The NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science History : India and the Contemporary World-II Social Science Chapter 5: “Print Culture and the Modern World” serve as a gateway to explore the evolution of print media across different eras. It’s challenging to imagine a world without printed materials in the future. The evolution of the print industry has significantly shaped the contemporary global landscape. These NCERT Solutions for Class 10 serve as indispensable resources, effectively guiding you through the complete curriculum while facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. By using these solutions, students can establish a strong foundational knowledge, making it easier to comprehend even the most complex concepts.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science History Chapter 5 Print Culture And The Modern World Questions and Answers
Write in brief :
Q1. Give reasons for the following:
a) Woodblock print only came to Europe after 1295.
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 light for Swaraj is a fight for liberty of speech, liberty of the press, and freedom of association.
Answer :
a) In the 11th century, chinese paper reached Europe via Silk route, Paper made possible the production of manuscripts carefully written by scriber and then in 1295, Marco Polo, a great explorer, returned to Italy, alter many years of exploration in China China already had the technology of woodblock printing.
b) Martin Luther was a religious reformer. He wrote Ninety Five Theses, criticising many of the practices and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church. A printed copy of this was posted on a church door in Wittenberg It challenged the Church to debate his ideas. Roman church began keeping an Index of prohibited books. They introduced inquisition, in which heretics, who wrote against any church practices were identified and punished suitably. The Roman Church, troubled by such effects of popular readings and questioning of faith, imposed, severe control over publishers and booksellers and began to maintain an index of prohibited books from 1558.
d) Because Mahatma Gandhi ji believed that these are the powerful modes of expression and cultivation of public opinion.
Q2. Write short notes to show what you know about
a) The Gutenberg Press
b) Erasmus’s idea of the printed book
c) The Vernacular Press Act
Answer :
a) Gutenburg was the son of a merchant and grew up on a large agricultural estate. From his childhood he had seen wine and olive presses. Subsequently he learnt the art of polishing stones, became a master goldsmith and also acquired the expertise to create lead moulds used for making trinkets. Drawing on this knowledge, Gutenberg adapted existing technology to design his innovation. The olive press provided the model for the printing press and
moulds were used for casting the metal types for the letters of the alphabet.
b) Erasmus was a latin scholar and a catholic reformer. He criticised the excesses of catholocism but kept his distance from Luther, expressing a deep anxiety about printing. He felt that few books may give useful information, but majority of books may be stupid, ignorant, slanderous, scandals, irreligious and sedition books which may lead to any kind of rebellion in the public.
c) In 1878, the Vernacular Press Act, was passed modelled in Irish Press Laws. It provided the government with extensive rights to censor reports and editorials in the Vernacular Press. From then onwards, government kept regular track of the Vernacular newspapers published in different provinces.
Q3. What did the spread of print culture in nineteenth century India mean to:
a) Women
b) The poor
c) Reformers
Answer :
a) Lives and feelings of women began to be written in particularly vivid and intense ways and Women’s reading, therefore increased enormously in middle class homes.
b) Public libraries were set up to expand the access to books. These libraries were mostly located in cities and towns, and at times in prosperous villages.
c) Jyotiba Phule, the Maratha pioneer of Low Caste’ protest movement, wrote about the injustices in his Gulamgiri. B.R. Ambedkar in Maharashtra and E.V. Ramaswami Naicker wrote powerfully on caste and their writings were read by people all over India.
Discuss
1. Why did some people in eighteenth century Europe think that print culture would bring enlightenment and end despotism?
Ans: In the eighteenth century, some people in Europe believed that print culture would bring enlightenment and end despotism for several reasons. First, the widespread availability of printed materials, such as books, pamphlets, and newspapers, allowed for the dissemination of knowledge and ideas to a larger audience. This free flow of information was seen as a means to educate and empower individuals, promoting critical thinking and rationality. Second, print culture facilitated the exchange of diverse opinions and perspectives, challenging traditional authorities and promoting the spread of democratic ideals. Finally, by increasing literacy rates and creating a more informed citizenry, print culture was believed to undermine the power of despotic rulers, who relied on ignorance and censorship to maintain control.
2. Why did some people fear the effect of easily available printed books? Choose one example from Europe and one from India.
Ans: In Europe, during the fifteenth century, the Catholic Church expressed fear regarding the effect of easily available printed books. One prominent example is the Church’s reaction to the printing press invented by Johannes Gutenberg. The Church feared that the dissemination of printed books would undermine its authority and control over religious doctrine. They were concerned that individuals would interpret religious texts independently, leading to diverse interpretations and potential challenges to the Church’s teachings.
