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Practice Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 How, When and Where MCQ Questions with Answers based on NCERT concepts. Solve original NCERT-based multiple-choice questions with detailed solutions, revision notes, and exam tips for better exam preparation.
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Chapter Information
Subject: Social Science (History)
Class: 8
Chapter: Chapter 1 – How, When and Where
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Based On: NCERT Concepts
Introduction
The study of history is not limited to remembering dates and events. Historians collect information from various historical sources such as official records, maps, newspapers, letters, and archaeological evidence. This chapter explains how different sources help us understand India’s past and why history is interpreted in different ways.
What You Will Learn
✔ Importance of Historical Sources
✔ Role of Historians
✔ Census and Surveys
✔ Administrative Records
✔ Maps and Historical Evidence
✔ NCERT-Based Concepts
Why This Topic Is Important
Understanding historical sources helps students develop critical thinking skills. Questions related to archives, surveys, census, and historical evidence are frequently asked in school examinations and scholarship tests.
Q1. Who studies and interprets past events using historical sources?
A) Scientist
B) Historian
C) Engineer
D) Doctor
Answer: B) Historian
Concept Behind This Question
A historian studies evidence from the past and explains historical events based on reliable sources.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Historians collect information from different sources.
- They examine documents, maps, and records.
- They write history after careful research.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Historian.
Exam Tip
Historian = Studies the Past
Q2. Which survey was conducted by the British to collect information about the population?
A) Railway Survey
B) Population Census
C) Forest Festival
D) Postal Survey
Answer: B) Population Census
Concept Behind This Question
The British government regularly conducted census operations to collect information about the country’s population.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Census records population details.
- It includes age, occupation, religion, and literacy.
- The government uses this information for administration.
- Hence, the correct answer is Population Census.
Exam Tip
Population Information → Census
Q3. Which historical source helps us understand the geographical features of a region?
A) Map
B) Poem
C) Song
D) Drama
Answer: A) Map
Concept Behind This Question
Maps provide valuable information about locations, boundaries, rivers, mountains, and other geographical features.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Maps show geographical locations.
- Historians compare old and new maps.
- This helps understand historical changes.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Map.
Exam Tip
Location & Boundaries = Maps
Q4. Why are official records useful for historians?
A) They contain imaginary stories.
B) They provide reliable administrative information.
C) They describe fairy tales.
D) They only contain drawings.
Answer: B) They provide reliable administrative information.
Concept Behind This Question
Official records help historians understand how governments functioned and what decisions were taken.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Governments prepare official documents.
- These records contain factual information.
- Historians use them for research.
- Hence, the correct answer is They provide reliable administrative information.
Exam Tip
Official Records = Reliable Information
Q5. Which of the following is NOT an official historical source?
A) Government File
B) Census Report
C) Personal Letter
D) Administrative Report
Answer: C) Personal Letter
Concept Behind This Question
Personal letters are valuable historical sources but they are not official government records.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Government files are official records.
- Census reports are official documents.
- Administrative reports are prepared by government departments.
- Personal letters are private documents.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Personal Letter.
Exam Tip
Private Letter ≠ Official Record
Important Formulas & Concepts
1. Historian
A person who studies and interprets past events using historical evidence.
2. Census
An official count of the population conducted by the government.
3. Maps
Historical sources used to understand locations, boundaries, and geographical changes.
4. Official Records
Government-prepared documents that provide reliable historical information.
5. Historical Evidence
Documents, maps, photographs, letters, newspapers, and official records used to study history.
Related Practice Questions
- Who is called a historian?
- What is a census?
- Why are maps useful in history?
- Name two official historical sources.
- Why are official records considered reliable?
Mini Quiz Challenge
Fill in the blanks
- A person who studies history is called a __________.
- The government conducts a __________ to count the population.
- __________ help us understand geographical changes.
Answers
- Historian
- Census
- Maps
Exam Tips
✔ Learn the definitions of historian and census.
✔ Understand the importance of maps in history.
✔ Revise official and unofficial historical sources.
✔ Focus on NCERT examples.
✔ Practice concept-based MCQs regularly.
Quick Revision Notes
✔ Historians study the past using historical evidence.
✔ Census provides population-related information.
✔ Maps are important historical sources.
✔ Official records help understand government administration.
✔ Historical evidence helps explain past events accurately.
Common Mistakes Students Make
❌ Confusing a historian with an archaeologist.
❌ Thinking every historical source is an official record.
❌ Forgetting the purpose of the census.
❌ Ignoring the importance of maps in history.
❌ Memorizing facts without understanding their significance.
Key Takeaways
✔ Historians rely on different historical sources.
✔ Census is an important government record.
✔ Maps help explain geographical and historical changes.
✔ Official records provide reliable information about administration.
✔ Studying different sources gives a better understanding of history.
FAQs
1. Who is a historian?
A historian is a person who studies and explains past events using historical evidence.
2. What is a census?
A census is the official counting and collection of information about a country’s population.
3. Why are maps important in history?
Maps help historians understand places, boundaries, and geographical changes over time.
4. Are personal letters official records?
No. Personal letters are historical sources but they are not official government records.
5. Why do historians use official records?
Official records provide authentic information about government administration and historical events.
Conclusion
Understanding historical sources is essential for studying the past accurately. Historians use official records, census reports, maps, and other evidence to explain historical developments. Mastering these NCERT concepts will help students perform well in school examinations and strengthen their understanding of history.
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