History Ch-1- Traces Of Modern India
Answer the following questions in detail—
1.What are the literary sources for the modern period?
Elaborate the sources.
Ans. The literary sources for the modern period are official
records government report, survey report etc. Time in history,
political history has the definite dates, the social cultural &
economic history that cannot be given a specific date.
Official records –
The Mughals introduced the culture of recording every things this
was further perfected by the British. Every administration decision
was recorded and carefully preserved. Many of the official records
of the period are not preserved in National Archives of India.
Survey reports –
The British also started the practice of conducting surveys.
Population surveys, revenue surveys, land surveys and many
other surveys were conducted. The British made a large number
of topographic maps. Census operations also began.
2. What is the problem with the periodisation of Indian
History that James Mill offers?
Ans. James Mill divided his book into three period, namely: Hindu
Muslims and British. According to his prejudiced version of Indian
history, the British rule represents all the forces of progress and
civilisation, while the period before British rule represents
darkness, ignorance, despotism, religious intolerance, caste
taboos, superstitious practises, etc.
The view of Mill has several problems which is not acceptable due
to reasons:
(i) A variety of faiths, apart from Hinduism and Islam, existed
in the periods categorised as Hindu and Muslim by Mill.
(ii) All rulers in ancient India did not share the same faith.
(iii) It is this country from where two other religions like-
Buddhism and Jainism developed and spread to other
parts of the world while Hindu religion also existed.
3. Why did the British preserve official documents?
Ans. The British preserved the important official documents
because these served as records of what the officials thought,
what they were interested in and what they wished for. According
to the British, writing was more important than speaking as the
documents in archives and museums can be utilized for reference
at a much later period whenever required for studying or debating.
These can also serve as an information or proof of any decision
or action taken earlier on some matter.
Give Reason---
1. The British carried out detailed surveys and prepare maps.
Justify the statement
Ans.
i. The British believed that for the purpose of better
administration of any country, it is important to know
that country properly.
ii. Efforts were made to know necessary facts such as
topography, quality of soil, flora, fauna, cropping
patterns, etc. So, the British carried out detailed
surveys and prepared maps.
2. The Industrial Revolution that occurred in England during
the eighteenth century had far reaching impact on the world.
Justify the statement.
Ans: The Industrial Revolution that occurred in England during the
eighteenth century led to considerable growth in industrial
production. Many European countries such as England started
looking out for territories or markets for their finished products that
would also supply resources for their domestic industries. Thus,
several European nations colonised non-European countries and
India became a colony of England.
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