Class 8 Social Science (Our Past III) Chapter 5 When People Revolt

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I. Chapter Summary:

This chapter focuses on the Revolt of 1857, the first major uprising against British rule in India. It examines the causes—political, economic, social, and military—that led to widespread discontent among sepoys, zamindars, and common people.

The chapter highlights the events of the revolt, key centers like Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, and the main leaders such as Bahadur Shah Zafar, Rani Lakshmibai, Tantia Tope, Nana Saheb, and others. It also details how the revolt was suppressed and the impact it had on British policy—leading to the end of Company rule and the beginning of direct Crown rule in India.

II. Key Concepts Covered:

III. Important Questions:

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):

1. The revolt of 1857 began in:
   a) Delhi
   b) Lucknow
   c) Meerut ✔️
   d) Kanpur

2. Who was declared the Emperor of India during the revolt?
   a) Rani Lakshmibai
   b) Nana Saheb
   c) Bahadur Shah Zafar ✔️
   d) Tantia Tope

3. Which policy was associated with Lord Dalhousie?
   a) Divide and Rule
   b) Doctrine of Lapse ✔️
   c) Subsidiary Alliance
   d) Dual Government

4. The British recaptured Delhi in:
   a) June 1857
   b) September 1857 ✔️
   c) October 1858
   d) May 1857

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):

1. What were the immediate causes of the Revolt of 1857? (PYQ 2020)

2. Why did sepoys refuse to use the new cartridges? (PYQ 2021)

3. How did Rani Lakshmibai contribute to the revolt?

4. What changes were introduced by the British after the revolt?

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):

1. Discuss the major causes of the Revolt of 1857. (PYQ 2022)

2. Explain how the revolt spread across different regions of India.

3. Who were the major leaders of the revolt? Write about any three.

4. What were the major consequences of the revolt for India and the British?

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):

1. Do you think the Revolt of 1857 was only a sepoy mutiny? Give reasons for your answer.

2. If the revolt had succeeded, how might Indian history have changed?

IV. Key Terms / Concepts:

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):

No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
Reference: https://ncert.nic.in

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):

VIII. Real-World Application Examples:

• Nationalism Today: The revolt helped sow the seeds of Indian nationalism.

• Military Ethics: Learning how loyalty and belief systems influence decisions.

• Cultural Expressions: Revolt memorials, songs, and plays continue to educate and inspire.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:

 Time Management:

• Use cause-effect charts for different reasons behind the revolt.

• Create a revolt timeline (April 1857 to mid-1858).

 Exam Preparation:

• Focus on leaders and centers of the revolt for map and short-answer practice.

• Use flashcards to memorize terms like Doctrine of Lapse and Act of 1858.

 Stress Management:

• Watch dramatized documentaries to make history memorable.

• Group discussions on what resistance means in today’s world.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific):

For Classes 9–10:

XI. Important Notes:

• Always refer to the official CBSE site: https://cbseacademic.nic.in

•  The Revolt of 1857 is seen as India’s first war of independence by many historians.

•  Focus on understanding motives, responses, and outcomes rather than memorizing dates alone.