Chapter 1 – How When and Where Class 8 – History Text Book Question Answer
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How When and Where Class 8 – History Question Answer
Table of Contents
1. State whether true or false:
- (a) False – James Mill divided Indian history into three periods – Hindu, Muslim, and British, not Christian.
- (b) False – Official documents help us understand what the officials of the country thought, not necessarily what the people thought.
- (c) True – The British thought surveys were important for effective administration, as they believed knowing the country well was essential for governance.
2. What is the problem with the periodisation of Indian history that James Mill offers?
James Mill, a Scottish historian, divided Indian history into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British. This periodisation is problematic for several reasons:
- Simplification of Complex History: By dividing Indian history based on the religion of the rulers, Mill oversimplified the rich and diverse history of India. He ignored the fact that multiple cultures, religions, and communities coexisted during these periods.
- Religious Bias: Mill’s division implies that the religion of the ruler was the most significant factor during that period, which isn’t accurate. Many rulers, even those from different religions, were tolerant of other faiths and cultures.
- Eurocentric Perspective: Mill’s view was influenced by his belief that European civilization was superior to Asian societies. He considered the British period as a time of progress and enlightenment, while the earlier periods were viewed as backward and despotic. This biassed perspective disregards the advancements made in India before British rule.
- Misrepresentation: Mill’s periodisation ignores the social, economic, and cultural aspects that defined these periods. It portrays the pre-British period as a time of darkness and oppression, which is a misrepresentation of Indian history.
Also Check – How When and Where – Class 8 History Notes
3. Why did the British preserve official documents?
The British preserve official documents for several important reasons:
- Administrative Efficiency: The British believed that keeping written records was essential for effective governance. Every policy, decision, agreement, and instruction was documented to ensure that there was a clear and consistent reference for future use.
- Control and Regulation: By maintaining detailed records, the British could better control and manage their vast empire. These records helped them in making informed decisions and regulating the various aspects of administration.
- Historical Documentation: The British aimed to create a legacy of their rule in India. By preserving these documents, they wanted to showcase their administrative achievements and the changes they brought to Indian society.
- Legal and Political Reference: These documents served as legal and political references. In case of disputes or decisions, officials could refer to past records to justify their actions or policies.
- Preservation of Authority: By controlling the flow of information and keeping detailed records, the British ensured that their authority and perspective were the dominant narratives in the history of India.
4. How will the information historians get from old newspapers be different from that found in police reports?
The information from old newspapers and police reports offers different perspectives and content:
- Perspective: Newspapers provide a broader perspective on events, reflecting public opinion, debates, and the views of various social groups. They often cover a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, and social issues. Police reports, on the other hand, are more focused on specific incidents, such as crimes or law enforcement actions. They reflect the official view of the authorities and are usually more factual and concise.
- Content: Newspapers may include editorials, opinion pieces, advertisements, and reports on various topics, giving a more diverse and sometimes subjective account of events. Police reports are more technical, containing details of investigations, arrests, and legal proceedings, without much commentary or analysis.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of newspapers is to inform and influence public opinion. They are written for a general audience and often aim to sell copies by reporting sensational news or popular stories. Police reports, however, are meant for internal use within the government and law enforcement agencies. They are not intended for public consumption and are focused on maintaining law and order.
- Accessibility: Newspapers are generally more accessible to the public, making them a valuable source for understanding the social and political climate of the time. Police reports are usually confidential or restricted to officials, providing a more controlled and official account of events.
5. Can you think of examples of surveys in your world today? Think about how toy companies get information about what young people enjoy playing with or how the government finds out about the number of young people in school. What can a historian derive from such surveys?
Surveys are very common in our world today. They help gather information on various topics. Here are some examples:
- Toy Companies: Toy companies often conduct surveys to understand what kinds of toys children enjoy. They might ask questions about children’s favourite colours, characters, or types of games they like. By collecting this data, companies can design toys that are more likely to be popular and sell well.
- Government Surveys on Education: The government conducts surveys to find out how many children are in school, the quality of education they are receiving, and the challenges they face. These surveys might include questions about the number of students in a school, the availability of teachers, the condition of school buildings, and the accessibility of educational resources.
- Market Research Surveys: Companies in different industries conduct surveys to understand customer preferences. For example, a mobile phone company might survey people to find out what features they want in a new phone, or a food company might survey people to understand their taste preferences.
What can a historian derive from such surveys?
Historians can learn a lot from the surveys conducted in our time. Here’s how:
- Social Trends: By studying surveys, historians can understand what was popular or important in society at a particular time. For example, toy surveys can show what children liked, which can reflect cultural influences, economic conditions, and technological advancements of that era.
- Economic Conditions: Surveys about consumer preferences, like those conducted by toy companies or other industries, can provide insights into the economic situation. They can show what people could afford, what products were in demand, and how the economy influenced consumer behaviour.
- Educational Progress: Government surveys on education can help historians track the progress of education over time. They can see how access to education has changed, the challenges that were faced, and the policies that were implemented to improve education.
- Cultural Values: Surveys can reveal the cultural values and priorities of a society. For instance, a survey on education can show how much importance was placed on educating the youth. Similarly, toy surveys can reflect cultural shifts in how children are raised and what is considered appropriate or desirable for them.
- Demographic Changes: Surveys often collect demographic data, like age, gender, or economic status. This can help historians understand the composition of a population at a certain time, which is crucial for studying social changes and developments.
