ONLINE CONTENT CLASS VIII SOCIAL SCIENCE

Chapter 1: From Trade to Territories

Textual Questions 

1. What attracted European trading companies to India?European trading companies were attracted to India by the fine qualities of cotton and silk produced here. India also had a rich supply of spices like pepper, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, which were in great demand in Europe.

2. What were the "diwani" rights? Explain their significance for the British. 

     The "diwani" rights were the right to collect revenue on behalf of the Mughal Emperor. After the Battle of Buxar in 1764, the British East India Company was granted the Diwani of Bengal by the Mughal Emperor. This was highly significant for the British as it allowed them to use the vast revenue of Bengal to finance their expenses, buy goods for export, and maintain their troops, effectively eliminating the need to bring gold and silver from Britain to buy Indian goods.

3. Explain the system of "subsidiary alliance."

    The subsidiary alliance was a system devised by Lord Wellesley. Under this system, Indian rulers were not allowed to have their independent armed forces. They had to pay for the "subsidiary forces" maintained by the Company for their protection. If a ruler failed to make the payment, a part of their territory was taken away as a penalty. The ruler also had to accept a British resident at their court, who would interfere in the state's internal affairs.

 Questions from the Midst of the Lesson

1. What was the main motive of the English East India Company when it first arrived in India?

     The main motive was to acquire exclusive rights to trade with the East and make huge profits.

2. Why was the Battle of Plassey a turning point in the history of British rule in India?

    The Battle of Plassey (1757) was significant because it was the first major victory for the British East India Company in India. It led to the installation of Mir Jafar as a puppet nawab, giving the British significant political influence and control over Bengal's resources.

3. What was the Doctrine of Lapse?

    The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie. If an Indian ruler died without a male heir, his kingdom would "lapse" or automatically become part of the British territory.

4. Who was the last powerful Mughal ruler?

    Aurangzeb was the last powerful Mughal ruler.

5. What were the three major Presidencies during British rule?

     Bengal, Madras, and Bombay.

6. What was the main reason for the conflict between the Company and the Nawabs of Bengal?

     The Nawabs of Bengal, like Murshid Quli Khan and Alivardi Khan, refused to grant the Company concessions, demanded large tributes, and denied them the right to mint coins, which led to a series of conflicts.

7. What was the purpose of the Regulating Act of 1773?

    The Act was an attempt by the British Parliament to control the Company's affairs in India. It created the post of Governor-General, with Warren Hastings being the first.

8. Who was Tipu Sultan? What was his relationship with the British?

     Tipu Sultan was the ruler of Mysore. He was a formidable opponent of the British, famously known as the "Tiger of Mysore," and fought four wars against them.

9. What was the title of the head of the British administration in India after the Governor-General?

    After the Regulating Act, the head of the administration was the Governor-General, but later, after 1858, the title was changed to Viceroy.

10. Name one of the key battles that established British dominance over India.

     The Battle of Buxar (1764) is a key battle that established British dominance by securing the Diwani of Bengal.

 Chapter 2: Along the Countryside

Textual Questions 

1. How did the British land revenue policies affect the Indian peasants?

    British land revenue policies like the Permanent Settlement, the Mahalwari, and the Ryotwari systems had a devastating impact. High revenue demands forced peasants to borrow from moneylenders. They often lost their land to moneylenders if they couldn't repay the loans. This led to indebtedness, poverty, and a series of peasant revolts.

2. Explain the main features of the Permanent Settlement.

    The Permanent Settlement (1793) was introduced by Lord Cornwallis. It fixed the revenue that zamindars had to pay to the Company forever. The zamindars were recognized as the owners of the land and were responsible for collecting rent from the peasants. However, the fixed revenue was so high that many zamindars failed to pay, and their zamindaris were auctioned off. The peasants, on the other hand, had no rights and were oppressed by the zamindars.

3. Why did the British encourage the cultivation of cash crops like indigo?

    The British encouraged the cultivation of indigo and other cash crops to meet the growing demand for these products in Europe. Indigo was used as a dye for cloth, and its demand increased with the industrialization of Britain. The British also needed raw materials like cotton and opium for their industries and trade.

Questions from the mid of the lesson

1. What was the "ryot"?

    A "ryot" was a peasant or a cultivator.

2. What was the "mahal" in the Mahalwari settlement?

     A "mahal" was a revenue estate, which could be a village or a group of villages.

3. Why was the Permanent Settlement a failure for many zamindars initially?

    The revenue demand was fixed at a very high rate, and the zamindars found it difficult to pay, especially when agricultural prices were low.

4. What was the "Blue Rebellion"?

     The Blue Rebellion was the indigo revolt of 1859, in which peasants refused to grow indigo and attacked indigo factories.

5. What was the main problem with the cultivation of indigo for the farmers?

    Indigo cultivation was problematic because it required fertile land, which farmers preferred to use for rice. Once a plot was used for indigo, it could not be used for rice for several years as the crop depleted the soil's fertility.

