RBSE Solutions Class 10 Rajasthan Adhyayan Chapter 1 Social Reform in Pre-Independent Rajasthan

I. Multiple Choice Type Questions

Question 1. When did the British Sanrakshak Samiti pass the Sati Abolition Act?
(a) 1843
(b) 1844
(c) 1845
(d) 1846
Answer: (b) 1844
In simple words: The British Sanrakshak Samiti made a law against Sati in the year 1844. This was a step to stop a very old and harmful practice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the specific year 1844 for the Sati Abolition Act by the British Sanrakshak Samiti; it's a key date in social reform history.

Question 2. What is the major cause responsible for child marriages?
(a) Economic
(b) Social
(c) Political
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) Economic
In simple words: The main reason why child marriages happened was often due to money problems. Families believed it could help with their financial situation.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing social issues, always consider the underlying economic, social, and political factors that contribute to them.

Question 3. When did the Alwar state first passed the unmatched marriage and child marriage ban act?
(a) 5th Dec. 1902
(b) 5th Nov. 1903
(c) 10th Oct. 1904
(d) 10th Dec. 1903
Answer: (d) 10th Dec. 1903
In simple words: The state of Alwar made a law to stop child marriages and unmatched marriages on December 10, 1903. This was an important step towards protecting children and young people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the date and specific state (Alwar) for this particular social reform act. Details like these are important for full marks.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Name the British official who sent an order to the rulers of Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar to declare Sati Pratha illegal?
Answer: Captain Richardson sent an order to the rulers of Kota, Bundi, and Jhalawar. He asked them to make the practice of Sati illegal. This official played a key role in influencing local rulers.
In simple words: Captain Richardson was the British officer who told the rulers of Kota, Bundi, and Jhalawar to ban Sati.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always remember the names of key individuals involved in historical reforms and their specific contributions.

Question 2. In which Indian state did the Sanrakshak Samiti first passed the Sati Abolition Act?
Answer: The Sanrakshak Samiti of Jaipur state was the first to pass the Sati abolition act. This happened in 1844, marking a significant legal step against the practice.
In simple words: Jaipur state's Sanrakshak Samiti was the first to make a law to stop Sati in 1844.

🎯 Exam Tip: It's important to know both the specific year and the state that first implemented such a significant act.

Question 3. When did the first population census take place in Rajasthan?
Answer: The first population count (census) in Rajasthan was done in 1872. This count helps us understand how many people lived there at that time.
In simple words: The first time people were counted in Rajasthan was in 1872.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the year 1872 as the date of Rajasthan's first population census. Understanding demographics is crucial for historical studies.

Question 4. For which society was, first of all, the British Agent pressurised by Maharana to enact the anti female infanticide act?
Answer: The Maharana pushed the British government to make an act against female infanticide. This act was mainly for the Rajputana samaj (community). This shows that local leaders also worked for social change.
In simple words: Maharana asked the British to make a law against killing baby girls, especially for the Rajputana community.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the specific community (Rajputana samaj) and the nature of the act (anti-female infanticide) mentioned in the question.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 2. Write your own role to prevent the child marriage.
Answer: We can help stop child marriages by talking to parents and children. We need to make them understand the bad effects of marrying too early, such as:
1. Early marriages harm the body and mind of both young boys and girls.
2. Children who marry young get responsibilities they are not ready for.
3. They often face money problems because they are not mature enough to earn much.
4. Having children early can lead to larger families, which can hurt the mother's health and the father's mindset.
By explaining these negative points clearly, we can create an environment where child marriages are not accepted.
In simple words: To stop child marriage, we should tell parents and children about the health, responsibility, and money problems it causes. This helps people understand why it's bad.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing about your "role," always provide clear, actionable points and link them directly to the negative impacts of the practice.

