ICSE Solutions and Questions Answers for Growth of Nationalism Class 10 History

We are going to learn the ICSE Solutions of second chapter of the History textbook of Class 10. The name of the chapter is Growth of Nationalism. All types of questions including very short answer type, short answer type, structured questions and questions based on picture perception has been provided. This ICSE solutions for Growth of Nationalism will help the students in learning the chapter outcome.


Name of the chapterGrowth of Nationalism
Subject History and Civics
Topics covered
  • Factors leading to the Growth of Nationalism in India
  • East India Association and the Foundation of Indian National Congress
  • Questions and Answers from Ch 2 Growth of Nationalism
Related Readings

Very Short Questions

1. In what way did the land revenue charged by the British affect the Indian peasants?

Answer

The British charged land revenue which the peasants were unable to pay. This made cultivation uneconomical.


2. How did moneylenders exploit farmers during the British rule?

Answer

The moneylenders compelled the farmers to mortgage his land in order to pay the land revenue.


3. What was the role of Zamindars during the British rule?

Answer

The Zamindars collected rents and paid it to the government, after keeping their own share.


4. Give a reason for the decline of cottage industries in India during the British rule.

Answer

Machine-made goods, made in England were supplied in India. This hampered the cottage industries in India.


5. Why did the educated middle class people join the National Movement?

Answer

The educated middle class people fully understood that under the British rule they could not make any progress in any field so they joined the National Movement.


6. Why did the Britishers build roads and railways?

Answer

The Britishers build a network of roads and railways in order to promote their own commercial interest in India.


7. Name the British officer who promoted railway construction in India in the 19th century.

Answer

Lord Dalhousie promoted railway construction in India in the 19th century.


8. How did the means of communication help to unite Indians against the Britishers?

Answer

The Indians began to share their views with their fellow countrymen by sending and receiving letters through postal service.


9. Name the Act of Lord Lytton's regime which aimed at limiting the freedom of the Press.

Answer

Vernacular Press Act.


10. Who passed the Vernacular Press Act ?

Answer

Lord Lytton passed the Vernacular Press Act in 1878.


11. Why was the Vernacular Press Act passed ?

Answer

The Vernacular Press Act was passed because the Vernacular Press criticized the irrational policies of the British rulers.


12. What was the principal objective of the Vernacular Press Act of Lord Lytton ?

Answer

To prevent the Vernacular newspaper from criticising the Government and promoting political consciousness among the Indians.


13. What did Lord Ripon do against the British Policy of discrimination ?

Answer

Lord Ripon during his Viceroyalty presented a bill, which gave the Indian Judges authority to hear cases against the Europeans offenders.


14. Who repealed the Vernacular Press Act ? What impact did the Act have on Indians?

Answer

The Vernacular Act was repealed by Lord Ripon in 1882. It left deep scars of dissatisfaction and discontentment among people.


15. Mention any two repressive colonial policies of Lord Lytton.

Answer

Two repressive colonial policies of Lord Lytton are :
(i) Lord Lytton organized a Grand Delhi Durbar in 1877 to proclaim Queen Victoria as the Empress of India. Lakhs of rupees were spent on the event but nothing was done for Indians who were in the grip of a famine.
(ii) Lord Lytton introduced the Vernacular Press Act (1878) and Indian Arms Act (1879).


Short Answer Questions


1. Explain the term 'Nationalism'.
Answer
'Nationalism' denotes patriotism or 'devotion to the nation' One who is "patriotic', loves his or her country and feels very loyal towards it.

2. Why was the feeling of 'Nationalism' lacking among the Indians before the arrival of the British ?
Answer
The feeling of Nationalism lacking among the Indians before the arrival of the British because it was never a one Nation and comprised many kingdoms. The loyalty of the people was towards a particular king or kingdom. Thus, the modern feeling of nationalism was lacking among them.

3. State two reasons for the development of Nationalism in the late 19th century.
Answer
(i) Economic exploitation was the most important reason. The Indians realised that the general aim of British policies in India was to promote their own interests at the cost of welfare of Indians.
(ii) The impact of Western education, which led to a rational, humanitarian and scientific approach to life, made the educated Indians realise the need to reform their religion and society. Which contributed to the development of Nationalism.

4. Mention the popular 'watchwords' during the French Revolution which influenced Indians due to the introduction of Western Education in India.
Answer
The popular 'watchwords' during the French Revolution which influenced Indians were 'Liberty', 'Equality and Fraternity'.

5. Give any two examples to indicate that the British followed the policy of economic exploitation in India.
Answer
The increase in the indebtedness of the Indian peasants under the British rule was a clear sign of policy of economic exploitation The Indian peasants had to sell their produce at cheap prices in order to satisfy the greed of money-lenders, Zamindars and government officials. Further, the policy of free trade, hard hit the Indian handicrafts.

