Previous Year Questions 2025
Q1: Read the following characteristics of ‘Jikji’ of Korea carefully and choose the correct option: (1 Mark)
I. It is one of the oldest existing printed books in the world.
II. It contains the main beliefs of Christianity.
III. Its second volume is available in the National Library of France.
IV. It was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2001.
(a) Only I, II, and III are correct.
(b) Only II, III, and IV are correct.
(c) Only I, III, and IV are correct.
(d) Only I, II, and IV are correct.
Ans: (c) Only I, III, and IV are correct.
- Jikji of Korea is among the world’s oldest existing books printed with movable metal type (I – correct).
- It contains the essential features of Zen Buddhism, not Christianity (II – incorrect).
- Its second volume is available in the National Library of France (III – correct).
- It was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2001 (IV – correct).
Q2: Read the given source and answer the questions that follow: (4 marks)
Print Culture and the French Revolution
Many historians have argued that print culture created the conditions within which French Revolution occurred. Some arguments have been usually put forward in this context.
First: print popularised the ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers. Collectively, their writings provided a critical commentary on tradition, superstition and despotism. They argued for the rule of reason rather than custom, and demanded that everything be judged through the application of reason and rationality. They attacked the sacred authority of the Church and the despotic power of the state, thus eroding the legitimacy of a social order based on tradition. The writings of Voltaire and Rousseau were read widely; and those who read these books saw the world through new eyes, eyes that were questioning, critical and rational.
Second: print created a new culture of dialogue and debate. All values, norms and institutions were re-evaluated and discussed by a public that had become aware of the power of reason, and recognised the need to question existing ideas and beliefs. Within this public culture, new ideas of social revolution came into being.
(i) What impact did the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers have on society? (1 Mark)
Ans: Their writings provided a critical commentary on tradition, superstition and despotism, encouraging people to use reason and rationality instead of custom, and to question the authority of the Church and the state.
(ii) How did print culture affect religion in France? (1 Mark)
Ans: Print attacked the sacred authority of the Church, eroding its legitimacy and weakening the social order based on religious tradition.
(iii) How did print culture contribute to the social revolution in France? (2 Marks)
Ans: Print created a culture of dialogue and debate where people re-evaluated all norms, values and institutions. This public culture made people aware of the power of reason and questioning, which gave rise to new ideas of social revolution and helped prepare the ground for the French Revolution.
Q3: “Not everyone welcomed the printed book.” Explain the statement with examples from sixteenth century Europe. (5 Marks)
Ans: Not everyone in sixteenth-century Europe welcomed the printed book. While many saw it as a means of spreading knowledge, others feared its consequences.
- Apprehension of authorities and elites: Religious leaders, monarchs, writers and artists worried that uncontrolled printing would spread rebellious and irreligious ideas, weakening the authority of valuable literature.
- Fear of spreading dissent: In 1517, Martin Luther’s Ninety Five Theses against the practices of the Roman Catholic Church spread rapidly due to print, leading to the Protestant Reformation. The Church feared further divisions and loss of control.
- The case of Menocchio: A miller in Italy, Menocchio, used printed books to reinterpret the Bible and form his own views of God and Creation. The Church saw this as dangerous and eventually executed him for heresy.
- Strict controls by the Roman Church: To repress heretical ideas, the Church maintained an Index of Prohibited Books from 1558, restricting what people could read.
- Scholars’ anxieties: Erasmus, a Catholic reformer, warned that the glut of printed books included many “ignorant, scandalous, irreligious and seditious” writings, which could harm true scholarship.
Thus, the arrival of print provoked deep anxieties, as people feared it could spread dissenting, heretical and subversive ideas, undermining existing authorities and traditions.
Q4: “By the seventeenth century, the flourishing of urban culture in China also led to diversity in the use of printing.” Explain the statement with examples. (5 Marks)
Ans: By the seventeenth century, China’s urban culture flourished and this led to greater diversity in the use of printing:
- Beyond scholars and officials: Earlier, print was mainly used by scholar-officials for civil service examinations. But with urban growth, its use spread widely.
- Merchants and trade: Merchants began using printed material for collecting trade information in their everyday business.
- Leisure reading: Reading turned into a popular leisure activity. People read fictional narratives, poetry, autobiographies, anthologies of literary works, and romantic plays.
- Women as readers and writers: Rich women started reading, and many published their own poetry and plays. Wives of scholar-officials and even courtesans wrote about their lives.
- Technological advancement: This cultural change was accompanied by new printing technology — in the late nineteenth century, Western mechanical presses were imported, and Shanghai became the hub of new print culture.
Thus, urbanisation in China gave rise to a vibrant print culture, where printing served trade, entertainment, personal expression, and women’s voices, beyond its earlier official role.
Q5: Explain the measures taken by the colonial government to censor the press in India and analyse their effects on the nationalist movement. (5 Marks)
Ans: The colonial government in India imposed strict censorship on the press, especially when it criticised British rule.
- Early phase: Before 1798, censorship was directed at Englishmen in India who attacked the Company’s misrule. By the 1820s, laws were passed to restrict press freedom, though Macaulay’s rules of 1835 briefly restored it.
- After 1857: The government grew harsher. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 gave officials power to warn newspapers, seize presses, and confiscate printing machinery if reports were judged “seditious.”
- 20th century controls: During World War I and II, under the Defence of India Acts, many newspapers were forced to shut down and reports on nationalist movements like Quit India (1942) were heavily censored.
Effects:
Despite restrictions, nationalist newspapers expanded, reported colonial misrule, and mobilised opinion. Repressive laws provoked stronger protests, such as Tilak’s imprisonment in 1908, and Gandhi in 1922 declared that the fight for Swaraj was also a fight for liberty of speech, press and association.
