NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science History - Free Latest PDF (2024-25)

Chapter 1: Introduction: How, When and Where

NCERT Solutions class 8 history is about understanding how historians work and why studying history is important. It provides the foundation for exploring more detailed historical events and changes in the subsequent chapters.

• The chapter explains how history is divided into different periods based on particular events and changes over time. This helps in organising and studying historical events systematically.

•  It discusses why certain dates are considered important and how they are used to mark significant events in history.

• This chapter also covers how the names of places and the dates of events have changed over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of history.

Important Topics Covered in Chapter 1:  Introduction: How, When and Where

1. How Important are Dates?

• Which dates?

• How do we periodise?

• What is colonial?

2. How Do We Know?

• Administration produces records

• Surveys become important

• What official records do not tell

Important Study Material Links for Class 8 History Chapter 1

Chapter 2: Trade To Territory The Company Establishes

• NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 2 - Trade to Territory: The Company Establishes Power covers European Arrival, Key Battles, Administrative Changes, Tipu Sultan's Resistance, and Setting up a New Administration by the British.

• Trade to Territory class 8 introduces to Understand the initial trade activities of the British East India Company in India.

• Learn about battles like the Battle of Plassey and the Battle of Buxar that established British dominance.

• In NCERT class 8 history chapter 2 students will Study the changes in administration and economic policies under British rule.

• Explore early resistance and revolts against the British and Tipu Sultan's Resistance: Learn about Tipu Sultan's efforts to resist British expansion.

Important Topics Covered in Chapter 2: Trade To Territory The Company Establishes

• East India Company Comes East

• East India Company begins trade in Bengal

• How trade led to battles

• The Battle of Plassey

• Company Rule Expands

• Tipu Sultan – The ‘Tiger of Mysore’

• War with the Marathas 

• The claim to paramountcy

• The Doctrine of Lapse

• Setting up a New Administration

Important Study Material Links for Class 8 History Chapter 2 

Chapter 3: Ruling the Countryside

• Introduces the Permanent Settlement system initiated by the British in Bengal in 1793, where land revenue was fixed permanently, and landlords (Zamindars) were made responsible for collecting it. This system was created to ensure a stable revenue source for the British.

• Discusses the effects of British policies on Indian peasants, including increased pressure to grow cash crops and pay high taxes, often leading to widespread poverty and indebtedness.

• Explains how the British forced Indian farmers to grow indigo for export to Europe. The harsh conditions led to significant distress among farmers, culminating in the Indigo Rebellion of 1859-60.

• Describes different methods of revenue collection introduced by the British, such as the Mahalwari and Ryotwari systems, and their impacts on rural society.

Important Topics Covered in Chapter 3:  Ruling the Countryside

• Important Topics Covered in Chapter 3:  Ruling the Countryside

• Revenue for the Company.

• The need to improve agriculture

• The Munro system

• Crops for Europe

• Britain turns to India

• indigo cultivated

• Indigo on the land of ryots

• The  Blue Rebellion and After

Important Study Material Links for Class 8 History Chapter 3

Chapter 4: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

• Discusses the different ways of life among various tribal groups, including their customs, occupations, and social structures.

• Explains how outsiders, such as British officials, moneylenders, and traders (referred to as Dikus), impacted tribal life. Their exploitation often led to the loss of land and traditional livelihoods for the tribes.

• Describes British policies and laws that affected tribal communities, such as forest laws that restricted their access to resources.

• Highlights significant tribal revolts against British rule and exploitation, including the Santhal and Birsa Munda uprisings, showcasing the resistance against colonial policies.

• Explores how tribal leaders like Birsa Munda envisioned a return to a golden age free from exploitation and oppression, aiming to revive their traditional way of life.

Important Topics Covered in Chapter 4: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

• How did Tribal Groups Live?

• How did Colonial Rule Affect Tribal Lives?

• A Closer Look

• Birsa Munda

Important Study Material Links for Class 8 History Chapter 4

Chapter 5: When People Revolt 1857 and After

• Describes the causes and the widespread nature of the revolt, highlighting key events and figures involved against British authority.

• Explains various factors that led to the revolt, including economic exploitation, social and religious interference, and the discontent among Indian soldiers (sepoys) in the British army.