6. Give two reasons for industrial stagnation during the British rule in India.
Answer
The British economic policies were against the interests of Indian trade and industry. The English East India Company used its political powers to destroy Indian handicrafts and Industry. India became a source of raw materials for the industries of the company and a market for its finished products.

7. What role did the Press play in the National Movement?
Answer

The Vernacular Press was the chief instrument through which the nationalists spread modern, economic, social and political ideas and created a Nationalist consciousness. It was through Pioneer, that the ideas of liberty, justice and natural rights reached the masses.


8. Who passed the Vernacular Press Act in 1878? Why was it passed?

Answer

The Vernacular Press Act in 1878 was introduced by Lord Lytton. The Act forbade Vernacular papers to publish any material that might excite feelings of dissatisfaction against the British Government.


10. Who repealed the Vernacular Press Act in 1882? What impact did the Act have on Indians?
Answer
In 1882, the Vernacular Press Act was repealed by Lord Ripon. This gave a stimulus to political agitation and quickened the pace of Indian Nationalism.

11. Name any two prominent newspapers of the 19th century which played a significant role in arousing National sentiment among the Indians.

Answer

Amrit Bazar Patrika. The Patriot, the Kesari were some of the news papers which aroused the feelings of Nationalism among the Indians in the nineteenth century.


12. List any three issues that the socio-religious reform movements worked for.

Answer
(i) Social Sphere: The reformer denounced untouchability and the rigidities of the caste system. Hence, the ideas of brotherhood and equally attracted the lower castes, who felt that they were entering the National main stream.

(ii) Religious Sphere: At the time when Nation was gripped with despair, Swami Dayananda and Swami Vivekanand rose to the occasion to preach. The gospel of strength and self-reliance.

(iii) Social Equality: These movements fought for individual liberty and social Equality. They firmly believed in the upliftment of women.


13. Name any two socio-religious reformers who prepared the ground for National movement.

Answer

The reformers and leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayanand, Swami Vivekanand and Annie Basant inspired the people and filled their hearts with Self-respect, Self confidence and Self-reliance.


14. Name the organisation founded by Jyotiba Phule. Why did he establish this organisation ?

Answer

Jyotiba Phule founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj in 1873 with the aim of securing social justice for the weaker sections of society. He pioneered the widow remarriage movement in Maharashtra and worked for the education of women.


15. What was the objective of the Ilbert Bill? Why it was not passed?
Answer
The objective of the Ilbert Bill was to remove racial discrimination Lord Ripon wanted to give the Indian judges the authority to hear cases against the Europeans. However the Europeans opposed this tooth and nail and thus it could not be passed.

16. Who laid the foundation of the Indian Association of Kolkata?
Answer
The foundation of Indian Association of Kolkata was laid by Surendranath Banerjee in 1876.

17. Mention two main objectives of the Indian Association.
Answer
(i) To unite Indians on the basis of common political interests and beliefs.
(ii) To agitate for a Constitutional Government.

18. Mention the regional association that each Nationalist was associated:
Answer
(i) Surendranath Banerjee - Indian National Congress
(ii) Dadabhai Naoroji - East India Association

19. Name any two associations which acted as the forerunners of the Indian National Congress.
Answer
(a) The East India Association by Dada Bhai Naoroji on October 1, 1866.
(b) Poona Sarvajanik Sabha under Justice Ranade in 1870

20. When and by whom was the Indian National Congress founded?
Answer
The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 by A.O. Hume, a retired civilian in the British Government.

21. Where, when and under whose presidentship was the second session of the Congress held?
Answer
The Second Session of the Congress was held in 1886, in Calcutta under the presidentship of Dada Bhai Naoroji.

22. How did the famines alienate the goodwill of Indians for the British?
Answer
The British had brought practically the whole of India under their control. Obviously, they were responsible for the welfare of the people. But the common people began to feel that they were neglected by the ruling power. In 1866 there was a terrible famine in Orissa which caused great loss of starvation. Again there was a terrible famine in 1877, which lasted for two years and caused widespread poverty, death and destruction throughout the country. The government again did not show any interest to take suitable measures for the relief of famine-stricken people. The people therefore, lost faith in the British rule.

23. What was the influence of Western education on the Indians in the 19th century?
Answer
The Western education and English medium played an important role in giving rise to national consciousness. The people could read other people thoughts like those of Rousseau, Thomas Paine, Mill, Milton, Voltairs, Burke etc. They could read about Charles I, a cruel King of Britain who was hung by the English, the French Revolution and American Revolution. These thinkers brought about social awareness and national consciousness among educated Indians.

