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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.
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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 chapter How, When and Where explains that history is written using facts collected from reliable sources. Historians carefully examine official records, surveys, maps, newspapers, letters, photographs, and objects from the past. They also understand that every source has its own strengths and limitations, making comparison essential for writing accurate history.
What You Will Learn
✔ Importance of Dates in History
✔ James Mill’s Periodisation
✔ Colonial View of Indian History
✔ Different Historical Sources
✔ Importance of Evidence
✔ NCERT-Based Concepts
Why This Topic Is Important
This chapter introduces important concepts such as periodisation, colonial history, historical sources, and evidence. Questions based on James Mill, official records, and historical interpretation are frequently asked in school examinations and competitive tests.
Q1. Who divided Indian history into the Hindu, Muslim, and British periods?
A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) James Mill
C) Jawaharlal Nehru
D) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: B) James Mill
Concept Behind This Question
James Mill divided Indian history into three periods in his book A History of British India. The NCERT explains that historians today do not consider this classification appropriate.
Step-by-Step Solution
- James Mill wrote A History of British India.
- He divided Indian history into three periods.
- Modern historians disagree with this classification.
- Therefore, the correct answer is James Mill.
Exam Tip
Three Periods → James Mill
Q2. Why do modern historians disagree with James Mill’s periodisation?
A) It was based only on climate.
B) It divided history mainly on the basis of religion.
C) It ignored all historical dates.
D) It focused only on geography.
Answer: B) It divided history mainly on the basis of religion.
Concept Behind This Question
The NCERT states that dividing history into religious periods does not accurately represent India’s diverse historical developments.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Indian history includes social, political, and economic changes.
- Religion alone cannot explain historical periods.
- Therefore, modern historians reject this method.
- Hence, the correct answer is It divided history mainly on the basis of religion.
Exam Tip
Religion Alone ≠ Proper Periodisation
Q3. Which book was written by James Mill?
A) Discovery of India
B) A History of British India
C) India Wins Freedom
D) Hind Swaraj
Answer: B) A History of British India
Concept Behind This Question
James Mill published A History of British India in which he explained his views about Indian history.
Step-by-Step Solution
- James Mill was a British historian.
- His famous book was A History of British India.
- It influenced British administrative thinking.
- Therefore, the correct answer is A History of British India.
Exam Tip
James Mill → A History of British India
Q4. According to the NCERT, history should mainly be divided based on:
A) Religious communities only
B) Changes in society, economy, and politics
C) Different festivals
D) Different languages
Answer: B) Changes in society, economy, and politics
Concept Behind This Question
Modern historians divide history by studying important social, economic, political, and cultural changes rather than only religious differences.
Step-by-Step Solution
- History changes over time in many ways.
- Society, economy, and politics influence historical periods.
- This gives a more balanced understanding.
- Hence, the correct answer is Changes in society, economy, and politics.
Exam Tip
Modern Periodisation = Social + Economic + Political Changes
Q5. What should historians do before accepting any historical information?
A) Believe the first source immediately
B) Compare different historical sources
C) Ignore official records
D) Depend only on personal diaries
Answer: B) Compare different historical sources
Concept Behind This Question
Reliable history is written after examining and comparing evidence from various historical sources.
Step-by-Step Solution
- One source may provide incomplete information.
- Different sources present different viewpoints.
- Historians compare evidence before reaching conclusions.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Compare different historical sources.
Exam Tip
Compare Sources Before Conclusion
Important Formulas & Concepts
1. James Mill
A British historian who divided Indian history into the Hindu, Muslim, and British periods.
2. Periodisation
The process of dividing history into different periods for systematic study.
3. Historical Interpretation
Understanding history by analysing and comparing different historical sources.
4. Colonial View
The perspective through which British writers interpreted Indian history during colonial rule.
5. Reliable Historical Evidence
Official records, letters, maps, surveys, newspapers, and photographs help historians understand the past.
Related Practice Questions
- Who was James Mill?
- Why do modern historians disagree with James Mill’s periodisation?
- Name the book written by James Mill.
- On what basis do modern historians divide history?
- Why should historians compare different historical sources?
Mini Quiz Challenge
Fill in the blanks
- __________ divided Indian history into three periods.
- James Mill wrote A History of __________ India.
- Modern historians study __________, economic, and political changes.
Answers
- James Mill
- British
- Social
Exam Tips
✔ Remember the name James Mill.
✔ Learn why his periodisation is criticised.
✔ Revise the meaning of periodisation.
✔ Focus on NCERT explanations rather than rote learning.
✔ Compare colonial and modern approaches to history.
Quick Revision Notes
✔ James Mill divided Indian history into three periods.
✔ Modern historians do not accept this classification completely.
✔ History should be studied through social, political, and economic changes.
✔ Historical evidence must be carefully examined.
✔ Comparing different sources improves historical understanding.
Common Mistakes Students Make
❌ Confusing James Mill with Indian freedom fighters.
❌ Thinking modern historians still follow James Mill’s periodisation.
❌ Forgetting the name of A History of British India.
❌ Believing religion alone explains historical periods.
❌ Depending on only one historical source.
Key Takeaways
✔ James Mill introduced a three-period classification of Indian history.
✔ Modern historians criticize this classification because it is based mainly on religion.
✔ History should be studied through social, political, economic, and cultural developments.
✔ Reliable historical evidence is essential for understanding the past.
✔ Comparing different historical sources leads to accurate historical interpretation.
FAQs
1. Who was James Mill?
James Mill was a British historian who wrote A History of British India.
2. How did James Mill divide Indian history?
He divided it into the Hindu, Muslim, and British periods.
3. Why do modern historians disagree with James Mill?
Because his classification was mainly based on religion and ignored broader historical developments.
4. What is periodisation?
Periodisation is the process of dividing history into different time periods for easier study.
5. Why is historical evidence important?
It helps historians write accurate and reliable accounts of the past.
Conclusion
The chapter How, When and Where explains that history should be studied using reliable evidence and balanced interpretation. Understanding James Mill’s periodisation, its limitations, and the importance of historical sources helps students develop strong historical thinking and perform well in examinations.
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