6. Who was the main beneficiary of the Ryotwari system?

     In theory, the Ryotwari system was meant to protect the ryots, but in practice, the high revenue demand often led to their impoverishment. The British government was the main beneficiary as it directly collected revenue.

7. What was a "dadan"?

     A "dadan" was a small loan given to the peasants by the planter to grow indigo.

8. What role did moneylenders play in the lives of the Indian peasants during British rule?

    Moneylenders exploited peasants by giving them loans at high interest rates. When peasants couldn't repay, the moneylenders often seized their land.

9. Who was responsible for the collection of revenue under the Mahalwari system?

    The village headman, or "lambardar," was responsible for collecting revenue from the entire village and paying it to the Company.

10. Why did the British want to control the forests of India?

     The British needed timber to build ships, railway tracks, and to fuel their industries, which is why they introduced the Forest Acts and restricted the traditional access of tribal communities to forests.

 Chapter 3: Tribes, Dikus, and the Golden Vision of India

Textual Questions 

1. Who were the "Dikus"? How did they affect the tribal people?

    "Dikus" was the term used by tribal people for outsiders, such as moneylenders, traders, and missionaries. The Dikus exploited the tribal people by buying their produce at low prices, lending them money at high interest rates, and taking away their land. The British government's policies also favored the Dikus over the tribal people.

2. Describe the different ways in which tribal people lived.

     Tribal people lived in various ways:

        Shifting Cultivators:They practiced "jhum" cultivation, or shifting cultivation, in which they cleared a patch of forest, cultivated it for a few years, and then moved on.

        Hunters and Gatherers:Some tribes lived by hunting animals and gathering forest produce for survival.

        Herders and Pastoralists: These tribes moved with their herds of animals, like cattle or sheep, from one place to another.

        Settled Cultivators: Some tribes, over time, settled in one place and began practicing settled agriculture.

3. What was Birsa Munda's vision of a "Golden Age"?

    Birsa Munda's vision of a "Golden Age" was a time when the Mundas would live a good life, free from the exploitation of the Dikus. He envisioned a world where the Mundas would not kill each other, would live honestly, and would restore their past glory. He wanted to reform his society, get rid of bad practices, and reclaim the land that had been taken away from them.

Questions from the Midst of the Lesson

1. What was the main economic activity of the Khonds of Orissa?

     The Khonds were hunters and gatherers.

2. Why was the British Forest Act of 1865 a source of hardship for tribal communities?

     The Forest Act classified forests as "state property" and restricted the traditional rights of tribal people to hunt, gather forest produce, and practice shifting cultivation.

3. What was "jhum" cultivation?

     "Jhum" cultivation is a type of shifting cultivation where a patch of forest is cleared by cutting and burning, cultivated for a few years, and then abandoned for the soil to regain fertility.

4. What was the "Kol Rebellion"?

    The Kol Rebellion (1831-32) was an uprising of the Kol tribe against the British land revenue policies and the exploitation by moneylenders and landlords.

5. What was the main reason for the Santhal Rebellion?

 The Santhals were exploited by landlords and moneylenders who forced them into a cycle of debt. The rebellion was a reaction to the loss of their land and economic hardship.

6. Who was Birsa Munda?

     Birsa Munda was a tribal leader who led a rebellion against the British and the Dikus in the Chotanagpur region in the late 19th century. He was considered a "god-like" figure by his followers.

7. How did missionaries affect the tribal communities?

     Missionaries tried to convert tribal people to Christianity and also introduced modern education and hospitals, which, while beneficial, also often disrupted their traditional way of life and culture.

8. What was the main objective of the tribal rebellions against the British?

     The main objective was to resist the British policies that took away their land, restricted their access to forests, and allowed outsiders to exploit them.

9. What was the main source of income for the Baigas of Central India?

     The Baigas saw themselves as people of the forest and lived by hunting and gathering.

10. What was the "golden age" for the tribal people?

    The "golden age" for tribal people was a mythical past when they believed they were free from the exploitation of outsiders, their land was their own, and they lived a life of dignity and self-sufficiency.

 Chapter 4: Why Do We Need a Parliament?

Textual Questions 

1. Why do you think the Parliament is a crucial institution for a democracy?

    Parliament is crucial because it is the supreme law-making body of the country. It represents the people and their interests. It holds the government accountable, discusses and debates important national issues, and helps in the formation of a government.

2. What is the role of the Opposition in a democracy?

     The Opposition plays a critical role. It questions the government's policies and decisions, highlights shortcomings in its functioning, and provides an alternative perspective. This ensures that the government is not autocratic and remains responsive to public opinion.

3. How are the members of the Lok Sabha elected?**

     The members of the Lok Sabha are elected directly by the people through a system of universal adult franchise. The entire country is divided into different constituencies, and voters in each constituency elect one representative.

 Questions from the Midst of the Lesson

1. What is a "constituency"?

     A constituency is a geographical area that elects one representative to the Parliament or State Legislative Assembly.