Thus, censorship could not silence nationalism; instead, it strengthened the struggle for freedom.
Q6: “How did easy access to books develop a new culture of reading during the 18th century?” Analyse. (5 Marks)
Ans: During the eighteenth century, easy access to books created a new culture of reading:
- Cheaper books: With printing, the cost of books reduced. Multiple copies could be produced quickly, making them available to larger sections of society.
- Shift from oral to reading culture: Earlier, knowledge was shared orally through recitations, ballads and performances. Now, books reached common people and a reading public emerged alongside the older hearing public.
- Blurring oral and print traditions: Since literacy rates were still low, printers produced ballads, folk tales and illustrated books that could be read aloud in villages and taverns. Thus, oral culture entered print, and both traditions overlapped.
- Wider audiences: Pedlars carried books to villages, and gatherings where books were read aloud helped even the illiterate enjoy printed material.
- Resulting change: Reading became a collective as well as individual activity. It created curiosity, dialogue, and wider participation in cultural life.
Hence, the easy availability of books transformed people’s relationship with knowledge, giving rise to a vibrant new reading culture in eighteenth-century Europe.
Q7: Analyse the contribution of Johann Gutenberg in the development of the printing press. (5 Marks)
Ans: Johann Gutenberg made a revolutionary contribution to the development of the printing press in the 1430s at Strasbourg, Germany.
- Background and skills: He was the son of a merchant and grew up on an agricultural estate. He had seen wine and olive presses, learnt polishing stones, became a master goldsmith, and could make lead moulds.
- Innovation: Drawing on these experiences, he designed the first printing press. The olive press inspired the press mechanism, and moulds were used to cast metal types for letters.
- Moveable type machine: Gutenberg developed metal types for each of the 26 Roman alphabet characters. These could be rearranged to compose words, making printing flexible and efficient.
- First printed book: By 1448, he perfected the system. His first major printed work was the Bible (about 180 copies), which took only three years to produce — fast by the standards of that time.
- Impact: His press could print 250 sheets per hour. Between 1450 and 1550, printing presses spread across Europe, producing millions of books. This marked the beginning of the print revolution.
Thus, Gutenberg’s innovations in adapting existing technology and inventing moveable type laid the foundation of modern printing.
Q8: Analyse the development journey of print culture in India. (5 Marks)
Ans: The development of print culture in India passed through several stages:
- Manuscripts before print: India had a rich tradition of handwritten manuscripts in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and vernacular languages, written on palm leaves or handmade paper. These were expensive, fragile, and not easy to use.
- Arrival of print: The first printing press came with Portuguese missionaries to Goa in the mid-sixteenth century. They printed in Konkani, Kanara, Tamil and Malayalam. By 1710, Dutch missionaries had also printed many Tamil texts.
- English press: From 1780, James Augustus Hickey started the Bengal Gazette, the first English weekly. It published advertisements and gossip about Company officials but faced persecution by Governor-General Hastings.
- Indian language press: Soon, Indian newspapers appeared. Gangadhar Bhattacharya brought out an Indian Bengal Gazette. By the early nineteenth century, newspapers in Persian, Gujarati and other languages were also published.
- 19th century onwards: Print expanded rapidly, used in religious reform debates, nationalist struggles, and social reforms. Cheap lithographic presses printed religious texts, newspapers, novels, tracts, cartoons and calendars, reaching wider audiences.
Thus, print culture in India grew from fragile manuscripts to a vibrant, diverse print world that shaped public opinion, reform, and nationalism.
Q9: How did the British East India Company use Print Culture to promote its interests in India? Choose the correct option from the following: (1 Mark)
(a) By censoring the Indian newspapers,
(b) By funding the regional language newspapers,
(c) By encouraging the development of independent Press,
(d) By using print media to spread eastern culture
Ans: (a) By censoring the Indian newspapers
The East India Company encouraged only officially sanctioned newspapers that praised British rule and imposed press regulations to control criticism. Later, strict censorship laws like the Vernacular Press Act (1878) were used to suppress Indian newspapers that opposed colonial policies.
Q10: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow: (4 marks)
New Forms of Publication
By the end of the nineteenth century, a new visual culture was taking shape. With the setting up of an increasing number of printing presses, visual images could be easily reproduced in multiple copies. Painters like Raja Ravi Varma produced images for mass circulation. Poor wood engravers who made woodblocks set up shop near the letterpresses, and were employed by print shops. Cheap prints and calendars, easily available in the bazaar, could be bought even by the poor to decorate the walls of their homes or places of work. These prints began shaping popular ideas about modernity and tradition, religion and politics, and society and culture. By the 1870s, caricatures and cartoons were being published in journals and newspapers, commenting on social and political issues. Some caricatures ridiculed the educated Indians’ fascination with Western tastes and clothes, while others expressed the fear of social change. There were imperial caricatures lampooning nationalists, as well as nationalist cartoons criticising imperial rule.
(i) How did the development of printing technology impact visual culture? (1 Mark)
Ans: Printing technology allowed easy reproduction of visual images in multiple copies, making art and illustrations widely accessible.
(ii) How did Raja Ravi Varma contribute to the mass circulation of art in India? (1 Mark)
Ans: He produced mythological paintings which were printed at the Ravi Varma Press and circulated widely as cheap prints and calendars, reaching even the poor.
(iii) How did visual culture shape the memory of the 19th century social landscape? Explain. (2 Mark)
Ans: Cheap prints, calendars, caricatures, and cartoons influenced people’s ideas about modernity, tradition, religion, politics, and culture. They commented on social issues, ridiculed Westernised tastes, expressed fears of social change, and even criticised imperial rule. This visual culture reflected and shaped the 19th-century social and political landscape.
