On an outline map of the subcontinent, mark out the areas described in this chapter. Find out whether there were other areas where the Permanent Settlement and the ryotwari system were prevalent and plot these on the map as well.
In the chapter the following areas have been mentioned of the subcontinent.
(a)Bengal. (Bangladesh along with certain area of Bihar, Orissa and hilly areas of Assam).
(b)Bombay Presidency and
(c)Madras Presidency,
(d)The Britishers introduced Mahalwari system of land revenue in eastern part of Punjab
(e)Surat
(f)Rajmahal hills (occupied by Paharias and Santhals).
What are the problems of using official sources in writing about the history of peasants?
How did the Paharias respond to the coming of outsiders?
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India?
In what way was the livelihood of the Paharias different from that of the Santhals?
Why did the Santhals rebel against British rule?
Why were many zamindaris auctioned after the Permanent Settlement?
What explains the anger of the Deccan ryots against Fig. 10.20 the moneylenders?
How did zamindars manage to retain control over their zamindaris?
Why did the mutinous sepoys in many places turn to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt?
To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?
How did Mahatma Gandhi seek to identify with the common people?
What did the Muslim League demand through its resolution of 1940?
What were the ideals expressed in the Objectives Resolution?
Discuss the evidence that indicates planning and coordination on the part of the rebels.
What do the terms “White” and “Black” Town signify?
How was Mahatma Gandhi perceived by the peasants?
Why did some people think of Partition as a very sudden development?
How was the term minority defined by different groups?
What were the concerns that influenced town planning in the nineteenth century?
Examine how concerns of defence and health gave shape to Calcutta.
To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?
On an outline map of India, trace the major rivers and hill ranges. Plot ten cities mentionedin the chapter, including Bombay, Calcutta and Madras, and prepare a brief note on why the importance of any two cities that you have marked (one colonial and one pre-colonial) changed in the nineteenth century.
What connection did some of the members of the Constituent Assembly make between the political situation of the time and the need for a strong Centre?
Why was the revolt particularly widespread in Awadh? What prompted the peasants, taluqdars and zamindars to join the revolt?
Examine any two sources presented in the chapter, choosing one visual and one text, and discuss how these represent the point of view of the victor and the vanquished.
In what way did Mahatma Gandhi transform the nature of the national movement?
Why was the charkha chosen as a symbol of nationalism?
How did the Congress come to change its views on Partition?