Class VIII – NCERT – Social Science
History
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Question 1:
State whether true or false:
Chapter 1 When and where our past
a) James Mill divided Indian History into three periods- Hindu, Muslim, and Christian Ans. False
b) Official documents Ans. False
help us to understand what the people of the country think.
c) The British thought surveys were important for effective administration.
Ans. True
Question 2:
What is the problem with the periodisation of Indian History that James Mill offers?
Solution:
James MILL divided his book into three period, namely: Hindu Muslims and British. According to his prejudiced version of Indian history, the British rule represents all the forces of progress and civilisation, while the period before British rule represents darkness, ignorance, despotism, religious intolerance, caste taboos, superstitious practice ete.
Mill has several problems which is not acceptable due to reasons:
The view of () All the Asian societies were less civilised than the European ones.So the British could civilise India by conquering all the territories of India.
(11) The Hindus and the Muslims are not capable of ruling India.
(iii) All rulers in ancient India did not share the same faith.So naturally there wouldn’t be religious tolerance. This will be a hindrance to the progress, enlightenment and happiness of the nation.
Thus the problem with the periodisation Indian history that James Mill offers is that the subjective account of a historian distorts the facts.
Question 3:
Why did the British preserve official documents?
Solution:
The British preserved the important official documents because these served as records of what the officials thought, what they were interested in and what they wished for. According to the British writing was more important than speaking as the documents in archives and museums could be utilized for reference at a much later period whenever required for studying or debuting. These can also serve as an information or proof of any decision or action taken earlier on some matter.