Q11: Identify the appropriate reason for the slow growth of the English Language Press during the 18th century from the following options: (1 Mark)
(a) Restriction of British government on the regional press,
(b) English Press worked on commercial perspectives,
(c) Increase in the demand for the regional press in the market,
(d) Reason and rationality were not prominent in press
Ans: (b) English Press worked on commercial perspectives.
Although the East India Company imported presses in the late seventeenth century, the English language press did not grow rapidly in the eighteenth century because it focused mainly on commercial purposes and remained limited, while regional and missionary presses were more active.
Q12: Read the given source and answer the questions that follow: (4 Marks)
Pages of Gutenberg’s Bible, the first printed book in Europe.
Gutenberg printed about 180 copies, of which no more than 50 have survived.
Look at these pages of Gutenberg’s Bible carefully. They were not just products of new technology. The text was printed in the new Gutenberg press with metal type, but the borders were carefully designed, painted and illuminated by hand by artists. No two copies were the same. Every page of each copy was different. Even when two copies look similar, a careful comparison will reveal differences. Elites everywhere preferred this lack of uniformity: what they possessed then could be claimed as unique, for no one else owned a copy that was exactly the same.
In the text you will notice the use of colour within the letters in various places. This had two functions: it added colour to the page, and highlighted all the holy words to emphasise their significance. But the colour on every page of the text was added by hand. Gutenberg printed the text in black, leaving spaces where the colour could be filled in later.
(i) Mention the contribution of Gutenberg in the field of printing. (1 Mark)
Ans: Gutenberg developed the first moveable type printing press in the 1430s and printed the Bible, marking the beginning of the print revolution in Europe.
(ii) How were the books borders painted and illuminated? (1 Mark)
Ans: Though the text was printed with metal type, the borders were designed, painted, and illuminated by hand by artists
(iii) Describe any two benefits of colouring in the letters. (2 Marks)
Ans:
- It added beauty and colour to the page, making the book visually attractive.
- It highlighted holy words, emphasising their religious importance.
Thus, Gutenberg’s Bible combined new printing technology with traditional artistic decoration, making each copy unique.
Q13: Match the Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option from the following: (1 Mark)
(a) a-i, b-ii, c-iii, d-iv,
(b) a-ii, b-iii, c-iv, d-i,
(c) a-ii, b-iv, c-i, d-iii,
(d) a-iv, b-i, c-ii, d-iii
Ans: (c) a-ii, b-iv, c-i, d-iii
- Bengal Gazette (a) – James Hickey (ii): First English newspaper in India (1780), published by Hickey.
- Kesari (b) – Bal Gangadhar Tilak (iv): Marathi newspaper advocating nationalism.
- Ramcharitmanas (c) – Tulsidas (i): 16th-century epic poem, not a print publication but listed here.
- Samvad Kaumudi (d) – Ram Mohan Roy (iii): Bengali newspaper promoting social reforms.
Q14: Analyze the significant changes in printing technology during 19th century in the world. (5 Marks)
Ans: The nineteenth century witnessed major innovations in printing technology that transformed the speed and scale of production:
- Metal presses: By the late eighteenth century, presses began to be made of metal, improving durability and efficiency compared to wooden ones.
- Power-driven cylindrical press: Richard M. Hoe of New York perfected this press by the mid-nineteenth century. It could print about 8,000 sheets per hour, making it especially useful for newspapers.
- Offset press: Developed in the late nineteenth century, it could print in multiple colours (up to six at a time), enhancing visual quality.
- Electrically operated presses: From the early twentieth century, electrically driven machines further accelerated printing operations, replacing manual labour.
- Other improvements: Automatic paper reels, better quality plates, and photoelectric controls of colour register increased accuracy and speed.
These changes made books, newspapers, and periodicals cheaper, faster to produce, and widely available, thereby deepening mass literacy and expanding reading audiences globally.
Q15: How did printing technology affect the lives of Indian women? Analyse. (5 Marks)
Ans: Printing technology had a deep impact on the lives of Indian women in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries:
- Access to education: Liberal families began educating women at home, and journals published reading material and syllabi for women’s schooling.
- Autobiographies and writings: Women themselves started writing. For example, Rashsundari Debi wrote Amar Jiban (1876), the first full-length autobiography in Bengali, while writers like Kailashbashini Debi, Tarabai Shinde, and Pandita Ramabai highlighted women’s hardships and social injustices.
- Journals and magazines: Many journals carried writings by women and discussed issues such as education, widowhood, and remarriage. In the early twentieth century, women edited their own journals, making their voices more visible.
- Conservative resistance: Some orthodox families opposed women’s literacy, fearing it would corrupt them or bring misfortune. Yet, many women defied restrictions and learnt secretly, showing the empowering effect of print.
- Cultural influence: Through novels, tracts, and periodicals, women’s experiences, emotions, and social concerns entered public debate, shaping the discourse on reform and gender roles.
Thus, print culture opened new avenues for women’s education, expression, and participation in social reform, despite opposition from conservative sections of society.
Q16: Explain the features of manuscripts found in India before the advent of printing culture. (5 Marks)
Ans: Before the advent of printing, India had a long tradition of producing manuscripts with distinctive features:
- Languages: Manuscripts were written in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and various regional vernaculars.
- Materials used: They were copied on palm leaves or handmade paper, often pressed between wooden covers or sewn together for preservation.
- Illustrations and calligraphy: Many manuscripts were beautifully illustrated and decorated with fine calligraphy and artistic designs.
- Expensive and fragile: Manuscripts were highly costly, delicate, and had to be handled with care. They were not easily accessible to ordinary people.
- Limited use in education: Since scripts differed in styles and were hard to read, manuscripts were not widely used in everyday teaching. In Bengal, for example, teachers often dictated from memory while students wrote, meaning many became literate without reading printed texts.
