curzon in the year 1905.

2. Which popular theatre form was used to spread nationalist feeling ?

A. Jatra

3. What is 'Komagata Maru' incident ?

A. Passengers of the ship Komagata Maru to Canada were turned away by the Canadian Government,
when they reached Calcutta in 1914, passengers clashed with police and 22 people were killed.

4. Annie Besant and Tilak started which movement?

A. Home Rule Movement.

5. What is the importance of Baisakhi Day of 1919 in National Movement ?

A. On this day on the gathering at Jalianwalla Bagh General Dyer and his men fire at the crowd of
unarmed and helpless people leaving 378 dead.

6. On which specific points Non-coperation movement was inititated ?

A. Khilafat wrong, Punjab wrong and Swaraj.

7. When and by whom Swaraj party was founded ?

A. It was founded in 1923 by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das.

8. Give full form of HSRA ?

A. Hindustan Socialist Republican Association.

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 22
The world in 1900 : The 19th Century Legacy

Indroduction

When we learn about the past through books, films, television or the stories told by older people,
we notice the differences and similarities between other times and our own. We are aware that certain
material things and technologies that we use today either did not exist in 1900 or were used only by
small numbers of people. Yet in terms of the organisations of human life we have much in common with
the people of the year 1900. This unit will discuss how people in various parts of the world lived in
1900.

Objectives

● Visualize population patterns indifferent regions of the world in 1900 ;

● define capitalist industrilization and understand its social consequences;
● explain relations of colonialism;
● Visualize modern patterns of energy and resources usage ;
● analyse the emegence of modern political idealogies and mobalizations.

Essay Questions
1. In what ways did industrialization alter ancient patterns of human existence ?
A. Industrialisation took place in Europe during the early 19th century. This process of industrialisation
began with bringing together of large number of labourers near areas of energy and resources to
produce metals, and to operate machines that turned out finished products at fast face. The
capitalist industrilisation took orgin when huge amount of money required for industry to operate
on a big scale.

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 Capitalism means "accumulated wealth and property and those people who have capital" are
called capitalists. Capitalists are directly involved in industrial production, trading, administration
and Banking.
The wealth and property of capitalists came from trade and commerce of small owners. On
the other hand were people - men, women and children who worked in factories and who did
not have any property and were dependent for their livilihood on their labour for which they got
wages. Between them there were members of the salaried middle classes; teachers, doctors,
Engineers, clerks, and in other services.
By 1900 Asian and African cities like Bombay, Shanghai and Dakha also contained large number
of businessmen, shop keepers and other sections of middle classes, as well as industrial wage
labourers. But population here was greatly out numbered by landlords, peasants and agricultrual
labourers in the surrounding villages.
It is also important to note that by 1900 many European countries had maintained colonies under
which many people came under their control.

2. How did industrialization change patterns of global production and trade ?

A. Industrial revolution in Europe brought remarkable changes not only in Europe but also elsewhere
in the world. Most industrialized nations of the Europe in 1900 directly ruled, or controlled
economically, territories a beyond their own boundaries.
The rulers of colonial state tried to prevent Asians and Africans from acquiring advanced
technologies and carefully controlled railways and telegraph networks in their colonies. They
also came down heavily on aspirations for freedom. They replaced the earlier languages of
administration with their own. They also initiated some educational policies with the aim of
assimilating some sections of colonial society with the foreign rule. They also prepared some
sections of them for manning the colonial administration at lower levels. They practiced policies
of devide and rule, restricted the development of modern economic activity and used education
for purpose of creating a social gulf between those educated in the colonial language and those in
the local language.
The impact of colonialism and capitalist penetration altered social relations in the colonies.
They altered the pattern of agriculture to shift its priorities towards the cash crops by which they
made trade.
For example, Indian peasants produced opium that British enterpreneurs exparted to china.
Indian merchants too had a hand in this. In other words both production and trade were geared
to the interest of the ruling power.

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 As a result larger number of people around the world came to produce things that they did not
themselves consume, while they consumed things produced else where by others.
Thus the in equalities which riped during the 20th century had the root in 19th century.

3. Explain the main ideologies in the developed and under developed World ?
A. The World of 1900 witnessed a tremendous growth of ideas and competing ideologies or various
sets of political ideas about life and organization of Societies. This was because of result of
economic and social transformations connected with industrialization. By 1900 print media in
western Countries provided information to large number of people, but also shaping their political
views.
Liberalism : It as a set of ideas began to emerge more than 300 years ago when nobles and
people of substantial property struggled to regulate the powers of the rulers.
Liberals believed that individuals have some 'natural rights' and believed that government and
rulers must be made to respect these rights. They thought that formulation of public laws and
constitutions were the best method of creating and enforcing these rights.
Conservatism : They came mainly from land owning and other sections (land - owing classes or
merchants and traders who enjoyed state protection and monopolies which were lost due to free
trade policies) of society who did not like the abolition of privileges and restrictions which
benefited them. For them the whole idea of natural rights were disruptive. To them social order
and stability were more importnat than equality.
Socialism : Socialists represented the interests of the working people and argued that Labour
should be given due importance in the state and should fight for 'egalitarian society'. They were
impressed by Karlmarx and thought that workers would never be fairly rewarded under the
capitalist system. This would happen only if all enerterprises were commonly owned i.e. if the
state owned them for the equal benefit of all.
Marx said that, in a Communist Society when all means of production were held in common and
were not private property, each person will contribute according to his/her capacity and receive
according to her/his needs. Social Justice therefore required abolition of private property. Classes
would also cease to exist 'egalitarian Society'.
Imperialism : It means the process of acquiring or maintaining colonies, territories dependent
on the 'parent' country. i.e. the idealogy of acquiring empire.

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 Many inhabitants of the industrialized countries believed that colonialism was beneficial for the
countries that were being ruled and that the inhabitants of the 'back word' countries were being
'civilised' by foreign rule.
Nationalism : Nationalism and national liberation ideology was an explosive force in the world
of the Ninteenth and twentieth centuries. In all parts of the world in 1900 Nationalism filourished
and became importnat forms of mobilization of people. Popular participation in government was
also an important aspect of national movements.
Protest against Colonial policies of the imperialistic - economic exploitation and denial of self
governance - formed the basis for national liberation movements all over the world. National
freedom struggles of the twentieth century thus engaged with ideas about democracy and also
with ideas of how national wealth should be produced and shared. Nationalism and socialism
were to have an explosive impact within 'developed' Europe as well as in the 'Undeveloped'
colonial world.

Short type Questions

1. What are natural Rights ?

A. According to Humanists, every human being has natural Rights along with live. They are right to
resist oppression, accumulate property, freedom of religion, right to express their openions freely
etc.
2. Bourgeoisie : The social class including people with substantial property in the form of the
houses, factories, or bank accounts - capitalists.
3. Print Culture : Means the pattern of Communication and knowledge based on printed texts,
such as books and newspapers, that can be replicated quickly through mechanical means. Print
culture depends on literacy and cheepness of technology of printing. By 1850 print culture
involved tens of millions of people around the world; most of them intowns and cities.
4. C.E. - Common Era. The year one being the year following the birth of Jesus Christ. The
countries in the world follow different calenders, but the 'Christian' calender is the one most
widely used around the world today. 'Twentieth Century' means the century of the 1900s.

VI. One Ward Answer

1. Why was there a significant 'literacy gap' between urban Centers and rural areas by
1900 ?
A. High level of primary school attendance and large circulation of news - papers.

96
2. Why were liberals in principle opposed to government regulation of economic activity ?
A. Liberals believed that individuals pursuing self - interest in economic activity would serve the
good of all better than a powerful regulating authority (goverment).

3. Give one example of a country in 1900 where Marxists were very successful in mobalizing
working class people ?
A. Germany, where the 'Social Democratic Workers' party won most votes from the working classes.
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 23
World War 1 and the Russian Revolution

Indroduction

The first World War of 1914 - 18, was one of the greatest disasters that ever before to the man
kind. It was not an unexpected tragedy because during 40 years preceding its outbreak, the developments
had been dragging Europe towards a world war. The greatest war that witnessed the first quarter of the
20th Century was the first World War.
World War 1 and Russian Revolution of 1917 were consequences of the developments and
chain of events in the second helf of the 19th and the beginning of 20th century. Both were very
significant experence involving millions of people : they influenced and shaped the 20th century.

Objectives

● Identify some of the factors which caused the war in 1914 and discuss whether such factors of
conflict exist in the world today;
● Explain why the revolution became possible in the Russian Empire of 1917 and not in any other
country;
● analyse the immediate and long term consequences of both the war and the Russia Revolution
and
● discuss the meaning of the war and the Revolution and its impact on India.

Essay Questions

1. What are the Causes for the first World War ?

A. The first World war was started on 1 August 1914, when England Joined hands with France
and Russia against Germany. The countries which were involved in the war faught in different

98
 groups. They were the Triple alliance and Triple entente Countries. It was not a sudden
occurance but it was the result of rivalry among several European Countries. The main Causes
are
1. Aggressive nationalism was the main cause of the war. The national spirit of nationalism gave
rise to the national Chauvinism which created an un healwhy relations between the European
powers. There existed a deep-seated antagonism between Teotonic races and the slow
races. The rivaslry between Germany France regarding Alsace and Corraine, became a
bone of contention.
2. Militarism was another causes of the war. Big - armies, and large navies protended ill to the
peace of Europe. The military and novel officers dominated the affairs of the countries. The
undue importance given to the army made the military generals very powerful which was not
conducive to the maintanance of peace.
3. Secret Alliances : The Vertical division of Europe into secret Alliances was brought the Euro-
peans in to the disatrous world war. 'Triple Alliance' consits of Germany, Austria and Italy
and Triple Entente consists of England, France and Rusia Came into existance. Thus the
Alliances devided the Europe into two camps. This deep seated rivalries untimately brought
out the world war. The system of secred alliances was the causes of modern times.
4. The role of Germany : German's chauvnism and German Kaiser william arrogant and haughty
mentality played a vital role the in outbreak of first world war. Keaiser believed in the phi-
losophy of German Leadership in the world. His attitude towards England resulted in the
ruination of Germany.
5. Economic imperialism of European states led to international confliicts. The desire to capture
markets and the need for raw materials resulted in resentment and bitterness. Germany viewd
with England in capturing colonies. England and france contested for colonial supremacy. As
a result, the war followed.
6. Eastern problem : The Balkan problem was complicated by many issues. They were a Turk-
ish misrule, rivalry between greece, Serbia and Bulgaria for the control of Macedonia, Pan
slavism and the urge of the Austrians and Germans to move towards the East. The Balkan
Crisis led to global conflict of 1914-18 AD.
7. Over Bosnia and Hergegovina : They we given to Austria in the Berlin congress of 1878.
Which she annexed in 1908. Serbia strongly protested against the unilateral action of Austria.
The rivalry between Austria and Serbia burst into the world war.

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 8. Immediate Causes : The murder of Archduke Feridnand a heir to the Austrian shrone at
sirajovo by a serbian youth was the immediate cause for the war. Asustria took the advan-
tage of situation to crush serbia. Thus the war started in the Balkan peninsula and it spread to
the entire continent and the world.

