History

Questions and Answers

 Chapter. 2 Pg. 14
Muslim Renaissance- Sir Syed Ahmed Khan: 1817-98
Ans. 5
By promoting education and advocating for social reforms, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan played a pivotal role in bringing about a
renaissance or rebirth among Indian Muslims. He empowered them with knowledge, encouraged them to think critically, and
inspired them to embrace progress while preserving their cultural identity.
Ans. 6
The Mohammadan Educational Conference, first held at Aligarh, in 1886, played an important role in promoting Muslim
education by uniting Indian Muslims under one roof to exchange ideas on their future progress. The conferences continued
annually till 1945, and were well attended by Muslim educationists and leaders including Liaquat Ali Khan and others.
Ans. 7
the steps taken to improve the education of Muslims in Sindh:
1.Establishment of Muslim schools.
2.Focus on promoting female education.
3.Introduction of scholarships and financial support.
4.Development of a curriculum that integrates Islamic studies.
5.Teacher training and professional development.
6.Community engagement and involvement.
7.Collaboration with educational institutions.
These steps aimed to enhance access to education, address specific needs, and improve the overall quality of education for
Muslims in Sindh.
Ans. 8
The establishment of Sindh Madressa-tul-Islam was a significant milestone in the educational development of the
Muslim community in Sindh. It was founded by the visionary educationist, Hassan Ali Effendi, in 1885. Sir Syed
Ahmed Khan established it in Hyderabad, Sindh in 1887. It was meant to provide modern education to Muslims as
an alternative to British educational institutions.

Ans. 9
it has played a significant part in shaping Islamic thought and education in South Asia. It has produced countless
scholars who have made important contributions to the understanding and practice of Islam.

Ans. 10
One notable improvement they made was the inclusion of modern subjects alongside the traditional Islamic
sciences. They realized that in order to thrive in the modern world, students needed a well-rounded education. So,
they introduced subjects like mathematics, science, and languages, alongside the study of Islamic theology and
jurisprudence. This forward-thinking approach has enabled students to engage with the wider world while staying
rooted in their faith.
 Chapter. 3 Hindu and Muslim Nationalism Pg. 28
Ans. 1
In 1884 the British Viceroy, Lord Ripon, passed the Ilbert Bill. Till then, all people of British descent in India could only be tried by
British judges. The Ilbert Bill allowed Indian judges to preside over cases involving British subjects in India. This created a violent
reaction among Calcutta's European commercial community. Lord Ripon had to agree to a compromise because of political
agitation by the Europeans. The Hindus did not like it when the Ilbert Bill was taken back as they were in considerable numbers in
the judicial service. Indian national sentiments were aroused and this event resulted in the formation of the Indian National
Congress.
Ans. 2
Sir Syed advised them in general to keep away from it as its political agitation could lead to problems for the Muslims.

Ans. 3
In 1905, a Muslim delegation met Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India, at Shimla. They met to express their support for the partition
of Bengal, which had recently taken place. The delegation believed that the creation of Eastern Bengal and Assam would benefit
the Muslim community by providing them with a separate administrative unit where they would have a significant majority. They
also presented their grievances and demands for better educational opportunities, government appointments, and political
representation for Muslims.

Ans. 4
The partition of Bengal in 1905 was a decision made by the British government to divide the province along religious lines. They
hoped to weaken the growing nationalist movement in India. However, this move sparked widespread opposition and protests
from the Indian population, leading to the eventual revocation of the partition in 1911.
Ans. 5
The Indian National Congress and the Hindu community in West Bengal opposed the partition of Bengal in 1905 for several
reasons. They saw it as a deliberate attempt by the British colonial government to weaken the nationalist movement in India. The
partition threatened to dilute the Hindu community's political power and economic influence in the region. It also raised
concerns about communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
Ans. 6
The same year in December 1906, the Muslim League was formed at Dacca and its first session was held at Karachi in 1907. The
League was led by Nawad Mohsin-ul-Mulk, and Mazhar-ul-Haq. The objectives of the League were as stated:
i) to foster a sense of loyalty to the British government among the Muslims of India
ii) to look after the political interests of the Indian Muslims
iii) to bring about a better understanding between Muslims and other communities
Ans. 7
The Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909 were introduced to address the demands for political reforms and representation in British
India. They aimed to increase Indian participation in the legislative process and introduced separate electorates based on
religious communities.

Ans. 8
The Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909 offered increased Indian participation in the legislative process and introduced separate
electorates, allowing Indians to have a voice in the governance of British India.

