🌍 CBSE Class 11th HistoryChapter-5 Changing Cultural Traditions – Extra Question and Answer ✔

1 MARKS QUESTIONS 📖

Question 1. What is the meaning of Renaissance ? Where did this term emerge ?

Answer:

The meaning of Renaissance is Rebirth. This term originated in Italy first of all.

Question 2. Write any two reasons which gave birth to the Renaissance.

Answer:

1. Fall of Feudalism.
2. Growth of Middle Class.
3. Growth of Printing Press and Literature.

Question 3. What is Renaissance ?

Answer: 

The word Renaissance is taken from a French word, which means Rebirth. It gave a new dimension to art and architecture and created awareness among the people.

Question 4. How did the invention of Printing Press support the Renaissance ?

Answer:

1. It provided intellectual knowledge.
2. It awared the people about new literature.
3. It awakened the people politically.

Question 5. Name any four Italian provinces. Where did the towns begin to emerge first ?

Answer:

The four Italian provinces were :

1. Venice    
2. Florence
3. Genoa    
4. Padua

The town first began to develop in Italy.

Question 6. Name any four writers who contributed a lot in bringing Renaissance.

Answer:

1. Dante,
2. Petrarch,
3. Thomas Moore,
4. Erasmus.

Question 7: Which Italian city-states were prominent during the Renaissance?

Answer: 

Florence and Venice were prominent Italian city-states during the Renaissance.

Question 8: What is Humanism in the context of the Renaissance?

Answer:

Humanism was a cultural and intellectual movement that focused on the study of classical texts and emphasized the value of human achievements.

Question 9: Who invented the printing press during the Renaissance?

Answer: 

Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press during the Renaissance.

Question 10: What contribution did Arab scholars make to the Renaissance?

Answer:

Arab scholars preserved and translated classical knowledge, contributing to the intellectual richness of the Renaissance.

Question 11: Name a Renaissance artist known for realistic portrayal of the human form.

Answer:

Leonardo da Vinci is known for his realistic portrayal of the human form.

Question 12: Which architectural styles were revived during the Renaissance?

Answer: 

Classical architectural styles, including elements like columns and domes, were revived during the Renaissance.

Question 13: What role did the printing press play in the Renaissance?

Answer:

The printing press revolutionized information dissemination, making books more accessible and contributing to the spread of Renaissance ideas.

Question 14: What concept did Renaissance thinkers emphasize regarding human beings?

Answer: 

Renaissance thinkers emphasized individualism and the potential for human achievement.

Question 15: Who challenged the geocentric model of the universe during the Renaissance?

Answer: 

Nicolaus Copernicus challenged the geocentric model, proposing a heliocentric system.

2 MARKS QUESTIONS📖

Question 1: How did the patronage system contribute to the Renaissance?

Answer: 

The patronage system, where wealthy individuals supported artists and scholars, provided financial backing for cultural and intellectual endeavors during the Renaissance.

Question 2: What were the key features of Renaissance architecture?

Answer:

Renaissance architecture featured a revival of classical styles, including symmetry, proportion, and the use of classical elements such as columns and domes.

Question 3: How did the printing press impact the accessibility of knowledge during the Renaissance?

Answer:

The printing press increased the accessibility of knowledge by making books more affordable and widely available, facilitating the spread of Renaissance ideas.

Question 4: Explain the concept of humanism and its role in the Renaissance.

Answer:

Humanism in the Renaissance emphasized the study of classical texts and the value of human achievements, playing a pivotal role in shaping cultural and intellectual pursuits.

Question 5: Who were some prominent female figures who contributed to the Renaissance?

Answer:

Isabella d’Este and Christine de Pizan were notable female figures who made significant contributions to the cultural and intellectual milieu of the Renaissance.

Question 6: How did Renaissance artists incorporate realism into their work?

Answer:

Renaissance artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, incorporated realism by depicting the human form with meticulous attention to details like anatomy and perspective.

Question 7: What role did the Copernican Revolution play in changing the perception of the universe during the Renaissance?

Answer:

The Copernican Revolution challenged the geocentric model, introducing the heliocentric system and significantly altering humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Question 8: How did the Renaissance contribute to the concept of individualism?

