Social Science STD 8 Chapter 5: Education and Social System During the British Rule : Exercises

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

1. 1. Which law was suggested by Gopalkrishna Gokhale to the British government?

   Gopalkrishna Gokhale suggested a law on compulsory primary education to the British government.

2. 2. In the establishment of which school did Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar play an important role?

   Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar played an important role in the establishment of Hindu Balika Government School.

3. 3. According to Gandhiji, the curriculum of primary education should be of how many years?

   According to Gandhiji, the curriculum of primary education should be for 7 years.

4. 4. Which organization was founded by Durgaram Mehta?

   Durgaram Mehta founded the 'Manav Dharmasabha' in Surat.

2. Answer the following questions:

1. 1. Which steps were taken by Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad and his wife to spread education?

   Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Vadodara introduced free, compulsory, and universal primary education in his state in 1901. He also provided scholarships for two students to study in a foreign university. His wife, Chimnabai Gaekwad, enacted a law to grant scholarships to Dalit students for studying abroad, showing their commitment to spreading education widely.

2. 2. According to Gandhiji, what is literacy?

   According to Mahatma Gandhi, literacy is not an end in itself, but a tool. He believed that literacy is the means by which men and women can be educated. It is not self-learning but a fundamental tool to achieve broader education.

3. 3. Which educational recommendations were made in the Wood's despatch?

   The Wood's dispatch of 1854 recommended several educational reforms. These included the establishment of a university in each province on the model of the University of London, a separate education department, and the maintenance of government colleges and schools. It also recommended providing government grants to private schools, starting training institutes for teachers, expanding vocational education, and promoting women's education.

4. 4. Which efforts were made by various reformers in Maharashtra for girls' education?

   In Maharashtra, social reformers made significant efforts to promote girls' education. Mahadev Govind Ranade and his wife Ramabai Ranade established schools for girls and widows. Similarly, Jyotiba Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule also set up schools for girls' and widows' education. Maharshi Karve, in 1916 AD, established a separate university for women, which is known as SNDT University today. These reformers tirelessly campaigned against social evils and for the right of women to be educated.

3. Write a short note:

1. 1. Activities of Brahmo Samaj

   The Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828, played a pivotal role in social reforms in India. Through his magazine 'Samvad Kaumudi,' he campaigned against the Sati system. Due to the efforts of Brahmo Samaj, Governor William Bentinck enacted a law in 1829 that prohibited Sati. The organization also worked against practices like human sacrifice and female infanticide. Later, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a prominent leader of Brahmo Samaj, advocated for widow remarriage through his magazine 'Somprakash,' which led to the passing of the Widow Remarriage Act in 1856.

2. 2. Widow remarriage

   In medieval India, the practice of not allowing widows to remarry was a major social evil. Their lives were often very difficult. Social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar launched a huge campaign for widow remarriage. Vidyasagar, through his magazine 'Somprakash,' argued that the plight of young widows was a sign of an uncivilized society. As a result of these efforts, Lord Dalhousie passed the Widow Remarriage Act in 1856, legalizing the remarriage of widows. This reform was further championed by other reformers in Maharashtra and Gujarat, such as Mahadev Govind Ranade and Narmad.

3. 3. Rabindranath Tagore's thoughts on education

   Rabindranath Tagore, known as 'Gurudev,' had a unique philosophy on education. He believed that education should be conducted in close proximity to nature and that it should be able to develop a child's creativity and imagination. He advocated for a system free from the rigorous discipline of traditional education. Tagore emphasized the importance of children learning various arts like music and painting and developing moral values and spirituality. In 1901, he established the 'Shantiniketan' institute based on these ideas, which later became the Visva-Bharati University, giving the nation many scholars.

4. 4. Teachings of Swami Vivekananda

   Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to promote his guru's liberal religious ideas and service to humanity. He famously addressed the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago as "Brothers and Sisters." His teachings vehemently opposed social evils and religious practices. He believed that a religion or God that cannot wipe a widow's tears or feed a helpless child is useless. His core belief was "Service to man is service to God." He also famously urged the youth with the words, "Arise, Awake and stop not until the goal is reached."

4. Find the correct option from the following options and write the answer:

1. 1. You have to prepare a list of Gandhiji's followers. Which of the following will you not include?

   Durgaram Mehta

2. 2. Which of the following details would be included in Indian education before the arrival of the British?

   Oral education

3. 3. What is the reason behind the decline of old educational institutions in India?

   Priority in job to those who were proficient in English.

5. Match the following: