Short Answer -Class 10 – Social Science – History -Chapter 5: Print Culture and Modern World

Class 10 – Social Science – History -Short Answer -Chapter 5: Print Culture and Modern World

Q1. Why couldn’t the production of hand written manuscripts satisfy the ever increasing demand for books? Give any three reasons.

 Ans : The production of handwritten manuscripts could not satisfy the ever increasing demand for books due to the following reasons:

a. In India, there is rich and old tradition of handwritten manuscripts in different languages which were copied on palm leaves or on handmade papers.

b. These manuscripts were highly expensive and fragile.

c. They needed careful handling.

Q2. Describe wood-block printing.

 Ans : Wood-block printing was a technique of printing the books by rubbing the paper against the inked surface of the woodblocks.

Marco Polo returned to Italy from China in the year 1295 and brought the technology of woodblock printing. To meet the expanded demand for books the export of books increased, book fairs were held, organized the production of handwritten manuscripts and woodblock printing became more popular.

Q3. What was Protestant reformation?

Martin Luther was a religious reformer. He wrote 95 theses in the year 1517 against the practices and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church.

This action of Martin Luther led to the division within the church and marked the beginning of the Protestant reformers.

 It was basically a movement for the reformation of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century.

Q4. Examine the role of missionaries in the growth of press in India.

 Ans : The hand printing technology was introduced to Japan by the Buddhist missionaries of China around AD 768-770. In 868 AD, the Buddhist Diamond Sutra was printed which is considered the oldest Japanese book. It contain 6 sheets of text and woodcut illustrations.

a. The Portuguese missionaries firstly brought the printing press to Goa in India in the mid-16th century.

b. The Jesuit priests learnt Konkani and Kanara languages in India.

c. Tamil texts were also printed (32 texts) and translated by the Dutch missionaries by the year 1710.

Q5. How did the knowledge of wood block printing come to Europe? Explain. 

a. The wood block printing was developed in China. In this technology the books were printed by rubbing the paper against the surface of the woodblocks.

b. Earlier the silk route was used by China to export silk and spices to Europe and in the 17th century through the same route Chinese paper reached Europe.

c. Marco Polo returned to Italy from China in the year 1295 and brought the technology of woodblock printing.

d. To meet the expanded demand for books the export of books increased, book fairs were held, organized the production of handwritten manuscripts and woodblock printing became more popular.

Q6. “By the end of 19th century a new visual culture was taking shape.” Explain.

 Ans : It is true to state that by the end of 19th century a new visual culture was taking shape. Lyrics, short stories, essays on social and political matters, visual images, calendars, caricatures and cartoons became the new forms of publications. Raja Ravi Varma was the famous painter in the 19th century India.

These new forms of publications popularized the ideas of modernity and tradition, religion and politics, and society and culture.

Q7. How did new form of popular literature appear in print targeting new audience in the 18th century? Explain with examples.

 Ans : Lyrics, short stories, essays on social and political matters, visual images, calendars, caricatures and cartoons became the new forms of publications. These new forms of publications popularized the ideas of modernity and tradition, religion and politics, and society and culture.

Women’s reading increased among the middle class because their lives and feeling began to be written.

For the easy and affordable access of the printed books to even the poor people very cheap, small books were published and also the public libraries were set up.

Primary education was made compulsory and hence the children became the important section of readers. The publishing industries started producing the school textbooks.

Q8. Explain the effects of print culture in the religious sphere in early modern Europe.

Ans : The print culture helped in the circulation of ideas, debates and discussion. It was used by the rebellions to let the people know the truth and take action against the established authorities. The printed books were welcomed and also people had fear due to the rebellious and irreligious thoughts.

a. Martin Luther was a religious reformer. He wrote 95 theses in the year 1517 against the practices and rituals of the Roman Catholic Church.

b.Menocchio was a miller in Italy who interpreted the message of Bible. The Roman Catholic Church was enraged due to his view of god and creation.

c. The Roman Catholic Church started identifying such ideas, beliefs and persons who wrote against the church and thus Menocchio was hauled up twice and finally executed.

d. Several restrictions were put over the publishers and the booksellers by the church and also the church ordered them to follow the Index of prohibited books from 1558.