In India, during the colonial period, the British administration had concerns about the impact of easily available printed books, particularly those written in regional languages. One example is the banning of certain books and publications during the British Raj. The British feared that these publications could spread nationalist sentiments and ideas that could challenge their rule. They saw printed materials as a potential catalyst for anti-colonial movements and sought to restrict access to such literature to maintain their control over India.
3. What were the effects of the spread of print culture for poor people in nineteenth century India?
Ans: The spread of print culture in nineteenth century India had significant effects on poor people. Here are some of the impacts:
1. Access to Information: The availability of printed materials such as newspapers, pamphlets, and books provided poor people with access to information they previously did not have. They could learn about social, political, and economic issues, gaining knowledge and awareness about the world around them.
2. Empowerment and Awareness: Print culture empowered poor people by giving them a platform to voice their concerns and opinions. They could read about social reform movements, political ideologies, and revolutionary ideas, which increased their awareness of their rights and the possibility of social change.
3. Social Reforms: Print culture played a crucial role in spreading social reform movements in India, such as efforts to abolish practices like sati (widow burning), child marriage, and caste discrimination. Poor people were exposed to these reformist ideas through printed materials, which influenced their outlook and participation in social reform movements.
4. Education and Literacy: Print culture contributed to the spread of education and literacy among the poor. Newspapers, magazines, and books provided educational content and encouraged individuals to learn to read and write. This, in turn, enhanced their prospects for social and economic mobility.
5. Communication and Connectivity: Printed materials facilitated communication and connectivity among the poor across different regions of India. They could learn about the experiences and struggles of others, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among diverse communities.
Overall, the spread of print culture empowered poor people in nineteenth century India by expanding their access to information, promoting education and literacy, fostering social reforms, and facilitating communication and connectivity. It played a significant role in their socio-economic upliftment and participation in shaping the nation’s future.
4. Explain how print culture assisted the growth of nationalism in India.
Ans: Print culture played a crucial role in assisting the growth of nationalism in India during the colonial period. Here are some ways in which print culture contributed to the rise of nationalism:
1. Dissemination of Ideas: Print media, including newspapers, books, and pamphlets, became a powerful tool for spreading nationalist ideas. Nationalist leaders and intellectuals used printed materials to articulate their vision for an independent and united India, advocating for freedom, equality, and self-governance. These ideas reached a wide audience and helped create a sense of shared identity and collective aspirations.
2. Creation of Nationalist Literature: Print culture facilitated the production and circulation of nationalist literature. Indian authors and poets expressed nationalist sentiments through their writings, which instilled a sense of pride in Indian culture, heritage, and history. Works such as poems, novels, and essays became influential in shaping the narrative of Indian nationalism.
3. Formation of Public Opinion: Print media enabled the formation of public opinion on political and social issues. Newspapers and journals provided platforms for discussions, debates, and critical analysis of colonial policies, promoting awareness and mobilization among the masses. This exchange of ideas and opinions fostered a sense of unity and collective consciousness among Indians.
4. Mobilization and Activism: Print culture played a crucial role in mobilizing people for nationalist activities and movements. Newspapers served as mouthpieces for nationalist organizations, publishing articles, editorials, and speeches that called for political action, boycotts, protests, and mass movements. Through print media, nationalists could reach a large audience and galvanize public support for their cause.
5. Language and Identity: Print culture helped in the preservation and promotion of regional languages, which played a significant role in shaping regional identities and fostering a sense of belonging among people. Nationalist literature and newspapers were published in various regional languages, connecting diverse linguistic communities and strengthening the bond of nationalism.
Print Culture and The Modern World Extra Questions :
Q1. What were ‘Biliotheque Bleue’?
Answer : In France, Bibliotheque Bleue were low priced small books printed on poor quality paper and bound in cheap blue cover.
Q2. How did printing help thinkers and philosophers?
Answer : The writings of thinkers such as Thomas Paine, Voltaire and Rousseau were also widely printed and read. Thus, their ideas about science, reason and rationality found their way into popular literature,
Q3. Who was Mercier?
Answer : Mercier was a novelist in 18th century France who declared, the printing press is the most powerful engine of progress and public opinion is the force that will sweep despotism away”.
Q4. How did print popularized the ideas of enlightened thinkers in France?
Answer: Print popularised the ideas of enlightened thinkers. They attacked the sacred authority of the Church and the despotic powers of the state, thus reading the legitimacy of a social order based on tradition
Q5. What did cartoons and caricatures suggest ?
Answer: Cartoons and caricatures typically suggested that the monarchy remained absorbed only in sensual pleasures while the common people suffered immense hardships.
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