Chapter 3 of the CBSE Class 8 English Textbook – Honeydew includes a prose titled “Glimpses of the Past.” It tells the story of events in India and how our brave people fought hard for Independence from British rule.
Here, we provide a brief summary of the prose- Glimpses of the Past.

CBSE Class 8 English Glimpses of the Past Summary

This chapter starts with events from 1757, when the British established a strong presence in India. They had better weapons and were financially stable. In contrast, the Indian princes were short-sighted and divided, often fighting among themselves. Some even sought British help to settle disputes with other kingdoms. The East India Company exploited this situation, following a ‘Divide and Rule’ strategy and undermining many Indian princes. While some supported the British, many opposed them. Tipu Sultan of Mysore was a visionary leader who resisted the British until he died in 1799 during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.

As we move further into the chapter, we learn about harmful practices like untouchability, Sati, and child marriage, promoted by religious and orthodox leaders. The Indians had lost their self-respect and were looked down upon by the British. The British imposed heavy taxes on local farmers, forcing them to abandon their fields, and even cut off the thumbs of skilled artists and workers. They manufactured goods in England and imported them to India without any duty. Their main goal was to maximize profit and increase their wealth through these unfair practices.

From 1772 to 1833, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a scholar from Bengal, began reforming Indian society. He founded the Brahmo Samaj and promoted the idea that all religions share similar teachings and principles, making them essentially the same. He was deeply interested in science and modern knowledge and started newspapers, which the British banned in 1823. He opposed harmful practices like Sati, child marriage, polygamy, and the caste system. He played a key role in abolishing the practice of Sati in society.

The British continued to oppress the Indians with the Regulation III Act of 1818, which allowed them to jail Indians without trial. This marked a period of severe suppression for the Indians. In 1829, the British exported goods worth millions of rupees to India, severely damaging Indian industries and boosting British prosperity. They exploited Indians in many ways. In 1835, Lord Macaulay advocated for teaching English to Indians, which resulted in the creation of clerks who were given minor jobs by the British. However, this education policy also produced a new generation of intellectuals who recognized the social injustices of British rule and educated others about these issues.

By 1856, the British had taken control of almost the entire country, and their oppression of the local people was at its peak, leading to several uprisings. In 1855, the Santhals rebelled, killing British officials and their supporters. The Sepoy Mutiny began in 1857, with Mangal Pandey playing a crucial role by attacking his regiment’s adjutant before being executed. The sepoys marched to Delhi, chanting slogans in support of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Landlords soon joined the revolutionary movement. People passed around chapatis with a message asking for help from the local ruler, and similarly, lotus flowers were given to Indian soldiers to convey the same message.

The struggle for freedom persisted with numerous leaders joining the cause, including Begum Hazrat Mahal of Lucknow, Maulvi Ahmedulla of Faizabad, Azimulla Khan, Tatya Tope, Peshwa Nana Saheb of the Maratha dynasty, and Kunwar Singh of Bihar. This marked the true beginning of India’s fight for independence.

Conclusion of Glimpses of the Past

In conclusion, “Glimpses of the Past” sheds light on India’s journey during challenging times under British rule. It emphasizes the courageous efforts of individuals like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and various rebel leaders who fought against injustice and oppression. Through their resilience and determination, they paved the way for a future of freedom and independence. This chapter serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our ancestors and the enduring spirit of resilience that continues to inspire us today.

We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew Prose, “Glimpses of the Past,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.

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