Chapter 7
The Punjab - A Glimpse
Q:1 Who were some of the notable freedom fighters from Punjab mentioned in the text, and why are they remembered?
Ans: Some notable freedom fighters from Punjab include Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Udham Singh, and Kartar Singh Sarabha. Lala Lajpat Rai, called Sher-e-Punjab, died due to a brutal lathi charge while protesting against the British in 1928. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were hanged for fighting British oppression, and Bhagat Singh was only 26 years old. These patriots sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom.
Q:2 What happened at Jallianwala Bagh in 1919, and why is it significant?
Ans: On 13 April 1919, around 20,000 people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar for a public meeting. British General Dyer blocked all exits and ordered his soldiers to fire on the crowd without warning. About 1,000 people were killed and more than 1,500 wounded. This event is significant because it symbolizes the cruelty of British rule and inspired greater resistance in India.
Q:3 How did Punjab contribute to India’s struggle for independence?
Ans: Punjab contributed through its brave patriots, who resisted British rule and sacrificed their lives for the country. Heroes like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, and Lala Lajpat Rai became symbols of courage. Punjabis faced foreign invasions boldly and participated actively in the freedom movement.
Q:4 How did the people of Punjab cope with the partition of India in 1947?
Ans: During the partition, Punjab suffered terrible bloodshed, and thousands of people became refugees. Despite the hardships, the Punjabis worked hard, rebuilt their homes, and helped develop the state economically and socially. Their resilience contributed significantly to India’s growth.
Q:5 Why is Lala Lajpat Rai called Sher-e-Punjab?
Ans: Lala Lajpat Rai is called Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of Punjab) because of his bravery and leadership in fighting against British rule. He led a procession against the Simon Commission in 1928, during which he was fatally injured in a lathi charge.
Q:6 Explain the sacrifices made by Bhagat Singh and his companions.
Ans: Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru actively opposed British oppression and raised their voices for justice. They were eventually arrested and hanged. Bhagat Singh, at just 26, became a symbol of youthful patriotism, courage, and dedication to the country’s freedom.
Q:7 How was Punjab reorganized in 1966, and why?
Ans: Punjab was reorganized in 1966 on the basis of language, dividing Punjabi and Hindi-speaking areas. Hilly areas like Lahaul-Spiti, Kulu, Manali, Kangra, Dalhousie, and Shimla were merged with Himachal Pradesh. Chandigarh was declared a Union Territory and joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
Q:8 What states and territories surround Punjab?
Ans: Punjab is bordered by Pakistan to the west, Jammu & Kashmir to the north, Himachal Pradesh to the northeast, and Haryana and Rajasthan to the south.
Q:9 Describe the role of Punjab in India’s agricultural development.
Ans: Punjab became the granary of India due to its fertile land, canal systems, and projects like Bhakra-Nangal. Punjabis worked hard during the Green Revolution to increase food production, making India a self-sufficient and developing country.
Q:10 What is the importance of the Bhakra-Nangal project?
Ans: The Bhakra-Nangal project provides irrigation to 10 million acres in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. Its reservoirs store 9 billion cubic metres of water. It also generates electricity for multiple states, contributing to agriculture, energy, and overall economic development.
Q:11 How did the creation of Himachal Pradesh affect Punjab?
Ans: Certain hilly regions of Punjab, such as Lahaul-Spiti, Kulu, Manali, Kangra, Dalhousie, and Shimla, were merged with Himachal Pradesh during the reorganization in 1966, reducing Punjab’s territory but keeping its core regions intact.
Q:12 Why is Punjab called the granary of India?
Ans: Punjab is called the granary of India because it produces a large portion of the country’s wheat and rice, thanks to fertile land, irrigation from rivers and canals, and the Bhakra-Nangal project.
Q:13 What is Bhangra, and what does it signify?
Ans: Bhangra is a popular folk dance of Punjab performed during celebrations. It is full of energy and represents the zest for life and hard-working spirit of Punjabis.