Thus, manuscripts preserved India’s rich literary and cultural heritage, but their fragility, cost, and limited accessibility created barriers that print later helped to overcome.
Q17: How did the advent of print culture affect the poor people in India? Explain. (5 marks)
Ans: The advent of print culture had a significant effect on the poor people in India in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries:
- Access to cheap books: Very small, inexpensive books were sold at crossroads and in markets, especially in towns like Madras. This allowed even poor travellers and villagers to buy reading material.
- Public libraries: From the early twentieth century, public libraries were set up in towns and prosperous villages. For poor people, these libraries provided free access to books and knowledge.
- Social protest: Print gave voice to movements against caste discrimination. Writers like Jyotiba Phule (Gulamgiri, 1871), B.R. Ambedkar, and E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) used print to highlight injustices, and their writings were widely read by poor and marginalised groups.
- Workers’ expression: Some factory workers began to write about their own struggles. For example, Kashibaba, a Kanpur millworker, wrote Chhote Aur Bade Ka Sawal (1938), linking caste and class exploitation. Others like Sudarshan Chakr composed poems later collected as Sacchi Kavitayan.
- Self-improvement and literacy: Workers and reformers set up libraries (e.g., in Bombay and Bangalore) to spread literacy, discourage drinking, and promote nationalism among the poor.
Thus, print culture gave the poor access to knowledge, tools for social protest, and opportunities for self-expression, helping them participate in debates about justice and reform.
Previous Year Questions 2024
Q1: Who among the following published ‘Samvad Kaumudi’? (1 Mark) (CBSE 2024)
(a) Rashsundari Debi
(b) Tarabai Shinde
(c) Raja Rammohan Roy
(d) Ram Chaddha
Ans: (c)
‘Samvad Kaumudi’ was published by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Ram Mohan Roy started publishing the Bengali weekly newspaper Samvad Kaumudi in Kolkata around the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Q2: Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow: (4 & 5 marks )(CBSE 2024)
WHY NEWSPAPERS?
‘Krishnaji Trimbuck Ranade, inhabitant of Poona, intends to publish a News Paper in the Marathi Language with a view of affording useful information on every topic of local interest. It will be open for free discussion on subjects of general utility, scientific investigation and the speculations connected with the antiquities, statistics, curiosities, history and geography of the country and of the Deccan especially… the patronage and support of all interested in the diffusion of knowledge and Welfare of the People is earnestly solicited.’ Bombay Telegraph and Courier, 6 January, 1849
“The task of the native newspapers and political associations is identical to the role of the Opposition in the House of Commons in Parliament in England. That is of critically examining government policy to suggest improvements, by removing those parts that will not be to the benefit of the people, and also by ensuring speedy implementation.
These associations ought to carefully study the particular issues, gather diverse relevant information on the nation as well as on what are the possible and desirable improvements, and this will surely earn it considerable influence.
Native Opinion, 3 April, 1870
(i) Analyse the primary objective proposed by Ranade for publishing Marathi Language newspaper.
Ans: In order to educate the people, Krishnaji intended to publish important information regarding developments in society in the fields of science, politics, and other subjects.
(ii) Why did the Bombay Telegraph emphasize the role of newspaper in promoting welfare of Deccan region?
Ans: The deccan region is geographically separated from Bombay by western ghats so, Bombay telegraph could have acted as a bridge, informing the people of the deccan about relevant developments and bring attention to the specific problems faced by deccan people.
(iii) What were the key responsibilies attributed to native newspapers? Mention any two.
Ans: The following were the key responsibilities attributed to newspapers during 19th-century:
(1) Newspapers were instrumental in shaping public opinion and creating a sense of shared identity which was important during the rise of the Indian national movement.
(2) Newspapers often serves as a watcher on the british colonial government, criticise policies, exxposed corruptions and highlight injustice faced by Indians.
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Previous Year Questions 2023
Q3: “The shift from hand printing to mechanical printing led to the print revolution in Europe.” Explain the statement with examples. (3 Marks) (2023)
Ans: The shift from hand printing to mechanical printing brought about the print revolution in Europe. This revolution was characterized by the following:
- With the invention of the printing press, books started to be printed on a large scale, reaching wider sections of people. This led to the emergence of a new reading public.
- The printing press enabled the production of books in larger numbers and at a faster pace, making them more accessible and affordable.
- Publishers began printing popular ballads and folk tales, accompanied by beautiful pictures and illustrations, further attracting readers.
- The spread of new ideas and knowledge became easier with the print revolution. For example, Martin Luther’s translation of the New Testament sold thousands of copies within a short period, contributing to the spread of the Protestant Reformation.
Q4: Who was Menocchio? (1 Mark) (2023)
Ans: Menocchio was an Italian miller and self-educated philosopher who was put on trial by the Inquisition for his unorthodox beliefs and interpretations of religious texts.
Q5: Which one of the following aspects was common between the writings of B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker? (1 Mark) (2023)
(a) Wrote on the caste system in India
(b) Highlighted the experiences of woman
(c) Raised awareness about cultural heritage
(d) Motivated Indians for their national freedom
Ans: (a)
Both B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (also known as Periyar) focused on the issues related to the caste system in India. They criticized the discrimination faced by lower castes and worked towards social justice and equality for all.
Q6: Which one of the following aspects was common among the writings of Kailashbashini Debi, Tarabai Shinde and Pandita Ramabai? (1 Mark) (2023)
(a) Demanded economic equality for masses
(b) Highlighted the experiences of women
(c) Raised awareness about cultural heritage
(d) Motivated Indians for their national freedom
Ans: (b)
Kailashbashini Debi, Tarabai Shinde, and Pandita Ramabai all wrote about the struggles and experiences of women in society. They focused on issues like women’s rights, education, and social reform, advocating for better treatment and opportunities for women in India.
