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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 board exam-oriented MCQs with detailed solutions, revision notes, exam tips, and FAQs.
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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
History is not simply a collection of dates and events. It is the study of how societies, governments, and people changed over time. Historians use various historical sources such as official records, surveys, maps, letters, photographs, and newspapers to understand the past. This chapter explains why these sources are important and how they help us write accurate history.
What You Will Learn
✔ Importance of Dates in History
✔ Meaning of Colonial Rule
✔ Role of Surveys and Census
✔ Historical Sources and Evidence
✔ Importance of Archives
✔ NCERT-Based Historical Concepts
Why This Topic Is Important
This chapter introduces students to the methods used by historians to study the past. It also explains how British administrators collected information through surveys and records. These concepts are frequently tested in school exams, Olympiads, and scholarship examinations.
Q1. Why do historians divide history into different periods?
A) To increase the number of chapters
B) To make the study of history easier and more organized
C) To avoid reading historical records
D) To make history more difficult
Answer: B) To make the study of history easier and more organized
Concept Behind This Question
Periodisation helps historians organize historical events into meaningful time periods for better understanding.
Step-by-Step Solution
- History covers a long period of time.
- Dividing it into periods makes learning easier.
- It helps compare important changes over time.
- Therefore, the correct answer is To make the study of history easier and more organized.
Exam Tip
Periodisation = Organized Study of History
Q2. Which organization preserves many important historical records in India?
A) National Archives of India
B) Reserve Bank of India
C) Election Commission
D) Sports Authority of India
Answer: A) National Archives of India
Concept Behind This Question
The National Archives of India preserves valuable government records and historical documents.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Important documents are stored safely.
- Historians use these records for research.
- The National Archives protects historical evidence.
- Hence, the correct answer is National Archives of India.
Exam Tip
Historical Records → National Archives of India
Q3. Which historical source provides information about the number of people living in a country?
A) Census
B) Painting
C) Diary
D) Magazine
Answer: A) Census
Concept Behind This Question
A census is an official survey that collects information about the population.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Census counts the population.
- It records age, occupation, education, and other details.
- Governments use census data for planning.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Census.
Exam Tip
Population Count = Census
Q4. Which of the following is an example of visual historical evidence?
A) Photograph
B) Government Circular
C) Personal Letter
D) Census Report
Answer: A) Photograph
Concept Behind This Question
Photographs preserve visual information about people, places, and historical events.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Photographs capture real-life scenes.
- Historians study old photographs to understand the past.
- They provide visual historical evidence.
- Hence, the correct answer is Photograph.
Exam Tip
Visual Source = Photograph
Q5. Which statement about history is correct?
A) History studies only kings and battles.
B) History studies only important dates.
C) History helps us understand changes in society over time.
D) History is based only on imagination.
Answer: C) History helps us understand changes in society over time.
Concept Behind This Question
Modern history focuses on social, political, economic, and cultural changes, not just rulers and wars.
Step-by-Step Solution
- History explains changes in society.
- It studies ordinary people as well as important leaders.
- It is based on evidence, not imagination.
- Therefore, the correct answer is History helps us understand changes in society over time.
Exam Tip
History = Study of Social Change
Important Formulas & Concepts
1. Periodisation
The process of dividing history into different periods for easier study.
2. National Archives of India
The institution that preserves important government records and historical documents.
3. Census
An official survey conducted to collect information about the population.
4. Visual Evidence
Photographs, paintings, and maps that help historians understand the past.
5. Historical Study
History explains how people, societies, governments, and cultures changed over time.
Related Practice Questions
- What is periodisation?
- Why is the National Archives of India important?
- What information is collected during a census?
- Why are photographs useful in history?
- Why is history more than the study of kings and battles?
Mini Quiz Challenge
Fill in the blanks
- Dividing history into different periods is called __________.
- The __________ preserves important historical records in India.
- A __________ provides information about the country’s population.
Answers
- Periodisation
- National Archives of India
- Census
Exam Tips
✔ Learn the meaning of periodisation.
✔ Remember the role of the National Archives of India.
✔ Understand the purpose of the census.
✔ Revise different historical sources with examples.
✔ Focus on concepts rather than memorizing only definitions.
Quick Revision Notes
✔ History studies changes in society over time.
✔ Periodisation makes history easier to understand.
✔ The National Archives preserves important historical documents.
✔ Census provides population-related information.
✔ Photographs are valuable visual historical sources.
Common Mistakes Students Make
❌ Thinking history is only about kings and wars.
❌ Confusing archives with museums.
❌ Forgetting the purpose of the census.
❌ Ignoring the importance of periodisation.
❌ Believing history is based on imagination instead of evidence.
Key Takeaways
✔ History helps us understand the development of society.
✔ Periodisation organizes historical events.
✔ The National Archives protects important historical records.
✔ Census is an important source of population data.
✔ Historical evidence helps historians write accurate history.
FAQs
1. What is periodisation?
Periodisation is the process of dividing history into different time periods for systematic study.
2. What is the National Archives of India?
It is the institution that preserves important government records and historical documents.
3. What is a census?
A census is an official survey that collects information about the population.
4. Why are photographs important historical sources?
They provide visual evidence about people, places, and events from the past.
5. Why do we study history?
We study history to understand how societies, cultures, governments, and people’s lives have changed over time.
Conclusion
The chapter How, When and Where teaches students how historians study the past using different historical sources. Understanding concepts such as periodisation, census, archives, and historical evidence builds a strong foundation in history and improves performance in school examinations.
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