Q:14 How do Punjabis show their bravery and self-respect, according to the text?
Ans: Punjabis never beg for alms, never retreat in battle, and historically faced foreign invasions with courage. Their bravery is evident from their contributions to the freedom struggle.
Q:15 What is the significance of the Golden Temple?
Ans: The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest shrine for Sikhs. It is surrounded by a water tank, has a 60-metre marble pathway, a golden dome, marble walls with artistic engravings, and houses the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It is a symbol of spirituality and Sikh devotion.
Q:16 Who compiled the Sri Guru Granth Sahib?
Ans: Sri Guru Arjun Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, compiled the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is the holy book of the Sikhs.
Q:17 What is Anandpur Sahib known for?
Ans: Anandpur Sahib is a small town on the left bank of the Sutlej River, founded by Guru Teg Bahadur. It is famous for the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, attracting large numbers of Sikh pilgrims annually.
Q:18 How does the folk dance and music reflect Punjabi culture?
Ans: Folk dance like Bhangra and music like Gurbani reflect the energetic, vibrant, and devotional aspects of Punjabi culture. They show both the joy of life and deep spiritual devotion.
Q:19 What is the role of gurdwaras in Sikhism?
Ans: Gurdwaras, like the Golden Temple, serve as places of worship, spiritual learning, and community service. They are centers of pilgrimage where Sikhs gather to pray and participate in religious ceremonies.
Q:20 Which city in Punjab is famous for sports goods, and why?
Ans: Jalandhar is famous for manufacturing sports goods in India. It is an important industrial center for cricket bats, balls, and other sports equipment.
Q:21 Which city is known for hosiery goods in Punjab?
Ans: Ludhiana is known for woollen hosiery goods and hosts about 95% of India’s hosiery industry.
Q:22 How has Punjab contributed to India’s economic development?
Ans: Punjab contributed through agriculture (Green Revolution), industries (sports goods in Jalandhar, hosiery in Ludhiana), and energy projects like Bhakra-Nangal. Its people worked hard to rebuild the state after partition.
Q:23 How does the Bhakra Dam help generate electricity?
Ans: The Bhakra Dam has powerhouses that produce electricity, which is supplied to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Q:24 Why did Pandit Nehru call Bhakra Dam the “temple of modern India”?
Ans: Pandit Nehru called it the temple of modern India because of its importance in irrigation, electricity generation, and national development, symbolizing India’s progress and modernization.
Q:25 What products can tourists buy from Jalandhar and Ludhiana?
Ans: Tourists can buy sports goods like cricket bats and balls from Jalandhar, and woollen hosiery products like socks and sweaters from Ludhiana.
Q:26 Describe the planning and design of Chandigarh.
Ans: Chandigarh is a well-planned city at the foot of the Shivalik Hills. Designed by French architect Le Corbusier, it has wide roads, numerous gardens, a calm atmosphere, and the famous Rose Garden. It was inaugurated in October 1953 by President Rajendra Prasad.
Q:27 Why is Chandigarh considered a model city?
Ans: Chandigarh is considered a model city because of its organized layout, beautiful gardens, cleanliness, and well-planned infrastructure.
Q:28 Who was Le Corbusier, and what is his connection to Punjab?
Ans: Le Corbusier was a French architect who designed the city of Chandigarh, making it a modern and aesthetically pleasing urban center.
Q:29 What is the significance of Rose Gardens in Chandigarh?
Ans: Rose Gardens in Chandigarh are famous worldwide for their beauty and horticultural significance. They attract tourists and reflect the city’s planned landscaping.
Q:30 How does Chandigarh maintain a calm and pleasant atmosphere?
Ans: Chandigarh’s location near the Shivalik Hills, along with its planned layout, green spaces, and gardens, contributes to a calm and pleasant environment.
Answer by Mrinmoee