2. Main Causes for the out break of the Bolshwike Revolution of 1917 AD ?
A. The Russian Revolution was also called Balswick Revolution or October Revolution or Communist
Revolution. It is milestone in the history of man kind. It has its effects not only on Russian but
also on the whole world. The revolution was inspired by the principles of Marx and Frederick
Engels. The Russian Revolution relieved Russia from the autocratic rule of Romanoves.
Causes of the Revolution :
1. The foremost cause of the Revolution was the autocratic rule of the czars. People were deprived
of civil and political lights.
2. The deterioted Socio -economic condition added to the political autocracy. Eighty percent of
the Soviet population depended on agriculture was dominated by feudal lords. The crop was
meagre, famines became frequent. As there was no support from government, peasant tooks
loan from the money lenders called 'kulaks' for higher rate of interest. As the peasants failed to
pay back debts, atrocities of kulaks on peasants increased. The marxiest ideas influenced the
working class. The mounting dissatisfaction and anger of common people, peasants, workers
prepared them for Revolution.
3. Industrial Revolution : New problems that emerged as a result of Industrial Revolution. Though
revolution started in Russia much later, as a result of it along with capatalist class, working class
evolved in Russia., Their number increased by leaps and bounds. The wages were low and
working hours were high. The families of the workers lived in most unhygenic and wretched
condition. The socialist ideas that spread in Russia under these circumstances, infused consiousness
among workers, consolidated them and ignited them to revolt.
4. Intellectual Causes : Writers and intellectuals played an important role in creating consciousness
among people. They have succeeded in bringing out the autocracy of czars, corruption of the
government and the exploitation of the capatalist class and made the people pro-evolutionary.
Amongest them LeoTolstoy, Maxim Gorky, Ivan Turginev and Anton Chekhor were the most
prominent. The provided the spark that every revolution needs.
5. Influence of political parties : Various political parties played a major role in the revolution.
Nihilists under the leadershipp of Michael Bakunin opined that all the existing institutions in Russia
were rotten and they to be destroyed. The socialists split in to two groups. Menshevics were

100
 moderates who aimed at gradual change and believed in peaceful means. Bolshevics with extremist
views and they believed in voilent means. They wanted radical changes in the society.
6. Revolution of 1905 : Priar to Bolshevic Revolution of 1917. Revolution of 1905 occured. The
workers at St.petersburg broke into riots on March 11, 1917 under the leadership of father
Gapon. Emperor not only rejected to meet them but also resorted to suppression. Many workers
dies which came to be known as Bloody Sunday. Emperor issued on oct 30, 1905 what is
known as 'Bulguin Constitution'. This is called the Revolution of the 1905. According to it
'Duma' was the established, which elected 'Kerensky' the Menshevik leader was made the dictator.
7. November Revolution : The moderate under the leadership of Keronsky did not satisfied the
majority section of Russian people. Taking advantage of the civil liberties, Lenin and Stalin
returned to Rusia and started organising people for another revolt. In July, 1917 there was an
attempted armed rising by the Bolshivics but it was suppressed.
In October 1917 Lenin had a Cospiratory meeting and on 7th the revolution took Nace. The
kerensky government was overthrown and the communist regime in Russia stated under the
leader ship of Lenin Whose original name was Vlalini ill with Ulvinov.

Short Essays

1. Fourteen points of Woodrow Wilson ?

A. Woodrow wilson, the president of America desired that the treaty of versailes should be drafted
on the basis of Fourteen points. The important among them are
1. to establish an institution for establishing peace in world
2. to establish European states on the basis of nationalism
3. to have a liberal attitulde towards defeated countries.
4. to maintaint the disarmament policy
5. not to have secret alliances and secret agreements
6. providing the right of national self determination to all.
7. Removing restrictions if international commerce
8. Reducing economic inequalities among countries.

2. Describe about League of Nations ?

A. The scale of the year 1914-18, the magnitude of the losses it caused, the suffering of the civil

101
 population in the war effected areas, the immense financial burden imposed upon victors exited
the minds of states man to think about the steps to be taken to prevent its repetetion. Thus the
League of Nations came in to exist in 1920.
The feague of Nations operated through five agencies. The Assembly, League Council, the
secratarict, The International Labour Organisation and The court of International Justice.
The purpose of this league was to ensure the political independance and territorial integrity of all
the Nations. The member states of the league should resolve their disputes through peaceful
means. In short, it was to prevent recurrence of war, and to promote world peace.
The league did accomplish a greatdeal during its existence for about twenty years. It solved
political, economic and social problems in a peaceful manner. It examined 40 disputes in all.
Although the league failed in the field of disarmament, it achived significant results.

3. Explain the term "sick man of Europe" ?

A. The ottovan Empire of Turkey was known as the 'Sick man of Europe' in 19th and 20th
centuries. The empire, which terorised Europe and Central Asia in the medieval period, started
declining from the 18th Century. By the 19th century, the position of Turkey was condiderable
weak. Even small European states could humiliate Turkey. Therefore Turkey was called as the
'Sick man of Europe'.

IV. One Mark Questions

1. What were the new weapons used in World war I ?

A. Airplanes, tanks and submarines.

2. What is meant by abolition of private property ?

A. Means of production owned by the state.

3. Capitalism : A system based on rights of property and market; and therefore also private profit,
in which the owner of property derives his/her profit from the expliutation of labour of those who
work on it.

4. Socialism : A system based on state ownership of means of production, so that the labour of
those who work on it can not be exploited for the private benefit of a few, and in which the
political system is such in which the interests of the working people predominate.

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 24
The Inter - War period and the Second World War

Indroduction

The first half of the twentieth Century is known in history as the era of world wars. The first
world war was considered by many to be 'a war to end all wars'. Yet, the developments during the next
twenty years, led the world into another war which was more destructive, more widespread and much
larger in scale. In order to under stand the reasons for the outbreak of this war, we need to study the
inter war period from 1919 to 1939.
The end of the first world war did not end the rivalries between to European nation. Even the
peace Treatise failed to ensure peace. The treatise were harsh on the defeated countries and thus
sowed the seeds of future conflicts. They even failed to satisfy the territorial ambitions of some of the
allied powers. In many of the countries strong dictators rose to power and spread the message of
national chaunism. The most important fact was that, imperialism the basic cause of war, was not
destroyed.
The Russian Revolution also divided the world in to two groups - those who favored the revolution
and those who fear effects. They considered socialism to be a threat to their social and economic
systems. Soviet Russia was also anti - imperialist and supported the freedom struggles in the colonies
of Asia and Africa. This chapter will till you how all these combined to create conditions for another
war.

Objectives

● Analyze the peace treaties and the changed map of Europe;

● trace the rise of totalitarian regimes - Italy, Germany and Japan ;

103
 ● explain effects of Great Depression on USA, USSR and Europe;
● Correlate aggression and appeasment and
● explain the course of War.

Essay Questions

1. Give an account of provisions of the Treaty of Versailes ?

A. The first world was ended with the signing of Germans in paris at Versailes on 11th Nov, 1919.
The important leaders at conference were the U.S. president Wilson, the British prime Minister
Lloyd George. French Prime Minister George Clemencean, Orlando of Italy and General smuts
of South Africa.
The peace treaties were to be based on Wilsons fourteen points, Which promised to bring in an
era of peace, freedom, democracy, self determination. But those points were ignored when the
allies signed the Treaty of versailes with Germany.
1. Germany was blamed as the agresser and forced to accept responsibility for the damage
caused by two Allies during war.
2. Germany was to pay $6,600 million as compensation to them.
3. The German coal mining area in saar valley was put under the control of the league for 15
years, while the mines were transferred to France for that period.
4. The newly created state of Poland was provided a carridor which gave her an outlet to the
Baltic Sea. This corridor is East Prussia from the rest of Germany. The port of Danzig, which
lay in the corridor, was made a free city.
5. The streangth of the German army was to be limited to 1,00,000 and it was not permitted to
have any air force or navy.
6. Germany's colanial possessions were divided amongst the victorious powers.
Germany was made to sign this treaty under threat of invasion. Infact no German representa-
tive was invited to attend the conference. So the Germans called it a "dictated Peace".

2. What were the aims of the Nazi policies ?

A. The term "Nazism" was derived from the name of the party which Hitler founded in 1921. "
The National socialist German workers party", for short it is Niziparty. The main philosophy
of Nazism is depicted in his book "MEINKAMPH (my struggle)".

104
 ● The first world war put a full stop to monarchy in Germany and the emergence of a republic
under Hulbert was failure to please the Germans. These failures gave birth to Nazism.
● Adolf Hilter powerful speeches and his organizational skills made him the leader of the
Naziparty. Like fascists, it had its own army called the 'starm troopers' and 'Brown shirts'.
● Hitler began his political career as political agitator after the war. In 1923 he made an unsuccess
ful attempt at coupdetat and was sent to the prison. In 1930, Hitler party secured 230 seats.
but actually Hitler became chancellor on 30th January 1933.
● Success of Nazi party : Hilter was an excelldent orator, Eloquent speech was his innate
traite.
Hitler admonished the people that Germany cannot be developed unless a strong man admin-
istered in it.
Hitler's main attack was on the treaty of 'Versails' which humiliated Germans. He won the
hearts of the lower middle class.
Hilter turned his party into militant organisation.
He strengthned his party network by providing all important posts to Nazis.
He brutally prosecuted the Jews as they treated as traitors during world war 1.
Trade Unions were dissolved and suppressed the Socialists and Communists.
He solved the economic problems such as inflation and unemployment by constructing plants
and industries.
Hitler glorified wars and preached that the Germans race was superior.
He withdrawned from League of Nations and waged wars which ultimatly brought Germany
in to Second world war.

3. Trace the rise of Fascism of Mussolini in Italy ?

● Benito Mussolini, the originator of the idealogy of fascism was born in 1883 to an iron smith.
He edited the 'Avanthi' a social magzine and 'popolod Italia' and propagated his political
ideas. He had a chequered career. At different times he had been teacher, a soldier, a fascist,
a Journalist and social agitator.
● He was appointed in1923 as the Prime Minister by Victor Emmanuel III the king of Italy.
Achivements of Fascist Regime : It was one of order and decipline. The state under took
number of public works of utility. The Reign of Mussolini is known for all round development of
Italy.
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 ● Mussolini's greater achievement was the reconciliation brought by him between the church
and and the state.
● By the treaty of Lousanne made with Turkey he increased control over the Meditorrean and
Dodacanese and Redejh from Turkey.
● He recovered Fiume from Yugoslevia in 1924 after making a treaty with her.
● Encouraged by Japaneese attack on Manchuria, Mussolino invaded Abyssiniea which was
obstructed by League and then left League of Nations.
● Mussolini, like Hitler helped General Franco of Spain to set up a fascist rule. In october
1935 Italy attacked abbysinia although the attack evoked criticism from many countries, Italy
ultimately occupied it in May 1936. This become major cause for the outbroker of world
war II.
Sailent Features of Fascism : Fascists behaved in actions rathan than words. Their motto was
explained thus "every thing with in the state, nothing against state, nothing out side the state".
● Fascists believed in an aggressive imperialism. According to Mussolini "War is to a nation
what meternity is to a woman".
● They believed in one party system in the country. All other parties were banned against fascist
party.
● They had no faith in democracy, Communism, Liberalism and Socialism etc.
● Fascists also opposed to individualism. They put restrictions on the fundamental rights, free-
dom of holding meetings, speech and expression.
● They also put restrictions on press.
● But the king was powerless and Mussoline became all powerful. Thus, Mussolini became the
Prime Minister of Italy by adopting a combination of methods like parliamentary, voilent and
pressure tacties.

4. Describe the events which led to the out break of world war - 11 ?
A. Within twenty years of conclusion of the first world war, the second world war was started,
involving directly or indirectly, almost all the countries in the world. This war caused in calcu-
lable lakhs of life and property in the world. Though the war brokout in 1939, the Europeon
nations had been drifting towards war for almost a decade. The roots of war lie deep in the
past.
● The Treaty of versailes. In this treaty itself the poison of war of 1939 was hidden. The
treaty was a great humilitation to Germany. Due to the treaty Germany was crippled eco-
nomically and militarily.

