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NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 3: Ruling the Countryside aims to provide students with insightful solutions. Our subject matter experts have offered simple and accurate answers for the exercises in the History book “Our Pasts III.”
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Important Questions and Answers in NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 3 “Ruling the Countryside”
Let us look at NCERT Solutions Class 8 History Chapter 3 ¨Ruling the Countryside¨ within the lesson. Our subject experts have answered these questions accurately and as per the latest guidelines of CBSE.
| 1. What were the main objectives of the East India Company’s policies towards rural economies in colonial India? Ans. The main objective of the East East India Company’s policies was to maximise revenue extraction, facilitate trade, and maintain control over land and resources in colonial India. They aimed to exploit agricultural production for profit and strengthen their economic dominance. 2. Describe the two main systems of indigo cultivation imposed on Indian peasants by British planters. How did these systems contribute to peasant exploitation and resistance? Ans. The two main systems were the nij system, where planters directly controlled land and employed hired laborers, and the ryoti system, where peasants were forced to sign contracts to grow indigo on their lands. Both systems led to peasant debt bondage, exploitation, and resistance due to low wages, high interest rates, and coercive practices by planters. 3. Discuss the factors that led to the outbreak of peasant rebellions against the indigo system in Bengal and Bihar during the 19th century. Ans. Peasant rebellions were fueled by oppressive contracts, economic exploitation, and the depletion of agricultural resources. High rents, low indigo prices, and coercive tactics by planters, coupled with support from local leaders and dissatisfaction with British rule, contributed to widespread unrest among peasants. 4. Can you analyse the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Champaran movement against indigo planters? Ans. Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran movement brought international attention to the plight of indigo cultivators and highlighted the injustices of colonial agrarian policies. His emphasis on nonviolent resistance inspired peasants to demand fair treatment and land rights, laying the groundwork for future agrarian reforms and social movements in India. 5. Evaluate the long-term impact of the collapse of indigo production in Bengal and the shift to Bihar on rural economies and peasant livelihoods during the colonial period. Ans. The collapse of indigo production in Bengal led to significant changes in rural economies, with a shift to alternative crops and regions for cultivation. While Bihar became a new centre for indigo production, the decline of the indigo industry highlighted the resilience of peasant resistance and paved the way for agrarian reforms that sought to address the root causes of exploitation and poverty in colonial India. 6. How did the East India Company’s policies affect rural communities in colonial India? Ans. The East India Company’s policies aimed to make as much money as possible from India’s agriculture and resources. They controlled land and made farmers grow crops that would bring them profit. 7. What were the two main ways British planters made Indian peasants grow indigo? Ans. British planters either directly controlled the land and workers (nij system) or forced peasants to grow indigo on their land (ryoti system). Both ways exploited peasants and caused them to resist. 8. Why did peasant rebellions happen against the indigo system in Bengal and Bihar during the 19th century? Ans. Peasant rebellions were sparked by unfair contracts, exploitation, and the worsening conditions for farming. Planters charged high rents and used force, leading to widespread anger among peasants. 9. How did Mahatma Gandhi contribute to the Champaran movement against indigo planters? Ans. Mahatma Gandhi brought attention to the suffering of indigo farmers and used nonviolent protests to demand fair treatment and land rights. His actions inspired others and led to changes in colonial policies. 10. What was the long-term impact of the collapse of indigo production on rural communities in colonial India? Ans. The collapse of indigo production changed farming in rural areas. While Bihar became a new center for indigo, it also led to reforms addressing the problems faced by farmers, like unfair treatment and poverty. |
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| 1. Match the following | |
| Ryot | Village |
| Mahal | Peasant |
| Nij | Cultivation on Ryot´s lands |
| Ryoti | Cultivation on planter’s own land |
Answers.
