Important Chapters from NCERT Class 8 History and Summaries | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download
NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 are really important if you want to prepare for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). These books cover all the important topics and help you understand the basic concepts really well. Many questions in the exam come directly from these books, so they're a key part of what you need to study.
For UPSC exams, especially if you're from a commerce or science background, NCERT History books are crucial. History is a big part of the IAS Prelims GS Paper 1 and IAS Mains GS Paper 1. Starting your history preparation with NCERT books is a great idea because it gives you a strong base to build on. This article gives a summary of the important chapters from the Class 8 History NCERT books that you need to focus on for UPSC preparation.
Important Chapters of History Class 8th NCERT for UPSC
NCERT Name: Our Pasts Part-3
Total No. Of Chapters: 10 Chapters
Important Chapters:
- Chapter 2: From Trade to Territory
- Chapter 4: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age
- Chapter 5: When People Rebel
- Chapter 8: Women, Caste and Reform
- Chapter 9: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s – 1947
Let's Start with the summary of chapters one by one
Chapter 2: From Trade to Territory
Introduction
The British East India Company's history in India illustrates its transformation from a trading enterprise into a colonial power. Founded in 1600, the Company aimed to exploit trade opportunities in the East. As the Mughal Empire declined in the early 18th century, the Company leveraged strategic alliances, military engagements, and administrative reforms to expand its influence. Key events such as the Battle of Plassey, the Doctrine of Lapse, and the establishment of an administrative system marked this shift from trade to governance, paving the way for British colonial rule in India.
Overview of the British East India Company in India
The Decline of the Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Kingdoms
- Aurangzeb was the last powerful Mughal ruler.
- After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Mughal governors (subadars) and big zamindars began to assert their authority, establishing regional kingdoms.
- By the mid-18th century, the British, originally traders, began emerging as a political power.
The East India Company's Arrival
- 1600: A royal charter granted the East India Company the sole right to trade with the East.
- The Company could explore new lands, procure goods at low prices, and sell them in Europe for higher profits, free from competition with other English trading groups.
Competition and Conflict with Other European Powers
- 18th Century: Portuguese, Dutch, and French traders were already active in the Indian Ocean, competing for goods like cotton, silk, and spices.
- European companies resorted to military tactics, such as sinking ships, blockading routes, and fortifying trading posts, leading to conflicts with local rulers and intertwining trade with politics.
Establishment of Trade in Bengal
- 1651: The first English factory was set up on the banks of the Hugli River.
- 1696: Construction of a fort began around the settlement.
- 1698: The Company obtained zamindari rights over three villages, including Kalikata (Kolkata).
- Aurangzeb's Farman: The Mughal emperor granted the Company the right to trade duty-free, leading to revenue loss for Bengal.
Conflict with Bengal's Nawabs
- The Company’s growing privileges and manipulative practices led to financial harm for Bengal.
- Nawabs like Murshid Quli Khan, Alivardi Khan, and Sirajuddaulah resisted Company concessions and demanded tributes.
- 1757: The Battle of Plassey saw Robert Clive defeat Sirajuddaulah, aided by Mir Jafar’s betrayal, marking a significant victory for the Company.
Expansion and Control
- 1764: The Battle of Buxar consolidated Company power.
- 1765: The Mughal emperor appointed the Company as the Diwan of Bengal, granting it revenue rights.
- The Company shifted towards direct administration to finance its wars and trade demands.
Company Officials and Wealth Accumulation
- Post-Plassey, Company officials amassed significant wealth, becoming known as "nabobs."
- Robert Clive, for instance, accumulated a fortune but later faced scrutiny and committed suicide in 1774.
- Many officials faced early demise due to disease and conflict, while others aimed for a comfortable life in Britain after serving in India.
Expansion through Political and Military Means
- The Company used political, economic, and diplomatic methods to extend its influence.
- Subsidiary Alliances: Indian rulers had to pay for British protection or risk losing their territory.
- Direct military conflicts occurred when the Company's interests were threatened, such as with Mysore under Tipu Sultan and the Marathas.
Paramountcy and Annexations
- Under Lord Hastings and Lord Dalhousie, the Company claimed paramountcy, asserting greater power than Indian states.
- Doctrine of Lapse: If an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would become Company territory. This policy led to the annexation of several kingdoms, including Satara, Sambalpur, and Jhansi.
