Grade-8, Social Science, When Where and How

 

When Where and How

 

 1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

(a) India was referred to as 'the jewel of the British Crown'.

(b) The club was a place of social recreation for British officers.

(c) The Marathas consolidated their power under the Peshwas.

(d) Max Mueller was an Indologist.

(e) Neel Darpan was written by Dinabandhu Mitra.

 

2. Choose the correct answer.

(a) The European traders who came to India were lured by the trade in

(i) gems.

(ii) spices.

(iii) textiles.

(iv) artefacts.

Answer: (ii) spices.

 

(b) Which of the following was not a presidency town?

(i) Madras

(ii) Shimla

(iii) Calcutta

(iv) Bombay

Answer: (ii) Shimla.

 

(c) The military section of a town or city was called a

(i) gymkhana.

(ii) club.

(iii) bungalow.

(iv) cantonment.

Answer: (iv) cantonment.

 

(d) The first newspaper in English to be published in India was

(i) Young India.

(ii) The Tribune.

(iii) Bengal Gazette.

(iv) The Hindu.

Answer: (iii) Bengal Gazette.

 

(e) Which of the following writers wrote about social issues?

(i) Dr B. R. Ambedkar

(ii) Jyotirao Phule

(iii) E. V. Ramasamy Naicker

(iv) all of these

Answer: (iv) all of these.

 

Match the column:

(a) Bengal Gazette (b) Hind Swaraj (c) Dadabhai Naoroji (d) Anandamath (e) Amar Jiban

(i) Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (ii) James Augustus Hickey (iii) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (iv) Rassundari Devi (v) Mahatma Gandhi

Answers:

(a) Bengal Gazette (b) Hind Swaraj (c) Dadabhai Naoroji (d) Anandamath (e) Amar Jiban

(a) (ii) James Augustus Hickey (b) (v) Mahatma Gandhi (c) (i) Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (d) (iii) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (e) (iv) Rassundari Devi

 

 

4. Write true or false. Correct the false sentences in your notebook.

(a) The British were the only European traders in India.

False, there were also traders from other European countries like Portugal, France, Spain, and the Netherlands.

(b) Ooty is an example of a British hill station.

True

(c) The British did not set up any schools or universities in India.

False, the British did establish schools and universities in India.

(d) The National Museum is located in Hyderabad.

False, the National Museum is located in New Delhi.

(e) Rokeya Hossain wrote about the experiences of women.

True

 

Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

 

(a) Explain the meaning of the terms 'imperialism' and 'colony.

Answer: 'Imperialism' refers to a system wherein a country establishes its rule over other countries, while a 'colony' is an area or country controlled by the ruling country, often for economic gain or strategic advantage.

 

(b) Why did the British flock to hill stations in the summer?

Answer: The British flocked to hill stations in the summer as a refuge from the hot climate in the plains.

 

(c) What is a cantonment?

Answer: A cantonment is a military or police quarters, typically located away from the main city and constructed to accommodate troops.

 

(d) Why did the British feel the need to survey India?

Answer: The British felt the need to survey India to administer the country more efficiently and effectively.

 

(e) What are oral sources? How are they a useful source of information?

Answer: Oral sources include audio recordings, music, folk songs, interviews, and recollections of prominent personalities or common people. They are a useful source of information as they provide insights into the sentiments and perspectives of the people during a particular period of time.

 

Answer the following questions in four or five sentences.

 

a) Why do Indian historians refer to the Modern Period as the colonial ( period?

Answer: Indian historians refer to the Modern Period as the colonial period because during this time, India was under British colonial rule, characterized by exploitation, economic dominance, and political control. The British systematically exploited India's resources and suppressed local industries, leading to a decline in living standards for many Indians. This period saw significant cultural, social, and political changes brought about by British imperialism, shaping India's trajectory towards independence.

 

(b) What are some of the legacies of British rule? Explain with special reference to bungalows and hill stations.

Answer: The legacies of British rule include architectural influences such as bungalows and hill stations. Bungalows were designed to accommodate British officers and symbolized British authority and lifestyle. Hill stations served as retreats from the oppressive heat of the plains and were built with British architectural styles, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape. These structures remain as physical reminders of British colonial presence in India, shaping local cultures and economies even today.

 

(c) How does the National Archives of India serve as a useful source of history?

Answer: The National Archives of India serves as a valuable source of history by preserving and providing access to a wide range of historical documents, including official records, private papers, diaries, and reports. Researchers and historians can study these materials to analyze various aspects of British administration, Indian responses to colonial rule, and other significant events and developments during the colonial period. The archives offer insights into governance, policy-making, social movements, and the experiences of individuals and communities under British rule.

 

(d) Name some of the vernacular newspapers published in India. How were they useful?

Answer: Some of the vernacular newspapers published in India during the colonial period include Kesari, The Tribune, Young India, and Amrita Bazar Patrika. These newspapers played a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion, disseminating nationalist ideologies, and challenging British policies. They provided platforms for Indian voices to express dissent, advocate for independence, and document events relevant to the national movement, contributing significantly to the anti-colonial struggle.

 

(e) How does the work of Indologists help us to learn about this period?

Answer: The work of Indologists helps us learn about this period by providing insights into Indian culture, history, and traditions from a European perspective. Indologists studied ancient Indian texts, customs, and languages, contributing to the understanding of Indian society and facilitating British colonial governance. Their works influenced British policies, administration, and cultural perceptions of India, shaping colonial attitudes and approaches towards Indian civilization.

 

(f) Describe the contribution of women writers to the understanding of Indian history.

Answer: Women writers made significant contributions to the understanding of Indian history by addressing social issues, nationalist themes, and the experiences of women in colonial society. Through novels, autobiographies, and essays, they depicted the struggles, aspirations, and contributions of women in shaping Indian society. Writers like Rassundari Devi, Pandita Ramabai, Rokeya Hossain, and Sarojini Naidu highlighted gender discrimination, social reform, and national identity, enriching our understanding of Indian history from diverse perspectives. Their writings challenged colonial narratives and contributed to the empowerment of women in India's struggle for independence.

 

Values and Life Skills

Imperialism often led to the exploitation of weaker countries by stronger imperialist nations. This was not fair as it restricted the development of the weaker nations. Developed nations should contribute towards the growth and progress of underdeveloped and developing countries to pave the way for a better world.

Do you think that imperialism is a justified way of growth for any country? Explain why.

Answer: Imperialism, as a means of growth for any country, is not justified. While it may bring short-term benefits to the imperialist nation, such as access to resources and markets, it often comes at the expense of the weaker nations' sovereignty, resources, and development. Imperialism perpetuates inequality and exploitation, hindering the self-determination and progress of the colonized nations. True growth and progress should be based on mutual respect, cooperation, and equitable partnerships between nations, rather than through domination and exploitation. Therefore, imperialism cannot be considered a justifiable way of growth for any country.