Question 3. What was the aim of establishing Walter Hitakarini Sabha?
Answer: The Walter Hitakarini Sabha was created with the following goals:
1. To completely get rid of the system where a man could have many wives (polygamy).
2. To set a proper age for marriage: 14 years for girls and 18 years for boys.
3. To completely stop marriage traditions like Reet and Tika. The Sabha aimed to simplify marriage customs and ensure fairer practices.
In simple words: Walter Hitakarini Sabha wanted to stop men from having many wives, set marriage ages for boys and girls, and ban old wedding traditions like Reet and Tika.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the aims clearly and concisely, focusing on the specific social reforms the Sabha intended to achieve.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Write about the efforts made for the eradication of the Sati Pratha.
Answer: Many efforts were made over time to stop the practice of Sati Pratha:
1. In 1844, the Jaipur Sanrakshak (Custodian) Samiti passed a law to end Sati Pratha. This was the first legal step, and it encouraged other regions to act. The law was not strongly supported or opposed at first, but it sparked change.
2. In 1881, Charles Wood, the Indian Secretary, realized that past efforts were not enough. He ordered the A.G.G. Rajputana to create strict rules for arresting people involved in Sati, rather than just imposing fines. In 1861, British officers told rulers to enforce these new laws, making arrest possible based on information about Sati. They also planned to penalize and remove rulers who failed to implement the law, even threatening to take over villages (declare 'Khalsa') or reduce their gun salutes. This pressure from the British government, along with local cooperation, helped control Sati by the late 19th century, with only a few cases remaining.
3. Social awareness also played a big part. Swami Dayanand Saraswati's visit to Rajasthan was very helpful. He spoke out against Sati Pratha, calling it unfair and inhuman. He used religious texts (Shastras) to argue against it, guiding society in a new direction.
4. In the post-independence era, specifically in 1987, the Rajasthan High Court declared Sati Pratha illegal. The court referred to many past cases and laws to support its decision, strengthening the ban legally.
In simple words: Many people worked to end Sati. Jaipur passed a law in 1844. British officers made strict rules and pressured rulers. Swami Dayanand Saraswati spoke against it. Finally, in 1987, the Rajasthan High Court made it fully illegal.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing efforts, categorize them (legal, administrative, social/religious) and mention key individuals, dates, and their specific actions.

Question 2. Why were Desh Hiteshini Sabha and Walter Hitkarini Sabha established? How far were they successful in their aims?
Answer:
Desh Hiteshini Sabha:
The Desh Hiteshini Sabha was started on July 2, 1877, in Udaipur (Mewar). Its main goal was to solve problems related to marriage. It tried to stop two types of bad marriage practices:
1. Limiting the money spent on weddings.
2. Making rules to stop men from having many wives (polygamy).
However, the Desh Hiteshini Sabha was not very successful. This was mainly because the British government did not cooperate much. The Mewar Resident even mentioned this lack of support in his report.

Walter Hitakarini Sabha:
In 1887, Walter was appointed as the A.G.G. of Rajputana. He sent a circular to political agents in Indian states, asking them to create rules for marriage expenses for Rajputs. A meeting in Ajmer on March 10, 1888, was attended by 41 representatives. In January 1889, Walter held another meeting where the committee was renamed Walter Rajput Hitakarini Sabha. This Sabha aimed to assess reform progress and held yearly sessions.
The main goals of the Walter Sabha from 1889-1938 were:
1. To completely stop polygamy.
2. To set the minimum marriageable age: 14 years for girls and 18 years for boys.
3. To completely ban marriage ceremonies like Tika and Reet.
The Walter Hitakarini Sabha brought in many reforms, but most of them were not put into action. They got stuck in the paperwork and slow government processes. While it did not achieve much directly, it helped change the way the ruling class thought and felt about these issues. This mental shift was an important step towards future reforms.
In simple words: Desh Hiteshini Sabha aimed to fix marriage problems like costs and polygamy but failed due to British non-cooperation. Walter Hitakarini Sabha aimed to stop polygamy, set marriage ages, and ban rituals. While its reforms were not fully enforced, it changed how rulers thought about these issues.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly separate the aims and successes/failures of each Sabha. Highlight the specific issues each group tried to address and the reasons for their level of success.

Additional Questions Solved

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1. The British Supremacy period is the-
(a) Post 1919 period
(b) Post 1857 period
(c) Pre 1919 period
(d) Pre 1857 period
Answer: (b) Post 1857 period
In simple words: The time when the British were most powerful in India began after the year 1857. This period saw major changes in how India was ruled.

🎯 Exam Tip: The year 1857 is a critical turning point in Indian history, marking the shift to direct British Crown rule and increased dominance.

Question 3. Lord William Bentick got an inspiration to pass the Sati abolition act from-
(a) Swami Vivekanand
(b) Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya
(c) Swami Dayanand Sarswati
(d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Answer: (d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
In simple words: Lord William Bentick was inspired by Raja Ram Mohan Roy to pass the law against Sati. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a great social reformer who fought against this practice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always associate key social reforms with the prominent figures who advocated for them, like Raja Ram Mohan Roy's role in the Sati abolition movement.

Question 4. Social Reforms activities were conducted between 1919-1947 under the directions of
(a) Swami Dayanand
(b) Swami Vivekanand
(c) Political movement
(d) Walter Hitakarini Sabha
Answer: (c) Political movement
In simple words: Social changes between 1919 and 1947 were guided by political movements. This period saw social reforms becoming linked with the larger struggle for independence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that during certain periods, social reform efforts become intertwined with broader political or nationalistic movements.

