NCERT Solutions for Social History Class 10 Chapter 5

NCERT Solutions for Class 10
Social Science (History)
Chapter 5 – Print Culture And The Modern World

Question 1: Give reasons for the following:

Write in Brief

(a) Woodblock print only came to Europe after 1295.

Woodblock printing originated in China around the 6th century. It was introduced to Europe in 1295 after Marco Polo’s return to Italy from his travels in China. He brought with him knowledge of this printing technique, which had not been known in Europe before.
(b) Martin Luther was in favour of print and spoke out in praise of it.

Martin Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, used the power of the printed word to disseminate his ideas against the Roman Catholic Church. He penned the “95 Theses,” which criticized various practices of the Church. Thanks to printing, his writings spread rapidly, leading to a widespread religious movement. He translated the New Testament, which sold 5,000 copies in just a few days—a feat impossible without the printing press. Luther acknowledged the power of print, calling it a divine gift.
(c) The Roman Catholic Church began keeping an Index of Prohibited Books from the mid-sixteenth century.

From the mid-16th century, the Roman Catholic Church faced increasing dissent. Many books were written that presented alternate interpretations of religion and creation, which the Church deemed heretical. To counter these challenges, the Church began maintaining a list of prohibited books to prevent their spread.
(d) Gandhi said the fight for Swaraj is a fight for liberty of speech, liberty of the press, and freedom of association.

Gandhi believed that freedom of speech, press, and association were crucial for shaping public opinion. He considered these liberties essential in the fight for Swaraj (self-rule), as they allowed the masses to express their views and mobilize for change.

Question 2: Write short notes to show what you know about:
(a) The Gutenberg Press Johann Gutenberg developed the first printing press in the 1430s. His innovation used metal movable type, cast in molds, to print pages much faster than traditional methods. By 1448, Gutenberg had refined his press and printed 180 copies of the Bible in three years—a significant achievement for that era.
(b) Erasmus’s Idea of the Printed Book Erasmus, a Catholic reformer and scholar, was critical of the proliferation of printed books. He believed many of them were poorly written, ignorant, or scandalous. He felt that the availability of such material devalued more meaningful and valuable works.
(c) The Vernacular Press Act The Vernacular Press Act, enacted in 1878, was modeled after the Irish Press Laws. This legislation allowed the British colonial government to control the vernacular press by censoring any reports deemed seditious. If warnings were not heeded, the government could seize the press and its machinery, effectively stifling freedom of expression.
Question 3: What did the spread of print culture in nineteenth-century India mean to:
(a) Women

Print culture in 19th-century India opened new doors for women’s education. Although conservative families resisted the idea of educating women, fearing it would bring negative consequences, many women began learning secretly. Some even wrote books, like Rashsundari Devi, who authored her autobiography, “Amar Jiban,” published in 1876. The spread of print empowered women and encouraged self-reliance.
(b) The Poor

The poor greatly benefited from print culture as affordable books became available. Public libraries were established, allowing everyone access to literature and knowledge. Some laborers, inspired by reform movements, started their own libraries. Notably, a Kanpur mill worker named Kashibaba wrote and published a book titled Chote aur Bade Ka Sawal.
(c) Reformers

In the 19th century, reformers used print as a tool to promote social change. They published newspapers and books in both vernacular languages and English to spread ideas about social justice, such as the abolition of child marriage and widow immolation. Print enabled them to reach a wide audience and challenge orthodox practices.

Discuss
Question 1: Why did some people in 18th-century Europe think that print culture would bring enlightenment and end despotism?

In 18th-century Europe, many intellectuals believed that print culture had the potential to spread knowledge and awareness, which would ultimately challenge authoritarian rule. Reformers like Sebastian Mercier and Martin Luther saw print as a powerful medium for fostering public debate and shaping progressive thought, which they believed would lead to enlightenment and the fall of despotic regimes.
Question 2: Why did some people fear the effect of easily available printed books? Choose one example from Europe and one from India.

The fear of printed books came from concerns that widespread literacy could undermine traditional authority. In Europe, the Roman Catholic Church feared that printed materials could spread heretical ideas, leading them to maintain an Index of Prohibited Books. Similarly, in India, the British government passed the Vernacular Press Act to curb the influence of local newspapers that might inspire rebellion.
Question 3: What were the effects of the spread of print culture on poor people in nineteenth-century India?
The expansion of print culture made books affordable, allowing even the poor to access literature. Public libraries provided further opportunities for education. Encouraged by reformers, factory workers and other laborers started libraries and wrote their works. Kashibaba, a Kanpur mill worker, penned Chhote Aur Bade Ka Sawal, showcasing the potential of print to uplift marginalized communities.
Question 4: Explain how print culture assisted the growth of nationalism in India.
Print culture played a significant role in the growth of nationalism by providing a platform for expressing dissent against colonial rule. Vernacular newspapers exposed government oppression and mobilized public opinion. Newspapers like The Hindu and Kesari spread nationalist ideas, encouraging unity among the people. Print also allowed leaders like Gandhi and Tilak to share their reformist views, which fueled the nationalist movement and shaped public consciousness.