Ans. 9
The Indian Muslims gained separate electorates through the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909. This meant that they had the
opportunity to elect their own representatives to legislative bodies, ensuring their specific interests and concerns would be
represented in the political process.
 Chapter. 4 The great conflict-World War 1: 1914-18 Pg. 38

Ans. 1
World War I, also known as the First World War, was fought between two major alliances. The two sides were:
Allies (Entente Powers): This alliance consisted of several countries, including:
France
United Kingdom
Russia (until 1917, when it withdrew due to the Russian Revolution)
United States (joined in 1917)
Italy (joined in 1915)
Japan
Serbia
Belgium
Montenegro
Romania (joined in 1916)
Greece (joined in 1917)
Central Powers: This alliance consisted of several countries, including:
Germany
Austria-Hungary
Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey)
Bulgaria (joined in 1915)
These two sides fought against each other from 1914 to 1918 in a global conflict that involved numerous other countries and
colonies.
Ans. 2
The four main causes of World War I can be summarized as follows:

Nationalism: Nationalistic sentiments and aspirations for self-determination played a significant role in the outbreak of the war.
Imperialism: The competition among European powers for colonies and resources around the world heightened tensions and
rivalries.
Militarism: A widespread arms race and the glorification of military power contributed to the escalating tensions.
Alliance System: A complex web of alliances formed between various countries, leading to a delicate balance of power.

These factors, combined with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in 1914, sparked a series of
events that led to the outbreak of World War I.

Ans. 3
Here is a list of some of the major areas where battles were fought:

Western Front: Extending across Belgium and northeastern France, this was the primary theater of war between the Allies
(primarily France and Britain) and the Central Powers (Germany). It was characterized by trench warfare and intense fighting.

Eastern Front: The Eastern Front saw clashes between the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Bulgaria) and Russia,
along with its allies. This front covered territories in present-day Eastern Europe, including Poland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine.

Italian Front: Fought primarily between Italy and Austria-Hungary, this front encompassed the border regions of Italy, Austria,
and Slovenia.
Balkans: The Balkan region, including countries such as Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Greece, witnessed significant fighting and shifting
alliances throughout the war.

Middle East: The war extended to the Middle East, where the Ottoman Empire (Central Powers) fought against the forces of the Allies. Battles
were fought in areas such as Gallipoli (modern-day Turkey), Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), and Palestine.

North Africa: Conflict spread to North Africa, with British and French forces engaging the Ottoman Empire in regions like Egypt and Libya.

East Africa: This theater involved fighting between British, Belgian, Portuguese, and German forces across various territories in East Africa,
including present-day Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique.

Asia and the Pacific: The war reached parts of Asia and the Pacific, largely due to the involvement of Japan as an Allied power. Japanese forces
seized German colonies in the Pacific, such as the Mariana Islands and the Caroline Islands.

Ans. 4
The Allies won World War I. They had greater economic and industrial resources, superior numbers, and eventually the support
of the United States, which tipped the balance in their favour. The Central Powers faced internal dissent and exhaustion, leading
to their eventual defeat.

Ans. 5
The consequences of World War I for Europe were significant. They included the loss of millions of lives, the redrawing of borders,
political instability and revolutions, the establishment of the League of Nations, economic hardships, social changes, and the
seeds of future conflicts.
Ans. 6
After World War I, significant changes occurred across various aspects:

➢ Geopolitical Changes: The war led to the disintegration of empires, redrawing of borders, and the creation of new nations in
Europe, such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia.
➢ League of Nations: The League of Nations was established as an international organization aimed at promoting peace and
resolving disputes among nations.
➢ Economic Impact: The war caused economic devastation, with countries burdened by war debts and disrupted industries.
➢ Social Transformations: The war brought about social changes, including increased roles for women in the workforce and
advancements in women's suffrage movements.
➢ Political Instability: The war triggered political upheaval, revolutions, and the rise of nationalist movements in various
countries, leading to the fall of monarchies and the emergence of new political systems.
➢ Technological Advancements: World War I saw advancements in military technology, including the use of tanks, aircraft, and
chemical weapons, which had a lasting impact on warfare.

Ans. 7
Many Indians initially supported the British Empire's war efforts, hoping it would lead to political reforms and greater autonomy.
Over one million Indians volunteered for military service. However, disillusionment grew due to unfulfilled promises of reforms.
Many Indian soldiers refused to fight the Muslim Turks, some deserted rather than fight and others were executed for not
obeying orders.
Ans. 8
The Khilafat Movement in India and World War I were connected because:

➢ The Ottoman Empire, which was the seat of the Islamic Caliphate, was involved in World War I as part of the Central Powers.
➢ Indian Muslims feared that the Ottoman Empire's defeat would lead to the disintegration of the Caliphate, which held
religious significance for them.
➢ Indian Muslims, through the Khilafat Movement, expressed support for the Ottoman Empire and aimed to protect the
Caliphate.
➢ The Khilafat Committee collaborated with the Indian National Congress, joining forces to resist British colonial rule through
the Non-Cooperation Movement.
➢ The movement's impact diminished after the Caliphate was abolished in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Ans. 9
After World War I, several promises made by Britain were not fully kept, leading to widespread discontent and conflicts in various
parts of the world. Here are some key examples:

❑ Britain did not grant full independence to Arab territories as promised, establishing mandates and colonial control instead.