Question 5. In one of its decisions the Rajasthan High Court declared Sati Pratha illegal in-
(a) Sept. 1987
(b) Sept. 1978
(c) Oct. 1978
(d) Oct. 1987
Answer: (a) Sept. 1987
In simple words: The Rajasthan High Court said that Sati Pratha was illegal in September 1987. This was a late but important legal step to ban the practice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the specific court (Rajasthan High Court) and the exact date (September 1987) for this significant declaration against Sati Pratha.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Which two rulers of the medieval period attempted to curb the Sati Pratha?
Answer: Muhammad-Bin-Tuglaq and Akbar were two rulers from the medieval period. They both tried to stop the practice of Sati Pratha. Their efforts show that opposition to Sati existed even in earlier times.
In simple words: Muhammad-Bin-Tuglaq and Akbar tried to stop Sati during the medieval period.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing historical precedents like these rulers' attempts shows a deeper understanding of the long struggle against Sati.

Question 3. Which evils were opposed by Swami Dayanand Saraswati?
Answer: Swami Dayanand Saraswati spoke out against many bad social practices. He was against untouchability, Sati Pratha, and child marriage. He worked to reform society and bring about positive change.
In simple words: Swami Dayanand Saraswati opposed untouchability, Sati Pratha, and child marriage.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the specific social evils that Swami Dayanand Saraswati actively opposed to demonstrate your knowledge of his reformist agenda.

Question 4. What were the evil effects of unmatched marriage?
Answer: A bad effect of unmatched marriages was that young girls often became widows at a tender age. They then had to face many difficult times and hardships in life. Such marriages often led to a lifetime of suffering for the girls.
In simple words: Unmatched marriages often made young girls widows, causing them great difficulty and sadness very early in life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the direct negative consequences on individuals, such as becoming a widow at a young age, when discussing the effects of social evils.

Question 5. What was the main cause of female infanticide according to Col. James Tod?
Answer: According to Colonel James Tod, the main reason for female infanticide (killing baby girls) was the dowry system. This system put a lot of pressure on families to pay money when their daughters married.
In simple words: Col. James Tod said that giving dowry was the main reason why baby girls were killed.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a question asks for a specific person's view, make sure to attribute the cause directly to that individual's statement (e.g., "According to Col. James Tod...").

Question 6. Write the names of two prominent social reformers of India?
Answer: Two important social reformers of India were:
1. Swami Vivekanand
2. Swami Dayanand Saraswati
These individuals played a crucial role in bringing about awareness and change in Indian society.
In simple words: Swami Vivekanand and Swami Dayanand Saraswati were two famous social reformers in India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be ready to name prominent social reformers and briefly mention their general areas of contribution.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What do the terms Tika and Reet stand for?
Answer: In traditional marriage customs:
1. Tika means the gifts given by the girl's family to the groom's family (in-laws).
2. Reet means the gifts given by the boy's family to the bride's family.
These are old traditions that involved exchanging gifts between families getting married.
In simple words: Tika is gifts from the girl's family to the boy's, and Reet is gifts from the boy's family to the girl's.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define each term separately to show your understanding of their distinct meanings in marriage customs.

Question 3. What steps were taken to check the witch practice in the 19th century?
Answer: In the 19th century, British officers discouraged the practice of accusing women of being witches. In 1853, the A.G.G. (Agent to the Governor-General) pressured rulers to pass a law against this cruel practice. That same year, the Mewar Maharan, Jawan Singh, declared witch practice illegal. He did this based on the advice of the Mewar Resident, Colonel Eden. These steps helped to stop this harmful superstition.
In simple words: In the 19th century, British officers and the Mewar Maharan made laws to stop witch accusations. Col. Eden also advised against it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the key year (1853) and the roles of both British officials and local rulers in stopping the witch practice.

Question 4. What attempts were made in the direction of social reforms during the period of the British Supremacy?
Answer: During the time of British rule, efforts for social reforms were made in the following ways:
1. The British created a positive environment through changes in government, law, economy, religion, and education. This encouraged people to move in the right direction for social improvement.
2. Social reformers like Swami Vivekanand and Swami Dayanand Saraswati played a very important role in stopping social evils. They inspired people to question old traditions.
3. Between 1919 and 1947, social reforms became a part of the political movement. This meant that efforts for social change were linked to the larger struggle for independence.
In simple words: During British rule, social reforms happened through government changes, work by reformers like Vivekanand and Dayanand Saraswati, and as part of political movements.

🎯 Exam Tip: Briefly cover the three main drivers of social reform during this period: administrative changes, efforts of reformers, and integration with political movements.

Question 5. Why could the Walter Hitakarini Sabha's reform not be enforced?
Answer: Many reforms suggested by the Walter Hitakarini Sabha could not be put into practice. They got stuck in the slow government process, often called "bureaucratic tables," which means too much paperwork and delays. This bureaucratic system was a big problem, preventing the successful enforcement of their ideas.
In simple words: The Walter Hitakarini Sabha's reforms could not be put into practice because of slow government processes and too much paperwork.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing reasons for failure, "bureaucratic hurdles" or "lack of enforcement" are strong points to mention for such organizations.