| Ryot | Peasant |
| Mahal | Village |
| Nij | Cultivation on planter´s own land |
| Ryoti | Cultivation on ryot´s land |
| 2. Fill in the blanks: 1. Growers of woad in Europe saw __________ as a crop that would provide competition to their earnings. 2. The demand for indigo increased in late eighteenth-century Britain because of _______. 3. The international demand for indigo was affected by the discovery of ________. 4. The Champaran movement was against _______. Answers: a. Growers of woad in Europe saw indigo as a crop that would provide competition for their earnings. b. The demand for indigo increased in late eighteenth-century Britain because of the expansion of cotton production. c. The international demand for indigo was affected by the discovery of synthetic dyes. d. The Champaran movement was against indigo planters. |
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Let’s Discuss – Question Answer
| 3. Describe the main features of the Permanent Settlement. Ans. The main features of the Permanent Settlement are as follows: 1. Introduction in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis during British colonial rule in India. 2. Permanent Settlement is also known as the Zamindari System. It was implemented primarily in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. 3. Under the Permanent Settlement System, zamindars were recognized as landowners, responsible for collecting revenue from peasants and paying it to the British government. 4. The revenue amount was fixed permanently, meaning it would not be increased in the future, providing stability to both zamindars and peasants. 5. Zamindars were given hereditary rights over the land, ensuring continuity in revenue collection. 6. The British government aimed to create a loyal class of zamindars who would support British rule and maintain order in rural areas. |
| 4. How was the mahalwari system different from the Permanent Settlement? Ans. Difference between the Mahalwari system and the Permanent Settlement: |
| Mahalwari System | Permanent System |
| Introduced by Holt Mackenzie in the early 19th century in the North Western Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). | Introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 primarily found in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. |
| Under the Mahalwari System, revenue was assessed at the village level (mahal) rather than individual zamindars. | Zamindars were granted permanent rights over land revenue, with fixed amounts that would not be revised. |
| Villages collectively paid revenue, and the responsibility of collection was entrusted to the village headman. | Revenue collection was the responsibility of individual zamindars, who had hereditary rights over the land. |
| Revenue assessment was not fixed permanently but revised periodically based on changes in land productivity and other factors. | The system aimed to create a class of loyal zamindars who would support the British administration and maintain stability in rural areas. |
| The Mahalwari system aimed to preserve the village community structure and promote local self-governance. | Unlike the mahalwari system, which focused on villages as revenue units, the Permanent Settlement centred on individual zamindars as revenue collectors. |
| 5. Give two problems that arose with the new Munro system of fixing revenue. Ans. The two problems with the new Munro system of fixing revenue: Inequitable assessments: The system sometimes resulted in unfair or excessive revenue assessments, burdening ryots with high tax obligations beyond their means. Lack of flexibility: Unlike the Permanent Settlement, where revenue amounts were fixed permanently, the Munro system allowed for periodic revisions. However, these revisions were not always conducted fairly or transparently, leading to discontent among ryots. |
| 6. Why were ryots reluctant to grow indigo? Ans. The two reasons why I am reluctant to grow indigo: Coercive contracts: Planters often forced ryots to sign contracts to cultivate indigo, offering them loans at low-interest rates. However, these contracts were often exploitative, trapping ryots in cycles of debt and indentured labor. Low returns: Ryots received minimal compensation for their indigo crops, leading to dissatisfaction with the financial rewards compared to the labor and resources invested. Impact on the fertility of soil: Indigo cultivation depleted soil nutrients, making it unsuitable for other crops like rice, which were essential for ryots´ food security. |
