NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 5

This chapter explores how the rise of print culture in the 18th and 19th centuries impacted everyday life, cultural practices, and political discourse. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Before Print:

Information was mainly spread through oral traditions, religious texts copied by hand, and limited printed materials.

The Rise of Print:

The invention of the printing press in Europe facilitated mass production of books, newspapers, and other printed materials.
This led to a wider dissemination of knowledge, ideas, and challenges to traditional authority.

Impact on Everyday Life:

Increased Literacy Rates: More people learned to read, leading to a more informed society.
New Forms of Entertainment: Newspapers, novels, and pamphlets provided new avenues for leisure and learning.
Public Debates: Print culture facilitated discussions and debates on social, political, and religious issues.

Impact on Culture:

Standardization of Languages: Printed texts helped standardize languages and grammar.
Spread of New Ideas: Print facilitated the spread of new ideas like nationalism, democracy, and social reforms.
Cultural Exchange: Printed materials allowed for the exchange of ideas and cultural practices across regions.

Impact on Politics:

Criticism of Power: Printed materials enabled people to criticize governments and challenge existing power structures.
Spread of Political Ideas: Newspapers and pamphlets became tools for promoting political ideologies.
Rise of Public Opinion: Print fostered a sense of public opinion and political participation.

Limitations:

Limited Access: Literacy rates remained low in many parts of the world, limiting the reach of print.
Government Censorship: Authorities sometimes censored printed materials to control the flow of information.
Social Biases: Printed materials often reflected the biases of the ruling class or dominant social groups.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 5

Exercise

1. Give reasons for the following :

(a) Woodblock print only came to Europe after 1295. [CBSE 2013]

(b) Martin Luther was in favour of print and spoke out in praise of it.

(c) The Roman Catholic Church began keeping an Index of Prohibited books from the mid-sixteenth century.

(d) Gandhi said the fight for ‘Swaraj is a fight for the liberty of speech, liberty of the press, and freedom of association.

Ans : Reasons for Historical Events:

(a) Woodblock Printing in Europe:

Invention in China: Woodblock printing was invented in China around the 6th century, not in Europe.
Marco Polo’s Return (1295): The knowledge of woodblock printing likely reached Europe with Marco Polo, a Venetian explorer who returned from China in 1295. He may have described or brought back examples of this printing technique.

(b) Martin Luther and the Printing Press:

Spreading Reformation Ideas: Martin Luther, a German monk who sparked the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, recognized the power of the printing press.
Mass Production of Pamphlets: He used printed pamphlets to spread his ideas challenging the Catholic Church, reaching a wider audience than ever before with handwritten texts.

(c) The Catholic Church’s Index:

Controlling Reformation Ideas: The Catholic Church, threatened by the spread of Protestant ideas through print, established the Index of Prohibited Books in the mid-16th century.
Censorship: This index listed books deemed heretical or dangerous, aiming to restrict the circulation of ideas that challenged the Church’s authority.

(d) Gandhi and Freedom of Expression:

Importance of Communication: Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s independence movement, believed freedom of speech, press, and association were crucial for a democracy.
Spreading Nationalist Ideas: These freedoms allowed for the open exchange of ideas, including those advocating for Swaraj (self-rule) from British rule.

2. Write short notes to show that you know about:

(a) The Gutenberg Press.

(b) The Erasmus’s idea of the printed book.

(c) The Vernacular Press Act.

Ans :

(a) The Gutenberg Press:

Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in Europe around 1440.
First printing press using movable metal type, allowing mass production of books and pamphlets.
Revolutionized communication and knowledge dissemination.

(b) Erasmus’s idea of the printed book:

Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch scholar, was not entirely enthusiastic about the printing press.
He feared an overflow of low-quality, sensational, or heretical publications alongside valuable knowledge.
Believed printed books could potentially harm scholarship and lead to social unrest.

Passed by the British government in India in 1878.
Gave authorities extensive powers to censor reports and editorials published in newspapers using Indian languages (vernacular press).
Aimed to control the spread of ideas critical of British rule and maintain colonial control.
This act violated freedom of the press and sparked resentment among Indian nationalists.

3. What did the spread of print culture in the nineteenth century India mean to :

(a) Women

(b) The poor

(c) Reformers

Ans : The spread of print culture in 19th century India had a significant impact on various social groups:

(a) Women:

Limited Access: Literacy rates for women remained low, but print culture did create some opportunities.
Education and Awareness: Some women from privileged families gained access to education and learned to read, exposing them to new ideas and challenging traditional gender roles.
Participation in Discourse: A few women even began writing for journals and books, advocating for women’s education and social reforms. (e.g., Rashsundari Devi’s autobiography)
Hidden Education: Some women learned to read in secret, defying societal restrictions.

