NCERT REVISION NOTES
Class-8th History
Lesson-01 How, When, and Where
1. Understanding History and Dates
- Significance of Dates: Earlier historians emphasized dates to understand history (e.g., dates of battles, kings' reigns, etc.).
- Focus on Different Aspects: Now, history includes social, economic, and cultural aspects, not just political events.
- Questioning Dates: Modern historians question the significance of some dates, as history is more than just a timeline of events.
2. Colonial Rule and Historiography
- Colonial Period: Refers to the time when India was under British control.
- Historiography: Study of how history was recorded. British recorded history to show their "superiority" and justify their rule.
- Official Records: British maintained extensive records to control their administration in India, including surveys, maps, and reports.
3. Importance of Surveys and Records
- Surveys: British conducted extensive surveys (census, revenue, forest, and archaeological) to understand and exploit India's resources.
- Census: Began in the 19th century to record information about India's population, castes, and occupations.
- Official Record Rooms: Detailed records, such as orders, reports, and acts, were kept in record rooms and were central to administration.
4. Colonial and Nationalist Perspectives
- British Perspective: Presented themselves as "civilizing" India and maintaining order.
- Nationalist Perspective: Indian historians highlighted resistance against British rule and valued the contributions of Indian leaders.
5. How Historians Use Sources Today
- Beyond Written Records: Modern historians rely on a variety of sources, including oral traditions, folklore, architecture, and archaeological evidence.
- Interpreting Different Sources: Historians interpret and cross-check different sources to understand people's lives during the colonial period.
Key Terms
- Historiography: Study of historical writing and methods.
- Survey: Systematic collection of data about population, land, resources.
- Colonial Period: Period of British control over India (roughly 1757–1947).
Quick Recap
- History isn't just about dates; it’s about understanding societal changes.
- British rule in India was documented through extensive records, which the British used to justify their "civilizing mission."
- Nationalist historians challenged the British narrative, highlighting Indian leaders' resistance and contributions.
- Modern history goes beyond colonial records, using diverse sources for a comprehensive understanding of the past.
MCQs
Here are 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 1: "How, When, and Where".
1. What did the British consider important while writing Indian history?
(a) Dates of kings' coronations
(b) Dates of battles
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Common people's daily life
Answer: (c) Both (a) and (b)
2. Why is history not limited to only dates and events now?
(a) It includes cultural, social, and economic changes
(b) Dates are not essential
(c) Events are fictional
(d) History is no longer relevant
Answer: (a) It includes cultural, social, and economic changes
3. What was the main purpose of British conducting surveys in India?
(a) To gather data for developing India
(b) To understand India’s resources and control administration
(c) To appreciate Indian culture
(d) To help Indian farmers
Answer: (b) To understand India’s resources and control administration
4. When was the first census conducted in India?
(a) 1881
(b) 1891
(c) 1872
(d) 1901
Answer: (c) 1872
5. Where were British official records stored?
(a) Forts
(b) Palaces
(c) Record rooms
(d) Temples
Answer: (c) Record rooms
6. What is historiography?
(a) Writing history without any research
(b) Study of historical writing and methods
(c) A method to record official orders
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) Study of historical writing and methods
7.Which of the following was not a type of survey conducted by the British?
(a) Revenue survey
(b) Forest survey
(c) Industrial survey
(d) Census survey
Answer: (c) Industrial survey
8. Why did the British keep detailed records of administration?
(a) To control the economy
(b) To improve Indian culture
(c) To increase administrative efficiency
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer: (d) Both (a) and (c)
9. What did the British intend to showcase through their history writing?
(a) Indian superiority
(b) British “civilizing mission”
(c) Indian unity
(d) Indian culture
Answer: (b) British “civilizing mission”
10. Who questioned the British view of Indian history?
(a) British officials
(b) Indian nationalist historians
(c) Indian kings
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) Indian nationalist historians
11. What was the primary aim of the British in conducting census in India?
(a) To understand caste composition
(b) To analyze Indian literature
(c) To learn about traditional practices
(d) To boost Indian economy
Answer: (a) To understand caste composition
12. What are record rooms?
(a) Storage areas for agricultural goods
(b) Places where British kept official records
(c) Rooms for religious discussions
(d) Indian rulers’ offices
Answer: (b) Places where British kept official records
13. How do modern historians view history compared to British historians?
(a) As just events and dates
(b) As a mixture of political, social, and economic changes
(c) Only political events
(d) Just records of wars and conquests
Answer: (b) As a mixture of political, social, and economic changes
14. Which of the following sources do modern historians use apart from written records?
(a) Oral traditions
(b) Architecture
(c) Folklore
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
15. When did the British period officially end in India?
(a) 1947
(b) 1857
(c) 1900
(d) 1930
Answer: (a) 1947
16. Why is it important to cross-check historical records?
(a) To find errors in documents
(b) To gain a comprehensive understanding of the past
(c) To correct dates
(d) To change British history
Answer: (b) To gain a comprehensive understanding of the past
17. Who called British rule a "civilizing mission"?
(a) Indian kings
(b) Indian nationalists
(c) British officials
(d) Historians
Answer: (c) British officials
18. What was a major use of maps by the British in India?
(a) For promoting tourism
(b) For better control and management of territories
(c) For studying ancient civilizations
(d) For entertainment
Answer: (b) For better control and management of territories
19. What aspect of history became more prominent due to British influence?
(a) Religious texts
(b) Political events and administration
(c) Social practices
(d) Environmental changes
Answer: (b) Political events and administration
20. Who used census data and surveys in their administration?
(a) Local kings
(b) British officials
(c) Indian nationalist leaders
(d) Common citizens
Answer: (b) British officials
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