Administration and Legal Reforms
- Warren Hastings played a significant role in administrative reforms.
- British territories were divided into Presidencies: Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.
- A new system of justice was established, including civil and criminal courts.
Military Reforms
- The Company developed a sepoy army (from "sipahi," meaning soldier) with European-style training, drills, and discipline.
Conclusion
The British East India Company's journey from a trading organization to a colonial power reshaped the Indian subcontinent's political, economic, and social landscapes. Through a blend of strategic manipulation, military might, and administrative reforms, the Company extended its dominance, laying the groundwork for British colonial rule. By 1857, the Company exercised direct control over a substantial portion of India, influencing the region's history profoundly. This transformation underscores the complex interplay of commerce, conflict, and governance that characterized the Company's rule, leaving a lasting legacy on the Indian subcontinent.
Chapter 4: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age
Introduction
The history of tribal groups in India during the British colonial period is marked by profound changes and challenges. The British rule brought about significant transformations in the lives of tribal communities, impacting their traditional ways of living, governance, and leading to various forms of resistance. This overview explores how tribal groups lived, how British colonial rule affected them, and the notable movements and revolts that took place during this era.
Overview
Birsa Munda was born in the mid-1870s into a Munda family, a tribal group in Chhotanagpur. By the 19th century, tribal communities across India were engaged in various activities.
How Did Tribal Groups Live?
Jhum Cultivators:
- Shifting Cultivation: They practiced farming on small patches of forest land.
- Land Preparation: They cut treetops to allow sunlight and burned vegetation to clear the land.
- Field Rotation: After harvesting, they left the field fallow for several years.
Hunters and Gatherers:
- Living: Many tribal groups lived by hunting animals and gathering forest produce.
- Examples: The Khonds in Orissa used forest herbs for medicine and sold produce locally.
- Independence: The Baigas of Central India were reluctant to work for others.
Herders:
- Pastoralism: Some tribes lived by herding cattle or sheep and gathering forest produce.
- Examples: The Van Gujjars of Punjab, Labadis of Andhra Pradesh, Gaddis of Kulu, and Bakarwals of Kashmir were known for herding.
Settled Cultivators:
- Transition: Many tribal groups began settling down, using plows, and gaining land rights.
- British Perception: The British considered settled tribes like the Gonds and Santhals more civilized than shifting cultivators.
How Did Colonial Rule Affect Tribal Lives?
Impact on Tribal Chiefs:
- Pre-British Rule: Chiefs had economic power and controlled their territories.
- Under British Rule: Chiefs kept their land titles but had to follow British laws.
Shifting Cultivators:
- British Discomfort: The British wanted regular revenue, so they introduced land settlements.
- Resistance: Efforts to settle shifting cultivators failed, leading the British to allow some shifting cultivation.
Forest Laws:
- Control: The British declared forests as state property.
- Reserved Forests: These were reserved for timber production, restricting tribal activities and leading to rebellions.
Trade Issues:
- Traders and Moneylenders: Entered forests, offering loans and wages, leading to tribal exploitation.
- Silk Demand: Santhals reared cocoons for traders who sold them at high profits.
Search for Work:
- Displacement: Tribals traveled far for work, often facing low wages and harsh conditions in plantations and mines.
Birsa Munda's Movement
- Leadership: Birsa Munda led a movement against British exploitation.
- Aims: He wanted to drive out missionaries, moneylenders, landlords, and the government to establish Munda Raj.
- Arrest and Death: Birsa was arrested in 1895, released in 1897, and died of cholera in 1900, leading to the movement's decline.
Important Dates
- 1831-1832: Kol Revolt.
- 1855: Santhal Revolt.
- 1895: Birsa Munda's arrest.
- 1897: Birsa Munda's release.
- 1900: Birsa Munda's death.
- 1906: Songram Sangma Revolt in Assam.
- 1910: Bastar Rebellion in Central India.
- 1940: Warli Revolt in Maharashtra.
Conclusion
The British colonial rule brought significant changes to the lives of tribal groups in India. These communities faced disruptions in their traditional ways of living and governance. However, they also showed remarkable resilience and resistance. Leaders like Birsa Munda emerged, fighting for tribal rights and autonomy. These events highlight the enduring struggle of tribal communities against colonial exploitation and their quest for self-determination.
Chapter 5: When People Rebel
Introduction
The policies of the East India Company significantly affected various groups in India, including kings, queens, peasants, landlords, tribals, and soldiers. These policies led to major changes in the country's social and political structure.