24. There were various factors that promoted the growth of Nationalism in India in the 19th century. Give the meaning of 'Nationalism' in this context.

Answer

Nationalism is a feeling of oneness, together consciousness that emerges when people in the territory share the same political, historical, racial, cultural, psychological and other factors considered themselves as one nation.


25. Mention any two factors that helped Nationalism.
Answer

Two factors responsible for the growth of were:
(i) Socio- religious reform movements: denounced untouchability rigidity of the social evils like Sati, female infanticide prevail.
(ii) Influence of Western thoughts and education: This instilled ideas of liberty, democracy. The educated masses who would now spread it masses and plan a common programme Mazzini, French Revolution gave inspiration


26. Mention any two factors that helped Nationalism.

Answer
Two factors responsible for the growth of Nationalism were :
(i) Socio- religious reform movements : Denounced untouchability rigidity of the social evils like Sati, female infanticide prevail.
(ii) Influence of Western thoughts and education instilled ideas of liberty, democracy the educated masses who would now spread it masses and plan a common programme Mazzini, French Revolution gave inspiration

27. In what way did the British trade policy middle class?
Answer
The growth of modern industries led to the b class in India the working middle class. They the factory owners, who were generally

28. Why did Lord Dufferin favour the forma National Congress?
Answer
The Viceroy, Lord Dufferin favoured the National Congress because he wanted it for popular discontentment to safeguard the British rule and its interest in India.

29. How did the British react when the Indian National Congress was founded? Why did their attitude change later?
Answer
The Viceroy, Lord Dufferin, favoured the formation of the Congress because he wanted it to act as a 'safety-valve for popular discontent, thereby, safe guarding the British interest in India. But their attitude changed because Congress began to demand more and more rights for the Indians, which the government was not prepared to grant.

Structured Questions


1. Various factors led to the rise and growth of Nationalism in India in the 19th century. In this context, explain the role of each of the following:
(a) Socio-religious reform movements.
(b) The Press and the patriotic literature.
(c) Repressive Colonial Policies.

Answer

(a) The 19th century witnessed a series of religious and social reform movements, which went a long way in arousing nationalistic passion against foreign domination. In the first place, the reformer denounced untouchability and the rigidities of the caste system. Hence, the ideas of brotherhood and equally attracted the lower castes, who felt that they were entering the national main stream. Secondly, at the time when nation was gripped with despair, Swami Dayananda and Swami Vivekanand rose to the occasion to preach the gospel of strength and self-reliance. Thirdly, they firmly believed in the upliftment of women. Lastly, they made a clarion call to protest against the domination of British rule.

(b) The Press played a big role in carrying ideas to the people. Raja Ram Mohan Roy's 'Samvad Kaumudi,' Dada Bhai Naoroji edited 'Rast Goftar and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar started 'Shome Prakash' in Bengali in 1858. All these journals had a distinct nationalist character. The Dailies like 'Times of India (1861) Pioneer (1865) and 'Statesman' (1875) although supported the policies of the government, yet kept people informed of rapid political development in the country. Press went a long way in fostering patriotism and ideas of liberty and justice in our country. Through his writing in the 'Kesari' and the Mahratta', Tilak spread the gospel of freedom and natural rights.


(c) The British had conquered India to promote their own interests and therefore, followed such repressive policies so as to make India subservient to the needs of Britain. These policies became the major barrier to India's economic, social, cultural, intellectual and political development. 

Some of these repressive policies especially those followed by Lord Lytton:
(i) He organised a Grand Delhi Durbar in 1877 to proclaim Queen Victoria as the Empress of India. Lakhs of rupees were spent on the event but nothing was done for Indian who were in the grip of a famine.
(ii) Lord Lytton introduced the Vernacular Press Act (1878) and Indian Arms Act (1879).
(iii) The maximum age limit for the Indian Civil Service examination was reduced from 21 to 19 years, thus, making it difficult for the Indians to compete for it.
(iv) The import duties on British textiles were removed. It proved harmful for the Indian industry,


2. With reference to Nationalism and the birth of the Indian National Congress, explain each of the following:
(a) Vernacular Press Act, 1878
(b) State any four immediate objectives of the Indian National Congress.
(c) Role of Dadabhai Naoroji.

Answer

(a) Lord Lytton passed the Vernacular Press Act in 1878. It placed many restrictions on the newspapers and journals published in Indian languages. This act was termed as the 'Gagging Act' as it restricted freedom of the press. This was done to suppress National feelings and criticism of the government. This Act led to feeling of anger amongst Indian intellectuals. This reactionary Act galvanised the Indians and led to nationalism and eventually to the formation of Indian National Congress in 1885.