Answer: 

The Renaissance emphasized individualism by highlighting the potential for personal achievement and autonomy, a departure from the more collective mindset of the Middle Ages.

Question 9: Discuss the impact of Arab scholars on Renaissance intellectual development.

Answer: 

Arab scholars preserved and translated classical texts, introducing Islamic scientific and philosophical ideas to Europe, enriching Renaissance intellectual thought.

Question 10: Were there any debates or conflicts within Christianity during the Renaissance?

Answer:

Yes, the Renaissance witnessed debates and conflicts within Christianity, including theological discussions and the rise of movements such as the Protestant Reformation.

Question 11: How did the Renaissance challenge traditional views of history?

Answer: 

The Renaissance, with its humanist perspective, challenged traditional views of history by emphasizing the significance of human accomplishments and achievements alongside theological narratives.  

Question 12: In what ways did the aspiration of women evolve during the Renaissance?

Answer:

The Renaissance saw a shift in the aspiration of women, with some, like Isabella d’Este, actively participating in cultural and intellectual pursuits, challenging traditional gender roles.

Question 13:

Explain the significance of the first printed books in the Renaissance.

Answer:

The first printed books, thanks to the invention of the printing press, played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge, making information more widely available and contributing to the intellectual flourishing of the Renaissance.

Question 14:

What were the main characteristics of Renaissance debates within Christianity?

Answer:

Renaissance debates within Christianity included challenges to established doctrines, the questioning of religious authority, and the emergence of movements like the Protestant Reformation, reflecting a period of theological upheaval.

Question 15:

How did the Renaissance pave the way for the Scientific Revolution?

Answer:

The Renaissance laid the intellectual groundwork for the Scientific Revolution by fostering a spirit of inquiry, challenging traditional beliefs, and promoting a more empirical approach to understanding the natural world.

5 MARKS QUESTIONS 📖

Question 1. Elaborate the contribution of any five writers whose thoughts and works contributed to the emergence of Renaissance.

Answer:

• Dante: He was the greatest poet among the Renaissance poet. He belonged to Italy and wrote an epic of poem named ‘The Divine Comedy’. In it he criticize the religious beliefs and practices of his age.

• Erasmus: He was a great Dutch poet. He wrote a book named ‘The Praise of Folly’. In it he ridiculed the corrupt practices prevalent in the church of his times.

• Thomas Moore : He was a greatest scholar of his time. He belongs to England. He wrote a book named ‘Utopia’. In this book he criticised the social evils prevailing in the society at that time. He also condemned the malpractices of the society.

• Petrarch: He was a greatest poet and a historian. He was an Italian. He is regarded as the father of ‘Humanism’. He criticised the contemporary society and its systems.

• Francis Bacon : He was a greatest scholar and an author of England of the Renaissance Age. He wrote many scholarly essays on the topic of contemporary interest. He enlighten the people with his writings.

Question 2. What do you understand by the term ‘Renaissance’? Analyse the role of the printing press in Renaissance and the rapid spread of humanist culture of Italy.

Answer:

• Renaissance means ‘rebirth’. It occurred in Italy in the fifteenth century. A new movement of knowledge started in Europe after a long dark age of ignorance. The people of Europe again began to take interest in European ancient culture and civilization.

• By 1500 CE a number of classical texts had been printed in Italy and most of them in Latin language. Now students had not to depend solely on lecture notes because printed books were easily available. Ideas, opinions, etc., spread more widely and more rapidly than ever before. A printed book with new ideas could quickly reach thousand of readers. Now every reader could purchase books from market and read them. This developed the reading habit among people and greatly spread humanist ideas.

• Humanism and the Renaissance and print Literature : Humanism also greatly influenced writers like Shakespeare. Scholars like Dante made man, not God, the topic of their works. They thoroughly discussed man’s sentiments, capabilities and weakness. Famous literary works of this period include Utopia, Hamlet, Divine Comedy, etc.

• Humanism cast a special influence on art of the Renaissance Age. Though the paintings of Raphael and Michelangelo concerned with wealth, their basis was man. In their paintings, they depicted Jesus as a child and Mary as an affectionate mother. Other humanist works of this age include Mona Lisa, Madonna, etc., which are world famous.

