Beginning Of The Modern Period

Question 1

What is the duration of the Modern Period in India?

Answer 1

250 years

Question 2

What were some revolutionary changes that took place during the Modern Period?

Answer 2

Revolutions in the USA, France, Russia, and China; unification of Italy and Germany; imperialism, colonialism, and the two World Wars.

Question 3

When did India gain independence?

Answer 3

15th August 1947

Question 4

Why is the idea of dating in history problematic?

Answer 4

Historians have difficulty reaching a consensus on important dates. Focusing on significant events is more valuable than memorizing dates.

Question 5

What are the key concepts of history?

Answer 5

Time and change; chronology helps arrange events in sequence and duration.

Question 6

What is the importance of teaching history to students?

Answer 6

To understand the causes behind events, learn how ideas shape history, and gain wisdom about societal changes.

Question 7

How did the British divide Indian history?

Answer 7

Into three periods - Hindu, Muslim, and British, based on the slant they wanted to give to the history of modern India.

Question 8

What is colonialism?

Answer 8

The extension of a nation’s sovereignty over territory beyond its borders, involving direct political, economic, and cultural intervention.

Question 9

What are some important sources used by historians for Indian history?

Answer 9

Administrative records, literary sources, newspapers, maps, photographs, paintings, and statutes.

Question 10

What are some examples of surveys conducted under colonial administration?

Answer 10

Revenue surveys, botanical surveys, zoological surveys, archaeological surveys, forest surveys, etc.

Question 11

What role did administrative records play as historical sources?

Answer 11

They provided important information about governance, policies, and proceedings during the period.

Question 12

How did the spread of education contribute to historical documentation?

Answer 12

It inspired many people to write, resulting in a rich collection of documents.

Question 13

What literary sources were significant for understanding Indian history?

Answer 13

Administrative records, Literary sources and Museums and Archives.

Question 14

What role did museums and archives play in preserving historical records?

Answer 14

They were established to protect and maintain important documents, artifacts, and records.

Question 15

How do newspapers serve as valuable historical sources?

Answer 15

They capture the spirit of the time through news, cartoons, editorials, letters, and advertisements.

Question 16

What are some examples of institutions preserving historical records in India?

Answer 16

The National Archives of India, the National Museum in New Delhi, and the Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad.

Question 17

What are some other important sources used by historians?

Answer 17

Diaries, accounts of travelers, biographies, autobiographies, magazines, journals, and literary works.

Question 18

Who was the first woman to write an autobiography in Bengali?

Answer 18

Rassundara Devi

Question 19

Which languages were newspapers published in during the Modern Period?

Answer 19

English, Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali, Urdu, and Persian.

Question 20

Who were some notable authors and publications during this period?

Answer 20

Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, Premchand, Deenabandhu Mitra, Vincent Smith, Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Kesari, and Mirat-ul-Akhbar of Raja Rammohan Roy.

Question 21

What role did the invention of the printing press play during the Modern Period?

Answer 21

It led to a significant growth in the production of books, magazines, newspapers, and journals.

Question 22

What is the purpose of the Survey of India?

Answer 22

To make detailed maps of towns, villages, mountains, and coasts for effective administration.

Question 23

When was the first comprehensive census of India conducted?

Answer 23

The 1871 India Census was the first comprehensive census of India.

Question 24

What types of surveys were conducted in addition to revenue surveys?

Answer 24

Botanical surveys, zoological surveys, archaeological surveys, forest surveys, etc.

Question 25

What does the preservation of documents and records in the National Archives of India involve?

Answer 25

The use of scientific methods for preservation and protection of invaluable records.

Question 26

What types of artifacts are preserved in the Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad?

Answer 26

Over 43,000 art objects, 50,000 books, manuscripts, Indian Art, European Art, and Children’s Art.

Question 27

What purpose do maps, photographs, paintings, and statues serve as historical sources?

Answer 27

They provide visual representations and depict various aspects of the period under study.

Question 28

Who wrote the book “A History of British India” and when was it published?

Answer 28

James Mill, a Scottish economist and political philosopher, published the book in 1817.

Question 29

How did the British periodize Indian history?

Answer 29

Into three periods: Hindu , Muslim, and British, although this division has its problems.

Question 30

What is colonialism, and what were its impacts in India?

Answer 30

Colonialism is the extension of a nation’s sovereignty over territory beyond its borders, and it led to significant changes in values, customs, and practices in India.

Question 31

What was the purpose of the British administration’s revenue surveys?

Answer 31

To assess the quality of the soil, cropping patterns, and topography of different regions.

Question 32

Who made the first proper geological map of the Hyderabad region in India?

Answer 32

H.W. Voysey created the first proper geological map of the Hyderabad region.

Question 33

When was the Geological Survey of India established?

Answer 33

The Geological Survey of India was established in 1851.

Question 34

What is the purpose of census records in understanding history?

Answer 34

Census records provide detailed information about the population and socio-economic conditions during a specific period.

Question 35

What role did diaries and accounts of travelers play as historical sources?

Answer 35

They offer personal perspectives and firsthand experiences of individuals during the period.

Question 36

Who wrote the play “Neel Darpan” and what was it about?

Answer 36

Deenabandhu Mitra wrote “Neel Darpan,” which depicted the exploitation of workers on indigo plantations.

Question 37

What types of surveys were conducted under the British administration in India?

Answer 37

Botanical surveys, zoological surveys, archaeological surveys, forest surveys, etc.

Question 38

What is the significance of the National Museum and National Archives in New Delhi?

Answer 38

They are important institutions for preserving historical artifacts, records, and documents in India.

Question 39

Which magazines and journals were published during the Modern Period?

Answer 39

Numerous magazines and journals were published in various languages, reflecting the times and interests of the people.

Question 40

Who is considered the father of economic history in India?

Answer 40

Vincent Smith is often regarded as one of the pioneers of economic history in India.