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● Failure of democracies : It has been seen that democracy as system failed to take firm
roots in Germany and Italy. In a way, this failure was a factor that contributed the outbreak of
the war. The weimar Republic in Germany was a short lived affair. In Italy, after an initial
flourish, democracy collapsed, yielding the place to totalitarian dictatorship, similar to that in
Germany in many ways.
● Failure of League : The League of Nations, formed in fulfillment of one of the 14 principles
of wilson, proved itself unequal to the task. The league failed to protect the territorial integrity
and independence of small and big nations of the world. Similarly the League was also failed
to achieve the object of disarmament.
● Inflaming of Nationalism by Fascists and Nazis : The dictators cleverly exploited the
national resentment at the verrailes Treaty. They inspired nationalists with the promises of
reviving of the glories of old regions. Adolf Hitler, by a well - orchestrated propaganda, he
infused among the Germans ethnocentric nationalism, pan- Germanism, imperialism and anti -
Semetism.
● Idealogical Conflicts : Countries like Germany, Italy and Japan represented dictatarship
where as Great Britain, France and America represented Democracy. Two idealogies dif-
fered in spiritual, territorial and economic matters besides other matters. On the eve of World
War II, the world was divided into two armed camps and a conflict was sure to take place in
these circum stances. Thus Rome-Berlin - Tokyo Axis and Allied powers came in to existance.
● Militarism : The Teaty of Versailes disarmed the Germany. It was expectd that the other
powers to would do the same. But no other European Countries were ready to disarm. The
military preperations of the Axis powers forced the democratic states to arm themselves.
After all militarism was found to result in an armed conflict.
● German aggression : Since Hitler Came to power, began to act to a set plan in order to
realise his goal of annexing all the Germany populated territories such as Austria, Danzing,
Memel and Sudeton Land to Germany. His Conquests created much havoc in the European
Countries. His agreement with Soviet Russia against his principle was the prime example for
vested interests.
When Hitler attack on poland, Britian and France realised the situation. They decided not to
allow themselves as silent spectators. Soon Britain declared war on Germany and France
allowed the track on the same day. Thus the second world war broken out in a more danger-
ous way.

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Short Questions

● Jimmerian telegram : This was one of the event which was responsible for America to
enter into first world war. When America had been supporting allied countries against central
powers, Germany tried to brought Mexico into the war against U.S.A. So that Germany
could make a counter against USA in American cortinent itself. With that intention, Germany
sent a telegram which was leaked out at Jemmerian by U.S.A which led the U.S.A. to inter-
fere in the first world war.

One Mark Questions

1. Anschluss refers to the union of Austria and Germany

2. The Munich pact allowed Germany to occupy Sudeten land.
3. The popular Front government in spain consisted of socialists, Communists and antifacists.

4. The Anti Commintern pact was signed between Germany, Italy and Japan.
5. Operation See-Lion was possible only if the invation of poland.

6. What is operation Barbarosa ?

A. This was launched on Soviet Union on June 22, 1941 without a formal declaration of war by
Hitler.
7. Commintern : The Communist international set up by the Russian Communist party With member
ship of all communists parties of the world with the purpose of bringing about revolutions all over
the world.
8. Holo Caust : The systematic killing of over 6 million European Jews by the Nazis during and
after second world war.
9. Imperialism : A policy of acquiring and administering colonies or dependent territories e.g.
India was a colony of imperialist of Britain.
10. Totalitarian regime : A system of Government, in which there is a single party dictorship, the
state is all powerful and the individual is subordinated to the state.
11. Cash and Carry policy in which any country can have either men or meterial by paying cash to
the USA.
12. Lend and Lease system. This is followed by U.S.A. during second world war. According to
it America was ready to supply meterial on the basis of Loan.
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 25
The Cold War Era and its Politics

Introduction

After the second World War, the allies of the war the USA and Soviet Russia - were engaged in
what has been described as the 'Cold War'. During the war the two countries were on the same side
with Britain and france to defeat the fascist dictators and the imperialist Japan. The two Countries also
signed a five - year non-aggression treaty in 1941, and even as late as Yalta Conference in Feb, 1945
there was some harmony among the two countries. But soon the situation changed Completely and the
USA and the Soviet Union Stood against each other in a 'War like situation' which has generally been
described as the Cold War. The phrase was first used by Bernaurd Baruch and walter Lipmen.

Objectives

● describe the meaning of the Cold War;

● discuss the factors responsible for the cold war;
● point out different issues of struggle;
● List the phases of the cold war; and
● Compare the Cold war with new Cold War.

Essay Questions

1. What do you understand by cold war ? Trace its factors responsible for the Cold War ?

A. The cold war has been described as "peace time unarmed warfare" between new Super powers.
It was a 'diplomatic war' and not an armed Conflict between the super powers and was based
on idealogical hatred and political distrust. Flemming described the Cold War as "a war that is
fought not in the battle field, but in the minds of men; one tries to control the mind of others".

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 The cold war was very different from an open war where the enemies were well known
and the war is fought in the open. In the cold war, war was never declared and diplomatic
relations were maintained among the countries. The cold war did involve some military
confrontation and loss of life, but it was also a psychological warfare aimed at reducing the
enymy's area of influence and increasing the number of one's camp followers.

It was a bi-polar confrontation between the U.S.A. and the USSR but it also involved allies of
the two super powers.

Causes of the Cold war :

● The main reason for tension between the two blocks was each one had a different ideology.
The soviet block supported the socialist philosophy while the American block prepared capi-
talist democracies.
● Russian imperialism : was clearly evident in its occupation of many European countries
such as Baltic states, Eastern European States. China became communist. The Comintern
(communist international) was formed in 1947 and became an instrument of spreading Com-
munism in the world.
● Communist Revolts : Fearing Russian expansion, there were communist revolts in Greek
and Turkey. Taking advantage of it, America intervened and provided financial help to these
countries.
● Problem of Co-existance : Both the blocks realised that the spirit of reconciliation and Co-
existence was not possible. They were apprehensive of aggressive designs of the other.
Therefore mutual fear and suspecion led to intensification of cold war between America and
Russia.

2. Describe the Course of Cold War ?

● The Cold War started immediately after the Second World War; though signs of it had
started appearing during the war. As a result of the prevailing tension between the two blocks,
a number of plans, schemes and defence treaties were formed. The cold war can be devided
into three phase i.e. first phase, Second phase and detent.
● Truman Doctrine (1947) : The American president Truman Doctrine was the beginning of
Cold War. According to it 'America would contain the spread of Communism'.
● Marshall Plan (1947) : Russia decided to take the advantage of the preveiling economic
break drawn after second World War in Europe. In order to stop the spread of Communism,
Marshal, the finance secratacy of USA provided financial aid to devastated countries of
Europe. As a result financial condition improved in Europe.

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 ● Moltov Plan : It was introduced by Moltov, the foreign Minister of Russia as a counter to
Marshall plan. As a result of this plan. Russia could retain it's hold over the countries of
Eastern Europe.
● Cominform : It was formed by communist countries of western Europe. It is a Communist
Information Bureau. It propagated that America was an imperialist and a war monger and
Russia was committed to peace and democracy in the world.
● Berlin Blocade (1948) : Germany after the war suffered division into two seperate Coun-
tries. The city of Berlin also devided into four parts under the control of the Allies and Russia.
Russia had cutoff contacts between the military stations and West Germany and city of Berlin
came under blocade. As a result the soldiers of the allies faced several threats but it was
ended after a period of ten Months. This was known in the history as "Berlin Blocade".
● NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 1949): America and the other western powers
realised that there would be danger from Russian Communism. There fore they formed a
defence orgnisation NATO, on 4th April in 1949. America, Canada, Britain, France,
Holland, Belgium, west Germany, Denmark, Norwary and Finland were its members.
● Anzus pact (1951) : It was concluded among America, Austratia and Newzeland. Prevent-
ing the Communism in pacific region was its motto.
● SEATO (1954) : South East Asia. Treaty Organisation was formed in 1954 among philipines,
Newzeland, Australia, france, Britain and America.
● CENTO (1955) : The central Treaty organisation was formed on 24 feb, 1955 among Iran,
Iraq, America, Britain and pakistan to keep away the influence of communism in the middle
East.
● Warsaw Pact (1955) : Rassia was pretended that America formed defence treaties all around
him. It was a great danger for his survival. Therefore, the Warsaw Pact was concluded with
Poland, Rumania, Bulgaria, East Germany, Mongolia and Czecho slovakia.
U2 incident : It was a part of the cold war between two blocks. The American aircraft called
U2 entered into the Russian territories to know the military secrets on 1, may, 1960. The Russians
shot down the aircraft and imprisoned the pilot. It created much echo for some time.
Cold War Receding (or) detente : America and Russia tried to weaken each other for about
two decades. At last both of them realised that if another war takes place, the entire world
would be destroyed by latest atomic bomb technology. There fore the seriousness of the cold
war is gradually receding Various attempts were made by the major powers to reduce tension in
the world. The Geneva agreement, the Geneva summit of 1955, Kennedy and Khrucheev talks
in 1961 for reducing nuclear weapon and Gorbachev's preaching of peace and Nixon theory
Detente are the important among them.
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Short Questions

1. Which were the news services set up by the USA and USSR ?

A. Voice of America and Radio Moscow.

2. Which leader coined the famous term 'Iron Curtain' ?

A. Winston Churchill.

3. What does PRC stand for ?

A. People's Republic China

4. When did Berlin wall Collapse ?

A. 1989 - 90

5. What was Detente ? Who was it's author ?

A. 'Detente' was term used for relaxation in East - West conflict. President Nixon of America was
its author.

6. What was NPT ?

A. Nuclear Non proliferation Treaty.

7. What was SALT I expansion ?

A. Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty 1.

8. What was SDI ?

A. Strategic Defence Initiative.

9. What was 'glasnost' and peristoika' ?

A. Openness and restructuring.

10. Which symbol symbolized the end of the Cold War ?

A. Collaps of the Berlin Wall.
11. Ostpolitik : A policy initiated by the government of West Germany which meant 'a policy for
the East'.
12. Ossification Phase : The initial phase of the Cold War during 1945-47. After this phase the
Cold War began in right earnest.
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 26
National Liberation Movements,
Decolonization and Development,
post - 1948 Era

Introduction

During the twentieth century, millions of people living under colinial rule were directly or indi-
rectly involved in 'National freedom' struggles. Between 1945 and 1980 nearly all parts of Asia,
Africa, Occanea (Islands in the western Pacific Ocean). The caribbean that had been under European,
Japanese and American rule won freedom and organised themselves into new, independent nation-
states.
During the second world war the imperialist and expansionist goals of the defeated powers,
Germany and Japan were thwarted. Even the victorious colonial powers Great Britain, France and the
Netherlands, were unable to keep their imperial commitments and their leaders faced growing pressure
to 'decolonise' not only from their colonial subjects and national citizens but also from the two new
super powers the U.S.A and the U.S.S.R. Most of West Africa, the phillippines and some other places
achieved independence without much violence after 1945. In Algeria, Indochina, Malaya, Angola,
Mozambique and other places only years of armed struggle by freedom movements led to national
independence.
Political indepedence did not immediately bring all the benefits of calonised people had dreamed
of New states faced problems of economic development and modernisation that they needed to solve
in order to resist 'neocolonialism'. Standards of living in most of new independent states did not match
those of 'developed' countries of western Europe and North America and many people today argue
that forms of colonial domination or old patterns of exploitation still remain in the world of formally

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independent nation - states.

Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to

● learn about some national freedom movements;

● Analyse global political forces affecting the decolonisation process;

● Discuss relationships of dependency and inequality in the post - colonial world and

● identify some of the problems of national development and some proposed solutions.

Essay questions

1. How did the 'old' modern revolutions (of the USA and France) and the Russian Revo-
lution of 1917 influenced the national Liberation of movement of the twentieth century?
A. Leaders of National movements of 20th century were inspired by earlier examples of Na-
tional Liberation and development which had introduced the modern idea of citizenship where
the citizens of nation should enjoy equal rights and responsibilities.
● American Revolution of 1776 - 83 : This was one of the three great Revolutions of man
kind. It was followed by the emergence of stable, democratic governing institutions in the
new United State of America. And also gradual extension of rights of full citizenship to all
members of the American nation. It was given the written constitution first time in the world.
● There were other reasons why people under colonial rule admired the American freedom
struggle. Americans developed the world's economy between 1865 and 1950 based on
capitalist agriculture, heavy industry and mass consumer spending. Many people around the
world believed that the USA was sincerely committed to self governance through democracy
on a global scale, and that it would act as a force against colonialism, perheps by directly
assisting colonial subjects in their national liberation struggles.
● French Revolution of 1789 : It was the first kind of revolution where the Common man,
middle class intellegentia took initiative mainly. The revolutionaries launched a struggle to
spread 'Universal principles' of Liberty, Equality and Freternity to other parts of Europe. This
inspired people in Europe and in the Fench colonies to revolt against French domination in the
name of these principles. The heroic efferts made by French people against Bourban king
16th Lovie encouraged many a Common people.