Question 3. Why did Renaissance appear Italy first of all ? What changes did it bring about in the contemporary life of the people ?

Answer:

Renaissance first appeared in Italy because of following reasons :

• Fall of Constantinople : After the fall of Constantinople the learned Christian scholars were persecuted by the Turks and forced to flee to Italy the seat of Pope. These scholars had reached Italy via Greece and brought good literary idea with them. This helped them to share knowledge.

• Fall of Feudalism : The fall of feudalism helped in the emergence of new towns and cities.

• Topographic Location of Italy : Italy is situated on the half way between the western Europe and Middle East. The Italian cities were the centers of the prosperous trade and commerce and were encouraged by Greek scholars.

Changes brought by Renaissance :

• The cold age of superstitions and evil practices came to an end.
• New ideas, rational outlook and scientific beliefs were adopted.
• It also preached Humanism.
• It also inspired the contemporary writers, artists and philosophers to take up man as their main subject.

Question 4. Describe any five key features of Renaissance.

Answer: 

Features of Renaissance :

• Rise of Nation States : The main feature was the development of idea of nation state. It paved the way for national security and growth of common culture, language, humanism, literature etc. It helped in bring the modem age and scientific knowledge also.

• The Discovery of New Lands : The great sailors like Vasco-da-Gama and Columbus discovered many new lands like India and America. As a result, people of one country began to mix freely with the people of the rest of the world. And there was free exchange of ideas. Thus the discovery of new lands also helped in bringing the modem age.

• The Reforms made by the Reformers : Many reformers attacked and criticised the church and the feudal system, the two main pillars of the Middle Ages. The reformers like Martin Luther of Germany, criticised and opposed the corrupt practices of the clergy. He started a new movement i.e. the Protestant Movement against the Roman Catholic Church. His movement proved helpful in promoting free thinking among the people. Now they gave up blind faith and useless dogmas and thus stepped towards the modern age.

• Humanism : Humanism was a philosophy which had faith and confidence, in the unlimited capacities of man to develop himself. The exponents of his philosophy said that man should be honoured and all efforts should be directed to promote his welfare. All problems that face us as human beings should be solved without reference to God and religion etc.

• The Rise of the Middle Class : During the Middle Ages the clergy and the feudal lords were in all in the society. But with the growth of trade and commerce, the rise of new cities and towns and the discovery of new lands, a new class of society known as the middle class emerged. The class was not prepared to how before the pleasure seeking nobility and corrupt clergy. Due to the help of the middle class the common people also became courageous to challenge the special rights and privileges of the so called upper class of the contemporary society.

Question 5. Discuss the rise of Protestant Reformation Movement launched in Europe in the 16th and 17th century,

Answer:

• Reformation Movement was launched by Martin Luther of Germany against the prevailing wrong practices in the Roman Church. Supporters of this movement abolished corrupt practices and tried to establish an improved practice.

• They separated themselves from the Roman Church and set-up a new Protestant Church. Thus the followers of Christianity got divided into two groups – Catholics and Protestants. From Germany the Reformation Movement expanded to other European countries also. It was developed by Zwingli in Switzerland and Calvin in France.

Causes :

• In the medieval age, the Roman Catholic Church dominated western Europe. It was leading all the Christians of Europe. As the church enjoyed abundant powers, several evils had crept into it.

• The Renaissance created a commonsense and rationality. Now people were losing their faith in the church. They began to criticised worship and organization of the church.

• King’s power increased with the rise of nation-states. They wanted to put a check on the Pope’s international rights. So the kings accelerated the Reformation Movement.

Question 6. Describe the progress made by Renaissance Movement in the field of Art.

Answer:

• Art of Painting:  Artists focused on realism and their concern to be accurate was helped by the work of scientists. Artists focused on making figures of perfectly proportioned men and women. Donatello, for example broke a new ground with his life like statues. To study bone structures, artists went to the laboratories of medical schools. Painters painted as realistically as possible.

• Renaissance in Architecture : Popes, wealthy merchants and aristocrats employed architects who were familiar with classical architecture. Artists and sculptors were also to decorate buildings with paintings, sculptures and reliefs. Michelangelo Buonarroti, painted for the Pope in the Sistine Chapel, the scripture called ‘The Pieta’ and his design of the dome of St. Peter’s Church, all in Rome. Another remarkable change was that artists came to be known individually and not as members of a group or guild.