Previous Year Questions 2020
Q7: Fill in the blank. Buddhist missionaries from China introduced hand printing technology into ______ around A.D. 768-770. (2020)
Ans: Japan
Buddhist missionaries from China brought hand printing technology to Japan around A.D. 768-770. This technology allowed for the production of printed texts, which helped spread Buddhist teachings and literature throughout Japan.
Ancient printing techniques
Q8: ‘Vellum’ is
(a) Printing on palm leaves
(b) Printing on paper
(c) A parchment made from the skin of animals
(d) Printing on cloth.
Ans: (c)
‘Vellum’ is a high-quality writing material made from the prepared skin of animals, usually calves or goats. It was commonly used in the past for important documents, manuscripts, and books because of its durability and smooth surface for writing.
Q9: Who invented the Printing Press? (CBSE 2020)
Ans: Johannes Gutenberg is credited with inventing the Printing Press.
Q10: Who brought the knowledge of the woodblock printing technique to Italy during the 13th century? (2020)
Ans: Marco Polo is believed to have brought the knowledge of woodblock printing technique to Italy during the 13th century.
Q11: By 1448, Gutenberg perfected the system of printing. The first book he printed was the ______. (2020)
Ans: The first book printed by Gutenberg was the Bible.
Q12: Wooden or Metal frames in which types are laid and the text composed for printing was known as? (2020)
Ans: The frames in which types are laid and the text composed for printing are known as printing plates or printing blocks.
Q13: Name the first book printed by Gutenberg Press. (2020)
Ans: The first book printed by Gutenberg Press was the Gutenberg Bible or the 42-line Bible.
Q14: Who were called ‘Chapmen? (2020)
(a) Bookseller
(b) Paper seller
(c) Workers of the printing press
(d) Seller of penny chapbooks
Ans: (d)
‘Chapmen’ were itinerant traders or peddlers who sold cheap books known as chapbooks, often for just a penny. These chapbooks included stories, poems, and other entertaining content, making literature accessible to a wider audience in earlier times.
Q15: Which one of the following was NOT the reason for the popularity of scientific ideas among the common people in eighteenth century Europe? (2020)
(a) Printing of ideas of Isaac Newton
(b) Development of printing press
(c) Interest of people in science and reason
(d) Traditional aristocratic groups supported it
Ans: (d)
In the eighteenth century, traditional aristocratic groups often resisted scientific ideas because they threatened their authority and long-standing beliefs. Instead, the popularity of scientific ideas among common people was mainly driven by the printing press, the works of thinkers like Isaac Newton, and a growing interest in science and reason.
Q16: Why was reading of manuscript not easy in India ? Choose the appropriate reason from the following options: (CBSE 2020, 15)
(a) Manuscripts were highly cheap
(b) Manuscripts were widely spread out
(c) Manuscripts were written in English and Hindi
(d) Manuscripts were fragile.
Ans: (d)
Manuscripts in India were often made from materials like palm leaves or handmade paper, which made them delicate and prone to damage. This fragility made it difficult to read and handle them frequently, limiting access for many people.
Q17: Select the correct pair from the following Column A and Column B. (2020)
(a) a
(b) b
(c) c
(d) d
Ans: (b)
Sol: Raja Ram Mohan Ray – Sambad Kaumudi
- The Sambad Kaumudi was a significant publication.
- It was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1821.
- This newspaper played a crucial role in the reform movements of the time.
Q18: Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:
From the early nineteenth century, there were intense debates around religious issues. Different groups confronted the changes happening within colonial society in different ways, and offered a variety of new interpretations of the beliefs of different religions. Some criticised existing practices and campaigned for reform, while others countered the arguments of reformers. These debates were carried out in public and in print. Printed tracts and newspapers not only spread the new ideas, but they shaped the nature of the debate. A wider public could bow participate in these public discussions and express their views. New ideas emerged through these clashes of opinions. This was a time of intense controversies between social and religious reformers and the Hindu orthodoxy over matters like widow immolation, monotheism, Brahmanical priesthood and idolatry. In Bengal, as the debate developed, tracts and newspapers proliferated, circulating a variety; of arguments. To reach a wider audience, the ideas were printed in the everyday, spoken language of ordinary people. (2020)
(i) Analyse any one issue of intense debate around religious issues. (1 mark)
(ii) Examine the role of print media in these debates. (2 marks)
Ans: (i) Issue of intense debate around religious issues – widow immolation.
(ii) Role of print media:
(a) Print spread the new ideas as well as shaped these ideas.
(b) It increased public participation in public discussions.
(c) Public discussions and expression of views
(d) Argumentative ideas were circulated
Q19: Read the sources given below and answer the questions that follows: (2020)
Source – (i): Religious Reform and Public Debates
There were intense controversies between social and religious reformers and the Hindu orthodoxy over matters like widow immolation, monotheism, brahmanical priesthood and idolatry. In Bengal, as the debate developed, tracts and newspapers proliferated, circulating a variety of argument.
Source – (ii): New Forms of Publication
New literary forms also entered the world of reading lyrics, short stories, essays about social and political matters. In different ways, they reinforced the new emphasis on human lives and intimate feelings, about the political and social rules that shaped such things.
Source – (iii): Women and Print
Since social reforms and novels had already created a great interest in women’s lives and emotions, there was also an interest in what women would have to say about their own lives.
Ans:
Source – (i): Religious Reform and Public Debates
(i) Evaluate how did the print shape the nature of the debate in the early nineteenth century in India.
Ans: Print played a significant role in shaping the nature of debate in early 19th century India. Here are some points to consider:
- The print culture facilitated intense controversies between social and religious reformers and the Hindu orthodoxy on various issues like widow immolation, monotheism, brahmanical priesthood, and idolatry.
