Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 1 Practice Question Answers - How, When and Where

Q1: Who is often regarded as the "Father of Indian History"?
(a) Ashoka the Great
(b) Chanakya
(c) Megasthenes
(d) Kalidasa
Ans: (c)
Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador to the Mauryan Empire, is often regarded as the "Father of Indian History" for his detailed accounts of India during his time.

Q2: The Harappan civilization is associated with which river valley?
(a) Nile River Valley
(b) Tigris-Euphrates River Valley
(c) Indus River Valley
(d) Ganges River Valley
Ans: (c)
The Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley civilization, was located in the Indus River Valley.

Q3: When did the revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, begin?
(a) 1852
(b) 1856
(c) 1857
(d) 1861
Ans: (c)
The revolt of 1857, often referred to as the First War of Independence, began in 1857 when Indian soldiers (sepoys) of the British East India Company's army mutinied against British rule.

Q4: Who was the author of the book "Discovery of India," which provides a comprehensive account of India's history and culture?
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Subhas Chandra Bose
(c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
Ans: (a)
"Discovery of India" was written by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. The book offers insights into India's history and culture.

Q5: Which major event in Indian history is associated with the famous slogan "Do or Die"?
(a) Quit India Movement
(b) Non-Cooperation Movement
(c) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
(d) Champaran Satyagraha
Ans: (a)
The slogan "Do or Die" was associated with the Quit India Movement of 1942, which called for the immediate end of British rule in India.

Q6: Explain the significance of the Ashoka's inscriptions in the study of ancient Indian history.
Ans: Ashoka's inscriptions, found on pillars and rocks across the Indian subcontinent, provide valuable historical and moral information. They offer insights into Ashoka's governance, policies, and support for Buddhism. These inscriptions have been instrumental in understanding the Mauryan Empire's administration, society, and Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism.

Q7: Describe the impact of the arrival of Europeans in India during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Ans: The arrival of Europeans in India during the 15th and 16th centuries led to significant changes, including the establishment of European trading posts, colonization, cultural exchange, and the introduction of new goods and technologies. The Portuguese, Dutch, British, and French played crucial roles in shaping India's history and economy during this period.

Q8: Explain the main features of the Non-Cooperation Movement during India's struggle for independence.
Ans: The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant phase in India's struggle for independence led by Mahatma Gandhi.
Its main features included:

• Boycott: Indians were encouraged to boycott British goods, educational institutions, and government offices.
• Civil Disobedience: People were urged to peacefully protest and disobey unjust British laws and policies.
• Mass Participation: The movement saw widespread participation, including students, farmers, and laborers.
• Khadi Promotion: Gandhi promoted the use of khadi (hand-spun cloth) as a symbol of self-reliance.

Q9: Discuss the factors that led to the decline of the Mughal Empire in India.
Ans: The decline of the Mughal Empire was influenced by various factors, including:

• Weak Successors: Weak and ineffective rulers weakened the empire's central authority.
• Regional Powers: Powerful regional kingdoms emerged, challenging Mughal control.
• Economic Drain: Drain of wealth due to expensive wars and heavy taxation.
• European Colonialism: European colonial powers like the British and French encroached on Mughal territories.
• Religious Conflicts: Religious intolerance and conflicts weakened social cohesion.
• Decline in Trade: The loss of key trade routes affected the empire's economy.

Q10: Explain the significance of the Champaran Satyagraha in India's struggle for independence.
Ans: The Champaran Satyagraha, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917, was a significant event in India's struggle for independence. It marked Gandhi's first organized mass protest in India and demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance (satyagraha). The movement aimed to address the exploitation of indigo farmers by British indigo planters and led to reforms benefiting the peasants. It also paved the way for future civil disobedience movements and established Gandhi's leadership in India's fight for freedom.

Q11: Explain the significance of the 'How, When, and Where' approach in the study of history. Discuss the role of primary and secondary sources in reconstructing historical events.
Ans: The 'How, When, and Where' approach is crucial in historical study as it helps us understand the processes of change over time. It examines how events occurred, when they happened, and where they took place. Primary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and eyewitness accounts, provide direct information about historical events. Secondary sources, like textbooks and research papers, analyze and interpret primary sources to construct a historical narrative. Combining both types of sources allows historians to create a comprehensive understanding of the past. For instance, primary sources like letters or photographs provide firsthand accounts, while secondary sources like history books provide context and analysis.

Q12: Describe the significance of the Indus Valley Civilization in the context of Indian history. Explain the key features of this ancient civilization and the challenges historians face in studying it.
Ans: The Indus Valley Civilization holds great significance in Indian history as one of the world's oldest urban civilizations. It existed around 2500 BCE in the northwest part of the Indian subcontinent. Key features include well-planned cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, advanced drainage systems, and a script that remains undeciphered. However, historians face challenges in studying it due to the lack of a deciphered script and the absence of detailed historical records. They rely on archaeological findings and comparative studies to reconstruct the past. Understanding the Indus Valley Civilization helps us trace the roots of Indian history and urbanization.

Q13: Discuss the impact of the British colonial rule on India's economy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Explain how British economic policies led to significant changes in India's agriculture and industry.
Ans: The British colonial rule had a profound impact on India's economy. British economic policies, such as the Permanent Settlement and the introduction of cash crops like indigo and opium, significantly altered India's agricultural landscape. The Permanent Settlement led to landlessness among peasants, while cash crop cultivation displaced food crops, contributing to famines. British policies also affected Indian industries as they prioritized British manufactured goods over local products, causing the decline of traditional handicrafts. Understanding these economic changes is essential for comprehending India's economic history and the challenges faced during colonial rule.

Q14: Explain the concept of 'nationalism' and its role in India's struggle for independence. Discuss the significance of the 'First War of Independence' in 1857 in shaping the Indian nationalist movement.
Ans: Nationalism is a sense of pride, loyalty, and devotion to one's nation, often involving a desire for self-determination and independence. In India's struggle for independence, nationalism played a central role as people united against British colonial rule. The 'First War of Independence' in 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the Indian Rebellion of 1857, was a significant turning point. It marked the beginning of organized resistance against British rule, even though it was eventually suppressed. The event laid the foundation for subsequent movements, making it a crucial milestone in India's journey toward independence.

Q15: Discuss the impact of railway construction in colonial India. Explain how the development of the railway network influenced various aspects of Indian society, economy, and administration.
Ans: The construction of railways in colonial India had a profound impact on various aspects of Indian society and economy. It facilitated the movement of goods and people, connecting remote regions with major cities. This led to economic development as it reduced transportation costs and boosted trade. The railways also played a role in social and administrative changes by promoting cultural exchange and facilitating the movement of colonial officials and troops. Additionally, they influenced urbanization and the growth of cities along railway lines. Understanding the significance of railways helps us appreciate their role in shaping modern India.