3. Glimpses of the Past - Class 8 - Honeydew

📘Glimpses of the Past 

Author: by S.D. Sawant

Textbook :Honeydew 

Supplementary Historical Narrative (Comic-style)

📝 Summary

The chapter "Glimpses of the Past" presents an illustrated overview of India’s socio-political and cultural history from 1757 to 1857, leading up to the First War of Independence. Through a series of pictures and speech bubbles, it highlights the exploitation of Indian rulers by the British East India Company, which cleverly took advantage of disunity among Indian kings. The suffering of common people due to unjust taxation, destruction of local industries, and oppressive laws is portrayed powerfully. Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy urged Indians to revive their lost pride and embrace social change. The section also shows the simmering unrest among Indian sepoys due to discriminatory practices and violation of religious beliefs. Discontent brewed and led to the famous Revolt of 1857, with leaders like Kunwar Singh, Tatya Tope, and Begum Hazrat Mahal taking charge. The narrative is a powerful mix of fact and emotion, showing how ordinary people and leaders rose against colonial injustice and sowed the seeds of freedom.

👤 Character Sketch (Selected Figures):

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy: A visionary reformer who believed in rational thinking and modern education. He opposed superstitions and emphasized unity among religions.

• Tipu Sultan: A brave and determined ruler of Mysore who resisted British control till his death.

  
  

• Kunwar Singh: An 80-year-old warrior who actively participated in the 1857 revolt despite his age, showing immense patriotism.

  
  

• Tatya Tope and Nana Saheb: Dynamic leaders who coordinated revolutionary efforts across regions.

  
  

📚 Themes

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

📖 Title Justification:

The title "Glimpses of the Past" aptly captures the essence of the chapter as it offers snapshots of major historical events and transitions that occurred in India from 1757 to 1857. Presented in a unique comic-strip style, it provides visual and verbal 'glimpses' into the socio-political landscape that led to India’s first major revolt against the British. These glimpses are not detailed history lessons but quick, impactful moments from the past that help students understand the larger freedom struggle.

✅ One-Mark Questions (Answer in one sentence):

1. Who was the brave ruler of Mysore who resisted the British?

   → Tipu Sultan was the brave ruler who fought against the British till his death.

   
   

2. What was Regulation III passed by the British in 1818?

   → It allowed the British to jail any Indian without trial.

   
   

3. Who suggested the use of English for education in India?

   → Lord Macaulay suggested that Indians be taught in the English language.

   
   

4. What did Ram Mohan Roy say about different religions?

   → He said that different religions are like cows of different colours but their milk is the same.

   
   

5. What was the effect of British land policies on farmers?

   → Heavy taxes forced many farmers to abandon their land.

   
   

✅ Three-Mark Questions:

1. Why did the Indian artisans suffer under British rule?

   → Indian artisans suffered because British policies promoted British-made goods and imposed no import duties on them, while Indian industries were crippled. This led to mass unemployment and poverty among skilled workers.

   
   

2. How did the British discriminate against Indian sepoys?

   → Indian sepoys received lower salaries, faced slow promotions, and were forced to violate religious customs. They were also punished harshly for expressing dissent, which caused widespread resentment.

   
   

3. Describe any two causes of the 1857 Revolt shown in the chapter.

   → The revolt was triggered by discontent in the army over the use of greased cartridges and unequal treatment. It was also fueled by land annexation policies and the economic ruin of peasants and artisans.

   
   

🧠 Value-Based Question:

What lessons can we learn from the bravery and unity shown by the leaders and common people during the Revolt of 1857?

→ The chapter teaches us the importance of unity, courage, and standing up against injustice. It shows how even ordinary people can become heroes when they fight for their land and rights. Today, we must uphold these values by respecting our freedoms and contributing positively to our society.

End

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