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 Russian Revolution of 1917 : It had a huge global impact. The Bolsheviks argued that
different 'nationalities' all over the world have a right to independence and decide their own
future. It also presented an alternative model of rapd social and economic 'development' different
from that of the capitalist western states.

● The soviet leaders gave 'moral' and meterial support to politically and economically - domi-
nated Countries and colonies. It taught the World that small peasants and proletarians shared
the same interest and needed to cooperate to defeat the bourgeoise and the imperialists.
Some colonial leaders visited USSR to study and learn to organise national Struggles.

Thus these the great revolutions became exemplary to many a national leaders of the globe.

2. Why is it fair to say that the chinese revolution of the 20th century has been the great-
est in history ?

A. There are several revolutions which had tremendous impact on human being which includes
Russian Revolution, chinese revolution, Indian freedom struggle etc. Among these the chinese
movement led by Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaping etc was knowned as 'the greatest
revolution in History. Because of the following reasons.
● Chinese autocratic system headed by an emperor was formally abolished and replaced by a
republic in 1911-12. The Republic was failed to throw off foreign (Japaneese) domination.
● Communists led by Mao and others faught against the chinese nationalists, and both groups
tried to expel the Japaneese who excercised territorial and economic a control since 1890.
● Therefore chinease Communists launch an agitation which not only forced the Japaneese
French and British out of the most of the 'national territory' by 1949, but also their ooponents
the Goumindang, chineese 'Nationalists; to the island of Farmosa, present day Taiwan - across
a narrow strait from mainland china.
● Hong Kong remained a British Crown colony untill 1997. Their ultimate goal remained to
reunify Taiwan with chinese main land, which became a seperate state.
● Since 1945 china transforming itself from a peasant majority society dominated by native
elites in to a Socialist state called the People's Republic of China (P.R.C).
● A Sociolist state meant state owned industrial enterprises and a policy leading to collectivized
agriculture, with land owned collectively.
● However, since 1980, the Communist China people's Party leadership has promoted free
enterprise in manufacturing and Commercial activities. People's Republic China since 1980
has welcomed foreign investment from Countries that are china's idealogical opponents.
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3. What international institutions have been invented to supposedly equalize global trade
and development ?

A. During and after the second world war, the leaders of the Great powers recognised more
equitable global distribution of wealth as essential to world peace and stability. Thus the
global institutions like the U.N.O. the International Monetary fund and the world bank were
established in order to manage conflicts over wealth production and access to trade.

● The united Nations organisation was established in 1945, since then the UNO has been
relentlessly struggling to prevent war in the world, preserve peace and achieve economic
socials and scientific development of mankind.

● International Monetary Fund (I.M.F) has been established to assist the developing Countries.
The IMF has required governments receiving loans to reduce their deficits, which those gov-
ernments have often had to do by reducing 'Social Spending'. The I.M.F has also advised
governments to devalue their currencies, which has made their export products cheaper in the
world market.

Short Questions

1. Non-Aligned Movement :

A. The world had been devided into two blocks after second world war and USSR and USA
emerged as Super powers. The clash between two blocks was known as cold war where they
did not directly fight each other (hot war) but instead tried to oppose each other's expansion
through proxy wars. In addition to both, another international organisation known as Non-
Aliegned Movement (NAM) came into existance. NAM meant not to alligned to either of the
block and maintain independence. NAM states include India, Egypt cuba and Indonasia. Despite
pledges of non-alignement some NAM states did become 'dependent' on one or another of the
Superpowers in matters of military defence or in trade and economic exchange.

2. Third World : A term invented during the early 1950s to indicate former colonial territories in
need of 'development'. The first world refers to wealthey capitalist or non socialist states including
UK, USA and Canada. Second World refers (unitl 1990) to the USSR and other Eueopean
states following its path of socialist development : for example Poland and Bulgeria. Third World
Countries which were members neither first world nor Second World but developing Countries.
For example India.

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3. Modernization theory : A theory of economic development introduced during 1950s by
American economist W.W. Rostow. Rostow beleived that economic development and
modernization would involve industrilization, but that this would be preceded by capitalist
agricultural development. Roughly speaking, Britain, the USA and Germany were the examples
to be followed by Third world Countries in their development.

4. Market Socialism : Term used by leaders of the People's Republic china (P.R.C) to describe
their mixed or combined strategy of development since 1980. Instead of strong central planning
and state ownership of resources throughout the country as happened before 1980, capitalists
are allowed to generate profits for their investors, including foreign partners. Special 'free enterprise
Zones' are recognized in which the chinese state allowes capitalism to operate.

Short Questions

1. How did the Second World War radicalize people in colonized countries ?

A. Mobilization of colonized peoples in 'imperial' armies and participation in war industries motivated
colonized people to demand full citizenship rights and national freedom.

2. Name some of the 'Little Dragons' of Asia during the period 1953-1980 ?

A. South Korea, Malaya, Angola, Mozabmbique and Vietnam.

3. W.W. Roastow - modernisation theory.

4. I.M.F. - manages balance of payment problems.

5. prebisch - Defendency Theory

6. Cuba - Fidel Castro

7. Chavez - Venezulan national populist.

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 27
Social Transformation

Introduction

This lesson will carry over the changes that came with Colonial expansion and capitalist industri-
alization in the 19th century into 20th century. We will see the acceleration and deepening of the social
processes that characterised the 19 the century ; some of them quiet irreversable and profound in their
impact on human life.

The last decades of 20th century saw the Collapse of the Socialist Societies in Europe and the
Collapse of the capitalist welfare state well. It saw increasing inequalities between the capitalist coun-
tries and within the capitalist countries. We will point towards some of these and the differences in
social transformation between capitalist and socialist societies as well.

Objectives

● discuss how development of industrialization of large parts of the world contributed to fundamental
changes in society every where ;

● recognise that there were differences in these processes between the advanced countries and
those that won their freedom from colonialism in the 20th century ;

● note some of the social changes over time even with in the advanced countries; and

● identify the differences between capitalist and socialist Countries.

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Essay Questions

1. Give the main reasons for population growth in western Europe and North America ?

A. ● The demographic changes noticed in 19th century countinued in the 20th century also.

● The population of world in 1990 was rose to almost three times to at the time of world war
broke out in 1914.

● There was a sustained growth in world population throughout the 20the century. There were
certain reasons for population growth in western Europe and Notrth America. They are

● better health facilities

● decline in infant mortality

● expansion of social security systems which allowed for longer lives.

● birth rates increasement

● However population growth in Europe was negatively effected by the two world wars of 20th
century because.

● huge number (187 million deaths) killed,

● delayed marriages

● disruption of family lives

● distruction of industries

● Militant age group (20 to 40) distruction

2. What do you mean by Modern class society ?

A. ● Industrial revolution brought revolutionary changes in the modern world particularly in the
society.

● It made the society into two classes i.e. haves and have nots. In addition it resulted the
existance of capitalist community under which industriliazation was controlled.

● Capitalist industrialisation resulted in the growth of modern class society, where two new
social classes emerged, the bourgeoisie and working class.

● Social classes which existed before it were transformed and integrated into the capitalist
economy and society.

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 ● pre-capitalist societies were dominated by landed wealth and the landed aristocracy. They
were crucially affected by capitalist industrialization, as and when it emerged in different parts
of the world.

● As with changes in population and urbanization, changes in social structures were not uniform
all over the world and not sudden.

3. How did the labour and socialist movements affected Women ?

A. It is well known fact that women has been playing a vital role in modern era. The women position
in modern era not merly confined to kitchen room and house hold areas only.
● The expansion of economy in the 20th century along with literacy, opened new avenues for
women, both of the working class and the middle class.
● Apart from domestic service women now worked in shops and offices as nurses and school
teachers; These came to be seen as primarly feminine Jobs.
● The two world wars opened new possibilities for women as they manned many Jobs left
vacant by men mobilized for war. All this brought a change in the social position and expec-
tations of Women. Suffragate movements became an important aspect of their assertions for
equality.
● The real fillip for women's emancipation in the western world came from the rise of labour and
socialist movements, which spoke for all oppressed, and called for the transformation of the
whole society along lines that would ensure equality for all, including women.
● Due to various efforts, women formed a good percentage of union members and also of
socialist organisations, although they were not so visible in leadership roles.
● In Russia the working class movement had a significant component of women and peasant
women were part of the general revolutionary movement.
● By 1990 Women were or had been heads of governments in sixteen states. Their numbers in
the workforce grew dramatically in the Asia, Africa and Latin American Countries. Women
are also participating in not only in the field of Journalism, photography, and also sports and
games.

Short essays
1. Describe the changes in work patterns brought about by Computers ?

● As an when the factory system developed work patterns changed. In Europe this was in the
19th century , but in much of the rest of the world only in the 20th century.

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 ● But with the invention of Computers in the latter part of the Century work pattern changed
dramatically. It was believed that with computers it is possible to work from home and
cheaper for them because they need not spend on office maintanance.
● These changes were presented as benefiting employees, but in fact have meant that employ-
ees never fully get off the job; They can't claim 'leave' and other benefits that employees can
get because they do not work in an office; and no opportunity to form trade unions or share
grievances.

2. Give some examples of how science and technological advances have improved human
life ?
● The technological achivement of 20th century made possible great progress and benefits for
mankind.
● They made an opportunity to avail themselves the all facilities inproving the standards of life
for all people.
● Socialist societies, with all their draw back had been able to create more equal societies,
without the huge gaps that we see between the rich and the poor in capitalist countries.
● Yet, globalization and economies of scale have only widened the gaps between the haves and
have nots.
● After the collapse of socialism in USSR, the capitalist states every where have unleashed
massive cuts in welfare.
● The consequences have been disastrous for the majority of the people of this world.

One word Answer Questions

1. What do you mean by Urbanization ?

A. Shift of population from country side to towns because of industrialazation and greater economic
opportunities in towns.

2. What impact did capitalist industrialization have on employment of women ?

A. Employment outside home, un equal pay, factory discipline.

3. Explain the changes brought about by "out - Sourcing" ?

A. Big trans national Companies shift some of their functions to third world countries, where wages
were low, and where they can bully goverments to ensure that those enterprises remain 'trouble
free' and enjoy tax benefits.

4. How did the factory system change work patterns ?

A. Place, pattern, hours of work, disciplane norms.
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 28
Cultural Change in the Twentieth Century
Introduction

The 20th century is often remebered through its land mark events such as the Bolshevik Revolu-
tion, the world wars, Fascism and the liberation of Asian and African nations from colonial rule.
All these developments were undoubtedly crucial and left their deep imprint on the contemparary
world. However, it is important to note that society is transformed not just by dramatic occurances but
also many 'slow and long term changes in economy, culture and demography. It was also a period of
numerous such changes some of which were imperceptible to people living through them but which in
the long run, played a major role in giving to the world its present form.
We have seen various developments in the field of demographic explosion, rapid urbanization
and the phenomenal growth of the middle class and working class over the past century.
In addition, cultural transformation i.e. changes in people's values, attitudes, artistic tastes etc
also came during the same period through a slow and long term transformation. In this chapter we shall
try to closely examine some of these cultural changes and also assess whether they are leading to the
evolution of a widely shared global culture today or to more tensions and frictions between cultures.

Objectives

● explain the various meanings of the term culture ;

● highlight the peculiar features and problems of interpreting culture;

● emumerate the major changes which came about in science, art, religion, education, media,
recreation and attitudes and values during the 20th century and

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 ● assess the balance between 'globalization' or creation of an integrated world economy and culture
and continuing resistance to western dominance today.
Essasy Questions
1. Define culture and its attributes ?

A. ● Cultures is one of the most complex terms in social science. Not only because it refers to a
wide range of attributes such as customs, habits and values etc which are difficult to measure
or Quantify but also because the term has been used in a variety of ways by different scholars.

● Culture can be studied with two different criteria in mind. One is based on artistic and
intellectualy refinement and second is that historically shared on popular traditions. This can
also be identified at different levels; in material objects, practices or in values and attitudes.

