CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5 When People Rebel
Ananya Gupta28 Aug, 2024
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CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5: CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes for Chapter 5 When People Rebel explore the significant uprisings and revolts in India's history. This chapter explain the causes and consequences of various rebellions including the Revolt of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny.
It highlights how widespread discontent with British rule led to widespread resistance across different regions and communities. The notes provide insights into the key figures, events and social dynamics that influenced these uprisings provide a detailed understanding of how these historical events shaped India's struggle for independence.CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5 When People Rebel Overview
These notes are prepared by subject experts of Physics Wallah provides a detailed overview of CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Chapter 5 When People Rebel. The notes provide an in-depth analysis of the causes, key events, and impact of major uprisings, including the Revolt of 1857. They explain how various forms of discontent and resistance against British rule sparked widespread rebellions across India. The comprehensive content helps students understand the historical significance of these revolts and their role in India's fight for independence.CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5 PDF
The PDF link for CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5 When People Rebel is available below. This PDF provides a detailed overview of the key events and causes of the significant uprisings during the period, including the Revolt of 1857.CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5 When People Rebel PDF
CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5 When People Rebel
Here, we have provided CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5 When People Rebel to help students prepare more effectively for their exams.Policies and the People
Nawabs lose their power
In the mid-eighteenth century, Nawabs and rajas began losing their authority as the British East India Company expanded its control. To protect their interests, many rulers attempted to negotiate with the Company. For instance, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi sought to have her adopted son recognized as the heir to her kingdom following her husband's death, but the Company rejected her request. Awadh was one of the last territories to be annexed; it faced a subsidiary alliance in 1801 and was fully taken over in 1856.The Company's plan to dismantle the Mughal dynasty was evident when, in 1849, Governor-General Dalhousie announced that after the death of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, his family would be moved from the Red Fort and relocated elsewhere in Delhi. Following Zafar's death, none of his descendants would be recognized as kings but would be referred to as princes instead.The peasants and the sepoys
Peasants and zamindars in the countryside were increasingly dissatisfied with the high taxes and strict revenue collection methods imposed by the British. Many lost their lands because they could not repay their loans to moneylenders. Similarly, Indian sepoys employed by the East India Company were unhappy with their pay, allowances, and service conditions. Their discontent grew when they were ordered to travel to Burma by sea, a route they were unwilling to take, preferring land travel instead. In response, the Company enacted a law in 1856 requiring all new recruits in the Company’s army to agree to serve overseas if necessary, exacerbating the sepoys' grievances.Responses to reforms
The British introduced several reforms to transform Indian society, including legislation to prohibit the practice of Sati and promote widow remarriage. English education was actively encouraged, and after 1830 Christian missionaries were permitted to operate freely, acquire land and establish property. In 1850, a new law facilitated conversions to Christianity by allowing Indian Christians to inherit their ancestral property, further encouraging the spread of Christianity in India.A Mutiny Becomes a Popular Rebellion
In May 1857, the East India Company faced a significant uprising as sepoys mutinied in Meerut, sparking a widespread rebellion across India. This revolt saw a united front of various social groups, who collectively recognized a common enemy and took decisive action. For such a large-scale movement to occur, effective organization, communication, and initiative were crucial. This rebellion is regarded as the most substantial armed resistance to colonial rule in the nineteenth century, reflecting the broad-based discontent with British colonialism.From Meerut to Delhi
On March 29, 1857, Mangal Pandey was executed for attacking British officers in Barrackpore, sparking unrest among the sepoys. They were particularly agitated over new cartridges suspected of being greased with cow and pig fat, which violated their religious beliefs. On May 9, 1857, eighty-five sepoys were dismissed and sentenced to ten years in jail for defying their officers. The next day, the soldiers freed their comrades from Meerut jail and marched through the night, reaching Delhi by the morning of May 11. In Delhi, they gathered at the Red Fort, demanding to meet Bahadur Shah Zafar. The Mughal emperor, recognizing the urgency of the situation, called upon Indian rulers and chieftains to unite against the British, forming a confederacy of Indian states. The British had initially hoped the unrest would subside, but Zafar’s decisive actions transformed the unrest into a large-scale rebellion against colonial rule.The rebellion spreads
The Company Fights Back
In response to the massive uprising, the East India Company adopted a rigorous strategy to suppress the rebellion. The Company reinforced its forces with troops from England and enacted new laws to facilitate the swift conviction of rebels. By September 1857, the British had recaptured Delhi, where the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was tried and sentenced to life imprisonment. Zafar and his wife, Begum Zinat Mahal, were exiled to Rangoon, where he died in 1862. Despite the recapture of Delhi, the uprising persisted, leading to fierce resistance for another two years. Major battles were fought in Lucknow, where Rani Lakshmibai was defeated and killed in June 1858. Rani Avantibai of Ramgarh, after initial successes, chose death over surrender when surrounded by British forces. Tantia Tope continued his guerrilla warfare in central India until his capture and execution in April 1859. The British response included efforts to win back the loyalty of Indian landholders by offering rewards and maintaining their traditional rights. However, the suppression of the rebellion led to widespread trials and executions of rebels, sepoys, and local rulers, marking a harsh end to the uprising.Aftermath
By the end of 1859, the British had regained control of India, but the old policies could no longer be sustained. Significant changes were introduced to manage the country more effectively:Administrative Changes : The British Parliament passed an Act in 1858 transferring the powers of the East India Company to the British Crown. A British Cabinet member was appointed as Secretary of State for India, overseeing Indian affairs with the help of the India Council. The Governor-General of India was re-designated as Viceroy, becoming the Crown's personal representative, thus marking a shift to direct British rule.
Assurance to Ruling Chiefs : Ruling chiefs were assured that their territories would not be annexed in the future and could pass their kingdoms to their heirs, including adopted sons. However, they had to acknowledge the British Queen as their Sovereign Paramount, making them subordinates of the British Crown.
Military Reforms : The proportion of Indian soldiers in the army was reduced, and European soldiers were increased. Recruitment was shifted away from regions like Awadh, Bihar, and central India to Gurkhas, Sikhs, and Pathans.
Treatment of Muslims : Large-scale confiscation of land and property from Muslims occurred, as they were suspected of significant involvement in the uprising. This group faced suspicion and hostility from the British.
Respect for Local Practices : The British decided to respect the customary religious and social practices of the Indian people, acknowledging the importance of local traditions.
Land Reforms : Policies were introduced to protect landlords and zamindars, ensuring their rights and security over their lands.
Benefits of CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5 When People Rebel
Comprehensive Understanding : These notes provide a thorough overview of the 1857 revolt, helping students grasp the causes, events and consequences of this pivotal historical uprising. This comprehensive understanding aids in connecting historical events with broader socio-political changes.
Clear Summarization : By summarizing key events and figures the notes make complex historical details more accessible. This clarity helps students better retain and recall information for exams and discussions.
Critical Analysis : Students can explore various perspectives on the rebellion, such as the causes of discontent among sepoys and peasants, and the British response. This encourages critical thinking and a deeper analysis of historical events.
Exam Preparation : The structured format of the notes aligns with the CBSE syllabus making it easier for students to study and prepare for exams. The focus on key events, figures and outcomes ensures that students are well-prepared for questions on this topic.
CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Notes Chapter 5 FAQs
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