History and Civics Question Bank for Class IX – “Renaissance”

20 Short Questions with Answers on “Renaissance” for Class IX Students (History and Civics ):

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Q1. Explain the term Renaissance.

Ans: The word Renaissance means ‘rebirth’ or ‘renewal’. In European history it means a movement which marked the transition from the medieval to the modern age.

Q2. Mention two causes of the Renaissance.

Ans: The two causes that led to the birth of Renaissance were:

i. Turkey’s capture of Constantinople in AD 1453 led many Greek scholars to migrate to Italy. They carried with them rare manuscripts. Italy thus became the centre for the revival of Greek learning. These scholars created a new urge for learning.

ii. Decline of feudalism from around AD 1300 when individual monarchs in France, Spain and England became powerful and curbed the power of the feudal lords. The authority of the Church was challenged. Nation-states came into existence. Trade and commerce flourished. Thus there was a general atmosphere of progress, economic regeneration and intellectual activity.

Q3. Who was the first European explorer to reach India?

Ans: The first European to reach India was Vasco da Gama in 1498.

Q4. What was the achievement of Christopher Columbus?

Ans: Christopher Columbus discovered a new continent, America.

Q5. What was special about the vessel Victoria?

Ans: Victoria was the first ship to sail around the world.

Q6. Mention two results of geographical exploration.

Ans: Geographical explorations led to:

i. Discovery of new routes

ii. Discovery of America

Q7. Mention one impact of the capture of Constantinople.

Ans: The capture of Constantinople led students and scholars to flee the city and flock to Italy.

Q8. Give two reasons for the beginning of Renaissance in Italy.

Ans: Turkish capture of Constantinople and fleeing of Greek scholars with valuable manuscripts to Italy led to the beginning of Renaissance in Italy.

Q9. How did the printing press help the Renaissance?

Ans: Everyone had access to books which were produced in large numbers. Hence the printing press greatly facilitated the growth and spread of knowledge.

Q10. Mention one famous painting of a) Leonardo da Vinci, b) Raphael, c) Michelangelo.

Ans: Monalisa, Madonna and Child and Last Judgement are the three famous paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo respectively.

Q11. Give two features of Renaissance painting.

Ans: The two features of Renaissance painting are:

i. The paintings eulogised man and humanity

ii. Classical style of painting with emphatic forms, blended with sharpness of features, beauty, harmony and grace

Q12. Give two features of Renaissance sculpture.

Ans: The two features of Renaissance sculpture are:

i. The human form was exquisitely depicted

ii. These sculptures were used to decorate Churches and palaces

Q13. Name two famous works of sculpture by Michelangelo.

Ans: Statue of David and Moses are the two famous sculptures by Michelangelo.

Q14. Who painted the Sistine Chapel?

Ans: Michelangelo Buonarroti painted the Sistine Chapel.

Q15. Where is the Sistine Chapel situated?

Ans: The Sistine Chapel is situated in St. Peter’s Church in the Vatican.

Q16. Mention two achievements of Roger Bacon.

Ans: Roger Bacon discovered many uses of gunpowder and magnifying lens.

Q17. Mention the principle forwarded by Copernicus. How did Kepler improve upon it?

Ans: Copernicus was an astronomer who proved that the sun is in the centre of the planetary system and the earth rotates on its axis and around the sun. Kepler improved on Copernicus’ principle by saying that the earth and other planets revolved around the sun in elliptical orbits and not in circles.

Q19. Mention two physicians of the Renaissance period and one of their achievements.

Ans: Vesalius and William Harvey were the two physicians of the Renaissance period. William Harvey demonstrated the importance of circulation of blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Q20. Mention two results of the Renaissance.

Ans: The two results of the Renaissance:

i. A new economic theory surfaced in the name of Mercantilism

ii. Renaissance led to a reform movement against the corrupt practices prevalent within the Catholic Church; this movement was called Reformation