● According to artistic and intellectual opinion the term 'culture' is frequently used in official
announcements and news bulletins. Here Indian culture is show cased through our classical
and folk music dance forms, literature etc with the usage of the term.

● Anthropologists view : They use the term 'culture' to refer to the whole way of life of a
community including its cuisine, dress, work and leisure routines as well as popular customs,
festivals etc.

● In this usage the focus is not so much on the exclusive or classical achivements of great artists
and thinkers but on everyday practices which have been traditionally shared or accepted in a
community.

● Another interpretation of the term 'culture', that the implicit values, beliefs and attitudes
widely shared or understood in a community that are recognized as the care of any culture.

● Incontrast to this concern Archaeologists prefer to focus on material culture or commonley

used artifacts such as pottery, Jewelry, buildings etc of ancient communities whose remains
they try to locate through excavations.

● Following these multiple facets of culture we can use the term 'culture' to 'shared values,
beliefs, and customs of a community on one hand and creative works in the arts, literature,
philosophy or science on the other.

2. Un precedented growth of science and Technology in the 20th Century has not been an
unmixed boon. Comment ?

A. ● The twentieth century was a unique time of major changes in various fields such as science
and technology, political and economic and social fields.

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 ● Perhaps the most remakable achivements of the 20th century was the phenomenal growth of
science and Technology which affected and transformed every aspect of life from entertianment
and education to transport and communication at a very rapid pace during the period.

● In the process of development of science technoligical innovations lay very intricate develop-
ments in various scientific realms such as sub Atomic physics, Genetic and Molecular biology
and Space research.

● Some of the famous scientist who made major discoveries in these fields were Marie curie,
Albert Einstein, fyneman and Homi J.Bhabha.

● As a result of these speed developments and transformations, the world is also becoming
more and more globalised now. This involving increasing integration of most countries of the
world not only in terms production and comsumption of goods and services but also throw
exchange of news, information, ideas and entertainment.
● It is also important to note that while contemporary science and technology have offered
numerous benefits to people, at the same time, the apprehension and fear of science and
technology among people has also grown simulteneously. Partly this is due to the incompre-
hensibility of latest advances in modern science made the people power to manufacture ever
more destructive weapons and to threaten the even to educated layman. The development of
science delicate ecological balance on the earth.

3. Write about 'globalization' ?

A. ● Globalization means the growing intergration of the world through increasing cross country
networks of communication, entertainment, business mass media, modern education and secular
political idealogies.
● The growth of multinational corparations, the availability of goods and services from across
the globe in the city malls and over the internet, cheap and instant communication of ideas,
news and information across the globe, the emergence of global trends and markets in Fash-
ion, food and entertainment are all indications of the extent of globalization apparant day.
● Ofcource, the globalisation did not take place of a sudden. Global trading net works and
flow of medical and technical knowledge can be traced back to earlier periods too.
● While these new channels enable global flows of goods, services and information, not only
they disrupted age old cultural patterns and social customs, but are also moulding the entire
world in western habits and values generally, besides further sharpening inequalities between
the rich and the poor across the globe.

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 ● In the extent of globalization, the migration of the great ideals of Liberty, Equality and Democ-
racy in to the non western world have been much more difficult than the contagion of western
individualism, meterialism, breake up of the Joint family and community ties, lone liness, neu-
rosis etc. On top of this, in many developing countries, the problems of rampant poverty,
corruption, criminalization, law lessness or dictatorship still complicate the situation ominously.

4. Despite the fact that most of people in the world still describe themseves as religious,
the role of religion in public life has declined in recent time. Explain ?

A. ● One of the principal ingredients of any cuture is its religion. Besides traditional art forms and
folk lore, another major cultural insitution whose role in most societies has got delimited over
the past century is religion.

● In both the developed and the developing world predominantly secular out looks and loyalists
such as humanism, nationalism and democracy has inspired vast movements and commitment
amongst people over the past century.

● This is not to say that nationalists or the humanists can't be religious at the same time. In deed,
in almost all the countries, most people continue to count themselves amongs believers to this
day. In a 1981 survey of religious beliefs in the USA for example, only about 10% of people
described themselves as atheists.

● Yet, the shrinking influence of religion in every day life is also evident in this fact that religion
does not permeat daily practices ranging from greeting, meals, celebrations, public ceremo-
nies etc specially in the cities in the manner it did only a hundred year back.

● Secondly, religious values and outlook do not entirely encompass other major social institu-
tions such as the state, art etc as they did earlier and a vast number of our practices today are
actually carried on in a manner quite contradictory to common religious beliefs.

● Thus, only a century ago, most marriages even in the west were solemnised in the church and
baptism for every new born was almost mandatory. By 1990, it was discoverd in France that
only 30% of couples got married in church. Divorce and abortion which were prohibited by
the church have become not only legalized in most countries in the west but also increasingly
accepted and destigmatised. We can also seen same kind of trends are visible in many Asian
and African countries too.

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Short Essays

1. What is meant by the term 'Cultural institutions'? Name some major institutions of
culture ?
A. Due to the achivements of scientists and philosophers cultural changes took place in the field of
religion, folk lore, language, education systems and mass media etc. Anthroplogists refer to
these as 'cultural institution or symbol system. These symbols are of historical significance not
only because they address basic human needs for information, entertainment and faith or 'meaning'
in life but also because they have a major role in shaping popular values, beliefs, emotions and
behavior patterns commonly observed in different social groups.

2. In what ways did the linguistic pattern of the globe change in the twentieth century ?
A. One of the principle ingredients of any culture is its language. The 20th century witnessed a
dramatic transformation of the linguistic map of the world as local dialects spoken by the masses
as well as classical language like sanskrit and Latin which had been the priveleged medio of
learning amongst scholars for centuries gave way to select national langualges adopted by regions
to express their emerging national identities.
At the same time, English also has emerged as a major link language of a globalising world.

Small Questions

1. Jargon : Excessive use of technical and unfamiliar terms instead of everyday words in display of
scholorship.
2. What is meant by 'Bilingualism' ?
A. Ability to use and comprehend two languages with equal competence.
3. What is 'modernism' ?
A. A major 20th century aesthetic trend which sought to express inner pains and problems of the
modern society.
✤✤✤

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 29
Towards the Formation of the State
Introduction

The state is a term we often take for granted. Usually, we associate the state with certain forms
of government. These could be monarchies or republics, or oligarchies i.e. the rule of few. These
distinctions rest on the way power, ie. the ability to influence and control the lies of people is either
concentrated in the hands of a few or shared amongs many.
Those who control states, whom he ideatify as rulers, regulate political relations, and function
through a variety of institutions. These include administrative services, used for a range of functions
such as revenue collection, the army and Judiciary. Rulers also try to convince people that the form of
government that they head is ideal. In other words, they try to legitismize the existence of the state.
States have developed over a long period of time, and indifferent ways. In this lesson we will
explore some of the earliest trends in the subcontinent.

Objectives

● distinguish between chiefdom and kingdoms ;

● explain the features of early kingdoms ; and

● Understand how some of these early kingdoms became powerful states.

Essasy Questions
1. Distinguish between a 'chiefdom' and a 'kingdom' ?
A. Rigveda was probably composed between 1800-1000 BC where the chiefdom was existed.
And during later vedic and after kingdom institution was came into existance. The Raja is

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 referred to as the raja of a Jana or a vis. In other words, the raja was not regarded as the raja of
a kingdom or a fixed territory. but of a group of people.

● As we have seen, these rajas are not quite like those are familiar with. They have often been
regarded as chiefs rather than kings, and the realm over which they exercised control has
been defined as a chiefdom rather than as a kingdom.
● Cheifs are usually chosen by the people, either directly or indirectly, whereas kings are
heroditary.

● Chiefs usvally do not have any permanenent adminsitrative mechanism to support them, while
kings may also depend on their relatives for support.
● Chiefs do not collect regular taxes, they often depend on gifts, where as kings may receive
gifts, but their major source of revenue is derived from tax collection.
● Chiefs do not maintain standings armies; kings may continue to recruit people as militia, but
usually also maintain standing armies.
● Generally, chief interact with people in assemblies, where people can express their openions
on important matters. Kings also participate in assemblies, but these tend to be more formal
occasions.

Short Essays

1. What is Rigveda ?
A. Vedas are four and explained about Aryans. Among four Rigveda is fore most and first one. It
is also known as 'early vedic civilization'.
The Rigveda was probably composed between 1800-1000 BC. This is a collection of hymns
addressed to various gods, in particular to Agni, Indra and Soma. Hymns were composed by
members of priestly class. They were usually chanted when sacrifiees were preformed, and
were used to invite the gods to the rituals.

2. Write about 'Gana Sanghas'?

A. Many Janapadas were ruled by indidual rajas, some were under a different form of government,
and were known 'as Gana Sanghas'. Here there were not one, but many rulers. Interestinly,
some times even when thousands of men ruled together each one was known as 'raja'.
These raja 's performed rituals together. These rituals were not like the vedic sacrifices. They
also met in assemblies and decided what had to be done and how, through discussion and
debate.

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3. Write about 'Janapadas' ?
A. The term 'Janapada' was derived from the word Jana, which referred to 'people'. It means
where the Jana places its feet and settle down. The land was now named after them. For
example, the land where the 'Kurus' settle down was known as Kuru Janapada.
The leader of the Janapada was 'raja'. Buddhist and Jaina texts provide us with list of 16
'Mahajanapadas'. The sixteen Mahajanapadas are Anga, Magadha, Vajji, Malla, Kasi, Kosala,
Vatsa, Kururpanchala, Matsya, Surasena, Kamboja, Gandhara, Avanthi, Chedi and Asmaka.
Another distinctive feature of the Janapada was that the population living in these territories was
often classified according to varna, the four fold social classification. Almost all the Maha
Janapadas had a capital city. They have built huge forts maintaing big armies and collected
various taxes.

Small Questions

1. Usually the best pastures lands are along Rivers.

2. Which was the most powerful Janapada?
A. Magadha
3. How much tax of the agricultural produce was taken by the ruler ?
A. 1/6 of total income.
4. Name the two powerful rulers of Magadha ?
A. Bimbisara, Ajatasatru and Maha padma Nanda.
✤✤✤

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 30
Early States
Introduction

In the history of ancient India we may come acrosss many forms of society ranging from urban
civilization of Indus valley to the classical Age of Gupta Dynasty. During this period we see a hierarchy
of centrelized and decentralized governments, some of which are highly organied in their political struc-
ture and government while others were merely weakened by internal problems and division of power.

Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to

● explain as to how the state system developed in early India ;

● distinguish between various kinds of states ; and

● Understand how most powerful states emerged.

Essasy Questions

1. What is meant by kinship ? How did the idea of kingship was developed ?
A. ● The origin of kingship dates back to Harappan times. Archelogical evidences uncovered a
strong centralized authority in Harappa. The vedic monarehies i.e. the clan - cheap became
the king and was gradually invested with a status i.e. equal to being god. Buddhist and Jaina
thought ignored the idea of divinity and in the original state of nature which create a little bit
chaos.
● At this movement, the people gatherd together and decided to electe one among them. i.e.
mahasammata in whom they would invest authority to maintain law and order. Thus, gradu-
ally the institution of the state came into being.

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 ● Later on theories retained the element of a contract between the ruler and the people. Ac-
cording to Brahmanic sources 'the god appointed the ruler and that a contract of dues was
concluded between the ruler and the people. Also prevalent was the theory of 'Matsyanyaya',
when there is no ruler, the strong defeat the weak, just as periods of drought, big fish eat little
fish. Thus, the need for a ruler was view of obsolute.

● The existance of the state was primarly dependent on two factors; danda (authority), and
Dharma (in its sense social order). The Artha - Sasta moreover, refers to the seven limbs
(Saptanga) of the state as the king, administration, territory, to capital treasure, forceful au-
thority and allies.

● The importance of political notion of the state gradually began to fade, partly because of a
decline of the political tradition of the republics and the proportional dominance of the monar-
chial system, in which loyalty was directed to the king.