| 7. What were the circumstances that led to the eventual collapse of indigo production in Bengal? Ans. The circumstances that led to the eventual collapse of indigo production in Bengal: Revolt and resistance: In the late 1850s, ryots in Bengal revolted against the oppressive indigo system, refusing to grow indigo and engaging in widespread protests and rebellion. Intervention by government and Mahatma Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Champaran in 1917 highlighted the plight of indigo cultivators, leading to increased awareness and support for their cause. The investigation by the government into the indigo system and subsequent reforms further weakened the planters’ hold over the ryots. Shift to synthetic dyes: The discovery and widespread use of synthetic dyes in the late 19th century posed a useful challenge to natural production, reducing its demand and profitability. Economic and social change: Industrialization and changing market dynamics shifted the focus away from traditional agricultural practices like indigo cultivation, leading to the decline of this industry in Bengal. |
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Let´s Do
| 8. Find out more about the Champaran movement and Mahatma Gandhi’s role in it. Ans. The Champaran movement was a significant episode in India’s struggle for independence, taking place in the Champaran district of Bihar in 1917. Here’s an overview of the movement and Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement: Background: The Champaran movement was primarily against the oppressive indigo plantation system, where indigo cultivators (ryots) faced exploitation and forced cultivation by British planters. Ryots were coerced into growing indigo under unfair contracts, leading to widespread poverty and hardship among agricultural workers. Involvement of Mahatma Gandhi: 1. Mahatma Gandhi, upon returning from South Africa, was approached by Rajkumar Shukla, a local peasant from Champaran, who urged him to visit the region and address the grievances of the ryots. 2. Gandhi agreed to visit Champaran and investigate the conditions of the indigo cultivators. His visit to Champaran in April 1917 marked the beginning of his active involvement in India’s independence movement. 3. Gandhi conducted a thorough inquiry into the indigo system, collecting evidence and testimonies from the ryots, and exposing the injustices perpetrated by the British planters. 4. He organized mass meetings and protests, mobilizing support from both residents and national leaders. 5. Through negotiations and nonviolent resistance, Gandhi pressured the British authorities to address the demands of the ryots, including fair treatment, abolition of oppressive contracts, and land reforms. Outcome: 1. The Champaran movement garnered national attention and galvanized support for Gandhi’s methods of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. 2. It set a precedent for future mass movements and played a crucial role in shaping Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) and Ahimsa (nonviolence). 3. The successful resolution of the Champaran issue established Gandhi as a leader of the Indian freedom struggle and inspired similar movements across the country. |
| 9. Look into the history of either tea or coffee plantations in India. See how the life of workers in these plantations was similar to or different from those of workers in indigo plantations. Ans. Tea and coffee plantations played significant roles in India’s colonial economy, similar to indigo plantations. Here’s a comparison of the lives of workers on these plantations: Similarities: 1. Like in indigo plantations, workers in tea and coffee plantations often faced harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages. 2. Planters exercised control over workers through indentured labor contracts, debt bondage, and restrictive laws, similar to the indigo system. 3. Workers in both types of plantations belonged to marginalized communities and faced discrimination based on caste, ethnicity, or gender. Differences: 1. While indigo was primarily cultivated for dye extraction, tea, and coffee were grown for export as beverages, leading to different cultivation methods and market dynamics. 2. Tea plantations were concentrated in northeastern India (Assam, Darjeeling), while coffee plantations were prominent in southern states (Karnataka, Kerala). This led to variations in climate, landscape, and cultural influences. 3. Workers in tea and coffee plantations often organized labour unions and collective movements to advocate for their rights, leading to significant reforms and improvements in working conditions over time. 4. Overall, while workers in tea and coffee plantations faced similar challenges of exploitation and oppression, their experiences were shaped by the specific contexts and conditions of each plantation system. |
Breakdown of Class 8 History Chapter 3 ¨Ruling the Countryside¨
Here is the summary of the chapter ¨From Trade To Territory The Company Establishes Power.¨ Students are advised to go through the points and breakdown once.
