How, When And Where, History, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

A History of British India was written by James Mill.
Explanation:
James Mill, a Scottish historian and economist, wrote the book titled "A History of British India". Here is some information about the author and his work:
- James Mill was born on April 6, 1773, in Scotland. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh and became a prominent figure in the Utilitarian movement.
- "A History of British India" was published in 1817 and is considered one of the most influential works on the history of India during the British colonial period.
- The book provides a comprehensive account of British rule in India, covering various aspects such as political, economic, and social developments.
- Mill's work reflects his support for British colonialism and his belief in the superiority of Western civilization. He argued that British rule was beneficial for India, as it brought modernization and progress to the country.
- However, Mill's portrayal of Indian culture and society was often biased and Eurocentric, leading to criticism from many scholars and historians.
- Despite its flaws, "A History of British India" played a significant role in shaping Western perceptions of India and its history.
In summary, James Mill wrote "A History of British India", which is a notable work on the history of British colonial rule in India.

The first Governor-General of India was Warren Hastings.

Explanation:

• Warren Hastings: He served as the first Governor-General of Bengal from 1772 to 1785, which was the highest position in British India at that time. He was appointed by the East India Company and played a significant role in shaping British administration in India.


• Lord Dalhousie: He served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. He is known for his policies of annexation and modernization, including the implementation of the Doctrine of Lapse.


• Lord Mountbatten: He served as the last Viceroy of India from 1947 to 1948. He played a crucial role in the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan.


• Lord William Bentinck: He served as the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. He is known for his administrative reforms, including the abolition of Sati and the promotion of Western education in India.

Therefore, the correct answer is D: Warren Hastings.

Background

The National Archives of India is an institution responsible for the preservation, management, and access to historical records of the Indian government. Understanding when it was established provides context for the answer.

Establishment

• Option A: 1920s


• Incorrect. The National Archives of India was not established in the 1920s.



• Option B: 1930s


• Incorrect. The National Archives of India was not established in the 1930s.



• Option C: 1940s


• Incorrect. The National Archives of India was not established in the 1940s.



• Option D: 1950s


• Correct. The National Archives of India was established in the 1950s.

Conclusion

The correct answer is option D: 1950s. The National Archives of India was established in the 1950s.

Explanation:
The word 'Calligrapher' means one who is specialized in the art of beautiful writing. Here is a detailed explanation:
Definition:
- A calligrapher is an artist or a skilled individual who practices calligraphy, which is the art of beautiful writing.
- Calligraphy is the design and execution of lettering with a broad-tipped instrument or brush in a skillful, harmonious, and expressive manner.
Key Points:
- Calligraphy is considered a visual art form.
- Calligraphers use various writing instruments such as pens, brushes, and markers to create artistic and aesthetically pleasing letterforms.
- Calligraphy is often used in the creation of wedding invitations, certificates, diplomas, and other formal documents.
- Calligraphers pay special attention to details such as letter spacing, stroke thickness, and overall composition.
- They often study different calligraphic styles and historical scripts to enhance their skills and develop their own unique style.
- Calligraphers may also incorporate decorative elements and illustrations into their work to further enhance the visual appeal.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the word 'Calligrapher' refers to a person who is specialized in the art of beautiful writing, creating visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing letterforms using various writing instruments.

Answer:

Introduction: Census operations are conducted to gather information about the population of a country or region. In this response, we will discuss the frequency of census operations.

Frequency of Census Operations:

• Every five years: This option is incorrect as census operations are not held every five years.


• Every seven years: This option is incorrect as census operations are not held every seven years.


• Every ten years: This option is correct. Census operations are typically held every ten years in many countries, including the United States.


• Every twelve years: This option is incorrect as census operations are not held every twelve years.

Conclusion: Census operations are held every ten years to gather population-related information. This helps governments and policymakers in making informed decisions and planning for the future.