(b) The Poor:

Limited Direct Impact: High illiteracy rates and the cost of printed materials meant print culture didn’t directly benefit most of the poor population.
Indirect Awareness: However, ideas and messages from printed materials could have trickled down through public readings, storytelling, and discussions.
Social Reform Movements: Print was used by reformers to advocate for issues like poverty alleviation and improving the lives of the underprivileged. (e.g., essays against caste discrimination)
Cheap Publications: The emergence of some low-cost publications in local languages might have reached a wider audience among the poor.

(c) Reformers:

Powerful Tool for Change: Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Swami Dayanand Saraswati effectively used print to spread their ideas about social evils like Sati and child marriage.
Public Discourse and Mobilization: Newspapers and pamphlets became platforms for reformers to debate issues, mobilize public opinion, and pressure the government for change.
Vernacular Languages: Publications in local languages ensured a wider reach beyond those well-versed in English.
Building a Nationalist Identity: The print press also played a role in the rise of nationalism by fostering a sense of shared identity and common purpose among Indians.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 5

Discuss

1.Why did some people in the eighteenth century Europe think that print culture would bring enlightenment and end despotism?

Ans :

The rise of print culture in 18th century Europe fueled optimism about a coming “Enlightenment” and the end of despotism (absolute monarchy) for several reasons:

Spread of Knowledge and Reason:

Accessibility of Information: Printed materials like books and pamphlets made knowledge and ideas previously confined to the elite readily available to a wider public.
Challenge to Authority: The spread of critical thinking and scientific inquiry through print challenged the unquestioning obedience to traditional authorities like the Church and monarchy.
Empowerment through Education: Increased literacy rates meant people could form their own opinions based on information, not just blind faith in established hierarchies.

Public Discourse and Criticism:

Platform for Debate: Newspapers and journals created a space for public debate on social, political, and religious issues. This challenged the monopoly on information by rulers.
Criticism of Despotism: Thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau used print to criticize the abuses of absolute monarchs and advocate for government based on reason and consent.
Power of Public Opinion: The ability to express dissent and hold power accountable through printed critiques was seen as a step towards a more just and representative government.

Faith in Progress and Human Potential:

Scientific Discoveries: The spread of scientific discoveries through print fueled optimism about human progress and the ability to solve problems through reason and logic.
Belief in Human Capacity: Enlightenment thinkers believed that by accessing knowledge, people could overcome ignorance and superstition, leading to a better society.
Ideals of Liberty and Equality: Print culture helped disseminate ideas of individual liberty and equality before the law, seen as antithetical to despotism.

2. Why did some people fear the effect of easily available printed books? Choose one example from Europe and one from India.

Ans : Fear of Easily Available Printed Books: Europe and India

The widespread availability of printed books in the 16th to 19th centuries caused anxieties among some authorities, both in Europe and India. Here are two examples:

Europe: The Catholic Church and the Index of Prohibited Books:

Fear of Heresy: The rise of printing coincided with the Protestant Reformation, a religious movement challenging the Catholic Church’s authority. Church leaders feared the spread of heretical ideas through easily available printed materials.
Control of Information: The Church established the Index of Prohibited Books in the mid-16th century. This list identified books deemed heretical or dangerous, aiming to restrict the circulation of ideas that challenged Church teachings and doctrines.
Maintaining Power: By controlling access to information, the Church aimed to maintain its dominance and prevent the erosion of its authority.

India: The British Raj and the Vernacular Press Act:

Nationalist Sentiment: The British Raj, wary of a growing sense of Indian nationalism, feared the spread of ideas critical of colonial rule through printed materials in local languages.
Censorship and Control: In 1878, the British enacted the Vernacular Press Act, granting them extensive powers to censor reports and editorials published in Indian language newspapers.
Supressing Dissent: The Act aimed to control the flow of information and prevent the mobilization of public opinion against British rule.