Impact on Nawabs and Rajas
Loss of Power:
- From the mid-18th century, the power and authority of Nawabs and Rajas were reduced.
- They lost their revenues and territories in stages, and their armed forces were dismantled.
Individual Cases:
- Rani Lakshmibai: The Company refused to recognize her adoptive son as the heir.
- Peshwa Baji Rao II: His plea for his father's pension was denied.
- Awadh: Annexed in 1856 due to claims of misgovernance by Governor-General Dalhousie.
Mughal Dynasty:
- The Company planned to end the Mughal dynasty, and Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the last Mughal king in 1856.
Impact on Peasants and Sepoys
Peasants:
- Resented high taxes and strict revenue collection methods.
- Many lost their lands to moneylenders.
Sepoys:
- Unhappy with their pay and conditions of service.
- Discontent spread among sepoys, contributing to unrest.
British Reforms and Reactions
Social Reforms:
- Laws to stop Sati and encourage widow remarriage.
- Promotion of English education.
Religious Changes:
- Christian missionaries were allowed to operate freely.
- A 1850 law made it easier for Indians to convert to Christianity.
The 1857 Rebellion
Mutiny Turns into Rebellion:
- Began in Meerut in May 1857, spreading across India.
- Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the leader by the rebels.
Key Events:
- Mangal Pandey was hanged on 8 April 1857.
- 85 sepoys were jailed on 9 May 1857, leading to a revolt on 10 May 1857.
Spread of Rebellion:
- Regiments and local leaders across India joined the uprising.
- Key figures like Nana Saheb, Rani Lakshmibai, and others played significant roles.
British Response and Aftermath
Suppression of the Rebellion:
- Delhi was recaptured in September 1857.
- Lucknow was taken in March 1858, and key leaders were killed or captured.
Changes in Governance:
- In 1858, British Parliament transferred the powers of the East India Company to the British Crown.
- Policies were implemented to protect landlords and respect Indian religious practices.
Important Dates
- 1801: Subsidiary Alliance imposed on Awadh.
- 1856: Awadh annexed; Bahadur Shah Zafar declared the last Mughal king.
- 1857: Rebellion began in Meerut.
- 8 April 1857: Mangal Pandey hanged.
- 9 May 1857: 85 sepoys jailed.
- 10 May 1857: Meerut revolt.
- September 1857: Delhi recaptured.
- March 1858: Lucknow taken.
- June 1858: Rani Lakshmibai killed.
- April 1859: Rani Avantibai killed.
- 1858: British Crown took control from East India Company.
Conclusion
The policies of the East India Company deeply impacted various groups in India, leading to widespread discontent and the 1857 Rebellion. The aftermath saw significant changes in governance, marking a new phase in Indian history with the British Crown directly taking control of Indian affairs.
Chapter 8: Women, Caste and Reform
Introduction
Two hundred years ago, Indian society was marked by rigid social norms. Early marriages were common, and Hindu and Muslim men often had multiple wives. Widows were expected to perform sati, and women's rights were severely restricted. Society was divided by caste, with
the "untouchables" at the lowest level. However, the 19th and 20th centuries saw significant changes in these norms and perceptions.
Working Towards Change
- Communication Revolution: The early 19th century saw the rise of new forms of communication such as books, newspapers, and pamphlets. This made information more accessible and sparked debates on social, political, economic, and religious issues.
- Reform Initiatives: Reformers like Raja Rammohun Roy used these platforms to challenge unjust practices and advocate for societal change.
Raja Rammohun Roy
- Advocacy for Change: Rammohun Roy was a prominent reformer who pushed for Western education and women's rights. He campaigned against the practice of sati, using ancient texts to argue that it had no religious basis.
- Success: His efforts, supported by British officials, led to the banning of sati in 1829.
Changing the Lives of Widows
- Widow Remarriage: Reformers like Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar advocated for widow remarriage, leading to the enactment of a law in 1856. Despite legal changes, widow remarriage faced significant social opposition.
- Regional Efforts: Associations supporting widow remarriage emerged in various regions, including initiatives by Veerasalingam Pantulu and Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
Girls Begin Going to School
- Education Initiatives: Reformers like Vidyasagar and Jyotirao Phule established schools for girls. Educated women, initially taught at home, began to receive formal education.
