NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History: Chapter 3 – Ruling the Countryside

Ruling the Countryside – Class 8 NCERT Solution is all about how the East India Company (EIC) took over the governance of Bengal. The chapter looks at the dynamics of rural governance historically and how leaders have governed and controlled these areas over time. These NCERT Solutions are prepared by our Top Social Science Experts to take care of all Important Topics that might be asked in the upcoming examination 2024-2025. So, Students can refer to these solutions for their final Examination preparation.

This Class 8 Social Science Chapter 3 Ruling the Countryside NCERT Solutions are carefully developed using easy-to-understand language while adhering to the guidelines for solving NCERT Solutions for Class 8. Working through these solutions can be highly beneficial for students in their board exams, as well as in preparing for future competitive Exams.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History: Chapter 3 – Ruling the Countryside

NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science Chapter 3 – Ruling the Countryside

Exercises Pages No 37-38

Q1. Match the following:

Ryot	Village
Mahal	Peasant
Nij	Cultivation on ryot’s lands
Ryoti	Cultivation on planter’s own land

Answer:

Ryot	Peasant
Mahal	Village
Nij	Cultivation on planter’s own land
Ryoti	Cultivation on ryot’s land

Q2. Fill in the blanks:

(a) Growers of woad in Europe saw __________ as a crop which would provide competition to their earnings.

(b) The demand for indigo increased in late eighteenth-century Britain because of __________.

(c) The international demand for indigo was affected by the discovery of __________.

(d) The Champaran movement was against __________.

Answer:

(a) Growers of woad in Europe saw indigo as a crop which would provide competition to their earnings.

(b) The demand for indigo increased in late eighteenth-century Britain because of the expansion of cotton production.

(c) The international demand for indigo was affected by the discovery of synthetic dyes.

(d) The Champaran movement was against indigo planters.

Q3. Describe the main features of the Permanent Settlement.

Answer:

The Permanent Settlement, also known as the Zamindari System, was a land revenue system introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in British India, primarily in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. Under this system, land revenue was fixed permanently at a set amount, and landlords called zamindars were granted hereditary rights to collect revenue from peasants. The zamindars were responsible for paying the fixed revenue to the British government and were granted permanent ownership rights over the land. This system led to the exploitation of peasants, as zamindars often imposed high rents and taxes, contributing to agrarian distress and social unrest.

The main features of the Permanent Settlement include:

• Fixation of land revenue, set at a permanent amount.
• Appointment of zamindars as intermediaries to collect revenue.
• Granting zamindars permanent ownership rights over land.
• Shift of revenue collection responsibility to zamindars.
• Negative impact on peasants, leading to high taxes and rents.
• Stagnation of agricultural development due to the fixed revenue demand.

Q4. How was the Mahalwari System different from the Permanent Settlement?

Answer:

The Mahalwari System and the Permanent Settlement were two unique land revenue systems introduced by the British in colonial India. Here’s how they differed:

Aspect	Permanent Settlement	Mahalwari System
Revenue Collection	Revenue collected by individual landlords (zamindars) directly from peasants.	Revenue collected collectively from all landholders within a mahal (village or estate).
Ownership Rights	Zamindars granted hereditary ownership rights over land.	Individual landholders retained ownership rights over their land.
Revenue Assessment	Fixed revenue amount, unchanged over time.	Revenue assessment based on productivity of land, fluctuating according to changes in agricultural output and land value.
Social Impact	Power of zamindars, leading to exploitation of peasants.	Promoted collective responsibility for revenue payment, encouraging community ownership and cooperation.

Q5. Give two problems which arose with the new Munro system of fixing revenue.

Answer:

The Munro system of fixing revenue, also known as the Ryotwari system, faced several challenges:

• Assessment Issues: One problem was the difficulty in accurately assessing land productivity and determining fair revenue rates. In some cases, the assessment led to overestimation or underestimation of land value, resulting in either excessive burden on peasants or insufficient revenue collection for the government.
• Impact on Peasants: Another problem was the heavy burden placed on peasants, who were required to pay revenue directly to the government. This often led to exploitation by revenue collectors or local officials, who used coercive tactics to extract revenue, resulting in agrarian distress and widespread peasant discontent.

Q6. Why were ryots reluctant to grow indigo?

