Q1: What is the process called when historians divide history into different time periods based on specific characteristics? (a) Colonisation (b) Periodisation (c) Imperialism (d) Industrialisation
Solution:
Ans: (b) Explanation: Periodisation is the method historians use to divide history into different periods based on specific characteristics, helping understand major changes in society, politics, economy, and culture over time.
Q2: Which Scottish historian wrote "The History of British India" in 1817? (a) George Everest (b) William Lambton (c) James Mill (d) Rowland Hill
Solution:
Ans: (c) Explanation: James Mill, a Scottish historian, wrote "The History of British India" in 1817. He categorised Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British, reflecting his perspective on Indian history.
Q3: In which year did the East India Company win the Battle of Plassey, gaining political authority in India? (a) 1600 (b) 1757 (c) 1817 (d) 1858
Solution:
Ans: (b) Explanation: The East India Company gained political authority in India after its victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, marking the beginning of British political control over the region.
Q4: What did the Industrial Revolution primarily shift economies from? (a) Industry to agriculture (b) Agriculture and handicrafts to industry and machinery (c) Mining to transportation (d) Urban to rural development
Solution:
Ans: (b) Explanation: The Industrial Revolution started in Europe, shifting economies from agriculture and handicrafts to industry and machinery, bringing progress in technology, transportation, and manufacturing across various sectors.
Q5: What were the three administrative regions into which British India was organised? (a) Delhi, Calcutta, and Mumbai Presidencies (b) Bengal, Madras, and Bombay Presidencies (c) Punjab, Sindh, and Bengal Presidencies (d) Northern, Southern, and Eastern Presidencies
Solution:
Ans: (b) Explanation: British India was organised into the Bengal, Madras, and Bombay Presidencies. These were the main administrative divisions through which the British controlled and managed their colonial territories in India.
Fill in the Blanks
Q1: The period of British rule in India from 1858 to 1947 is known as the _____.
Solution:
Ans: British Raj
Q2: India was often referred to as the _____ of the British crown due to its economic importance.
Solution:
Ans: jewel
Q3: The National Archives of India originated in 1891 in Kolkata as the _____.
Solution:
Ans: Imperial Record Department
Q4: In 1840, _____ launched the penny post, making postal services more accessible to the public.
Solution:
Ans: Rowland Hill
Q5: The Survey of India was established in _____ to create detailed maps for administrative purposes.
Solution:
Ans: Dehradun
True or False
Q1: Contemporary historians only focus on rulers, wars, and major events.
Solution:
Ans: False Explanation: Contemporary historians focus on various aspects of life, including daily life, production, urban development, and evolution of ideas and societies, not just rulers and wars.
Q2: The East India Company was established in 1600 initially for trade purposes.
Solution:
Ans: True Explanation: The British first came to India in the early 17th century, with the East India Company established in 1600 initially for trade before expanding control.
Q3: Britain's population decreased during the Industrial Revolution due to migration to rural areas.
Solution:
Ans: False Explanation: Britain's population surged from 9 million in 1801 to 36 million by 1911, and people migrated to urban areas, not rural, resulting in swift urban expansion.
Q4: Census surveys in India were conducted every 10 years to document population, religions, castes, and occupations.
Solution:
Ans: True Explanation: Census surveys were initiated in the late 19th century and conducted every 10 years to document population, religions, castes, and occupations throughout British India.
Q5: The National Museum of India was established before the National Archives of India.
Solution:
Ans: False Explanation: The National Archives of India originated in 1891, while the National Museum was later established in 1949, making it newer than the National Archives.
Match the Following
Column A
Column B
1. James Mill
A. Established in Dehradun for mapping
2. Survey of India
B. Period of British rule from 1858 to 1947
3. British Raj
C. Wrote "The History of British India" in 1817
4. Battle of Plassey
D. Shifting from agriculture to industry and machinery
5. Industrial Revolution
E. East India Company gained political authority in 1757
Solution:
Ans:
1 - C: James Mill was a Scottish historian who wrote "The History of British India" in 1817, categorising Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British periods.
2 - A: The Survey of India was established in Dehradun to create detailed survey maps and topographical sheets for administrative purposes under British rule in India.
3 - B: The term British Raj refers to the period of British rule in India from 1858 to 1947, marking direct British government control over the region.
4 - E: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a significant victory for the East India Company, through which it gained political authority over India and began colonial control.
5 - D: The Industrial Revolution started in Europe, shifting economies from agriculture and handicrafts to industry and machinery, transforming social, economic, and political life significantly.
Short Answer Questions
Q1: What is periodisation and why do historians use it to study history?
Solution:
Ans: Periodisation is the method used by historians to divide history into different periods based on specific characteristics. This helps make sense of major changes in society, politics, economy, and culture over time. In India, history is usually classified into Ancient, Medieval, and Modern periods. By dividing history into periods, historians can better understand how societies evolved and identify significant transformations.
Q2: How did the Industrial Revolution affect Britain's population and urban development?
Solution:
Ans: The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to Britain. The introduction of steam-powered machines led to job losses for farm workers, driving them to migrate to urban areas in search of employment. Britain's population surged dramatically from 9 million in 1801 to 36 million by 1911, resulting in swift urban expansion. Railways improved communication, and cities grew rapidly to accommodate the increasing population and industrial activities.
Q3: Explain the difference between colonisation and imperialism in the context of British rule.
Solution:
Ans: Colonisation refers to the process of settling in and exploiting resources in a colony for the benefit of the ruling country. Imperialism involves one country ruling over others, often exploiting their resources for political or economic gain. In the context of British rule, the British colonised India by establishing control, exploiting its resources, and using it as a market for finished goods while implementing imperialist policies to maintain dominance.
Q4: What were the administrative sources used by historians to study the modern period in India?
Solution:
Ans: Administrative sources for studying the modern period include detailed written records maintained by the British, such as government reports, administrative files, and surveys. The British meticulously documented their instructions, plans, policies, and decisions. Record rooms were established in administrative institutions to safeguard these documents. The National Archives of India was founded to manage and catalogue government records, providing valuable insights into British administration and policies during colonial rule.
Q5: How did non-administrative sources help historians understand the lives of common people during the modern period?
Solution:
Ans: Non-administrative sources include diaries, autobiographies, newspapers, writings, paintings, photographs, films, advertisements, and radio broadcasts. Newspapers offered insights through editorials, cartoons, and letters reflecting public opinions. Literature by leaders, reformers, poets, and novelists shaped public thought. Oral sources like folk songs, ballads, and legends provided valuable glimpses into the lives of common people, peasants, and tribal communities, perspectives often overlooked in official records.
The document Worksheet with Solutions: The Modern Period is a part of the Class 8 Course History Class 8 ICSE.
Free, Previous Year Questions with Solutions, pdf , Worksheet with Solutions: The Modern Period, Exam, Viva Questions, past year papers, study material, Worksheet with Solutions: The Modern Period, Sample Paper, Extra Questions, MCQs, ppt, Summary, video lectures, Important questions, Objective type Questions, shortcuts and tricks, mock tests for examination, practice quizzes, Worksheet with Solutions: The Modern Period, Semester Notes;