• Highlights important centres of the rebellion such as Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Jhansi, and the role played by leaders like Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and Tantia Tope.

• Discusses the aftermath of the revolt, including the reorganisation of the British administration in India, changes in policies, and the end of the East India Company's rule with the British Crown taking direct control.

Important Topics Covered in Chapter 5: When People Revolt 1857 and After

• Policies and the People

• Nawabs lose their power

• The peasants and the sepoys

• Responses to reforms

• Through the Eyes of the People

• A Mutiny Becomes a Popular Uprising

• The Company Fights Back

• Aftermath of the revolt

Important Study Material Links for Class 8 History Chapter 5

Chapter 6: Civilising the ‘Native’, Educating the Nation

• This chapter explains how the British introduced Western education in India with the aim of 'civilising' the Indian population according to their cultural norms and values.

• Highlights the introduction of English as the medium of instruction in schools and colleges, and how it was seen as a tool to create a class of educated Indians who would assist in administration.

• Explores the resistance to British educational policies by various sections of Indian society, including the promotion of indigenous education systems and the founding of institutions like the Banaras Hindu University.

• This chapter explains the long-term impacts of British educational policies on Indian society, including the rise of a new middle class and the role of education in the nationalist movement.

Important Topics Covered in Chapter 6: Civilising the ‘Native’, Educating the Nation

• How the British saw Education

• The tradition of Orientalism

• Education for commerce

• The Agenda for a National Education

Important Study Material Links for Class 8 History Chapter 6

Chapter 7: Women, Caste and Reform

Chapter 7 of Class 8 History, "Women, Caste, and Reform," explores the social changes in India during the 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the efforts to improve the status of women and reform caste practices.

•  Discusses key figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who worked against practices like Sati, and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, who advocated for widow remarriage and women’s education.

• Explains the rigid caste system in India and the discrimination faced by lower castes. Reformers like Jyotirao Phule and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is noted for their work in fighting caste discrimination and advocating for social equality.

• Highlights the contributions of various movements such as the Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, and Prarthana Samaj, which aimed to bring about social and religious reforms.

• The chapter emphasises the importance of education in empowering women and lower castes, and how reformers established schools and colleges to promote learning among these groups.

Important Topics Covered in Chapter 7: Women, Caste and Reform

• Working Towards Change

• Caste and Social Reform

Important Study Material Links for Class 8 History Chapter 7

Chapter 8: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

• The chapter begins with the early stages of Indian nationalism, highlighting the formation of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885.

• The chapter concludes with the events leading to India’s independence in 1947, including the impact of World War II, the demand for Pakistan, and the final negotiations between the British, Congress, and the Muslim League.

• This chapter highlights the long and diverse struggle for Indian independence, showcasing the efforts and sacrifices of countless individuals and groups over several decades.

Important Topics Covered in Chapter 8:The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

• The Emergence of Nationalism

• The Growth of Mass Nationalism

• The advent of Mahatma Gandhi

• The Rowlatt Satyagraha 

• Khilafat agitation and the Non-CooperationMovement 

• The March to Dandi

• Quit India and Later

Important Study Material Links for Class 8 History Chapter 8

Benefits of Referring to Vedantu’s NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History  (History – Our Pasts III)

• Vedantu’s solutions cover all chapters and topics in the Class 8 History syllabus in detail. This ensures that students have access to complete information and explanations, helping them understand the material thoroughly.

• The solutions are provided with step-by-step explanations, making it easier for students to grasp complex historical events and concepts. 

• This methodical approach aids in better retention and understanding.

• The language used in Vedantu’s solutions is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to students of all levels. 

• The solutions are prepared by subject matter experts who have extreme knowledge and experience in teaching history. This ensures that the content is accurate, reliable, and of high quality.

• Many of Vedantu’s NCERT solutions are available for free, making quality education accessible to a wide range of students without any financial burden.

The Class 8 History curriculum, ‘Our Pasts-III,’ offers a comprehensive journey through significant events and transformations in Indian history. It starts with the early colonial period, showing how the British established their control over India. Students learn about various social, economic, and political changes brought by British rule, including the impact on agriculture, industry, and society.

NCERT Solutions Class 8 SST Chapter-wise Book Links

Related Important Links for Class 8 History

Along with this, students can also download additional study materials provided by Vedantu for CBSE Class 6 History –