(b) (i) To promote friendly relations between nationalist political workers from different parts of the country.

(ii) To develop and consolidate the feelings of National unity irrespective of religious beliefs, colour or creed.
(iii) To formulate popular demands and place them before the government.
(iv) To train, influence and organise the public opinion in the country in favour of Nationalism.


(c) Dadabhai Naoroji founded East India Association in London on October 1, 1866. Association aimed at providing members of the British Parliament information regarding India's genuine grievances. The Association attracted a large number of Englishmen who sympathised with India's distress. It also suggested such measures as could remedy some of the wrongs. For example, it recommended the abolition of cotton duties and petitioned the government to withdraw the Vernacular Press Act. The Association became popular and soon had branches in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.


3. The establishment of the Indian National Congress was a significant event in the development of national movement in India. In this context:

(a) What was the name of the Indian National Congress before it got this name? Who gave it its present name? Where was it established and who was its founder.

(b) Why did Lord Dufferin favour the formation of the Indian National Congress?

(c) What was the nature of the political association formed before the Indian National Congress was established? Name any two associations which acted as the forerunners of the Indian National Congress.

Answer

(a) Indian National Union.

On the suggestion of Dadabhai Naoroji the name of the Union was changed to the Indian National Congress. In 1884 Hume, in consultation with the Indian leaders, laid the foundation of Indian National Union. The Indian National Congress was founded by Sir A.O. Hume, a retired civil servant, who contacted prominent Indian leaders and organised with their co-operation, the first session of the Indian National Congress in December 1885.

(b) Lord Dufferin blessed the Congress because he wanted to have a political organisation through which he could ascertain the real wishes of the people and thus save the administration from any possible political outburst. It was due to this attitude that many distinguished British officials attended the First Session of the Congress. The Second Session of 1886 was held at Calcutta and in this session the Congress delegates were welcomed by Lord Dufferin.

(c) Though many of these associations were formed in specific parts of the country, they had common goals for all the people of India. They did not work for any one religion, community or class. The first political association, to be started in India was the Landholders' Society in Kolkata in 1838. Many public associations were started in different parts of India like Bengal British India Society, British Indian Association, East India Association, the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, London Indian Society and Indian Association. These associations served as a base for the formation of the Congress - an all India political organisation.

The most prominent among these associations were the following:
(i) The East India Association by Dada Bhai Naoroji on October 1, 1866.
(ii) Poona Sarvajanik Sabha under Justice Ranade in 1870.


4. With reference to Nationalism, explain each of the following:

(a) Rediscovery of India's past.
(b) Contribution of Bipin Chandra Pal.
(c) How did the British react when the Indian National Congress was founded? Why did their attitude change later?
Answer

(a) The British Government felt that the knowledge of Indian history, society, religions and culture was necessary. By discovering the past they wanted to show the Indians that the British rule was a blessing to the Indian people. But this helped Indians to regain pride and confidence in themselves and prepared them for the struggle for national independence.


(b) (i) Bipin Chandra Pal is popularly known as the 'father of revolutionary thought in India'. In the beginning, he supported the moderates but after the Partition of Bengal, he joined the Aggressives.

(ii) During the Anti-Partition agitation he toured several parts of the country and wherever he went he carried with him to misery and poverty. Poor peasants had to sell their produce at cheap prices in order to satisfy the greed of money lenders, Zamindars and the government officials. British turned Indian self-sufficient economy into an Agricultural Colony. India being an exporter of fine cloth, became the importer of finished goods in England. Handicrafts crippled under the policy of free-trade. As William Hunter once remarked that 40 million Indians go through life on insufficient food.


(c) Western education and the English language, went a long way to create national consciousness among the masses. Western education instilled in the minds of educated classes, the Western ideas of liberty and equality. Nationalists in India drew inspiration from the American War of Independence and French Revolution. The young men, who went to England to receive education, got first hand information on the working of their Government. Besides English language gave them a common language which made it possible for them to understand each other and plan a common programme of action.


5. The second half of the 19th century witnessed the formation of a number of political associations. In this context, answer the following questions.
(a) What were the objectives and activities of the East India Association founded in 1866?
(b) What were the objectives of the Indian Association established at Kolkata in 1876?
(c) Why did the National Conference merge with the Indian National Congress?

