Social Science STD 8 Chapter 4: Cities, Cottage Industries and Industries of the British Period : Exercises

1. Write the answers of the following questions in one sentence:

1. 1. Name any three cities developed during the British rule.

   Three cities developed during the British rule are Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.

2. 2. Between which two cities in India the first railway started?

   The first railway in India started between Mumbai and Thane.

3. 3. The construction of New Delhi started in which hilly area during the British rule?

   The construction of New Delhi started in the Raisin Hills area.

4. 4. Where did the first textile mill start in India?

   The first textile mill in India started in Mumbai in 1854 AD.

2. Answer the following questions:

1. 1. Mention the condition of Indian industries at the beginning of the British rule.

   At the beginning of the British rule, India's traditional industries, such as cotton textiles, sculptures, and metallurgy, began to decline. The British, after their Industrial Revolution, started developing modern factories in England. They viewed India as a source of cheap raw materials and a market for their machine-made finished goods. This led to a huge decline in India’s cottage industries, handicrafts, and rural industries, which could not compete with the cheaper British goods. The traditional Indian artisans and weavers became unemployed, and the country's rural economy, which was once strong, collapsed.

2. 2. State the development of textile industry during the British rule.

   The Indian textile industry, which was world-famous for its high-quality fabrics, faced a decline with the advent of the British. The machine-produced textiles from England were cheaper and could not be competed with by traditional handloom weavers. However, towards the end of the 19th century, modern textile mills began to be established in India. The first one was in Mumbai in 1854, followed by mills in Ahmedabad, Nagpur, and Chennai. Ahmedabad became a major textile center and was known as the 'Manchester of India'. This development, however, came at the cost of Indian artisans who became unemployed.

3. 3. Describe the development of India's iron and steel industry after the First World War.

   The development of India's iron and steel industry gained momentum during the First World War due to disruptions in Europe. Jamshedji Tata established the first iron factory in Sakchi (now Jamshedpur). This led to the growth of basic industries like iron and steel. With the commencement of iron and steel production, other related industries also started to grow. The establishment of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru further gave a new direction to this industry. Other factories were set up in places like Kulti, Burhanpur, and Bhadravati, gradually leading to the development of metallurgy in India.

3. (A) Find and write the correct option from the following options:

1. 1. Who gave Mumbai Island as dowry to the British prince?

   Portuguese

2. 2. Fort William later developed as which city?

   Kolkata

3. 3. Which city was called the 'Manchester of India'?

   Ahmedabad

4. 4. The establishment of which organization gave a new direction to the iron and steel industry in India?

   Indian Institute of Science

(B) Match the pairs: