Source-Based Questions with Answers
Source-Based Questions with Answers
Chapter 10: Colonialism and the Countryside
(CBSE Class 12 | NCERT Aligned)
Source 1: On British Revenue Concerns
Source:
“The British government wanted a fixed and regular source of income from land to maintain its administration in India.”
Q1. What was the main objective of British land revenue policies?
Answer: The main objective was to secure a fixed and regular income from land.
Q2. Why was land revenue important for the colonial state?
Answer: It financed colonial administration and governance.
Source 2: On Permanent Settlement
Source:
“In 1793, land revenue was fixed permanently with zamindars, who were recognised as landowners.”
Q3. Which system of revenue settlement is referred to here?
Answer: The Permanent Settlement is referred to here.
Q4. Who were recognised as landowners under this system?
Answer: Zamindars were recognised as landowners.
Source 3: On the Introduction of the System
Source:
“The Permanent Settlement was introduced under the administration of Lord Cornwallis.”
Q5. Who introduced the Permanent Settlement?
Answer: Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement.
Q6. What was the British expectation from this policy?
Answer: The British expected zamindars to invest in agriculture and improve productivity.
Source 4: On Failure of Zamindars
Source:
“Many zamindars were unable to pay the revenue demand and lost their estates through auction.”
Q7. Why did many zamindars lose their land?
Answer: They failed to pay the fixed revenue on time.
Q8. What does this reveal about the revenue demand?
Answer: It shows that the revenue demand was rigid and high.
Source 5: On Condition of Peasants
Source:
“Peasants had no ownership rights and were subjected to high rents and eviction.”
Q9. How were peasants affected under the Permanent Settlement?
Answer: Peasants faced exploitation, high rents, and insecurity.
Q10. What does this source reveal about peasant rights?
Answer: Peasants had little or no legal protection.
Source 6: On Indigo Demand
Source:
“Indigo was in great demand in Europe as it was used to produce blue dye for textiles.”
Q11. Why was indigo cultivation encouraged by the British?
Answer: Because indigo dye was in high demand in European markets.
Q12. What economic interest does this source reflect?
Answer: It reflects British commercial interests.
Source 7: On Indigo Cultivation System
Source:
“European planters forced peasants to grow indigo on their own land under the ryoti system.”
Q13. What was the ryoti system of indigo cultivation?
Answer: It was a system where peasants were compelled to grow indigo on their own land.
Q14. Why was this system oppressive for peasants?
Answer: It reduced food crop cultivation and caused debt.
Source 8: On Advances to Peasants
Source:
“Peasants were given advances, known as dadni, which forced them into indigo cultivation.”
Q15. What was dadni?
Answer: Dadni was an advance given to peasants to compel indigo cultivation.
Q16. How did dadni affect peasants?
Answer: It trapped peasants in debt and loss of freedom.
Source 9: On Indigo Revolt
Source:
“In 1859–60, peasants united and refused to cultivate indigo despite threats by planters.”
Q17. What event is described in this source?
Answer: The Indigo Revolt of 1859–60.
Q18. What form of resistance did peasants adopt?
Answer: They collectively refused to grow indigo.
Source 10: On Colonial Archives
Source:
“Official records such as revenue reports and surveys were maintained to control rural society.”
Q19. Why did the British maintain detailed official records?
Answer: To assess revenue and control the countryside.
Q20. Why must historians read these records critically?
Answer: Because they reflect colonial bias and ignore peasant perspectives.