3. What were the effects of the spread of print culture for the poor people in the nineteenth century India ?

Ans : The spread of print culture in 19th century India had mixed effects for the poor people. Here’s a breakdown of the positive and negative aspects:

Positive Effects:

Increased Awareness (Indirectly): While direct literacy rates among the poor remained low, ideas and messages could have trickled down through public readings, storytelling, and discussions. This indirect exposure could have raised awareness about social issues and potential avenues for change.
Social Reform Movements: Print culture became a tool for reformers advocating for issues that directly affected the poor, like poverty alleviation and improving living conditions. Essays and pamphlets against caste discrimination or child marriage could have resonated with the underprivileged.
Cheap Publications (Limited Impact): The emergence of some low-cost publications in local languages might have reached a wider audience among the poor. However, affordability and access to these materials remained limited.

Negative Effects:

Limited Direct Benefit: High illiteracy rates and the cost of printed materials meant that print culture did not directly benefit most of the poor population. They couldn’t access knowledge or participate in public discourse through printed materials.
Focus on Elite Concerns: Many publications focused on issues relevant to the educated elite or middle class, not necessarily addressing the immediate concerns of the poor.

5. Explain how the print culture assisted the growth of nationalism in India.

Ans : Spreading Nationalist Ideas:

Newspapers and Pamphlets: Nationalist leaders used newspapers and pamphlets to propagate ideas of self-rule (Swaraj), criticizing British rule and highlighting its negative consequences. These publications reached a wider audience compared to traditional methods like word-of-mouth.
Vernacular Press: Newspapers and other materials published in local languages (like Hindi, Bengali, Marathi) ensured a broader understanding of nationalist ideas beyond those fluent in English.
Shared Identity and History: Print culture helped create a sense of shared Indian identity and history, fostering a feeling of unity and a common struggle against British rule.

Mobilizing Public Opinion:

Exposing Colonial Abuses: Printed materials documented and exposed the exploitation and injustices of British rule, igniting public anger and resentment.
Coordinating Protests: Newspapers and pamphlets were used to communicate plans for protests, boycotts, and other forms of resistance against the colonial government.
Unifying the Movement: Print culture helped connect nationalists across different regions of India, fostering a sense of solidarity and a unified national movement.

Creating National Heroes:

Celebrating Leaders: Print media played a role in highlighting the contributions of national leaders like Bhagat Singh, Rani Lakshmibai, and Mahatma Gandhi, turning them into symbols of resistance and inspiring future generations.
Spreading Nationalist Ideals: The ideas and speeches of nationalist leaders were disseminated through printed materials, allowing them to reach a wider audience and inspire support for the nationalist cause.

Challenges and Limitations:

Literacy Rates: Literacy rates in India remained low during this period, limiting the direct reach of printed material.
Government Censorship: The British government sometimes censored publications critical of their rule, attempting to control the flow of information.

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 5

FAQs

What is the main focus of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 5?

The main focus of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 5 is to explore the impact of industrialization on society, economy, and culture during the 18th and 19th centuries.

How did industrialization begin in Europe according to Class 10 History Chapter 5?

In Class 10 History Chapter 5 Industrialization began in Europe with the advent of new technologies and the establishment of factories, primarily in Britain, during the late 18th century.

What were some of the significant inventions during the Age of Industrialisation discussed in NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 5?

In Class 10 History Chapter 5 Significant inventions include the spinning jenny, the steam engine, and the power , which revolutionized textile production and other industries.

How did industrialization affect the lives of workers as explained in Class 10 History Chapter 5?

In Class 10 History Chapter 5Industrialization led to the rise of factory work, which often involved long hours, low wages, and poor working conditions. It also resulted in the migration of people from rural areas to urban centers in search of jobs.

What was the impact of industrialization on the economy according to NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 5?

In Class 10 History Chapter 5 Industrialization significantly boosted economic growth, leading to increased production, trade, and the rise of new industries and markets.

How did industrialization influence global trade as per Class 10 History Chapter 5?

In Class 10 History Chapter 5 Industrialization expanded global trade as European countries sought raw materials for their factories and new markets for their manufactured goods, leading to increased colonization and exploitation of other regions.

What were the social changes brought about by industrialization in NCERT Solutions for Class 10 History Chapter 5?

In Class 10 History Chapter 5 Industrialization led to the growth of urban areas, changes in family structures, and the rise of a new social class, the industrial working class. It also spurred social reform movements to address the harsh conditions faced by workers.

How did industrialization impact the environment according to Class 10 History Chapter 5?

In Class 10 History Chapter 5 the rapid industrial growth led to environmental degradation, including deforestation, air and water pollution, and the depletion of natural resources.

Everyday Life, Culture and Politics