🌟 Chapter 2: Glimpses of the Past

(By S.D. Sawant)

📖 Introduction

“Glimpses of the Past” is a historical narrative written in a graphic/visual style with illustrations. It takes us through a timeline of important events in India’s struggle against British rule. The chapter explains how the British came to India, how they exploited Indians, how social and religious reformers awakened society, and how the fire of independence spread among the masses.

It is not just a story but a journey of awakening — from slavery to freedom.

🕰️ Timeline of the Story

🏰 1. The Arrival of the British

• The British came as traders through the East India Company.
• Slowly, they gained political power by defeating Indian rulers.
• They used divide and rule policies and conquered many princely states.

👉 Example: After defeating Tipu Sultan (1799), they became stronger in South India.

💰 2. Exploitation of Indians

• The British exploited Indian resources and industries.
• Indian weavers and artisans were forced to shut down, as British goods were promoted.
• Heavy taxes were imposed on farmers.
• Famines became common, and poverty increased.

📿 3. Social and Cultural Conditions

• Indian society was backward in many ways.
• There were evils like:
  • Child marriage
  • Untouchability
  • Illiteracy
  • Sati system
• Education was limited, and women had almost no rights.

🔔 4. Social and Religious Reformers

• Great reformers raised their voices:
  • Raja Ram Mohan Roy fought against Sati and promoted women’s education.
  • Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar worked for widow remarriage.
  • Swami Dayanand Saraswati spread ideas of equality and freedom.
• These reformers awakened people and sowed the seeds of self-respect and modern thinking.

⚔️ 5. The Revolt of 1857

• The first war of independence began in Meerut when sepoys refused to use cartridges greased with cow and pig fat.
• Leaders like Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai, Tatya Tope, Kunwar Singh fought bravely.
• Although the revolt was suppressed, it became the foundation of freedom struggle.

✊ 6. National Awakening

• The failure of 1857 did not kill the dream of freedom.
• Newspapers, plays, and patriotic songs inspired people.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it” ignited the youth.
• The Indian National Congress began to demand reforms.

🇮🇳 7. Towards Freedom

• The chapter ends by showing how ordinary Indians, reformers, and leaders united to fight against the British.
• It gives a glimpse of the long struggle which finally led to India’s independence in 1947.

🎨 Summary (In Points)

• 🌏 British came to India as traders, later became rulers.
• 🧵 Indian industries and farmers were exploited.
• 🍂 Famines and poverty spread under British rule.
• 🛕 Social evils like sati, untouchability, child marriage were common.
• 📚 Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Vidyasagar awakened society.
• ⚔️ Revolt of 1857 was the first united fight for independence.
• 🔥 The fire of nationalism spread across India.
• 🏞️ Newspapers, plays, and songs motivated people.
• 🗣️ Leaders like Tilak demanded self-rule.
• 🇮🇳 The story sets the stage for freedom movement.

❓ Important Questions and Answers

Q1. How did the British come to India and slowly gain control?

The British initially came as traders through the East India Company. Using unfair treaties, wars, and divide-and-rule policies, they defeated Indian rulers like Tipu Sultan and the Marathas, gradually turning traders into rulers.

Q2. What impact did British policies have on Indian farmers and artisans?

Indian artisans lost their livelihood because British goods were promoted while Indian products were banned. Farmers were forced to pay heavy taxes, leading to poverty, famines, and decline of agriculture.

Q3. Describe the social evils present in India during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Indian society was burdened with practices like child marriage, untouchability, the Sati system, and lack of education for women. These evils made society backward and weak.

Q4. What role did reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy play in social awakening?

Raja Ram Mohan Roy fought against the inhuman practice of Sati and promoted women’s education. He spread progressive ideas, helping Indians realise the need for reform and equality.

Q5. Why is the Revolt of 1857 considered the first war of independence?

The revolt united sepoys, peasants, and kings against the British. Though it was suppressed, it was the first major step towards freedom and inspired future generations to fight for independence.

Q6. How did literature, plays, and newspapers help in spreading nationalism?

Patriotic writings, plays, and newspapers exposed British exploitation and encouraged unity. They made people aware of their rights and inspired them to demand freedom.

Q7. Explain the significance of Tilak’s slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it.”

Tilak’s slogan awakened the masses and gave them confidence. It became a rallying cry for the youth and strengthened the demand for complete independence.

Q8. How does this chapter prepare us to understand the Indian freedom struggle?

The chapter traces India’s journey from exploitation to revolt and reform, showing the awakening of unity and patriotism. It sets the foundation for understanding the larger national movement leading to 1947.

📝 Extra Short Question–Answers (30–40 words each)

1. What was the main aim of the East India Company when it entered India?
   The East India Company came to India for trade, mainly in spices, silk, and cotton. Gradually, through wars and alliances, it gained political control and became the dominant power.
2. How did British rule affect Indian handicrafts?
   The British destroyed India’s flourishing handicraft industries by imposing heavy duties on Indian goods while flooding markets with machine-made British products, leading to unemployment and poverty among artisans.
3. What social changes were demanded by reformers?
   Reformers demanded abolition of practices like sati, promotion of women’s education, widow remarriage, equality for all castes, and the spread of modern education and science in society.
4. Who were some famous leaders of the Revolt of 1857?
   Prominent leaders were Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Tatya Tope, Kunwar Singh, and Bahadur Shah Zafar. They inspired Indians with their courage and sacrifice.
5. Why did the Revolt of 1857 fail?
   The revolt lacked unity, organisation, and modern weapons. Indian rulers were divided, and the British had stronger armies. Despite failure, it lit the spark of nationalism.
6. How did the reformers influence the freedom struggle?
   Reformers awakened people socially and culturally, preparing them mentally for freedom. Their emphasis on equality, education, and justice helped in building a strong foundation for nationalism.
7. What role did newspapers play in inspiring Indians?
   Newspapers criticised British policies, spread awareness, and published patriotic writings. They connected people from different regions, creating a sense of unity and shared struggle.
8. How did the chapter show the transition from slavery to awakening?
   The chapter begins with British exploitation and ends with Indians becoming aware of their rights and dignity, preparing for the long struggle of independence.