| The chapter explores the historical context of colonial rule in India and its impact on rural economies, focusing on the cultivation of indigo as a case study. 1. Establishment of Colonial Rule: a. The East India Company gained control over Indian territories, leading to significant changes in landownership and administration. b. The Company’s priority was revenue generation, leading to the appointment of Diwans and the imposition of exploitative revenue systems. 2. Indigo Cultivation: a. Indigo became a lucrative cash crop for British planters, who enforced oppressive cultivation methods on Indian peasants. b. The nij and ryoti systems of cultivation subjected peasants to debt bondage and exploitation, causing widespread poverty and unrest. 3. Resistance and Rebellion: a. Peasants in Bengal and Bihar revolted against the indigo system, protesting against forced cultivation and oppressive contracts. b. Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran movement marked a significant turning point in the struggle against indigo planters. 4. Impact and Legacy: a. The collapse of indigo production in Bengal and the shift to Bihar highlighted the resilience of peasant resistance against colonial exploitation. b. The Champaran movement laid the groundwork for future struggles for agrarian reform and social justice in India. 5. Conclusion: a. The chapter concludes by emphasising the enduring legacy of peasant resistance against colonial oppression and the importance of collective action in challenging unjust systems of exploitation. b. Overall, the study of indigo cultivation serves as a powerful example of the complex dynamics of power, resistance, and change in colonial rural economies. |
Important Dates and Events
Here are some important dates and events from the chapter NCERT Solutions For Class 8 History Chapter 3 ¨Ruling the Countryside.¨
| Dates and Events | Brief |
| 1765 – East India Company Becomes the Diwan of Bengal | The Mughal emperor appointed the East India Company as the Diwan of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This marked a significant shift in power as the Company became the chief financial administrator of the region. |
| 1793 – Introduction of Permanent Settlement | The Permanent Settlement was introduced by the British East India Company in Bengal. Under this system, rajas and taluqdars were recognised as zamindars, responsible for collecting rent from peasants and paying revenue to the Company. The revenue demand was fixed permanently, aiming to ensure a regular flow of revenue. |
| 1822 – Introduction of Mahalwari Settlement | Holt Mackenzie devised the Mahalwari Settlement in the North Western Provinces of the Bengal Presidency. This system aimed to preserve the village as an important social institution. Revenue demand was calculated based on the estimated revenue of each plot within a village (mahal), and it was not permanently fixed. |
| Late 18th Century – Expansion of Indigo Cultivation | Indigo cultivation in Bengal expanded rapidly to meet the rising demand in Europe. British commercial agents and officials invested in indigo production, and many Scotsmen and Englishmen became planters. Two main systems of indigo cultivation were practised – nij and ryoti cultivation. |
| 1859 – “Blue Rebellion” in Bengal | Thousands of ryots in Bengal rebelled against indigo cultivation, refusing to grow indigo and attacking indigo factories. This rebellion, known as the “Blue Rebellion,” was sparked by the oppressive indigo system imposed by planters. |
| Late 19th Century – Decline of Indigo Production | Indigo production collapsed in Bengal after the revolt, but planters shifted their operations to Bihar. The discovery of synthetic dyes further affected indigo production, leading to its eventual collapse in Bengal. |
| 1788-1810 – Expansion of Bengal Indigo Production | From the late 18th century to the early 19th century, Bengal’s indigo cultivation experienced significant growth. Bengal indigo came to dominate the world market, with its proportion of indigo imports to Britain rising from about 30% in 1788 to 95% by 1810. |
| Late 18th Century – British Demand for Indian Indigo | The demand for Indian indigo grew in late 18th-century Britain due to the expansion of cotton production. As Britain industrialized and cotton production expanded, there was a substantial increase in the demand for cloth dyes, particularly indigo. |
| 1810-1850s – Indian Indigo Cultivation’s Impact on the Economy | Indian indigo cultivation played a significant role in the economy during this period. It contributed to India’s export earnings and provided employment opportunities for peasants. Although it also led to exploitation and harsh working conditions for many cultivators. |
| Early 19th Century – Introduction of Ryotwari System | The ryotwari system was introduced in British territories in the South, gradually replacing the Permanent Settlement. Developed by Thomas Munro, this system involved direct settlement with cultivators (ryots) rather than intermediaries like zamindars. The system aims to improve revenue collection and administration. |
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