- Tracts and newspapers proliferated, circulating a variety of arguments and allowing for a wider dissemination of ideas.
- The print medium provided a platform for individuals and groups to express their opinions and challenge established authorities.
- The emergence of new literary forms, such as lyrics, short stories, and essays about social and political matters, reinforced the new emphasis on human lives, intimate feelings, and the rules that shaped them.
- The print culture also reflected a great interest in women’s lives and emotions, giving them a voice to express their own experiences and perspectives.
Source – (ii): New Forms of Publication
(ii) To what extent do you agree that print opened up new worlds of experience and gave a vivid sense of diversity of human lives?
Ans: Print indeed opened up new worlds of experience and provided a vivid sense of diversity of human lives. Here’s why:
- The print revolution enabled the wide circulation of ideas and knowledge, allowing people to gain exposure to different perspectives and experiences.
- Through printed literature, individuals were exposed to various cultures, societies, and historical events, expanding their understanding of the world.
- The emergence of new literary forms, such as lyrics, short stories, and essays, explored diverse themes and provided insights into different aspects of human lives.
- Print publications portrayed the political and social rules that shaped human lives, shedding light on various social issues and inequalities.
- By printing popular ballads, folk tales, and illustrations, publishers catered to a diverse readership, engaging them in different narratives and experiences.
Source – (iii): Women and Print
(iii) To what extent did the print culture reflect a great interest in women’s lives and emotions? Explain.
Ans: The print culture did reflect a great interest in women’s lives and emotions. Here’s why:
- Social reforms and novels had already created a significant interest in women’s lives and emotions, and the print culture further amplified this interest.
- With the emergence of the print medium, women were given a platform to express their own experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
- Women’s issues and perspectives were addressed and discussed in newspapers, tracts, and novels.
- Female authors emerged during this period, writing about women’s lives and advocating for their rights and empowerment.
- The print culture allowed women to voice their concerns, challenge societal norms, and contribute to public debates on various topics.
- This reflected a growing recognition of women’s agency and their role in shaping society.
Q20: Why was ‘Gulamgiri’ book written by Jyotiba Phule in 1871? (2020)
Ans: The book ‘Gulamgiri’ was written by Jyotiba Phule in 1871 to criticize the caste system and advocate for the rights and upliftment of lower-caste and oppressed individuals in Indian society.
Q21: Name the book published by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. (2020)
Ans: Raja Ram Mohan Roy published the book ‘Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin’ (A Gift to Monotheists).
Q22: Name the author of ‘Amar Jiban’. (2020)
Ans: The author of ‘Amar Jiban’ is Rassundari Devi.
Q23: Why was the Vernacular Press Act passed in 1878? (2020)
Ans: The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 by the British colonial government in India to control and regulate the vernacular press, which was seen as a threat to their rule and criticized British policies.
Q24: Examine the steps taken by the British under the Vernacular Press Act, 1878. (2020 C)
Ans:
- The Vernacular Press Act provided the government with extensive rights to censor reports and editorials in the Vernacular press.
- The government kept regular track of the Vernacular newspapers published in different provinces.
- When a report was judged as seditious, the newspaper was warned.
- If the warning was ignored, the press was liable to be seized and the printing machinery could be confiscated.
| Also read: Mnemonics: Print Culture and the Modern World |
Previous Year Questions 2019
Q25: Which one of the following was the oldest Japanese book printed in 868 AD?
(a) Bible
(b) Diamond Sutra
(c) Kokoro
(d) Kojiki (CBSE 2019, 15)
Ans: (b)
The Diamond Sutra is considered the oldest known printed book, dated to 868 AD. It is a Buddhist scripture and was printed in China using woodblock printing techniques. Although it is a Chinese text, the Diamond Sutra is significant in Japanese and East Asian Buddhism as well. The book is recognized for its historical importance as an early example of printed literature.
Thus, the correct answer is (b) Diamond Sutra.
Japanese BooksQ26: Which one of the following was NOT the reason for the popularity of scientific ideas among the common people in eighteenth-century Europe?
(a) Printing ideas of Isaac Newton
(b) Development of printing press
(c) Interest of people in science and reason
(d) Traditional aristocratic group supported it (CBSE 2019)
Ans: (d)
In eighteenth-century Europe, scientific ideas became popular among the common people due to several factors:
(a) Printing ideas of Isaac Newton: The spread of Newton’s ideas through printed materials made scientific knowledge more accessible.
(b) Development of printing press: The printing press played a crucial role in distributing scientific ideas widely and quickly.
(c) Interest of people in science and reason: The Enlightenment period sparked curiosity and an interest in science, logic, and rational thought among the general populace.
Thus, the correct answer is (d) Traditional aristocratic group supported it.
Q27: Explain the meaning of the term ‘Calligraphy’. (Al 2019,2014)
Ans: Calligraphy is the art of decorative handwriting or lettering.
Q28: How had the Imperial State in China been the major producer of printed material for a long time? Explain with examples. (Delhi) 2019)
Ans: The Imperial State in China had been the major producer of printed material for a long time due to the following reasons:
- China had a large bureaucracy, and the Chinese civil services examinations required the use of a large number of textbooks for preparation. These textbooks were printed under the sponsorship of the Imperial state.
- The production of books and study materials increased as the number of examination candidates went up. This led to the rapid printing of books all over the nation.
- Authors and rich merchants also sponsored the printing of books, further contributing to the production of printed material.
