Welcome To My School Study
Practice Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 How, When and Where MCQ Questions with Answers based on NCERT concepts. Solve 100% original board exam-oriented MCQs with detailed solutions, revision notes, exam tips, and FAQs.
Do You Know
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 chapter How, When and Where introduces students to the methods historians use to study the past. Historical facts are collected from official records, archives, maps, surveys, newspapers, letters, photographs, and other reliable sources. The chapter also explains that history is continuously reinterpreted as new evidence becomes available.
What You Will Learn
✔ Importance of Archives
✔ Role of Official Records
✔ Historical Interpretation
✔ Value of Different Historical Sources
✔ Colonial Administration
✔ NCERT-Based Concepts
Why This Topic Is Important
This chapter builds a strong foundation for understanding Indian history. It teaches students that reliable evidence and critical thinking are essential for writing history. Questions from this chapter are frequently asked in school exams and competitive tests.
Q1. Why are archives important for historians?
A) They preserve historical records safely.
B) They manufacture books.
C) They conduct elections.
D) They prepare school timetables.
Answer: A) They preserve historical records safely.
Concept Behind This Question
Archives protect valuable historical documents so they remain available for future research.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Archives store important documents.
- Records remain safe for many years.
- Historians use these records to study history.
- Therefore, the correct answer is They preserve historical records safely.
Exam Tip
Archives = Safe Preservation of Records
Q2. Which of the following is an example of a visual historical source?
A) Old Photograph
B) Revenue Register
C) Personal Diary
D) Government Circular
Answer: A) Old Photograph
Concept Behind This Question
Photographs provide visual evidence about people, places, and events from the past.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Photographs show real scenes.
- They help historians study clothing, buildings, and lifestyles.
- Written records provide textual information.
- Hence, the correct answer is Old Photograph.
Exam Tip
Visual Evidence = Photographs
Q3. Why did the British government prepare census reports?
A) To collect information about the population
B) To write history books
C) To organize festivals
D) To publish newspapers
Answer: A) To collect information about the population
Concept Behind This Question
The census recorded details such as population, occupations, age groups, and social conditions.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Census counted the population.
- It collected statistical information.
- The data helped the government in administration.
- Therefore, the correct answer is To collect information about the population.
Exam Tip
Census = Population Data
Q4. Which quality helps historians write accurate history?
A) Depending only on one source
B) Comparing multiple historical sources
C) Ignoring official documents
D) Accepting every statement without verification
Answer: B) Comparing multiple historical sources
Concept Behind This Question
Different sources may provide different viewpoints. Comparing them improves historical accuracy.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Every source has strengths and limitations.
- Historians compare evidence carefully.
- This leads to balanced conclusions.
- Hence, the correct answer is Comparing multiple historical sources.
Exam Tip
Compare Sources = Reliable History
Q5. According to the NCERT, which statement is correct about history?
A) It never changes.
B) It is based only on myths.
C) It can be improved when new evidence is discovered.
D) It studies only famous kings.
Answer: C) It can be improved when new evidence is discovered.
Concept Behind This Question
History is continuously revised as historians discover new records, documents, and archaeological evidence.
Step-by-Step Solution
- New evidence may change earlier conclusions.
- Historians review and update interpretations.
- This improves historical understanding.
- Therefore, the correct answer is It can be improved when new evidence is discovered.
Exam Tip
New Evidence = Better Historical Understanding
Important Formulas & Concepts
1. Archives
Institutions that preserve historical records and official documents.
2. Photographs
Visual historical sources that provide evidence about past people and events.
3. Census
An official survey that collects information about the population.
4. Historical Interpretation
The process of analysing evidence to explain historical events.
5. Reliable Sources
Documents, maps, letters, surveys, newspapers, photographs, and official records used to study history.
Related Practice Questions
- What is the importance of archives?
- Why are photographs considered historical sources?
- What information is collected in a census?
- Why should historians compare different sources?
- How can new evidence change historical understanding?
Mini Quiz Challenge
Fill in the blanks
- __________ preserve important historical records.
- A __________ is a visual historical source.
- The __________ collects information about the population.
Answers
- Archives
- Photograph
- Census
Exam Tips
✔ Remember the role of archives.
✔ Learn the purpose of census reports.
✔ Revise different types of historical sources.
✔ Understand why historians compare evidence.
✔ Read NCERT examples carefully.
Quick Revision Notes
✔ Archives preserve historical documents.
✔ Photographs provide visual historical evidence.
✔ Census reports record population information.
✔ Historians compare different sources.
✔ New evidence can improve historical understanding.
Common Mistakes Students Make
❌ Confusing archives with libraries.
❌ Forgetting that photographs are historical sources.
❌ Mixing census reports with revenue records.
❌ Believing history never changes.
❌ Depending on only one historical source.
Key Takeaways
✔ Archives preserve valuable historical documents.
✔ Photographs are important visual sources of history.
✔ Census reports provide population-related information.
✔ Historians compare different sources for accuracy.
✔ History develops continuously as new evidence is discovered.
FAQs
1. What are archives?
Archives are places where important historical records and government documents are preserved safely.
2. Why are photographs important in history?
They provide visual evidence about people, buildings, clothing, and historical events.
3. What is the purpose of a census?
A census collects detailed information about the population.
4. Why do historians compare different sources?
They compare sources to verify facts and prepare balanced historical accounts.
5. Can history change over time?
Yes. New evidence and discoveries help historians improve their understanding of the past.
Conclusion
The chapter How, When and Where helps students understand that history is not simply a collection of dates and events. It is a careful study of reliable evidence collected from archives, official records, maps, surveys, photographs, and many other sources. Learning these concepts builds a strong foundation for future history studies and examinations.
Related links
- Class 8 Science Chapter 2 Microorganisms Friend and Foe part-1
- Class 8 Maths Chapter 4 Practical Geometry part-7
- Class 8 English Chapter 1 Another Chance part-9
- Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 How, When and Where part-12
- Class 8 Maths Chapter 4 Practical Geometry part-6
- Class 8 Science Chapter 1 Crop Production and Management part-12
- Class 8 English Chapter 1 Another Chance part-8
- Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 How, When and Where part-11
- Class 8 Maths Chapter 4 Practical Geometry part-5
- Class 8 Science Chapter 1 Crop Production and Management part-11
- Class 8 English Chapter 1 Another Chance part-7
- Class 8 Social Science Chapter 1 How, When and Where part-10
- Class 8 Maths Chapter 4 Practical Geometry part-4
Latest Posts
- Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Introduction to Euclid’s Geometry
- Class 10 Maths Chapter 5 -Arithmetic Progressions
- Class 7 Maths Chapter 5 – Parallel and Intersecting Lines
- Class 8 Maths Chapter 5 – Number Play
- Class 9 English Chapter 2 The Pot Maker
Join Our Other Communities
Instagram , Youtube , Facebook