Answer:

Ryots, or peasant farmers, were often reluctant to grow indigo for several reasons:

• Growing indigo was imposed on ryots by European planters under oppressive terms. They were often forced to grow indigo on their land instead of crops for their own sustenance, leading to reduced income and economic hardships.
• Indigo cultivation was labor-intensive and yielded low returns for ryots compared to other cash crops. The prices offered for indigo by the planters were often meager, making it economically unattractive for the ryots.
• Indigo cultivation depleted the fertility of the soil over time, making it unsuitable for growing other crops afterward. Ryots were concerned about the long-term impact of indigo cultivation on their land and livelihoods.
• European planters employed coercive practices and oppressive regulations to enforce indigo cultivation, including threats, fines, and seizure of property. This created fear and resentment among ryots, further disincentivizing them from growing indigo.
• Many ryots had traditional occupations and livelihoods that were more sustainable and profitable than indigo cultivation. They preferred to engage in activities such as agriculture, handicrafts, or trade that provided more stable incomes and livelihood security.

Q7. What were the circumstances which led to the eventual collapse of indigo production in Bengal?

Answer:

The collapse of indigo production in Bengal was caused by:

• Peasant Resistance: Ryots revolted against oppressive methods by planters.
• Public Outcry: Atrocities caused outrage among British officials and humanitarian organizations.
• Government Intervention: Inquiries revealed abuse, leading to legislative reforms.
• Legislative Reforms: Laws protected ryots and regulated indigo cultivation.
• Shift in Agriculture: Alternatives like jute and tea became more profitable, leading to the abandonment of indigo cultivation.

Q8. Find out more about the Champaran movement and Mahatma Gandhi’s role in it.

Answer:

The Champaran movement, held in 1917 in the Champaran district of Bihar, was an important moment in India’s struggle for independence. Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in the movement was instrumental. Invited by Rajkumar Shukla, a local peasant, Gandhi visited Champaran to address the grievances of indigo farmers who were subjected to exploitative practices by British planters. Upon arrival, Gandhi launched an investigation into the plight of the farmers, organizing meetings, conducting inquiries, and mobilizing support among the local population. He advocated for the farmers’ rights using the principles of Satyagraha (truth force) and nonviolent resistance. Despite facing opposition and threats of arrest from British authorities, Gandhi remained committed to peaceful protest.

Through negotiations with British officials, Gandhi secured major concessions for the farmers, including reductions in rent, abolition of illegal taxes, and improvements in working conditions. The success of the Champaran movement not only reduced the suffering of the indigo farmers but also established Gandhi as a prominent leader of the Indian freedom struggle.

Q9. Look into the history of either tea or coffee plantations in India. See how the life of workers in these plantations was similar to or different from that of workers in indigo plantations.

Answer:

Similarities

1. Colonial Exploitation: Like indigo plantations, tea and coffee plantations were established during the colonial era, mainly by British planters who exploited local labor for commercial gain.
2. Forced Labor: Workers on tea and coffee plantations often faced harsh working conditions, including long hours, low wages, and little to no access to basic amenities.
3. Social Hierarchy: A hierarchical system existed on tea and coffee plantations, with European planters occupying the highest positions of authority and control, while local workers, often from marginalized communities, occupied the lowest rungs.

Differences

1. Crop Cultivation: Unlike indigo, which required specific agricultural practices and was often grown as a cash crop, tea and coffee cultivation demanded different agricultural techniques and had unique market demands.
2. Labor Practices: While all plantations relied on cheap labor, the nature of labor practices differed. For example, indentured labor contracts were common in indigo plantations, whereas wage labor or indentured servitude existed on tea and coffee plantations.
3. Living Conditions: Housing and living conditions varied across different plantations. While indigo workers typically lived in cramped, squalid conditions in barrack-like structures, living conditions on tea and coffee estates could vary from rudimentary to relatively better, depending on the plantation’s management.

FAQs on NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science Chapter 3 – Ruling the Countryside

What is the focus of Chapter 3 in Class 8 Social Science?

The chapter focuses on British policies and administration in rural India during colonial rule.

Which key events are covered in this chapter?

The chapter covers the introduction of revenue settlements, land revenue systems, and the impact of British policies on Indian peasants.

How did British policies affect Indian peasants?

British policies often exploited Indian peasants, leading to economic hardships, agrarian distress, and social unrest.

What were the main revenue systems introduced by the British?

The British introduced revenue systems such as the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari System, and Mahalwari System to collect land revenue from Indian peasants.

What were the consequences of British land revenue policies?

British land revenue policies led to the impoverishment of Indian peasants, loss of land rights, and the decline of traditional agricultural practices.