CBSE Class 8 Social Science Chapter 5: When People Rebel - NCERT Solutions

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This chapter, "When People Rebel," delves into the significant events and underlying causes of the 1857 uprising in India. It explores the grievances of various groups, including rulers, sepoys, and common people, against the British East India Company's policies. The solutions cover key figures like Rani Lakshmibai and Bahadur Shah Zafar, the impact of British policies such as the Doctrine of Lapse and the new cartridge issue, and the widespread nature of the rebellion. Understanding these aspects is crucial for grasping the complexities of India's struggle for independence. These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations to help students comprehend the historical context, analyze the motivations of the rebels, and understand the long-term consequences of the revolt, aiding in effective exam revision.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectSocial Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 5 – When People Rebel

Chapter summary

Chapter 5, "When People Rebel," focuses on the 1857 Indian uprising. The NCERT Solutions provided here explain the various reasons behind the rebellion, including the political, economic, and social grievances against British rule. They detail the demands of leaders like Rani Lakshmibai, the discontent among sepoys, and the role of figures like Bahadur Shah Zafar. The solutions also cover the British response and policy changes after the revolt, offering a comprehensive overview for students.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the causes and events of the 1857 rebellion.
  • Identify the key figures and their roles in the uprising.
  • Analyze the impact of British policies on different sections of Indian society.
  • Explain the reasons for the failure and consequences of the rebellion.
  • Recognize the significance of the 1857 revolt in India's history.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • The Revolt of 1857
  • Causes of the Rebellion
  • Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi
  • Bahadur Shah Zafar
  • Sepoy Discontent
  • British Policies (Doctrine of Lapse, Cartridges)
  • Rebellion in Different Regions (Awadh, Kanpur, Lucknow)
  • Role of Leaders
  • British Response and Policy Changes
  • Consequences of the Rebellion

Important topics

  • Causes of the 1857 Rebellion
  • Key Figures: Rani Lakshmibai and Bahadur Shah Zafar
  • Sepoy Grievances and the Cartridge Issue
  • British Policies Leading to Discontent
  • Impact and Consequences of the Rebellion

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What was the demand of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi that was refused by the British?
Solution: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi had a specific demand: she wanted the British East India Company to acknowledge her adopted son as the legal heir to the throne of Jhansi after her husband's passing. However, the British authorities rejected her plea, which was a significant factor contributing to her participation in the rebellion.

Question 2

What did the British do to protect the interests of those who converted to Christianity?
Solution: To safeguard the interests of individuals who converted to Christianity, the British enacted a policy that allowed them to inherit the property of their ancestors. This was a departure from traditional practices and aimed to encourage conversion by removing a potential obstacle.

Question 3

What objections did the sepoys have to the new cartridges that they were asked to use?
Solution: The sepoys raised strong objections to the new cartridges they were required to use. Their primary concern was that these cartridges were rumored to be coated with the fat of cows and pigs. This deeply offended their religious beliefs, as cows are sacred to Hindus and pigs are forbidden for Muslims, making the use of these cartridges religiously unacceptable.

Question 4

How did the last Mughal emperor live the last years of his life?
Solution: The final years of the last Mughal emperor's life were marked by extreme hardship and indignity. Following a trial by the British, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. He and his wife were subsequently exiled and imprisoned in Rangoon, where he eventually died after four years, far from his homeland and former glory.

Question 5

What could be the reasons for the confidence of the British rulers about their position in India before May 1857?
Solution: The British rulers felt confident about their position in India before May 1857 due to several key reasons:
  1. The gradual erosion of the authority and prestige of Indian rulers (Nawabs and Rajas) since the mid-18th century. The British had established Residents in many courts, reduced the rulers' freedom, disbanded their armies, and systematically taken over their revenues and territories.
  2. The British had decided to dismantle the Mughal dynasty. Governor-General Dalhousie had announced in 1849 that after Bahadur Shah Zafar's death, his family would be evicted from the Red Fort. Later, in 1856, Governor-General Canning declared that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal emperor, and his descendants would no longer be recognized as princes after his death. This demonstrated the British intent to end Mughal rule entirely.

Question 6

What impact did Bahadur Shah Zafar's support to the rebellion have on the people and the ruling families?
Solution: Bahadur Shah Zafar's endorsement of the rebellion had a profound impact, significantly boosting the morale of the people and the ruling families. His support galvanized them, fostering a sense of unity and strengthening their resolve to fight against British authority with renewed vigor. This led to widespread uprisings: people in towns and villages rose up, rallying behind local leaders, zamindars, and chiefs. For instance, Nana Saheb, the adopted son of the late Peshwa Baji Rao, gathered armed forces near Kanpur and expelled the British garrison, proclaiming himself Peshwa and a governor under Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. Similarly, in Lucknow, Birjis Qadr, son of the deposed Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, was proclaimed the new Nawab, also acknowledging Bahadur Shah Zafar's suzerainty. In Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai joined the rebel sepoys and fought bravely alongside Tantia Tope, Nana Saheb's general.