Question 7. Describe the effects of the Renaissance.

Answer: 

Effects of the Renaissance :

• Political Effects : People were tired of the tyrannies of feudalism and the chaos and anarchy created by it. Renaissance did not usher in an era of democracy but it promoted nationalism and led to the rise of strong and powerful monarchies which ensured peace, security, political stability and economic prosperity and happy life.

• Church was Weakened : In the Middle Ages the church had influence in all the spheres of life. Its authority was supreme and unchallengeable. It had enslaved the mind of a man. But the Renaissance created the spirit of enquiry. People began to question the authority of the church and refused to follow blindly the dogmas which did not appeal to reason. This greatly weakened the authority of the church.

• Scientific Outlook : People of the Middle Ages believed in superstitions, super naturalism and mysteries. They accepted theories without verifying or investigating them. But Renaissance encouraged original thinking and the spirit of enquiry and scientific investigation. It developed a critical outlook. It freed man from the mental slavery of the church.

• Development of Humanism : The study of theological subjects occupied the time and energy of man in the Middle Ages. They were more interested in future life. But Renaissance widened the outlook and created an interest in man, his interests, his nature and his life in this world. It developed humanism and encouraged the study of humanities.

• Spread of Education and Literature : The invention of printing press helped in bringing out cheap books in large number. Schools, colleges, universities were opened at various places which helped a lot in spreading education and knowledge. It also led to the growth of vernacular languages and vernacular literature of high order. It thus enriched European civilization and culture.

Question 8.What was the main reason that the humanist culture of Italy spread more rapidly across the Alps from the end of 15th century ?

Answer:

• This was because of the greatest revolution of the sixteenth century-the mastery of the technology of printing. For this, Europeans were indebted to other peoples – the Chinese, for printing technology, and to Mongol rulers because European traders and diplomats had become familiar with it during visits to their courts.

• By 1500, many classical texts, nearly all in Latin, had been printed in Italy. As printed books became available, it was possible to buy them, and students did not have to depend solely on lecture-notes. Ideas, opinions and information moved more widely and more rapidly than ever before.

• A printed book promoting new ideas could quickly reach hundreds of readers. This also made it possible for individuals to read books, since it was possible to buy copies for oneself. This developed the reading habit among people.

• The chief reason that the humanist culture of Italy spread more rapidly across the Alps from the end of the fifteenth century is that printed books were circulating. This also explains why earlier intellectual movements had been limited to particular regions.

Question 9. Why is it said that the Renaissance started a new age ?

Answer:

The Renaissance undoubtedly started a new age. Following were its main reasons :

• The Renaissance ended conservative assumptions of ancient and medieval societies. Now people began to discuss their problems.

• It broke the feudal bonds and established nation-states.

• Before the Renaissance people had blind faith in principles of the Church. But now they began to doubt the truthfulness of these principles and examined everything on the test of logic. Consequently, an age of scientific thinking started.

• The Renaissance originated many new ideologies in art and literature. Many writers wrote satirical essays and painters attached on polluted society and politics in their paintings. All the things indicated the modem age.

Question 10. What do you know about ‘the Copernican Revolution ?

Answer:

• Christians had believed that the earth was a sinful place and the heavy burden of sin made it immobile. The earth stood at the centre of the universe around which moved the celestial planets.

• Copernicus asserted that the planets, including the earth, rotate around the sun. A devout Christian, Copernicus was afraid of the possible reaction to his theory by traditionalist clergy-men. For this reason, he did not want his manuscript, De revolutionibus (the Rotation) to be printed. On his deathbed, he gave it to his follower, Joachim Rheticus.  

• It look time for people to accept this idea. It was much later – more than half a century later, in fact – that the difference between ‘heaven’ and earth was bridged through the writings of astronomers like Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) and Galileo Galileo (1564-1642).

• The theory of the earth as part of a sun-centred system was made popular by Kepler’s Cosmography Mystery, which demonstrated that the planets move around the sun not in circles but in ellipses. Galileo confirmed the notion of the dynamic world in his work The Motion. This revolution in science reached its climax with Isaac Newton’s theory of gravitation.

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