Answer

(a) The East India Association: It aimed at providing members of the British Parliament information regarding India's genuine grievances. The Association attracted a large number of Englishmen who sympathised with India's distress. It also suggested such measures that could remedy some of the wrongs. For example, it recommended the abolition of cotton duties and petitioned the government to withdraw the Vernacular Press Act. The Association became popular and soon had branches in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

(b) The Indian Association Headed by Surendranath Banerjee:
In 1876 came up in Kolkata the Indian Association founded by Surendranath Banerjee. The objects of the Association were :
(i) to unite the Indians upon the basis of common political interests and beliefs,
(ii) to promote brotherly feelings between Hindus and the Muslims, and
(iii) to agitate for a constitutional government. The Association launched agitation against the Arms Act and the Vernacular Press Act. Surendranath Banerjee led on All-India campaign for a better representation of Indians in the Indian Civil Service.

(c) The National Conference held its second session in December 1885, in Kolkata. During the same period the Indian National Congress held its session in Mumbai. Both these bodies served the same purpose, that is, to work for the welfare of Indians. So the National conference merged with the Indian National Congress in December 1886.


6. Many factors were responsible for the growth of Nationalism in India. In this context, write briefly on each one of the following:

(a) Role of Raja Rammohan Roy and Jyotiba Phule ?
(b) Rediscovery of India's past.
(c) Unification of the country.

Answer

(a) Raja Rammohan Roy started a campaign for the abolition of Sati and purdah system, condemned polygamy, discouraged child marriages and advocated the right of widows to remarry. It was because of the efforts made by Rammohan Roy that, William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India, passed a law in 1821 making the practice of Sati illegal and punishable by law.

Jyotiba Phule was an urban-educated member of low caste. His education and personal experiences had made him critical of Hindu religion and customs. In 1854, he established a school for untouchables and started a private orphanage for the widows. He wanted to liberate the depressed classes and make them aware of their rights by educating them. He founded the Satya Shodhak Samaj in 1873 with the aim of securing social justice for the weaker sections of society. He pioneered the widow remarriage movement in Maharashtra and worked for the education of women.

(b) The British had projected Indians as rough barbarians, declared unfit for self-government. Though European scholars, William Jones, Charles Wilkins and Max Mueller rendered valuable help in restoring the rich heritage of Sanskrit literature. They threw open to the Eastern World, the glory and prestige of Indian philosophy and culture. A feeling grew among Indians that they must build an India, yet greater than what she had been.

(c) It is very difficult to create unity in a country where there are so many religions and so many languages spoken by people. The people from all spheres of life, low and high caste, poor and rich, literate and illiterate, rulers and public could unite under one flag from a common cause to free our country from foreigners and make India free. This common cause led to the unity or national unity among its residents.

According to Prof. Moon," the British imperialism in Indian gave her a political unit under the third party in spite of many discordant elements in the Indian Society." The expansion of the British empire from Himalayas to Cape Camorin under one administration, of one government bound by a set uniform system of law, set Indians thinking to act as one nation. The existence of British rule acted as 'unifying force. They developed national outlook which moved people to national unity. The Arms Act, Licence Act and the Vernacular Press Act were implemented to suppress the Indian national feelings. In the words of S.N. Banerjee." The Arms Act imposed on us a badge of racial inferiority." To fight these repressive activities of the government, a national unity was very necessary. This national unity, later on with the name of Indian National Congress struggled to achieve freedom in 1947.


Picture Based Questions

(a) Identify the person in the given picture. Name the organisation formed by him. State any two beliefs of this organisation with regard to religion.

Answer

Raja Ram Mohan Roy. He founded the 'Brahmo Samaj. The Brahmo Samaj believed in Monotheism of worship of one God. It condemned idol worship and laid emphasis on prayer, meditation, charity, morality and strengthening the bonds of unity between men of all religions and creeds.

(b) Mention his contribution to the growth of Indian National movement.

Answer

Raja Ram Mohan Roy started a campaign for the abolition of Sati and purdah system, condemned polygamy, discouraged child marriages and advocated the right of windows to remarry. It was because of his efforts that William Bentick, the governor general of India, passed a law in 1821 making the practice of Sati illegal and punishable by law.

(c) How did the socio-religion reform movements of the 19th century act as pioneers of Indian Nationalism?

Answer

The 19th century witnesses a series of religion and social reform movement, whish went a long way in arising nationalistic passion against foreign domination. In the first place, the reformer denounced untouchability and the rigidities of the case system. Hence, the ideas of brotherhood and equally attracted the lower castes, who felt that they were entering the national main stream. Secondly, at the time when nation was gipped with despair, Swami Dayananda and Swami Vivekanand rose to the occasion to preach the gospel of strength and self-reliance. Thirdly, they firmly believed in the upliftment of women. Lastly, they made a clarion call to protest against the domination of British rule.

Previous Post Next Post