● The emergence of Mauryan empire strengthened the political notion of monarchy. After the
decline of Mauryas, the re- emergence of an empire was to take many centuries.

2. Describe the salient features of the Mouryan administration ?

A. Mouryans for first time introduced a definite and effective system of administration in India. The
main sources of knowing their administrative systems are
1) Ashoka's Inscriptions,
2) Atharastra of Koutilya,
3) Indica of Megasthanese.
Important features of Mouryan Administration :

● Central Government : The king was the head of the administrative system and he had almost
unlimited powers. He was the head of Justice, law and army.

● The king was assisted by council of Ministers were called Mantri Parishad. The most impor-
tant ministers were Mantri, Senani, Purohita and Yuvaraja.

● Provincial adminsitration

For the sake of administrative convenience, the Mouryan empire was divided into Janapadas.
Each Janapada was subdivided into Pradasas. Village was lowest unit of administration Gramani
was head of the village.

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 City Administration.
Meghasthanese give an account of the city administration of pataliputra. The head of the city
was Nagarica and he was assisted by a council of 30 members. The council was divided into six
boards of 5 members each.
They looked after

● Industries

● Facilities to foreigners

● Trade and commerce

● Sale of goods

● Collection of taxes

Revenue Administration
Land revenue was the main source of income. It was collected both in cash and kind. The land
tax was fixed at 1/4 or 1/6 of the gross produced. Besides, the government used to get revenue
from own lands, mines and Naval centres.
Military adminsitration
The Maryans maintained a huge army. It consisted of six lakh infantry, 30,000 cavatry, 9000
elephants and 8000 chariots. The army was administered by a council of 30 members. They
were divided into 6 sub-committies of 5 each. Each sub committee looked after one of the
branches of infantcy, cavalry, elephants, chariots, Navy, Transport and supply.
Judicial Administration
The king was head of the Justice. There were two types of courts to decide civil and criminal
cases. The punishments were very severe, but Ashoka was reduced it to some extent.
Thus among monarchial states Magadha emerged as an important power. It was the largest
and the most powerful political and military empire of Ancient India. It extended from the kingdom
of Magadha in the Indo-Gangetic plain of modern Bihar and Bengal with its capital city of
Pataliputra.

3. Salient features of Gupta administration ?

(or)
What were the causes for considering the gupta period as the golden age ?
A. The greatest empire in the 4th century AD and which ushered in the golden age of Indian History

132
was the Gupta's rule. The Gupta rule lasted for more than two centuries with the theory of the
divinity of kings. The Guptas period has been called an imperial age. Scholars of History
compared the Gupta period to the pericles in Greece, Agustus in the history of Rome and Elizebeth
age in the history of England. The Gupta state was divided into provinces called desa or bhuktis
under kumar matyas.

● Political Unity : Gupta rulers took the title of 'Maharajadhiraja' paramarajadhi raja, Rajadhira
Jashri and Rajarajadhiraja and annexed the almost North India. It was a great achievement
of the gupta rulers.

● The benovolent administration of the Guptas conferred peace and prosperity. According to
fahier the people were prosperous and happy. They developed agriculture and industries.

● Welfare state : They took special care for the construction of public utility works. Hospitals
with free medical aid were provided for the service of poor patients, orphans and disabled.

● During Gupta period Hinduism and Hindus's received a great encouragement. For the first
time temples were built. But they showed religious tolerance towards other faiths like Bud-
dhism and Jainism.

● During their rule literature received remarkble growth. Sanskrit became a official language.
They have patronized a large number of famous ports and scholars. Samudragupta himself
was poet and assumed the title "Kaviraja".
Harisena was the court poet of him who inscribe Allahabad pillar Inscription.

● During the period of chandragupta II, his court was for famous 'Nava ratnas' or 'Nine gems'.
The famous among them are Kalidasa, Viskadatta vishnu sarma etc. Kalidas's Abhignana
sakuntalam' was translated into a number of world languages.

● Progress of Science : In the field of science Guptas achived wonderful progress. Aryabhatta
wrote a work entitles "Surya siddhanta" and discoverd the fact that "Earth rotates on oxis
was calculated the duration of the day.
The power of gravitation was discoverd by Brahma gupta. Varahamihira wrote Brihat
Samhita', Susrutha, vagbatta and Dhanvantri were the famous medicines during that period.

● Development of Art : The Dasavatartemple at Deogarh, the vishnu temple at Tiguwa, Siva
temple at Bhumra were famous example for the imporoved art during Gupta period. Sanchi
and Saranath places are famous for Buddhist art.
Thus Guptas period regarded as the 'golden age' in the history of Ancient India.

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Short Essays

1. Explain the contribution of pallavas to the culture of South India ?

A. Pallavas who ruled South India made uniqe contribution to the cultural field and the cultural unity
of India was completed by pallava rullers.
Literature : Pallave rullers were great patron's of literature. They made Sanskrit as the official
language and established Ghatikas' to spread education. Kanchi became a great learning centre.
The Bharava, the author of 'Kiratasjuniyam' and Dandi, the author of 'Oasakumar charitha' are
the great poets of pallavas court. Mahendra varma I himself wrote 'Matha Vilasa Prashan'.
Art & architecture : According to V.A. Smith "the history of Indian archeatecutre in South
India being with the pallavas.
The style was one among the most beautiful form of Inidan archietecture. Mahadeve Varma I
introduced the partise of excavations temples of Social rock. Narasimha Varma Constructed the
seven pagadas or stone cars for pandvaas from a single rock.
The shore temple at Mahabalipuram and Kailas Temple at Kanchi were drawn the appreciation
of the foreign art crafts.

2. Gandhara Art

A. ● Gandhar is slocated in the North western part of India to the eight and left of Indus liver. It
was ruled by satias, pahlas and Kushans.

● As a result, mixed culture was seen here and new school of art known as Gandhara art came
into existance. The statues of Buddha and Bodhisatva, are every made in the style of Gandhara
art in different pasturs.

● It is the result of blending of the Indian, greek and roman's style. The greek feature of
depiction of transperent garment dropped in greek roman fashion and curly heir, muscled
body in Gandhara culture.

● The Gandhara art had the a tend of the greek and heart of Indian.

3. What are the sailent features of chola Administration ?

A. The cholas state during the imperial period (850-1200) was marked for its uniqueness and
innovativeness of village administration.
The village Administration system was described indetail in the 'Uttar merur' inscription. It was
also called "Local self government".

134
 ● According to V.A. Smith, there are two types of Assemblies in the village. Every village was
a self governing unit. A number of such villages are called 'nadu' (or) 'Kottam'.
1. Ur. - all the lard loads of the village were members.
2. Sabha : the Brahmins were members in this Sabha.

● Election procedure : The members of executive Committee were elected by the people of
village. Each village was devided into 'wards'. Members should have prescribe defeatures.
They must not exceed 35 years of age, should be resident, and should own property and
must not have committed the sings.

● Village Committees : 30 members Committe of the village devided in to six committes. They
were gardens committe, schools committee, tax collection, choultries and Temple's Commit-
tee, tanks committee etc. Thus the village assemblies played a cruical role.
One Word Questions
1. Who wrote Artha - Sastra ?
A. Koutilya.
2. Give name of four provincial capitals of the Mouryas ?
A. Ujjain, Taxila, Toysali and Suvarna giri.
3. Who was Megestanese ?
A. A Grek ambassdar visted India and author of 'India'.
4. Fa-hsien chineese contemporary was a Buddhist monk traveled in India and left an account of
his impression.
5. What is 'Utharapatha' and 'Dakshinapatha' ?
A. The region controlled the northern trade route called 'Uttarpatha' and the southerly route called
'dakshinapatha'.
6. 'Aihole Inscription' : it was written by Ravi-Keerthi, a Jain poet. The conquests of pulakesi II
were described in this inscription.

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 31
The Medieval State

Indroduction

In medieval India, the emergence, nature and expansion of States will be discussed in this chapter.
The two major state formations discussed here are Delhi sultanate and Moghul empire. The medieval
rulers basically came from outside India thus they had to influence as well as learn from native political
structures. Medieval state may be characterised as a polity headed by a strong ruler, supposted by
hierarchially organized administrature machinery and ligitimized by the authority of religion. The army,
bureaucracy by blood and land revenue remained the basic elements of the state. But each ruler had to
balance the competing groups for power sharing.

Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to

● Analyse the evolution of state in medieval India ;

● recall the nature of medieval state ;
● explain the institutions of medieval state ; and
● explain the administration of Akbar and how he was follwer of Shersha.

Essay Questions
1. Explain the important administrative features of Delhi Sultanate ?
A. In the 13th century, a new kind of dynasty domain emerged in North India. Delhi Sultanate had
its origin in Victories by Mohammad Ghauri and established by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak in 1206 AD
and ended in 1526 AD, when Ibrahim Lodi was defeated by Babur at Panipat war.

136
 The Sultanate was a theocratic State and the king was regarded as a representative of God on
earth. There was no regular Law of succession. The administration was based on the principles
of Koran. The executive work was carried on with the assistance of a Cabinet of four members.
These were in charge of Revenu, war, Local and provincial Government and Markets.
The empire was divided into provinces which were called 'Iqtas'. The head of the 'Iqta' was
called by different names like Nazim, Muqti or wali. They functioned under the supervision of the
central government.
The Iqtas were devided into smaller units called Shiqqs and were controlled by Shiqdars. The
Shiqqs were further divided into parganas. The Amin, the Munsif, the treasurer, the Quanungo
and two Karkuns were acted as officials. Village was the lowest unit of administration under the
head ship of hereditary officers.
The land revenue was the main source of income of the state. In addition to this Jizya was
collected from non-muslim subjects. The sultans maintained an efficient military system. The
cavalry formed the back bone of the army.
The system of Justice was efficient. The sultan was the highest Judicial authority in the empire.
The penal law was so severe. The village assemblies decided cases of their villages. Islamic laws
were enforced in both civil and criminal cases. Normally, the culprits were punished with seizure
of their property and wealth, mutilation or death. The Sultans did not establish a seperate police
department, but their duties were carried out by the military officers.

2. Describe the Moghul system of adminsitration ?

A. After the downfall of Delhi sultanate in 1526 Moghal dynasty was established by Babur. And it
was strenghned by Akbar, reached its peek during Aurangzeb and started its downfall after and
ended in India in 1857 A.D.
Regarding administration, Akbar was the chief architect of the Moghul administration. He not
only took several institutions from Shersha's administration, reformed and perfected them but
also adopted many (foreign elements) Persion and Arabic systems with necessary changes.
Absolute monarchy, Centralized Government, divine origin of kingship and benevolent despotism
were some of the sSalient features of the Moghal polity.
● Central Government : The Central government was headed by the emperor. All the
power vested in him. The emperor was assisted by a council of Ministers in his daily admin-
istration. Vakil, Wazir, Mir Bakshi, Mir Saman, Muhatasib, chief Sadr and chief Qazi were
chief among them.

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 ● For the administrative Convenience and efficiency Akbar abolished the age old Jagirdari
system and divided the empire into 15 provinces under the subedar (or) Nizam. Again em-
pire was divided into Sarkars, Paraganas and villages. The town administration was looked
after by the 'kotwal'.
● The military administration of Akbar was linked with that of the Mansabdari system. He
indroduced it in 1571. The word 'Mansab' is office rank or dignity. They are supposed to
maintain army for law and order. The salaries of Mansabdar can be paid either in cash or in
Jagirs. The appointment, promotion and dismissal of Mansabdars rested at emperors will
and pleasure. It was not heriditary.
● The fame of Akbar as an administrator rests on his land revenue administration. Shershah
was the fore runner of Akbar. It was known as the 'Bando bust system (or) 'Ryotywari
system'. The three important features, i.e., measurement of land, classification of land and
fixation of rates are being taken by Akbar. The land tax was fixed 1/3 of the income and the
formers were given the option to pay the land tax either in cash or in kind. They could pay
their tax directly in to the state treasury or state officials. This was known as 'Ryotwari
system'.
● Akbar relations with Rajputs was described as Rajput policy of Akbar. He realized that he
could not survive and prosper without the co-operation of the Rajputs and Hindus. It was
mainly for political reasons that Akbar was compelled to follow the policy of compromise and
consiliation towards Hindus.
● In general the Moghul Administration was humane and benevolent. " 'administrative effi-
ciency ' reached it's high water mark for the first time under Mohammadan rule" - Dr.Iswari
prased.