Q29: “Print Revolution in the sixteenth-century Europe transformed the lives of people.” Support the statement with suitable arguments. (AI 2019)
Ans: The Print Revolution in sixteenth-century Europe had a significant impact on the lives of people. The following arguments support this statement:
- Access to printed books became easier and more affordable, leading to the emergence of a new reading public. Previously, reading was restricted to the elites, while the common people relied on oral culture. The print revolution enabled a wider section of the society to access and engage with written texts, thereby transforming their relationship to information and knowledge.
- The print revolution facilitated the spread and dissemination of ideas, leading to the questioning of traditional beliefs and practices. This led to social and intellectual transformations, such as the Protestant Reformation, which challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.
- Printing helped in the preservation and transmission of knowledge. It ensured the accuracy and uniformity of texts, reducing errors and variations that were common in handwritten manuscripts.
- The print revolution also contributed to the growth of literacy rates as more people learned to read and write. This, in turn, led to increased social mobility and the democratization of knowledge.
Q30: How had a large number of new readers among children, women and workers increased in nineteenth century Europe? Explain with examples. (CBSE 2019)
Ans: Primary education was made compulsory in the 19th century.
(1) In 1857, a children’s press was set up in France.
(2) One such publishing company was the Grimm Brothers who collected several folktales and poems and eventually edited them which proved unsuitable for the readers and thus published in 1812.
(3) For women many penny magazines were being written.
(4) For workers libraries were devoted where the tired workers from their daily chores can come and even write about their life.
(5) They wrote political tract and autobiographies too.
Q31: ‘‘Printing brought the reading public and hearing public closer.’’ Substantiate the statement with appropriate argument. (CBSE 2019)
Ans: New reading and hearing public intermingled because:
(1) Large numbers of books were printed and available. These books were written with every class and group in mind and hence it attracted every section.
(2) Books were available at ease and at cheap cost.
(3) Text was recited and narrated which made the illiterate interested in knowing the subject and matter of the books.
(4) Knowledge was transferred orally or through performances. The books were filled with pictures for the hearing public to relate to.
(5) The hearing public began formally educating themselves through schools to read these books.
Previous Year Questions 2018
Q32: Why did Roman Catholic church impose control over publishers and booksellers? (CBSE 2018)
Ans: The Roman Catholic church imposed control over publishers and booksellers to maintain control over the spread of information and to ensure that religious teachings were not challenged or misrepresented.
Q33: Print created the possibility of wide circulation of ideas and introduced a new world of debate and discussion.” Analyse the statement in the context of religion in Europe. (CBSE 2018)
Ans: Print created the possibility of wide circulation of ideas and introduced a new world of debate and discussion. (1) Even the dissenting authors could now publish and present their ideas. This would further lead to debates and discussions. (2) Through the printed message, they could persuade people to think differently, and move them to action. (3) Various ideas could be widely accessed by common people which made them consider other options as this widened their perspectives.
Q34: Why could not manuscripts satisfy the increasing demand of books in Europe during the fourteenth century? (CBSE 2018)
Ans: Manuscripts could not satisfy the increasing demand for books in Europe during the fourteenth century because they were fragile, difficult to handle and could not be carried around or read easily.
Previous Year Questions 2017
Q35: Mention any three reasons for the limited circulation of manuscripts in Europe before Marco Polo introduced the printing technology. (2017)
Ans: The limited circulation of manuscripts in Europe before the introduction of printing technology can be attributed to the following reasons:
- The production of handwritten manuscripts could not satisfy the ever-increasing demand for books.
- Copying manuscripts was an expensive, laborious, and time-consuming process.
- Manuscripts were fragile, awkward to handle, and could not be easily carried around or read.
Q36: What are the factors that lead to the reading mania in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Europe? (2017)
Ans: The reading mania in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Europe can be attributed to the following factors:
- The demand for books increased significantly as literacy spread among peasants and artisans. In some parts of Europe, the literacy rate rose as high as 60 to 80 percent. This created a need for more books, leading to a reading frenzy.
- The belief that books were a means of spreading progress and enlightenment became widespread. Many people believed that books could bring about positive social change and liberation from despotism and tyranny.
- The power of print to disseminate ideas and knowledge was recognized and appreciated. People started to realize the potential of books in shaping public opinion and influencing society.
- The availability of a wide range of books on various subjects and genres further fueled the reading mania. The publishing industry flourished, catering to the diverse interests of readers.
| Also read: Mnemonics: Print Culture and the Modern World |
Previous Year Questions 2016
Q37: What is a manuscript? Mention any two limitations of it during the nineteenth century. (2016)
Ans: A manuscript is a handwritten document, typically written on palm leaves or handmade paper. During the nineteenth century, manuscripts had the following limitations:
- Manuscripts were highly expensive and fragile, making them inaccessible to the common people.
- The script used in manuscripts was written in different styles, making it difficult to read and understand.
Q38: How had the earliest printing technology developed in the world? Explain with an example. (2016)
Ans: The earliest printing technology in the world developed in China, Japan, and Korea. In China, woodblocks were used for hand printing. This technology was initially used exclusively by scholar officials. However, it later became common and widespread. The Buddhist missionaries introduced hand printing technology from China to Japan, and Marco Polo brought the knowledge of woodblock printing from China to Italy.
Q39: How did a new reading public emerge with the printing press? Explain. (2016)
OR
‘With the printing press, a new public emerged in Europe.’ Justify the statement.
Ans: The printing press played a crucial role in the emergence of a new reading public in Europe. The following points explain how this happened:
- The printing press reduced the cost of producing books, making them more affordable and accessible to a wider section of society. As a result, a larger number of people could afford to purchase and own books, leading to an increase in the reading public.
- The availability of printed books in larger numbers and at a faster pace allowed for a greater dissemination of knowledge and information. This led to the spread of literacy and the growth of reading habits among the common people.
- The printing press enabled the production of books in various languages, catering to the linguistic diversity of Europe. This further expanded the reading public as people could now read in their native languages.