- Muslim Women: In aristocratic Muslim households, women learned to read the Koran, and some reformers advocated for women's education through reinterpretation of religious texts.
Women Write About Women
- Early 20th Century: Women like the Begums of Bhopal and Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain promoted women's education.
- Activism and Education: Women began to enter universities and careers. Activists like Pandita Ramabai criticized societal norms and worked for women's rights.
- Political Involvement: By the 20th century, women formed political groups, joined nationalist movements, and demanded equality and improved social conditions.
Caste and Social Reform
- Caste Criticism: Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Jyotirao Phule criticized caste inequalities. They promoted the spiritual equality of all castes.
- Social Movements: Movements like the Satnami, Matua, and efforts by Shri Narayana Guru and B.R. Ambedkar challenged caste discrimination and worked for social justice.
Demands for Equality and Justice
- Non-Brahman Movement: Led by figures like E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar), this movement challenged Brahmanical dominance and advocated for the dignity of lower castes.
- Temple Entry Movements: Ambedkar led efforts to allow lower castes into temples, highlighting caste prejudices.
Important Dates
- 1772-1833: Lifespan of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- 1829: Sati banned
- 1856: Widow remarriage law enacted
- 1880s: Indian women began entering universities
- 1929: Child Marriage Restraint Act passed
- 1840: Paramhans Mandali founded
- 1827: Birth of Jyotirao Phule
- 1873: Publication of Phule's "Gulamgiri"
- 1927: Ambedkar's temple entry movement
- 1830: Brahmo Samaj founded
- 1893: Swami Vivekananda's Chicago speech
- 1867: Prarthana Samaj established
- 1864: Veda Samaj established in Chennai
- 1875: Syed Ahmed Khan founded Anglo Oriental College
- 1873: Singh Sabha Movement started in Amritsar
- 1879: Singh Sabha Movement started in Lahore
- 1776: American Revolution
Conclusion
The 19th and 20th centuries in India were marked by significant social reform movements. Reformers and activists worked tirelessly to challenge and change unjust practices, leading to gradual improvements in the status of women, caste equality, and societal norms. These efforts laid the groundwork for a more equitable society.
Chapter 9: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s – 1947
Introduction
The chapter "The Making of the National Movement: 1870s-1947" explores the emergence and evolution of India's struggle for independence against British colonial rule. Spanning over 70 years, the movement saw various phases, from initial political associations to mass mobilization under Mahatma Gandhi and subsequent political developments leading to independence and partition.
Key Themes and Events
Emergence of Nationalism
- Factors: British colonialism, Western education, Indian National Congress (INC), and impact of World War I.
- Political Associations: Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Indian Association, Madras Mahajan Sabha, Bombay Presidency Association, and the INC played crucial roles in fostering nationalist sentiments.
Early Phases of Congress
- Formation: INC established in 1885 to advocate for Indian interests and representation.
- Moderate Phase: Initially focused on constitutional reforms, representation in government, and socio-economic issues like land revenue and economic policies.
Rise of Extremism
- Leaders: Lal Bal Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal) advocated for more assertive methods and complete independence ("Swaraj").
Partition of Bengal (1905)
- Cause: British administrative decision to partition Bengal, leading to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement promoting Indian goods and self-reliance.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22)
- Led by Gandhi: Gandhi's call for non-cooperation with British institutions, emphasizing non-violent resistance.
- Impact: Mass withdrawal from schools, government jobs, boycott of foreign goods, and promotion of khadi (homespun cloth).
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930)
- Salt March: Gandhi's march to Dandi to protest against salt taxes, symbolizing defiance against British economic policies.
- Broader Movement: Expanded to include broader civil disobedience campaigns against unjust laws and economic policies.
World War II and Quit India Movement (1942)
- Demand for Independence: Congress demanded immediate independence in exchange for support in World War II.
- Quit India: Gandhi's call for British withdrawal, leading to mass protests and subsequent British repression.
Towards Independence and Partition (1947)
- Muslim League: Demanded separate Muslim state leading to the creation of Pakistan.
- Violence and Partition: Communal violence and mass migration accompanied independence and partition in 1947.
Conclusion
The Indian National Movement was characterized by a spectrum of leaders, ideologies, and methods, from early constitutional demands to mass-based civil disobedience and ultimately, the partition of the subcontinent. It involved multiple phases of struggle, culminating in India gaining independence in 1947, though accompanied by the trauma of partition.
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