Short type Questions

1. Briefly describe the role of Mohammad Ghauri ?

A. ● After the fall of Ghaznavides, the Ghori family rose to the prominence. Ghor was a small
mountainous principality between Herat and Ghazni. The first important ruler of this dynasty
was Ghiyas - ud-din Mohammad. He brought Ghazni under his control and appointed as
Governor his brother Muizz-ud-din, popularly known as Muhammad Ghore.
● Muhammad Conquests :- Taking the advantage of India disunity, Muhammad wanted to
establish Muslim rule in India.

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 Muhammad led his first Indian expedition against Multan in 1175 A.D. and conquered it.
And then uch and lower sindu to his territories . Finally Muhammad Conquered Lohore in
1186 A.D.
Battle of Tarain (1191 and 1192) : After the annexation of Punjab Muhammad had to face
great Rajput confederacy. It was headed by Prithvi raj. The Rajput and Mustim forces met
at Tarain near Taneswar in 1191, where Muslim forces defeated. Battle was faught for sec-
ond time in 1192 where the Rajputs now met with disastrous defeat. Prithviraj was captured
and killed. Delhi and Ajmir were conquered by Muhammad. This was followed by the
conquests of sasruti, Samana Kuhran Hansi and Kanauj in 1194 by defeating Jayachandra
and in 1195 Bayana and Gwalior.

2. The reign of Muhammad bin - Tughlaq marked both the high point of the Sultanate and
the beginning of its decline ?
A. Muhammad - bin - Tughlaq has been described as a 'freak of creation' by contemporary
writers. His character was a mixture of contradictory qualities. He was a keen student of
mathematics, astronomy, logic, philosophy and poetry. His personal life was marked by his
standared of morality. Though he was an orthodox Muslim, he was tolerent towards other
religions.
Reforms of Sultan :
● To improve his fanances the Sultan increased the taxes on the land in the region of Ganges,
Yamuna Doabo Unfortunately the region was affected by famine.
● To avoid the constant Mongol raids to the Centrally located capital, he shifted the capital from
Delhi to Devagiri with their belongings. When the Sultan realized the failure of his plans, he
ordered the people to go back to Delhi. The scheme involved heavy finanical loss and cre-
ated a spirit of revolt among the people.
● Token Currency : Mohmmad has been called Prince of Moneyers. One of his earliest
measures was the reform of currency. In order to increase his resources to carry out his
schemes of conquest and administration, he introduced token currency.
● He struck vast quantities of copper coins. But he failed to take adequate measures to prevent
illicit coinage. As a result, the country was flooded with bad coins. Ultimately token coins
became valueless. Trade was paralysed. The Sultan realized the failure of his scheme and
withdraw his new coins Instead fold and silver coins were returned to people.
● Other reforms
Muhammad bin Tughlaq organised the services of the state on an efficient basis. He
employed the Hindus in high offices of the state. The Department of Agriculure and Industry
139
 were made efficient. He meted out impartial justice even against the powerful and the great.
He prohibited sati and worked to relieve the distress of the poor.

3. Write a note on the 'Jagirdari System' of the Moghul period ?

In the Moghul period, the land owned by the state or the king consisted of Khalsa and Jagir. In
fact the Jagir land was more in extent than khalsa. The person appointed to the collection of land
revenue in the jagir was called Jagirdar.
The Jagirdars were appointed by the crown and held office during their pleasure. They were
transfered from one jagir to another Jagir. They had no Judicial and police powers. Their office
was not heriditary. They consisted of both the natives and foreigners.
The status of the Jagirdardar depended on the size of the Jagir held by him. The main duty of
the Jagirdar was to collect the land revenue as fixed by the state and to submit accounts of the
collections of revenue to Qanungo. Since there was not security of this office, the Jagirdars
expolited the cultivators by excessive collections.

VI. One Ward Answer

1. India under the Mughal Sharia empire was governed under Muslim law.
2. The first painpat war was held in - 1526

3. Babur claimed descend from both Timur and Genghis khan.

4. Zakat means- tax raised from well to do Muslims for the purpose of charity.

5. Khams or Ghaninath means - the booty taken in war.

6. The silver coin under the sultans weighing 175 grains.
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 32
Colonial State

Indroduction

Taking advantage of Indian states during 18th century, European countries not only established
their colonial trade but also strenghten their political power over India states. Initially their political
entry started after defeating Bengal Sultan in 1757 and by the end of 1857 they gained political control
over entire India through various means. The political authority of the colonial state gathered upon
many instruments for preserving and enforcing its power which was a pre-condition for the formulation
of the colonial policy. It is important to know that how the rule over people was legitimized and how
was the power of the colonial state made visible to the common people subjected to foreign rule.

Objectives

● Understand the meaning and nature of the colonial state ;

● recall the colonial objectives in India;
● identify the instruments of colonial control ;
● explore the symbols and effects of the colonial rule ;
● understand the legacy of the colonial rule.

Essay Questions
1. Describe the meaning and nature of the colonial state ?
A. The colinial state means the assumption of Sovereignty (legally independent power to govern and
control) of a country by a foreign political entity. The colonial state has to design a theory of
Soveriegnty in the special context of the imperial - colonial relationship. This is done through a
two way process (1) Justification of the legal existence of a foreign entity which automatically

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 leads to the second process i.e., (2) the subversion of delegitimization of pre-colonial indegeneous
political authoriety.
Nature of colonial State :
The Britishers consolidated their colonial rule in Inda according to their ideas of what a colonial
state could be and modern state with some characteristics.
As in a moderate state, the colonial government had a monopoly of force, a centralized
administration for tax-collection, a centralized legal system, a professional staff of administrators
and bureaucrats and clearly defined territorial boundaries.
Colonial objectives in India
The colonial state was worked with two aims. (1) the complete subordination of the Indian
colony to needs of British metropolis and (2) economic exploitation of the Indian Colony.
But the nature of British interests in India did not remain the same through - out and it changed
according to the requirements of the Mother country and in interest of the different Social group
in Britain.

2. Mention the changes under Colonial State ?

A. The economic, agricultural, industrial and administrative policies of the British created a new
classes of people as well as changes in the Indian Society. The main changes which the British
made in Indian Society were at the top.
● They replaced the wasteful warlord nobility by the bureaucratic - military establishment, care-
fully designed by practical technocrats, which was very efficient in maintaining law and order.
● The Permanent Revenue Settlement (1793) introduced by lord Cornwallis created a new
class of land lords called Zamindars. Zamindari system created the tenent class, who had not
property right.
● The greater efficiency of governement permitted a great reduction in the fiscal burden and a
biggest share of the national product was available for landlords, capitalistis and the new
professional classes. Some of this upper class income was sent off to the United Kingdom.
but the bulk was spent in India.
● A new educated and enlightened middle class grew out of the British rule. The condemned
the evils and injustice of the society and advocated new ideas or principles to enlighten the
people. It was from this class a large number social reformers and freedom fighters came.
They were designated as "new aristo cratic class" by M.N. Srinivas.

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 ● The establishment of industries, expansion of trade and commerce growth of banking system
led to the birth of industrialist (or) capitalist class. This Capitalist system also led to the birth
of working class. The poor peasants and the artisans who lost their livilihood as a result of the
decline of Indian handicrafts constitute the working or labour class.
6. Taking the advantage of poverty in India, money lenders became a Business class during the
British rule.
7. There were no major changes in village Society, in the caste system, the position of untouchbles,
the Joint family system or in the production techniques in agriculture. British impact on eco-
nomic and social development was therefore limited.
8. Total output and population increased substantially but the gain in per capita output was small
or negligible.

II. One Ward Answer

1. The Mughal Empire declined in the first half of 18th century.

2. By 1835 Persian remianed the official symbol of Mughal dynasty

3. Sir William Jones had translated a great mass of Sanskrit literature and had founded the Asiatic
society in 1785.
4. All the high level posts were reserved for the British and Indians are Excluded.
5. The British army was very much smaller than those of Mughal India, but had better training and
equipment.
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 Module-6B

Culture in India 33
Contemporary Cultural situation

Indroduction

Suppose you wokeup one marking to find yourself in a strange land, where people speak a
language you do not understand, wear different clothes, eat food you are not used to. You probably
find it impossible to survive unless you learned their ways of behaviour. These ways of behaviour along
with many other things go into the making of our culture.
As you will see, all of us are born into cultures. This may differ according to our region, religion
and cast or class. As we grow, each one of us absorbs dozens cultural practices almost automiatically.
Many of these practices have been handed down for generations, some of these for centuries, and
some are even millennia old traditions. At the same time, cultural practices are subject to change.
Culture is the collective creation of the society. It is a mould of collective consciousness. It is
based on certain values, which the society evolves, during the course of its history . Culture is an
acquired behaviour in human beings. Culture is not found in birth, but it is something to be aquired. It
is like a house of bricks, arranged beautifully side by side in relation to each other. It is a living organism.
It must change according to the changing conditions.

Objectives

● define culture ;
● analyse how culture is shaped;
● explain cultural interaction; and
● critically analyze phenomenon of globalisation.

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Essay Questions
1. Define culture and its implications ?
A. ● The dictionary meaning of culture is production, improvement and development. This means
culture includes every thing, which we produce, improve and develop. This is widest sense
meaning.
● But in a restricted sense, culture refers to the advance development of human body, mind and
spirit. It also refers to good manners and civilised behaviour. It also includes music, dance,
drama and such other things. It is the sum total of human achivements, material as well as non
-material, capable of transmission.
● The cluture is based on training and experience. The literature, religion and social practices of
the people, reveal their culture. Culture is the way of life and Thinking of the society. It does
not have a common accpeted definition.
How culture is shaped : It is the collective creation of the society. It is a mould of collective
consciousness. Culture is a living organism. It must change according to the changing condi-
tions. If it becomes rigid and stagnant, then it gets outdated, old and ultimately dies. It
becomes a dead mass. This means the culture is always changing, absorbing, discarding,
improving and developing.
● Like living organism the culture grows, matures, decays and dies. The cutures of ancient Italy,
Greece and Egypt were short lived. Once they were very powerful, but after the advent of
christianity and Islam, they lost their vitality and died. At present they are completely wiped
out. The christian and the Islamic cultures exist on their ruins.
● Some cultures are very long lived. They existed, they exist and they will exist for a long
period. They regid not regid and accomodative and adjustable, such as the Indian culture. It
had a great vitality. The foreign influence and attacks could never subdree it beyond recogni-
tion. But the new trend only set new trent in it. That is why the Indian culture is immortal.
● There are two important sides of culture i.e. the external side and the internal side. The
external side includes political, social and religious institutions. They are the outward
phenomenos and temporary and adjustable. The internal side of the culture consists of spiri-
tual elements. They are the finer sentiments, such as dharma, kindness, piety equality and
Justice. Their importance is universal and permanent. They may change in form, but the
basic idea remains.

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 2. The influence of culture on social and economic fields ?
A. Many of our cultural practices are influenced by our social and economic situation. The cultural
objects we produce and use are also often limited by our economic resources. None of us
would have been able to build the Taj Mahal even if we had wanted to. This was only possible
for shah Jahan, the ruler of a large and prosperious empire.
Cultural practices are also influenced by both our social and economic situation. This includes
such things as our tastes and preferences in Music whether we like folk songs film songs classical
Music or Western Pop Music.
In fact most of the splendid forts, palaces, and religious monuments we see were built by rulers.
When they were wealthy. However, although material resources are important, they are not
always decisive. MiraBai left the wealth and splendour of the place of chittoor to embrace a life
of home lessness and freedom to pursue her spiritual goals. Today we remember her songs and
not her husband.

