NCERT Solutions for Class 11 History - Changing Cultural Traditions

Answer in Brief

Q1: Which elements of Greek and Roman culture were revived in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries?
Ans: The religious, artistic and literary elements of Greek and roman culture were revived in 14th and 15th centuries.

Q2: Compare details of Italian architecture of this period with Islamic architecture.
Ans: Comparison is given below:
(i) Both styles took care of decoration.
(ii) Beautiful buildings were constructed under the patronage of both styles.
(iii) Arch and pillars were the key features of both the styles.
(iv) Under the patronage of Italian architecture style beautiful catherdrals and monasteries were constructed while large and magnificent mosques were constructed under the Islamic style of architecture.

Q3: Why were Italian towns the first to experience the ideas of humanism?
Ans: The towns of Italy were the first to experience the ideas of humanism because of the following reasons:
(i) Education spread in Italy by 13th and 14th centuries.
(ii) A number of classical books were composed by roman and Greek scholars.
(iii) Universities were first of all developed here to spread education.
(iv) Humanism as a subject was first taught in Italian schools, colleges and universities. Italian people were made aware of humanist views and ideas.

Q4: Compare the Venetian idea of good government with those in contemporary France.
Ans: Venice was an Italian city. This city was free from the influence of the church and feudal lords. In Venice, bankers and rich merchants played a significant role while there was absolute monarchy in France. In France, common people were deprived of their rights.

Answer in Short Essay

Q5: What were the features of humanist thought?
Ans:  Humanist thought emphasized the development of individual skills and ideas through debate and discussion. Key features include:

1. Focus on Human Dignity: Highlighted the importance of human potential and dignity, reflecting the aesthetic and mystical temper of a pre-scientific age.
2. Emphasis on Intellectual and Moral Growth: Stressed intellectual learning, physical well-being, and moral development as interconnected goals.
3. Recovery of Classical Philosophy: Revived the secular and humane philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome, promoting ideas of intellectual freedom and individual expression.
4. Spread of Humanist Ideas: Began with Petrarch in Italy and expanded to other parts of Europe, influencing art, architecture, and philosophy.
5. Cultural Reflection: Seen in works like Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement and Fall of Man, and Raphael’s Madonna.

Humanist philosophy shifted focus from supernatural concerns to achieving happiness and efficiency in earthly life, profoundly shaping the Renaissance and its cultural achievements.

Q6: Write a careful account of how the world appeared different to seventeenth century Europeans.
Ans: The seventeenth century marked a profound transformation in the European worldview due to scientific advancements, explorations, and cultural shifts:

1. Scientific Revolution:

   • Copernicus' heliocentric theory, Galileo's telescope, and Newton's laws of motion challenged medieval views and explained the universe systematically.
   • These discoveries emphasized observation, experimentation, and rational thinking over traditional beliefs.

2. Exploration and Expansion:

   • The invention of the compass enabled explorers like Vasco da Gama and Columbus to discover new trade routes and lands.
   • These voyages expanded European influence, introduced new resources, and reshaped global commerce.

3. Spread of Knowledge:

   • The printing press made books widely available, fostering education and the exchange of ideas.
   • This democratization of knowledge created a more informed and curious society.

4. Cultural and Intellectual Renaissance:

   • Cities like Florence and Venice became hubs of artistic and scholarly achievements.
   • Thinkers like Thomas More and artistic works by da Vinci and Michelangelo reflected new ways of imagining society and human potential.

This period shifted Europe from a worldview dominated by faith and tradition to one driven by reason, exploration, and innovation, redefining their understanding of humanity and the world.