Chapter Overview
'Glimpses of the Past' is a chapter that gives students a historical perspective of India during the British colonial rule. The chapter includes an exploration of significant events that took place during this time, including the British policies that affected India and the eventual struggle for independence. Through the text, students are introduced to various moments in India’s colonial past that helped shape its future. This chapter is an important introduction to understanding India’s historical context and the transformative years leading to independence.
Important Keywords
- Colonialism: The period of British rule over India, characterized by exploitation and domination of the Indian subcontinent by the British Empire.
- Independence: The state of being free from British rule, which was achieved in 1947 after a long struggle for freedom.
- British East India Company: A trading company that played a major role in the British colonization of India, often taking on administrative functions.
- Revolt of 1857: Also known as the First War of Indian Independence, it was a major but unsuccessful uprising against British rule.
- Swadeshi Movement: A movement that encouraged the use of goods produced in India and a boycott of foreign goods, particularly those from Britain.
- Partition of Bengal: A controversial decision by the British government in 1905 to divide Bengal for administrative reasons, which sparked widespread protests and contributed to the rise of nationalism.