Practice Important Questions and Answers from How, When and Where – Class 8 Social Science
FAQs on Master Chapter 1: How, When and Where with Class 8 Social Science Worksheets (2025-26)
1. What is one of the most important questions from Chapter 1, 'How, When and Where,' regarding the preservation of official documents by the British?
A key expected question is: Why did the British preserve official documents? The British believed that the act of writing was crucial for proper administration. They meticulously preserved official documents, letters, and reports for several reasons:
- These records provided a clear account of every instruction, plan, and policy decision.
- They could be studied and debated in the future to understand the consequences of actions.
- They created a permanent, official record of their achievements and governance, which they could refer back to as proof of their rule.
2. How did James Mill periodise Indian history, and what is a significant problem with this approach that is often asked in exams?
James Mill, a Scottish economist, divided Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British. A significant problem with this periodisation, often highlighted in exams, is that it suggests religion was the sole driving force of historical change, ignoring the diverse cultures, societies, and kingdoms that co-existed. It also inaccurately portrays the pre-British era as a time of darkness and religious intolerance, while presenting the British period as one of enlightenment and progress.
3. If British official records are such a key source, why are they not considered sufficient for understanding the colonial period in India? What crucial perspective is missing?
This is a high-order thinking question. While official records are valuable, they are insufficient because they only present one side of the story—the perspective of the British officials. These documents tell us what the officials thought, what they were interested in, and what they wanted to preserve for posterity. The crucial missing perspective is that of the common people of India. These records do not tell us how policies affected peasants, tribals, artisans, or women. For that, historians must look at other sources like diaries, autobiographies, newspapers, and popular literature.
4. What is an important short-answer question on the concept of 'colonialism' from this chapter?
A common question is to define 'colonialism' as it applies to Indian history. According to the NCERT syllabus for the 2025-26 session, colonialism refers to the process where one country subjugates another, leading to fundamental political, economic, social, and cultural changes. In India's context, the British initially came as traders but eventually took over the country, controlling its resources and economy, and imposing their laws, values, and systems of administration.
5. Why did the British conduct detailed surveys in India? How does a revenue survey differ from a census in its primary objective?
The British believed that a country had to be properly known before it could be effectively administered. Therefore, they conducted detailed surveys to map the entire country.
- A revenue survey was primarily conducted to know the topography, soil quality, flora, fauna, and cropping patterns to accurately assess and administer land revenue.
- A census, conducted every ten years, aimed to gather detailed information about the population, including their caste, religion, and occupation. This data was crucial for social control and governance. While both were tools of administration, one focused on economic assessment (revenue) and the other on demographic control (census).
6. Is it important to memorise all dates for the Class 8 Social Science exam? Explain the significance of dates as per Chapter 1.
For the exam, it is not about memorising every single date. The significance of dates in history, as explained in this chapter, is to provide a framework or anchor for events. Dates help us to mark periods and understand the chronology of events, such as the policies of a specific Governor-General or when a major battle occurred. The focus should be on the connection between a date and the event, understanding the 'how' and 'why' an event took place at a certain time, rather than just the number itself.
7. Why is the history written by British historians about the Governor-Generals considered an incomplete account of the era?
The history written by British historians, which often revolves around the lives and policies of Governor-Generals, is considered incomplete because it presents a very narrow and biased view of the past. This approach suggests that nothing important happened outside the lives of these powerful figures. It completely ignores the experiences, actions, and perspectives of millions of Indians. A more holistic history must include the stories of different groups and classes—like peasants, artisans, and tribals—to understand how the colonial period was experienced by the people who lived through it.
