Class 8 History Chapter 4 The Freedom Struggle of 1857 | Maharashtra Board Solutions
Class 8 History – Chapter 4: The Freedom Struggle of 1857
Maharashtra State Board | Exam Preparation | Question Answers
1. Rewrite the statements by choosing the appropriate options.
Options: Umaji Naik, War of Independence, Lord Dalhousie, Secretary of State, Tatya Tope
(1) V. D. Savarkar named the struggle of 1857 as the War of Independence.
(2) Umaji Naik united the Ramoshis to rebel against the British.
(3) After the struggle of 1857, the post of Secretary of State was created in the British Government to look after the affairs of India.
(4) Lord Dalhousie was the Governor General who annexed the princely states.
2. Explain the following statements with reasons.
(1) The Paikas made armed rebellion against the British.
Answer: The Paikas were traditional soldiers and landholders. The British introduced changes in the land-revenue system and deprived them of their traditional rights and privileges. Therefore, the Paikas became dissatisfied and made an armed rebellion against the British.
(2) There was discontent among the Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
Answer: The British introduced cartridges which were believed to be greased with the fat of cows and pigs. Using such cartridges hurt the religious sentiments of both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. Therefore, there was discontent among the Hindu and Muslim sepoys.
(3) The Indian sepoys could not stand against the British army.
Answer: The British army was better trained, disciplined and equipped with modern weapons. The Indian sepoys did not have the same level of military organisation and equipment. Therefore, the Indian sepoys could not stand against the British army.
(4) After the struggle, the Indian army was divided on the basis of caste.
Answer: The British wanted to prevent the Indian soldiers from uniting again against them. Therefore, they followed a policy of dividing the army on the basis of caste, religion and region.
(5) The British imposed heavy taxes on Indian industries.
Answer: The British wanted to promote British manufactured goods in India and weaken Indian industries. Heavy taxes and other policies adversely affected Indian artisans and industries. Therefore, the British imposed heavy taxes on Indian industries.
3. Answer the following questions in brief.
(1) What were the social causes behind the struggle of 1857?
Answer: The British interfered in the social and religious life of Indians. Indians feared that their traditional customs and religious practices were being threatened. The British policies created dissatisfaction among both Hindus and Muslims. These social and religious causes contributed to the struggle of 1857.
(2) Why did the Indians fail in the struggle of 1857?
Answer:
- The struggle was not spread throughout the whole of India.
- There was a lack of unity and coordination among the rebels.
- The rebels did not have sufficient modern weapons.
- The British army was well-trained and disciplined.
- Some Indian rulers and groups did not participate in the struggle.
(3) Write down the consequences of the struggle of 1857.
Answer:
- The rule of the East India Company came to an end.
- The administration of India was transferred to the British Crown.
- The post of Secretary of State for India was created.
- The British changed their policy towards Indian princely states.
- The British adopted the policy of Divide and Rule.
- Changes were made in the organisation of the Indian army.
(4) What were the changes in British policy after the struggle of 1857?
Answer:
- The British adopted a policy of non-interference in the social and religious affairs of Indians.
- They changed their policy towards the princely states.
- They reorganised the Indian army.
- They followed the policy of Divide and Rule to prevent Indians from becoming united.
- They tried to create divisions among Indians on the basis of caste, religion, race and region.
⭐ Exam Preparation Tip
For “Explain with reasons” questions, write 2–3 clear points. For “Answer in brief” questions, write the important points clearly. Remember keywords such as East India Company, British Crown, Secretary of State, Divide and Rule and army reorganisation.
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