Question 6. What were the types of slaves in Rajputana?
Answer: In Rajasthan (Rajputana), there were two types of slaves:
1. Both men and women who were captured during wars became slaves.
2. Men and women who were given as gifts (dowry) during marriages also became slaves.
This shows different ways people became enslaved in that region.
In simple words: In Rajputana, slaves were people captured in war or given as gifts during weddings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between the categories of slaves, noting how they entered into bondage.

Question. Name some of the major evil practices prevailing in pre-independent Rajasthan.
Answer: The main bad practices common in Rajasthan before India became independent were:
1. Sati Pratha (a widow burning herself on her husband's funeral pyre)
2. Female infanticide (killing baby girls)
3. Child marriage (marrying children at a very young age)
4. Slavery system (people being owned by others)
5. Witch Pratha (accusing and persecuting women as witches)
These practices caused much suffering in society.
In simple words: Before independence, Rajasthan had bad practices like Sati, killing baby girls, child marriage, slavery, and witch hunts.

🎯 Exam Tip: List as many evil practices as you can remember; a comprehensive list shows a good grasp of the social challenges of the period.

Question 8. What was done by the British rulers to check the Witch Pratha?
Answer: British officers saw the witch practice as a terrible evil, believing it was just based on blind belief. In 1853, the A.G.G. (Agent to the Governor-General) for Rajputana pressured the rulers to make a law to ban this inhuman practice. Later in 1853, the Mewar Maharana also declared the witch practice illegal. This decision was made based on the advice of the Mewar Resident, Colonel Eden. These actions helped to reduce and eventually stop this harmful practice.
In simple words: British rulers called witch practice evil and pushed for laws to ban it. In 1853, both the A.G.G. and the Mewar Maharana, advised by Col. Eden, declared it illegal.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the combined efforts of British officials and local rulers, and the specific year and key figures involved in banning the witch practice.

Question 9. What was done to curb the evil of unmatched and child marriage?
Answer: It was a common and harmful practice to marry young girls to older men or to arrange marriages for children who were still minors. This custom negatively affected the mental and physical health of both the boys and girls. Swami Dayanand Saraswati spoke strongly against these unmatched and child marriages. Following these efforts, on December 10, 1903, the Alwar state passed a law to ban unmatched and child marriages. The royal families also strictly followed this new law, setting an example for society.
In simple words: To stop unmatched and child marriages, Swami Dayanand Saraswati spoke out, and Alwar state passed a ban act on December 10, 1903, which royal families followed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize both the advocacy by social reformers and the legislative actions taken by states, including specific dates if known.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Discuss the role of the social reformers to check social evils, and the period of reforms between 1919-1947.
Answer: Social reformers played a very important role in stopping bad social practices. Swami Vivekanand and Swami Dayanand Saraswati were key figures. Swami Vivekanand's travels in 1891 brought new awareness, making people question harmful traditions done in the name of religion. This helped people develop stronger reasoning skills.

Swami Dayanand and his Arya Samaj organization had a huge impact in Rajputana. He was a saint who taught people about human existence and their duties in society. He also encouraged feelings of devotion and spirituality.
1. He encouraged people to bravely fight against social evils.
2. He motivated people to hold discussions and learning sessions to improve their reasoning.
3. He spoke out against the caste system, untouchability, and child marriage, and supported widow remarriage.
4. During his social campaigns, he stressed the importance of rulers and noble families in bringing about change.
5. Members of the Arya Samaj and Propakarini (Welfare) Sabha worked together for these reforms.

**Period of Reforms between 1919-1947:**
While social reforms happened earlier, between 1919 and 1947, they became linked with the political movement for independence. The Seva Sanghs (service groups) in Rajasthan, under Congress leadership, worked for social reforms in villages and tribal areas. They set up many educational institutions.
Gandhiji, through his Swadeshi movement, also took many steps:
1. He promoted vocational education to help people become self-reliant.
2. He campaigned for literacy among Harijans and for them to enter temples. Volunteers cleaned toilets to promote dignity of labor.
3. He encouraged marriages of widows and prostitutes, and many activists set an example by doing so themselves.
In simple words: Social reformers like Swami Vivekanand and Swami Dayanand Saraswati fought against bad social practices, inspiring people to think critically. Dayanand Saraswati especially opposed caste, child marriage, and promoted widow remarriage. From 1919-1947, social reforms merged with political movements, and Gandhiji promoted self-reliance, Harijan rights, and widow/prostitute marriages.

🎯 Exam Tip: Structure your answer by first discussing the individual reformers and their specific contributions, then transition to the later period where reforms became integrated with political movements and Gandhiji's efforts.