Chapter 3 -The Making of Global world
The Pre-Modern world
1. What is globalisation?
Ans: Globalisation is an economic system with the free movement of people, goods and services
across the globe. It is used to describe how these movements have made the world into more
connected and interdependent place.
2. What were silk routes?
Ans: These were the ancient land routes which connected Asia with Europe and northern Africa.
These routes are known to have existed since before the Christian Era and thrived almost till the
15th century.
3. "The silk routes are a good example of trade and cultural link between distant parts of the
world". Explain with examples.
Ans:
The silk routes are a good example of vibrant pre-modern trade and cultural links
between the distant parts of the.
Through this route Chinese silk and pottery, Indian textiles and spices from South-East
Asia travelled to Europe and North Africa. In return, gold and silver flowed from Europe
to Asia.
Christian missionaries, Muslim preachers and Buddhist monks all used the silk routes to
spread religions like Christianity, Islam and Buddhism from one region to another.
4. Food offers many examples of long distance cultural exchange". Justify this statement.
Many of the food items which we consume today were introduced by traders, travellers and
explorers.
It is believed that noodles travelled West from China to become spaghetti. Arab traders,
perhaps took 'pasta' to Sicily in Italy.
Many of our common foods like potatoes, soya, groundnuts, maize, tomatoes,
chillies, corn etc were not known to our ancestors till five centuries ago. These foods were
introduced in Europe and Asia after America was discovered.
5. When did the great Irish Potato Famine take place and what were its results?
Ans: The Great Irish Potato Famine took place during 1845-1849. As a result of it, around
one million people died of starvation in Ireland and double the number emigrated in search
of work.
6. "The pre-modern world shrank greatly in the 16th century". Explain.
Ans:
• In 16th century, the European sailors found a sea route to Asia and successfully crossed the
western ocean to America. This discovery of sea-routes enhanced connectivity among the
people.
The Indian sub- continent was central to the trade, but the entry Of Europeans helped to
expand this trade towards Europe
With the discovery of America, its vast lands, abundant crops and minerals transformed
trade and lives everywhere in the world.
Precious metals, particularly silver from mines located in Peru and Mexico enhanced
Europe's wealth and financed its trade with Asia.
7 .What was El- Dorado?
Ans: El-Dorado was the fabled city of Gold in South America. In 17 th century Europe
legends spread about South America's fabled wealth, so many expeditions set off in search of
El Dorado.
8. Which was the most powerful weapon used by the Spanish to conquer America? Why did
smallpox kill a large number of native Americans?
Ans: Smallpox was the most powerful weapon used by the Spanish to conquer America. It
killed a large number of native Americans because of their long isolation, they had no
immunity against this disease.
9. Why did thousands of people flee away from Europe to America in the 19th century? Give
any three reasons.
• Until the 19th century, poverty and hunger were common in Europe.
• Cities were crowded and deadly diseases were widespread.
• Religious conflicts were common and religious dissenters were persecuted.
• As a result, thousands of people of Europe moved to America.
10. Which two countries were among the world's richest until the 18th century?
Ans: China and India were among the wealthiest nations until the 18th century, due to their
flourishing industries and active participation in international trade.