2. Who presides over the Lok Sabha?

     The Speaker of the Lok Sabha presides over the House.

3. What is the difference between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha?

    The Lok Sabha is the House of the People, with members directly elected by the people. The Rajya Sabha is the Council of States, with members indirectly elected by the State Legislative Assemblies.

4. What is a "coalition government"?

     A coalition government is formed when no single party secures a majority of seats in the Parliament, and two or more parties join together to form the government.

5. What is the term of a member of the Rajya Sabha?

    A member of the Rajya Sabha has a term of six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.

6. What is the role of the Prime Minister?

    The Prime Minister is the head of the government. They lead the Council of Ministers, make important policy decisions, and are the key link between the government and the President.

7. What is a "question hour" in the Parliament?

    Question Hour is the first hour of a parliamentary session, where members of Parliament can ask questions to the ministers about the government's policies and performance.

8. What is the minimum age to be a member of the Lok Sabha?

    The minimum age is 25 years.

9. Who is the President of India and what is their role in the Parliament?

    The President is the head of state. They are an integral part of the Parliament, as no bill can become a law without their assent.

10. What is a "bill" in the context of Parliament?

     A bill is a draft law. It has to be passed by both houses of Parliament and receive the President's assent to become an Act or a law.

 Chapter 5: Judiciary

Textual Questions 

1. What is an independent judiciary? Why is it essential for a democracy?

    An independent judiciary means that the other branches of the government (the legislature and the executive) cannot interfere with the functioning of the judiciary. It is essential because it allows judges to make decisions without fear or favor, ensuring that justice is served. It also acts as a check on the powers of the government.

2. What are the different levels of courts in India? Briefly explain their functions.

     The Indian judicial system is a three-tiered structure:

        Supreme Court:The highest court in India, located in New Delhi. It hears appeals from High Courts and has original jurisdiction in certain cases.

        High Courts: The highest courts at the state level. They hear appeals from lower courts and have jurisdiction over a state or a group of states.

        District Courts: The lower courts at the district level. They handle cases related to a district and are supervised by the High Court of the state.

3. What is the difference between civil and criminal law?

    Civil Law: Deals with disputes between individuals or organizations, such as property disputes, rent matters, or divorce cases. The objective is to resolve the dispute and provide a remedy.

    Criminal Law: Deals with acts that the law defines as crimes, such as theft, murder, or assault. The objective is to punish the offender and maintain social order.

Questions from the Midst of the Lesson

1. What is the role of the Supreme Court?

    The Supreme Court's role is to uphold the law and the Constitution, hear appeals from lower courts, and act as the final court of justice.

2. What is a "Public Interest Litigation" (PIL)?

    A PIL is a legal action initiated in a court of law to enforce public interest or general welfare. It allows any citizen or organization to approach the court on behalf of those whose rights have been violated.

3. What is the minimum age for a person to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court?

     There is no minimum age. A person can become a Supreme Court judge if they have a certain number of years of experience as a judge of a High Court or as an advocate.

4. What is the full form of FIR?

    First Information Report.

5. What is the "Right to Constitutional Remedies"?

     It is a Fundamental Right guaranteed by Article 32 of the Constitution, which allows a person to move the Supreme Court to get their Fundamental Rights enforced.

6. Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts?

     The President of India, after consulting with the Chief Justice of India and other judges.

7. What is an "acquittal"?

     An acquittal is a judicial verdict where an accused person is declared not guilty of a crime.

8. What is the difference between a jury system and a judge system?

    In a jury system, a group of citizens decides the facts of a case, and the judge decides on the law. In the Indian system, a judge decides both the facts and the law.(Now it's obselete)

9. What is the role of a public prosecutor?

    A public prosecutor is a lawyer who represents the state or the public interest in criminal cases.

10. What is the "Rule of Law"?

    The Rule of Law means that everyone is equal before the law, and the law applies to all citizens equally, regardless of their social status or position.

 Chapter 6: Resources

Textual Questions 

1. What is a resource? Explain with examples.

     A resource is anything that can be used to satisfy a human need or want. It has utility and value. Examples include water, air, minerals, and forests. Human beings are also a resource.

2. Differentiate between natural and human-made resources.

    Natural Resources: Resources that are drawn from nature and used without much modification, such as air, water, soil, minerals, and forests.

    Human-Made Resources: Resources created by human beings by using natural resources, such as roads, buildings, machinery, and technology.

3. What is sustainable development? Why is it important?

    Sustainable development is a process of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is important because it ensures that we use resources wisely and conserve them for the future, maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Questions from the Midst of the Lesson

1. What is "utility" in the context of resources?

     Utility is the ability of an object to satisfy a human need or want.

2. What are "non-renewable" resources? Give an example.

     Non-renewable resources are those that have a limited stock and, once exhausted, cannot be replenished. Examples include coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

3. What is the difference between a potential and an actual resource?