NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 1 How, When and Where

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History Chapter 1 How, When and Where are written in detail by people who have expertise in the field and the entire chapter has been explained in a very simple yet in-depth manner. You develop the skills necessary to answer the tough questions that you’re faced with. Chapter 1 Class 8 History helps you know the most information about every question so that you can cross-examine yourself and make sure you are successful on your exam day.

Chapter 1 How, When and Where Class 8 History NCERT Solutions

Let’s Recall

1. State whether true or false:
(a) James Mill divided Indian History into three periods- Hindu, Muslim, and Christian.
(b) Official documents help us understand what the people of the country think.
(c) The British thought surveys were important for effective administration.

Solution

(a) False
(b) False
(c) True

Let’s Discuss

2. What is the problem with the periodization of Indian History that James Mill offers?

Solution

Indian history, according to James Mill, can be split into three periods: Hindu, Muslim, and British. This periodization has its own set of difficulties. It is difficult to refer to any period of history as ‘Hindu’ or ‘Muslim,’ for example, because a number of different faiths coexisted at the same time during these times of history. It is likewise not acceptable to characterise an era solely on the basis of the religion of the rulers of the time. What it implies is that the lives and behaviours of others aren’t really that important after all. It is important to note that even the rulers of ancient India did not all adhere to the same religious beliefs.

3. Why did the British preserve official documents?

Solution

• The British kept essential official documents because they were a record of what the officials thought, what they were interested in, and what they wanted for in their time of rule.
• Written communication was considered more significant than oral communication by the British, who reasoned that texts preserved in archives and museums may be consulted at a later date for research or debating purposes.
• These can also be used to provide information or verification of any previous judgement or action made on a particular topic.

4. How will the information historians get from old newspapers be different from that found in police reports?

Solution

• Information is essential to write a historical account of a period can be accomplished through a variety of means. Aside from official documents in the archives, historians acquire material from a variety of sources, including old newspapers, people’s diaries, pilgrims’ stories, autobiographies of notable figures, and booklets, among other sources.
• The information provided in newspapers is diverse, based on instances that have occurred across the country, whereas the information contained in police reports is limited and regionalized.
• Because of this, the information historians glean from police records is not always as useful as the information gleaned from historical newspapers.
• However, for any incident, the newspaper may not quote all of the reasons for it and may be prejudiced according to the reporter’s point of view, but police records may contain some proof for the incident as well as neutral reporting.