In the 1856 picture 'Santhal prisoners being taken away', one officer on a horse is shown smoking a hookah. What does this detail emphasise?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → That the time of trouble was over and the rebellion crushed
Option (1) That British officers had adopted Indian ways of life — Incorrect. Some Company officials did take up Indian habits, but here the hookah is used to send a political message about the end of the revolt.
Option (2) That the Company respected the customs of Santhal villages — Incorrect. The picture celebrates British triumph over the Santhals and their capture.
Option (3) That the Santhal leaders had surrendered after peace talks — Incorrect. The rebellion was crushed by force. The picture shows rebels in chains, led away by Company soldiers.
Option (4) That the time of trouble was over and the rebellion crushed — Correct. The relaxed officer smoking a hookah shows that the time of trouble was over and the rebellion had been crushed, a message of British control.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.2 The Santhals: Pioneer settlers … “Notice how images like this one seek to convey political messages. At the centre you can see British officials triumphantly riding on an elephant. One officer on a horse is smoking a hookah: a picture that emphasises that the time of trouble was over, the rebellion had been crushed. The rebels are now in chains, being taken away to jail escorted and surrounded by soldiers of the Company.” |