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Grade 10 → History → Print Culture and Modern World → 5.10-Exercises (Print Culture and Modern World)
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Solved Example: 5-10-01
1. Give reasons for the following:
a) Woodblock print only came to Europe after 1295.
b) Martin Luther was in favour of print and spoke out in praise of it.
c) The Roman Catholic Church began keeping an Index of Prohibited books from
the mid-sixteenth century.
d) Gandhi said the fight for Swaraj is a fight for liberty of speech, liberty of the
press, and freedom of association.
Check Answer
Solution:
Reasons for Historical Events
a) Woodblock print only came to Europe after 1295 due to the Silk Road trade, which facilitated cultural exchange and the movement of ideas and technologies from Asia to Europe, particularly after Marco Polo's travels.
b) Martin Luther favored print because it allowed for the rapid dissemination of his ideas and reforms, enabling him to reach a broader audience and challenge the authority of the Catholic Church effectively.
c) The Roman Catholic Church began keeping an Index of Prohibited books from the mid-sixteenth century to control and suppress ideas that contradicted its teachings, protecting its authority and influence over believers.
d) Gandhi emphasized that the fight for Swaraj included liberty of speech, liberty of the press, and freedom of association, as these rights were essential for a democratic society and the empowerment of individuals.
Solved Example: 5-10-02
2. Write short notes to show what you know about:
a) The Gutenberg Press
b) Erasmus’s idea of the printed book
c) The Vernacular Press Act
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Solution:
Short Notes on Key Historical Topics
a) The Gutenberg Press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440, revolutionized printing by using movable type, allowing for the mass production of books. This innovation drastically reduced the cost of printing, increased literacy rates, and facilitated the spread of ideas, notably during the Renaissance and Reformation.
b) Erasmus viewed the printed book as a tool for education and enlightenment. He believed that printed works could challenge ignorance and promote critical thinking, thus empowering individuals to engage with religious and philosophical ideas more effectively.
c) The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 in India aimed to control the press and limit the spread of nationalist ideas. It imposed restrictions on publications in local languages, allowing the government to suppress dissent and maintain colonial authority over growing nationalist movements.
Solved Example: 5-10-03
3. What did the spread of print culture in nineteenth century India mean to:
a) Women
b) The poor
c) Reformers
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Solution:
Impact of Print Culture in Nineteenth Century India
a) For women, the spread of print culture provided access to literature and education, fostering awareness about rights and social issues. It enabled the emergence of women's magazines and discussions around women's empowerment, promoting literacy and participation in social reforms.
b) The poor benefited from print culture as it increased access to information, ideas, and social awareness. Newspapers and pamphlets addressed their struggles, highlighting issues like poverty and injustice, thus encouraging political participation and social movements.
c) Reformers utilized print culture to disseminate their ideas, advocate for social changes, and mobilize support for causes such as abolition of practices like Sati and child marriage. It served as a platform for debate and discussion, amplifying their voices in society.