Question 7

How did the British succeed in securing the submission of the rebel landowners of Awadh?
Solution: The British managed to secure the submission of the rebel landowners of Awadh by offering them concessions. They assured the landowners that they would be allowed to continue enjoying their traditional rights over their land. Additionally, the British exempted them from paying taxes for a period, which helped pacify their resistance and gain their compliance.

Question 8

In what ways did the British change their policies as a result of the rebellion of 1857?
Solution: The rebellion of 1857 prompted significant changes in British policy towards India. The key alterations were:
  1. Transfer of Power: The administration of India was transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown, ensuring more direct and responsible governance.
  2. New Title: The Governor-General of India was given the title of Viceroy, signifying his role as the personal representative of the British monarch.
  3. Assurance to Rulers: All ruling chiefs were assured that their territories would not be annexed in the future. They were permitted to pass on their kingdoms to their heirs, including adopted sons, provided they acknowledged the British Queen as their sovereign paramount.
  4. Army Reorganization: The proportion of Indian soldiers in the army was reduced, while the number of European soldiers was increased. Recruitment also shifted, with more soldiers being enlisted from communities like the Gorkhas, Sikhs, and Pathans, rather than from Awadh, Bihar, Central India, and South India.
  5. Respect for Customs: The British decided to respect the customary religious and social practices of the people in India, aiming to avoid further religious and cultural friction.

Question 9

Find out stories and songs remembered by people in your area or your family about San Satavan Ki Ladaai. What memories do people cherish about the great uprising?
Solution: To discover stories and songs about the 'San Satavan Ki Ladaai' (the Revolt of 1857), it is recommended to visit your school library or consult local historical resources. Many libraries and archives preserve folk songs, oral histories, and written accounts that cherish the memories of this great uprising. Engaging with these local narratives can provide a deeper, more personal understanding of how the revolt is remembered in different communities.

Question 10

Find out more about Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. In what ways would she have been an unusual woman for her times?
Solution: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was an exceptional figure for her era. She played a pivotal role in the Revolt of 1857, demonstrating remarkable courage and leadership by fighting bravely against the British forces. Her defiance against the British law that denied her adopted son the right to rule Jhansi showcased her strong will and determination to protect her kingdom. She stood as a formidable leader of the resistance against British rule, embodying a spirit of defiance and bravery that was rare for women of her time, making her an unusual and inspiring historical personality.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the specific demands of different rebel leaders.
  • Underestimating the widespread nature of discontent beyond the sepoys.
  • Not fully grasping the British motivations behind their policies.
  • Overlooking the long-term changes in British policy after 1857.

Revision tips

  • Create a timeline of key events leading up to and during the 1857 rebellion.
  • Focus on understanding the motivations of Rani Lakshmibai and Bahadur Shah Zafar.
  • List the specific grievances of the sepoys and how they contributed to the revolt.
  • Summarize the major policy changes implemented by the British after 1857.
  • Discuss the impact of the rebellion on different regions and social groups in India.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Rani Lakshmibai's primary demand that the British refused?

Q2. Which religious group's conversion was protected by a British policy regarding inheritance?

Q3. What was the main objection of the sepoys regarding the new cartridges?

Q4. Where was the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, exiled and where did he die?

Q5. Which policy of the British led to the annexation of many Indian states before 1857?

Q6. Who was proclaimed the new Nawab of Awadh during the rebellion?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 5 of CBSE Class 8 Social Science about?

Chapter 5, 'When People Rebel,' discusses the major uprising of 1857 in India, exploring its causes, key events, prominent leaders, and the impact of British policies.

Who were some of the important leaders in the 1857 rebellion?

Key leaders included Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Nana Saheb, Birjis Qadr, and Tantia Tope, each playing a significant role in different regions.

What were the main reasons for the sepoys' rebellion?

The sepoys were unhappy due to various reasons, including discriminatory pay and service conditions, religious objections to the new greased cartridges, and a general sense of disrespect from their British officers.

How did the British change their policies after the 1857 rebellion?

After the rebellion, the British Crown took over from the East India Company, the Governor-General became Viceroy, Indian rulers were assured their territories wouldn't be annexed, and the army composition was altered.

What was the significance of Bahadur Shah Zafar's support to the rebellion?

Bahadur Shah Zafar's support provided a symbolic leadership to the rebellion, uniting various groups and encouraging them to fight against the British with renewed spirit.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each textbook question, helping students understand the historical context, analyze events, and prepare effectively for their exams.

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