- The printing press also facilitated the standardization of texts, ensuring accuracy and consistency in the content of books. This made reading and understanding easier for the new reading public.
Q40: Why did British Government curb the freedom of the Indian press after the revolt of 1857? (2016)
Ans: After the revolt of 1857, the attitude towards freedom of the press changed. Enraged English officials clamped down on the Indian press because of their nationalist activities. In 1887, the Vernacular Press Act was passed, providing the government with extensive rights to censor reports. The government kept regular track of the Vernacular newspapers, and when a report was judged as seditious, the newspaper was warned. If the warning was ignored, the press was liable to be seized and the machinery could be confiscated.
Q41: Print culture created the conditions within which the French Revolution occurred. Give any three suitable arguments to support the statement. (2016)
Ans: Print culture played a significant role in creating the conditions for the French Revolution. The following arguments support this statement:
- Print culture popularized the ideas of enlightened thinkers who advocated reason and criticized traditional beliefs, superstitions, and despotism. Writers such as Voltaire and Rousseau disseminated their ideas through printed works, influencing public opinion and creating a sense of intellectual awakening.
- Print culture facilitated dialogue and debate among the people. It provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of revolutionary thoughts. Newspapers, pamphlets, and other printed materials became mediums for political discussions and the questioning of authority.
- Print literature mocked the royalty and exposed the corruption and inequalities of the Ancient Régime. Underground publications circulated widely, creating awareness and mobilizing the masses against the existing social and political order. This contributed to the revolutionary sentiment that eventually led to the French Revolution.
Q42: Describe the impact of the print revolution in Europe during the 15th and 16th century. (2016)
Ans: The impact of the print revolution in Europe during the 15th and 16th century was significant. Here are some key points:
- Printing reduced the cost of books, making them more affordable and accessible to a larger population.
- The time and labor required to produce each book decreased, allowing for multiple copies to be produced with greater ease.
- Books flooded the market, reaching out to an ever-growing readership.
- Publishers started printing popular ballads and folk tales with beautiful pictures and illustrations, making them more visually appealing.
- Print created the possibility of wide circulation of ideas, introducing a new world of debate and discussion.
- Even those who disagreed with established authorities could now print and circulate their ideas, leading to the emergence of new perspectives and challenging existing beliefs.
- One notable example is Martin Luther, a German monk, priest, professor, and church reformer, who challenged the Church and sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Q43: Explain with example how print culture catered to the requirement of children. (2016)
Ans: Print culture catered to the requirement of children by producing literature specifically for them. Here is an example:
- In Europe, primary education became compulsory in the late 19th century, resulting in children becoming an important category of readers.
- The publishing industry recognized this demand and started producing textbooks for schools.
- In France, a children’s press devoted solely to literature for children was established in 1857.
- This press published new works as well as old fairy tales and folktales, providing children with a variety of reading material.
- The Grimm brothers in Germany spent years compiling traditional folk tales gathered from peasants, which were edited and published in a collection in 1812.
- The published versions of these tales excluded anything considered unsuitable or vulgar for children, ensuring their appropriateness.
- The print culture not only recorded old tales but also transformed them, giving children access to stories that entertained and educated them.
Q44: Explain briefly the initial efforts made by foreigners to introduce printing press in India. (2016)
Ans: Foreigners made initial efforts to introduce the printing press in India. Here are some key points:
- The Portuguese missionaries were the first to introduce the printing press in India in the mid-16th century.
- Jesuit priests learned local languages such as Konkani and printed several texts in those languages.
- By 1674, about 50 books had been printed in Konkani and Kannada languages.
- Catholic priests published the first printed books in Tamil in Cochin, and in 1713, the first Malayalam book was printed.
- Dutch Protestant missionaries also printed around 32 texts in Tamil, which were later translated.
- The English language press did not grow in India until much later, despite the East India Company importing presses from the late 17th century.
- In 1780, James Augustus Hickey started editing the Bengal Gazette, a weekly magazine that was a private English enterprise free from colonial influence.
- Hickey’s publication included various advertisements, including those related to the import and sale of slaves.
- By the end of the 18th century, several newspapers and journals appeared in print, contributing to the growth of print culture in India.
Q45: “Print not only stimulated the publication of conflicting opinions amongst communities but it also connected communities and people in different parts of India”. Examine the statement. (2016)
Ans: The statement is accurate as print indeed stimulated the publication of conflicting opinions and connected communities and people across different parts of India. Here’s an examination of the statement:
- Publication of conflicting opinions: The print revolution provided a platform for individuals and groups to express their opinions freely and without censorship. This led to the proliferation of newspapers, tracts, and other printed materials that presented diverse viewpoints and perspectives. Conflicting opinions on social, religious, and political matters were published, sparking debates and discussions among communities.
- Connection between communities: The wide circulation of printed materials facilitated the exchange of ideas and information between communities in different parts of India. People could access and read publications from various regions, fostering a sense of interconnectedness. This helped in disseminating knowledge, promoting cultural exchange, and creating awareness about social issues and reform movements across the country.
- Bridging regional and linguistic barriers: Print played a crucial role in bridging regional and linguistic barriers by enabling the translation and dissemination of texts in different languages. Publications in regional languages reached a wider audience, allowing for the sharing of ideas and experiences among communities speaking different languages.
- Strengthening national consciousness: The print culture played a significant role in fostering national consciousness and unity. Nationalist newspapers and publications grew in numbers, reporting on colonial misrule and advocating for independence. These publications connected people from different regions of India, fostering a shared sense of identity and purpose.
In conclusion, the print revolution in India not only provided a platform for conflicting opinions to be published but also connected communities and people across different parts of the country, contributing to the growth of knowledge, awareness, and national consciousness.
Bretton Woods System