3. Write about cultural interraction ?

A. Our culture is often shaped though a process of interraction. Cultural interraction means the
mixed cultural out put when people with different cultural traditions come in to contact one
another. Such contact can take place through the expeditions and voyages of merchants or
traders, or when conquerors invoade country. It also occurs when pilgrims or travells vist distant
lands, and when craftsmen and labouring women and men travel from place to place in search of
employment.
Such interactions made the people to learn about the practice of different peoples, and carry
their own ideas and customs to new lands. In the process, the cultural practices of all those who
participate in such interaction tends to change.
Ex: If you look at what we eat day you will notice that it is a mixture of foods which have been
traditionally available, as well as more recent additions. At the same time people in other parts of
the world, such as the USA and Great Britain, have developed taste for Indian cuisine, especially
curries and Kababs.

VI. One Ward Answer

1. Globalisation place in the spheres of the economy and cultural communication.

2. The global village phrsase was coined by Mcluhan.
3. Advertisers sponsors TV programmes.
4. Global communications are dominated by developed countries.

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 5. The Stupa at Sanchi is an example of religious architecture.
6. Vedic chants are a form of Relegious Music.
7. Andal was a famous woman saint of Tamil Nadu.
8. Lai Ded is one of the best known Kashmir poets.
9. Bhakti and Sufi saints composed poems in language of common people.
10. Bhakti and Sufi saints compositions were transmitted oraly for centuries.
11. The clothes we wear vary according to rather than according to region.
12. Forts and palaces were built by rulers.
13. Classical : Refers to anything which is considered to have perfect proportions. It is also used to
describe what is usually thought to be excellent.
14. Vedic chants : Vedas are four in number; Rig, Yajur Sama and Atharvana Vedas. These consist
of mantras, many of which were meant to be chanted or sung during sacrifices and other rituals.
15. Meterial culture : Includes things we use in our daily life. These are tangible, i.e. we can see
and touch them, unlike ideas, which form part of our culture, but are intangible.
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 34
Cultural Production

Indroduction

Pots and pans, paintings, textiles, literature and food amongst other things are part of our culture.
In this lesson we will look at how some of these are produced, who produced them and who uses them.

Objectives

● what techniques were used in the production of paintings and for whom were these paintings
produced ;
● the different kinds of textiles and costumes produced in India ;
● the rich and varied literature of India which ranges from epics to folk songs; and
● the nature of food production and wide variety of foods in the various parts of India.

Essay Questions
1. What do you know of arts of Ajanta and Ellora ?
A. ● While early men and women made these paintings for their own needs, in later times paintings
were usually produced under royal patronage which means that kings paid and some times
maintined the painter in order to get them made.
● The earliest of these are found at the famous caves of Bagh (M.P), and the Ellora and Ajanta
(in Maharastra).
● The themes in Ajanta are drawn from the life of the Buddha, especially depictions from the
Jataka stories which record the many lives of the Buddha.

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 There are also some scenes from every day life such as the famous depiction from the Ajanta
caves of the princes engaged in her makeup. The arts of Ajanta and Ellora were patronized by
the Gupta and vakata rulers belongs to the 4th to 6th centuries.
The paintings are remarkable for their unfading colours. It is believed that the Mahabalipuram
cave art of the time of pallava kings who ruled between the 6th and 10th centuries, were inspired
by the artistic techniques employed in the Ajanta and Ellora paintins.
The rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram belong to the period of Mamillan Narasimha pallavan
who ruled in the 7th centrury.

2. Explain the significance of colours in traditional Indian textiles ?

A. ● Geographical and climatic factors have greatly influeced the clothing of the Indian people.
North Indian people use both woolen and cotton clothes and South Indian people has a
warm climate, thus people wear only cotton.
● Indian textiles reflect culture. Every thing is important - the colours chosen, the designs and
the occasion it is worn.
● Red represents fertility and is generally worn by the bride on the occasion of her wedding.
Ochre and white represent purity and sacrifice and are usually warn by spiritual persons and
widows. Block is considered in inauspicious although in South India pregnant women wear
black perhaps to ward off the evil eye.
● Colouring was traditionally done with vegetable dyes such as indigo and madder although
now most dyers have switched over to cheaper chemical dyes.
● The earliest designs on textiles were geometrical. The depiction of certain types of plants and
animals on textiles from different regions gives us an idea of what those people were familiar
with and also regarded as auspicious.
● Different types of textiles require different production techniques. The textile called 'tie and
dye' and known with in different cultural traditions as bandhini, ikat or chungdi is produced by
a process in which the cloth and some times the yarn is tied and dyed.
● The Kalamkari means wording (lean) with the pen kalam is a living tradition in Andhra. The
painters were patronized by Daccani Sultans.

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Short Essays

1. Briefly discuss some of the regional Variations of the Mahabharata epic ?

A. A rich range of regional variations exists especially in the re-telling of our major epics the Ramayana
and the Mahabharata. It is well known that while valmiki wrote the Ramayana known as the
'Adikavya' in Sanskrit, Tulasidas wrote the Hindu Version which is popularly known as
'Ramacharita manas'. The court poet of the Cholas called Kumban wrote the Ramayana in
Tamil while the popular folk version of the Ramayana in Telugu was written by a peasant woman
called 'Molla'.

V. One Word Answer

1. Name some of the places where early cave paintings are to be found ?
A. Early cave paintings are found in the caves at Mizapur and Banda in U.P, Bhimbetka and
Singanpur in M.P., the Mahadeva hills of the Vindya ranges and at Bellari in Karnataka.

2. What do you understand by the bandhini technique and where are bandhinis produced ?
A. Bandhini involves a process in which a yarn and some times cloth is tied and dyed.
Bandhini is produced in Gujarat and Rajastan, ikat in orissa and chungdi in Madhurai.

3. What kind of literature do the Vedas represent ?

A. The Vedas written in Sanskrit form a part of our religious literature.

4. What are the staple crops of Inda and how do they shape on food habits ?
A. The staple crops of India are rice and wheat. Rice is the predominant crop in South India and
therefore South Indians are basically rice eaters. Since lot of wheat is grown in North India.
Wheat constitues the staple food of the North.

5. Name some popular dishes of South India ?

A. Idli, Dosa and Upma are some popular dishes of the South Indian cuisine.
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 35
Cultural Communication

Indroduction

When you were youngers, your grand parents must have told you stories about kings and queens,
magical events, animals and birds and other tales of long ago. Many of their stories are drawn from
epics and religious texts like the Ramayana or the Bible, or from collections of stories like Panchatantra
or the Arabian Nights. Through these stories, all of us have absorbed many aspects of our cutural
heritage. culture is communicated. Though various means - oral, written, through music and nowadays,
via film and television too.

Objectives

● Explain how speech writing & painting help cultural communication ;

● List some methods of cutural communication ;
● describe how music is used to communicate different ideas; and
● explain how a variety of cutural forms were used to speead Buddhism.

Essay Questions
1. Do you agreed that Music was played an important role in spread of culture ?
A. ● Culture is an integral part of human existance. There are many forms of cultural expressions.
Among the earliest expression of culture are music and dance.
● Along with language, Music and Dance are also expressions of culture. Music her universal
appeal it Folk and classical forms both have enriched the culture as they aslo cerise ideas.

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 ● Early people clapped hands, or beat the earth with sticks for rhythm to accopmpany songs
and dances. Gradually many kinds of drums and instruments came to be used. Garba from
Gujarat, Kathakali from kerala and Gidda, Bhangra from punjab are examples of flok dance.
There were and are still performed to celebrate festive occasions, to mark important Cer-
emonies, to express various sentiments, and some times even to serve as a channel of protest.
● Folk songs celebrate spring, the coming of rains, or the ripening of carn which are all central
to the agricultural cycle. There are also songs of masons and potters. You may have heard
construction workers singing while heaving heavy loadas as a team listen to them carefully the
words are about their work.
● Folk music is by its very nature participatory. It evolves along with the people's experiences.
Folk art can therefore be said to be 'consumed' by the same people who create it.
● Classical Music is a highly developed form of music since it is based on precise rules. It can
be called the grammer of music singing. It was earlier patrorised by kings.
● Bhajans are sometimes related to the experience of the common people. Qawwalis are
specially associated with dargahs, i.e. shrines of venerated sufi saints.
● Music like all expression of culture carries ideas. The Bauls of Bengal have traditionally
carried their messages of universal brother hood and unselfishness through thier songs.
● Devotional songs express not only the emotions of theworshippers but also draw others into
the fold. Today music serves as an important bridge in the global village. While assimilating
new forms, it is important to rememer not to lose one's own rich heritage of music.

2. What are the various means of communication of culture ?

A. ● Language is a basic characteristic of human Society. It is not only a means for people to
understand each other, but is also a vechicle for the transmission of cultural ideas. A shared
language knits people together, but also distinguishes them from one another. The another
language which is shared by people of different countries is Bengal.
● The spread of language and culture is influenced by geographical factors. People living in near
by areas usually speak the same similar languages and others have very different another
tongues. cultures tended to evolve in relative isolation and ended up being very distinct.
● Spoken language was and remain one of the most important means of Communication. How
ever the invention of writing widened the scope of communication. Initially rulers and wealthy
people had important documents arrange on rock surfaces, stone tables, and copper plates.
Cloth leather, the bark of the tree called bhojapatra and palm leaf called talapatra were used
for writing on.

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 There were also epics like the Mahabrarata, popular stories collected in the Jatake tales,
Hitopadesa etc and numerous mythological legends in the puranas, stories from these were
transmitted orally by professional story tellers, bards, and even local temple priests. In the
course of telling stories many variations occured over time.
Printing was another equipment which further developed the spread of paper more in lesser time
and lowest cost. The first News paper in India was published in 1760 in English and this was
followed by many others.
These news papers focussed on providing information about Europe to Englishmen in India.
Many news papers began to appear in the vernacular languages. They were published by
nationalists who had the interest of Indians in mind.
We see thus that news papers and magazines do not nearly give information about events and
occurrences around the world, but also mould our ways of thinking. Ideas and views have of
course been exchanged from time immemorial. What ever is specific to modern forms of
Communication is that the transmission of ideas becomes a one way process. While the owner of
a newspaper can influence the views of its readers, the reader cannot exert a similar influence.

Short Essays

1. How did different culture forms help the spread of Buddhism ?

A. ● Religion is one of the features of our cultural heritage. Religious ideas may themselves be
transmitted through the medium of culture.
● Buddha's message i.e. middle path between extreme austerity and luxury was Quickly ac-
cepted by the common people because he spoke in the common language, Pakrit.
● The Buddhists also adopted a number of religious and cultural practices. For example the
worships of trees. Another practice that the erection of circular mounds over the remains of
the dead as a kind of memorial. The greeks were aslo had an old tradition of representing
their gods in human form.
● The Buddhists also adopted the tradition of folk staries i.e. birth stories of the Buddha. Known
as 'Jatakas'. Many of these stories were also depited in sculpture.
● Buddhist teachers were not the only ones to use a veriety of cultural means to spread their
message. If we look at any of our major religious traditions, including christianity, Hinduism,
Islam and Jainism, we will find that they owe their long lived success to the many ways in

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 which their massage has been transmitted through music, painting, story telling and through the
use of a variety of archietectural styles to build centres of worship.

Short Essays

1. What are the Jataka tales ?

A. Jataka tales are belonged to popular Folk Stories. They were also known as 'Jatakas' which
explain about the birth stories of the Buddha. These were regarded as stories about the previous
births and lives of the Buddha. Many of these stories were also depicted in paintings on the cave
walls at Ajanta as well as on the railing sorrounding the sanchi stupa in Madhya Pradesh.
Ex: The story of cat and the cock. According to "The cat tells the cock that she wants to marry
him. His plan is to get the cock down from the tree and eat him. However, the cock is wise and
refuces to get 'married'. Buddhists identified the wise cock with the Buddhist in a previous birth.

V. One Ward Answer

1. From which script are most modern Indian scripts derived ?
2. The Bauls of Bengal sing songs about Universal brother hood; Unselfishness.
3. What language did the Buddha preach in ?
A. Prakrit
4. Taras were famale divinities associated with what ?
A. Bodi Sattva as fertility cult.
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Model Question Paper
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