❑ The principle of self-determination was not fully implemented, leading to nationalist movements and struggles against British
colonial rule in various regions.

❑ The Irish people expected independence but faced partition and ongoing conflict with the imposition of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

❑ Germany's heavy reparations and economic instability following the war contributed to political unrest and the rise of
extremist ideologies.
 Chapter. 5 the rise of nationalist Turkey Pg. 41
Ans. 1
On 19 May 1919, a nationalist movement led by Mustafa Kemal Pasha in Anatolia brought a major change in the fortunes of the
Turkish people. This date officially marks the start of the independence movement in Turkey. Mustafa Kemal Pasha was elected
the President of the Turkish grand national assembly at Ankara and he successfully led the Turkish army to victory against the
Greek forces. After this victory, Kemal Ataturk was given the title of 'Ghazi' and 'Marshal'. By September 1922. turkey's war of
independence under Mustafa Kemal Pasha's military skills had managed to drive the Allied forces out of Turkey.

Ans. 2
This treaty gave back to that Turks what they had lost under the Treaty of Sevres. Turkey regained all the land it had lost to Greece
and it no longer had to pay for war damages as demanded earlier by the Treaty of Sevres. Moreover, under the Treaty of Lausanne,
Countries recognized the independence of Turkey and it was declared republic by Mustafa Kemal Pasha, with its capital at Ankara.
Ans. 3
Atatürk reformed Turkey from a traditionalist khilafat state to a modern European state because he believed that such reforms
were essential for the country's advancement, development, and integration into the global community.
Ans. 4
In 1934, Mustafa Kemal was given the surname 'Ataturk' ,which means 'Father of Turks', by the Turkish Parliament for making the
country independent of foreign powers and also free from dependence on their economies.
Ans. 5
From my perspective, one of the most important reforms made by Atatürk was the introduction of the Turkish alphabet based on
the Latin script. Before the reform, the Ottoman Turkish language was written using the Arabic script, which posed several
challenges. By introducing the Latin-based Turkish alphabet, Atatürk aimed to simplify and modernize the written language,
making it easier for the population to learn and communicate effectively. It empowered the population, facilitated
communication, enhanced education, and symbolized the transformation of Turkey into a modern and secular nation.

Chapter. 6 Hindu-Muslim Unity: 1912-22 Pg. 49

Ans. 1
The Congress and the Muslim League formed the Lucknow Pact in 1916 as a means to bridge the gap between the two major
political forces in India and work towards a united front against British colonial rule, while addressing the concerns and demands
of both communities.

Ans. 2
The Khilafat Movement was initiated by the Ali brothers, Maulana Mohammad Ali and Maulana Shaukat Ali, in response to the
disintegration of the Ottoman Empire and the threat to the institution of the caliphate.

Ans. 3
While the Hijrat Movement was initially intended to strengthen the Khilafat Movement, it ultimately became a cause for its
failure. Lack of support, British repression, isolation, diversion of focus, and internal conflicts all contributed to the diminished
impact and eventual decline of the Khilafat Movement.
Ans. 4
Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Non-cooperation Movement as a response to the British government's dismissive attitude towards
Indian demands and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He saw nonviolent resistance as a powerful means to challenge British
authority, unite the Indian masses, and ultimately secure India's independence.

Ans. 5
Gandhi took the difficult decision to call off the Non-cooperation Movement. He believed that it was crucial to reevaluate and
reassess the strategies employed in the pursuit of independence. Despite calling off the movement, Gandhi's commitment to
nonviolence and the struggle for independence remained unwavering, and he continued to inspire and lead subsequent
movements in the fight against British rule.

Ans. 6
The united front of Muslims and Hindus in the early 1920s demonstrated both successes and challenges. While it showcased
instances of collaboration and unity, there were also limitations and setbacks. The movement faced internal divisions, communal
tensions, and the decline of specific initiatives, which affected its overall success in achieving long-term unity and progress.

Ans. 7
The Rowlatt Act was hated by Indians because it suppressed civil liberties, violated freedom of speech and assembly, lacked
accountability, discriminated against Indians, and was passed without Indian representation. It became a symbol of British
oppression and fueled the demand for independence.

Ans. 8
The Rowlatt Act's oppressive measures and curtailment of civil liberties fueled the anger and resentment among Indians. The
protest at Jallianwala Bagh against the Act was met with brutal force by British troops, resulting in a tragic loss of lives. The Act's
suppression of rights and the violent response to the protest intensified the demand for independence.
Ans. 9
The Jallianwala Bagh tragedy had a profound impact on Indians, fuelling their determination to fight for their rights and
intensifying the demand for independence. It became a pivotal event in the history of India's freedom struggle and a symbol of
the brutality of colonial rule.