NCERT Class 8 Social Science Our-Pasts-III: Chapter 5 — 5. When People Revolt 1857 and After
This chapter from NCERT's Class 8 Social Science book, 'Our Pasts-III', titled 'When People Revolt', explores the widespread discontent against the East India Company's policies in 1857 and its aftermath. It details how rulers like nawabs and rajas lost their power and dignity, with territories annexed and authority diminished. The chapter highlights the pleas of figures like Rani Lakshmibai and Nana Saheb, which were ignored by the Company. It also covers the annexation of Awadh due to alleged misgovernance and the systematic dismantling of the Mughal dynasty's prestige. Furthermore, it discusses the grievances of peasants and zamindars facing high taxes and rigid revenue collection, leading to land loss. The discontent among Indian sepoys regarding pay, allowances, service conditions, and the violation of religious beliefs, such as the reluctance to serve overseas, is also examined. The chapter connects the anger of peasants with the sepoys, showing how the widespread unrest culminated in the revolt of 1857, crucial for understanding India's struggle for independence.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Our-Pasts-III |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — 5. When People Revolt 1857 and After |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 261 |
Learning outcomes
- Analyze the impact of East India Company policies on various sections of Indian society.
- Understand the reasons for the loss of power and prestige of Indian rulers.
- Identify the grievances of peasants, zamindars, and sepoys against Company rule.
- Explain the significance of the 1857 revolt as a response to oppressive policies.
- Recognize the erosion of traditional authority and the imposition of new rules by the British.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nawabs | Rulers or governors of a province in India under the Mughal Empire, who later became independent rulers. |
| Rajas | Princes or kings in India. |
| Residents | Officials appointed by the East India Company to reside in the courts of Indian rulers. |
| Subsidiary alliance | A system where Indian rulers had to pay for the maintenance of British troops and accept a British resident, losing control over their foreign policy. |
| Annexed | To incorporate territory into an existing state or country. |
| Mughal dynasty | The dynasty of emperors who ruled a large part of India from the early 16th century to the mid-19th century. |
| Bahadur Shah Zafar | The last Mughal emperor. |
| Zamindars | Landlords or landowners in India, often responsible for collecting revenue. |
| Sepoys | Indian soldiers employed by the British East India Company. |
| Allowances | Extra payments made to soldiers or employees, in addition to their basic pay. |
| Sentiments | Feelings or emotions, often related to pride, honor, or religious beliefs. |
| Overseas | In or to a foreign country, especially one across the sea. |
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Practice questions
- How did the power of nawabs and rajas erode under the East India Company? Answer: Their authority and honour were gradually lost, their armed forces were disbanded, and their revenues and territories were taken away by stages. Residents were stationed in their courts, reducing their freedom.
- Why did Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Nana Saheb plead with the Company? Answer: Rani Lakshmibai wanted the Company to recognise her adopted son as the heir to the kingdom. Nana Saheb pleaded for his father's pension after his father's death.
- What reasons did the Company give for annexing Awadh? Answer: Governor-General Dalhousie declared that the territory was being misgoverned and British rule was needed to ensure proper administration.
- What were the grievances of the peasants and zamindars? Answer: They resented the high taxes and the rigid methods of revenue collection. Many lost their lands because they could not pay back loans to moneylenders.
- Why were the Indian sepoys unhappy with the Company? Answer: They were unhappy about their pay, allowances, and conditions of service. New rules also violated their religious sensibilities and beliefs, such as the requirement to serve overseas.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'When People Revolt' chapter discuss?
This chapter discusses the widespread discontent and revolts against the East India Company's policies in India, focusing on the events of 1857 and their aftermath.
Who were the Nawabs and Rajas mentioned in the chapter?
Nawabs and Rajas were Indian rulers whose power and authority were gradually eroded by the East India Company's policies.
Why was Awadh annexed by the British?
Governor-General Dalhousie annexed Awadh in 1856, claiming it was being misgoverned and required British rule for proper administration.
What were the main issues faced by peasants and zamindars?
They faced high taxes, rigid revenue collection methods, and often lost their lands due to inability to repay loans to moneylenders.
What caused discontent among the Indian sepoys?
Sepoys were unhappy with their pay, allowances, conditions of service, and new rules that violated their religious beliefs, such as serving overseas.
What was the significance of the year 1857 mentioned in the chapter?
1857 is significant as the year of a major revolt across north India against the East India Company, sparked by various grievances.
How did the Company try to end the Mughal dynasty?
The Company removed the Mughal king's name from coins and planned to shift his family out of the Red Fort, eventually deciding that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal king.
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NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Our-Pasts-III — Chapter 5 — 5. When People Revolt 1857 and After. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.