Unit Test (Solutions): How, When and Where | Social Studies (SST) Class 8 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour

 M.M. 30 

Attempt all questions. 

• Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each. 
• Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each. 
• Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each. 
• Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: Which of the following historians divided Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British?
Ans: James Mill
James Mill, a Scottish historian, was known for categorizing Indian history into three distinct periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British, which reflected his Eurocentric perspective.

Q2: The British preserved official documents because ____________.
(i) They believed writing was unnecessary
(ii) They wanted to leave no trace
(iii) They believed written documents were essential for proper administration
(iv) They wanted to sell the documents
Ans: (iii) They believed written documents were essential for proper administration
The British valued documentation as it allowed for better control, governance, and consistency in their administration of India.

Q3: The term 'colonial' refers to the period when one country __________ another.
Ans: Subjugates
The term 'colonial' describes a period when a foreign power takes control over another country, exploiting its resources and imposing its rule.

Q4: James Rennel was asked by ____________ to produce maps of Hindustan.
Ans: Robert Clive
Robert Clive, a key figure in British India, commissioned James Rennel to create detailed maps of Hindustan to aid in the administration and expansion of British control.

Q5: The British conducted ____________ surveys to understand the flora, fauna, and cropping patterns in India.
(i) Revenue
(ii) Zoological
(iii) Census
(iv) All of the above
Ans: (iv) All of the above
The British conducted various surveys, including revenue, zoological, and census surveys, to gather comprehensive data on India's resources and environment for effective colonial management.

Q6: Why is it problematic to periodise Indian history according to James Mill's division of Hindu, Muslim, and British periods?
Ans: James Mill’s periodisation is problematic because it reduces Indian history to the religion of rulers, ignoring the diversity of cultures, faiths, and practices that existed simultaneously. It also implies that the lives of people outside the ruling classes were insignificant.

Q7: How did the British administration ensure that official records were preserved?
Ans: The British set up record rooms in administrative institutions and specialized institutions like archives and museums to carefully preserve important documents, memos, and reports.

Q8: Differentiate between the information historians might obtain from old newspapers and police reports.
Ans: Old newspapers provide public opinions, debates, and a broader societal perspective, whereas police reports offer official, factual accounts of specific incidents, reflecting the viewpoint of the authorities.

Q9: Explain the concept of 'colonialism' as discussed in the chapter.
Ans: Colonialism refers to the process where one country subjugates another, imposing control over its economy, society, and culture. In India, British colonialism brought significant changes in local governance, trade, and social practices, leading to the exploitation of resources and the transformation of traditional systems. This domination often resulted in the marginalization of local populations and the imposition of foreign values, which had long-lasting effects on the colonized society.

Q10: What role did surveys play in British administration in India?
Ans: Surveys were crucial for the British to effectively administer India. They conducted various surveys, including revenue, botanical, zoological, and census surveys, to gather detailed information about the land, population, and resources. This data helped them in taxation, land revenue assessment, and implementing colonial policies. These surveys also enabled the British to exert greater control over the Indian population by understanding the social structure and economic potential of different regions.

Q11: Differentiate between the British perception of their role in India and the reality of their impact on Indian society.
Ans: 

Q12: Discuss the significance of dates in history as described in the chapter. 
Ans: i) Chronological Structure: Dates provide a timeline that helps to organize historical events in a sequence, making it easier to understand the progression of history. They allow us to see how events are related to each other in time, which is essential for constructing historical narratives.
ii) Contextual Understanding: While dates help structure history, they do not explain why events happened. Understanding the context—such as social, political, economic, and cultural factors—is crucial to grasp the reasons behind historical events. 
iii) Gradual Processes: Many significant historical changes, such as the rise and fall of empires, social movements, or technological advancements, occur over long periods rather than on specific dates. Focusing solely on dates might obscure the fact that these processes are complex and evolve gradually. 
iv) Misleading Focus: Emphasizing dates can sometimes lead to a narrow view of history, where the importance is placed on "what happened when" rather than "why and how it happened." 
v) Comprehensive Understanding: A balanced approach to history involves both knowing key dates and understanding the broader historical processes. Dates are useful as reference points, but the emphasis should be on understanding the continuum of history—the ongoing flow of events and their interconnections. 

Q13: How did the British rule impact the recording and preservation of Indian history? Discuss the sources used by historians to study the history of the last 250 years in India.
Ans: i) Introduction of Systematic Record-Keeping: The British established a meticulous system of record-keeping, which involved documenting every administrative action, decision, and correspondence. This created a vast archive of official documents that historians rely on to study the British administration and governance in India.
ii) Establishment of Archives and Museums: To preserve these official records, the British set up archives, museums, and record rooms within administrative institutions. These facilities were essential for storing and organizing the vast amount of information generated by the colonial administration.
iii) Reliance on Official Records: Historians studying the last 250 years of Indian history often depend heavily on these official records. These documents provide detailed accounts of British policies, governance, and administrative practices, offering valuable insights into the colonial period.
iv) British Perspective Dominance: The official records primarily reflect the viewpoint of British officials, emphasizing their policies, decisions, and interests. This creates a potential bias in the historical narrative, as the voices and experiences of the Indian population are underrepresented.
v) Use of Supplementary Sources: To counterbalance the British perspective, historians use supplementary sources like newspapers, diaries, autobiographies, travelers' accounts, and local booklets. These sources provide a more comprehensive and balanced view of history, capturing public opinion, social conditions, and the everyday lives of ordinary people during the colonial period.