Explanation:
The statement claims that the British were very particular about preserving official documents. Let's analyze whether this statement is true or false.
Evidence supporting the statement:
- The British government has a long history of preserving official documents. The National Archives in the UK holds millions of government records, including historical documents dating back centuries.
- The Public Records Act of 1958 in the UK ensures the preservation of official records and provides guidelines for their management.
- The British Library also holds a vast collection of official documents, including manuscripts, maps, and other historical records.
Evidence against the statement:
- While the British government has a strong tradition of preserving official documents, it does not mean that they were always meticulous or successful in their preservation efforts.
- There have been instances in history where some official documents were lost, destroyed, or damaged due to various reasons such as wars, accidents, or negligence.
- Not all official documents were deemed important enough to be preserved. Some routine administrative documents may not have been given the same level of attention as more significant historical records.
Conclusion:
Based on the evidence, it can be concluded that the statement is generally true. The British government has a strong tradition of preserving official documents, but it is essential to acknowledge that there may have been instances where preservation efforts were not entirely successful or comprehensive.

Is the statement true or false?
The statement "Printing began to spread by the middle of the 20th century" is False.
Explanation:
- Printing did not begin to spread by the middle of the 20th century. The development and spread of printing technology occurred much earlier.
Historical context:
- Printing using movable type was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, around 1450.
- Gutenberg's invention revolutionized the way books and other printed materials were produced, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
- After the invention of printing, the spread of this technology was relatively rapid, especially in Europe.
- By the 16th century, printing presses were established in various cities across Europe, and the production of printed materials increased significantly.
- The spread of printing allowed for the dissemination of knowledge and ideas, contributing to the cultural and intellectual developments of the Renaissance and later periods.
Conclusion:
- Printing did not begin to spread in the middle of the 20th century. It began to spread in the 15th century with Johannes Gutenberg's invention of movable type printing.
- Therefore, the statement "Printing began to spread by the middle of the 20th century" is false.

The correct answer is b

  It was not accepted by Indian historians because it did not provide a complete view on everyone. James Mill divided Indian history into three parts: Hindu, Muslim and British. This periodisation does not help us understand the lives of other minorities.

Answer:
The statement "The British carried out detailed surveys by the early 19th century in order to map the entire country" is true. Here's a detailed explanation:
- In the early 19th century, the British government initiated a comprehensive survey of the entire country to create detailed maps.
- The survey was known as the Ordnance Survey and aimed to map the topography, boundaries, and landmarks of Britain.
- The Ordnance Survey was established in 1791, and by the early 19th century, it had made significant progress in mapping various regions.
- The surveys conducted by the Ordnance Survey involved detailed measurements and observations, including trigonometric calculations and the use of precision instruments.
- The resulting maps were highly accurate and provided valuable information for military, administrative, and commercial purposes.
- The Ordnance Survey's mapping efforts played a crucial role in various fields, such as urban planning, transportation, land use, and resource management.
- The survey work continued throughout the 19th century and beyond, leading to the production of highly detailed maps covering the entire country.
- Today, the maps produced by the Ordnance Survey are still widely used and regarded as some of the most accurate and comprehensive maps available for Great Britain.
Overall, the British carried out detailed surveys by the early 19th century to map the entire country through the establishment of the Ordnance Survey.

False


James Mill did not glorify India and its culture in his book A History of British India. Here's why:




1. Utilitarian perspective:
- James Mill was a utilitarian philosopher and his approach to history was influenced by this perspective.
- He believed that the purpose of writing history was to provide useful knowledge for governing colonies effectively.
- His focus was on the economic and political aspects of British India rather than the culture and achievements of the Indian people.




2. Negative portrayal of India:
- In his book, Mill portrayed India as a stagnant and backward civilization.
- He emphasized the negative aspects of Indian society, such as caste system, superstitions, and lack of progress.
- His narrative was biased towards highlighting the perceived shortcomings of Indian culture and civilization.




3. Eurocentric view:
- Mill's work reflected a Eurocentric view that considered European culture as superior to others.
- He believed that British rule in India was a civilizing mission and that Indians needed to be educated and guided by the British.
- This perspective undermined the value and richness of Indian culture and history.




4. Influence on British policies:
- Mill's book had a significant impact on British policies towards India.
- It reinforced the notion of British superiority and provided justification for their colonial rule.
- The negative portrayal of India in his work influenced British policies that aimed to reshape Indian society and culture according to British ideals.




In conclusion, James Mill's book A History of British India did not glorify India and its culture. Instead, it presented a biased and Eurocentric perspective that undermined the value and richness of Indian civilization.