Class 8th History Chapter 1
📘 Chapter 1 – Introduction: How, When and Where
1️⃣ Important 1–2 Line Notes (Exam Booster)
History is not only about dates but about changes over time.
Earlier historians focused mainly on kings, battles and rulers.
Periodisation means dividing history into different time periods.
James Mill divided Indian history into Hindu, Muslim and British periods.
British historians glorified Governor-Generals.
Colonial rule brought political, economic, social and cultural changes.
Official records are important sources of history.
Surveys and census were tools of British administration.
Newspapers show public opinion; police reports show official view.
📅 Important Dates (Very Important for Exams)
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| James Mill published Book "A History of British India" | 1817 |
| Warren Hastings became first Governor-General | 1773 |
| Revolt of 1857 | 1857 |
| Royal Indian Navy Mutiny | 1946 |
| National Archives of India established | 1920s |
| Census operations (every 10 years) | Late 19th century onward |
👤 Important Personalities
1️⃣ James Mill
Divided Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, British periods.
Believed British rule would civilise India.
2️⃣ Warren Hastings
First Governor-General of India (1773).
3️⃣ Robert Clive
Asked for mapping of India.
4️⃣ James Rennell
Prepared first map of Hindustan (1782).
🗝️ Important Keywords (Must Learn)
History
Chronology
Periodisation
Colonial
Colonisation
Governor-General
Viceroy
Survey
Census
Archives
Administration
Official Records
Source
Calligraphist
📖 Important Definitions (1 Line)
1. History: Study of past changes over time.
2. Periodisation: Division of history into different time periods.
3. Colonialism: Subjugation of one country by another leading to political and economic control.
4. Archive: Place where historical documents are stored.
5. Census: Official counting of population.
6. Survey: Detailed study or measurement of an area.
7. Source: Material used to write history.
🧠 One Line Facts (Very Important)
British believed writing and record keeping was essential.
Census was conducted every 10 years.
Surveys included botanical, zoological and archaeological surveys.
Official records show government viewpoint.
Newspapers show public reaction.
Colonial period brought major economic changes.
🗺️ Maps & Location Concepts
Mapping of India began under British rule.
National Archives of India located in New Delhi.
Detailed revenue surveys conducted in villages.
Census recorded caste, religion and occupation.
🏛️ Periodisation of Indian History
According to James Mill
Hindu Period
Muslim Period
British Period
Modern Division
Ancient
Medieval
Modern
Historians now prefer:
Colonial Period (for British rule)
📊 Official Records vs Newspapers
| Official Records | Newspapers |
|---|---|
| Government view | Public opinion |
| Administrative details | Social reactions |
| Formal language | Emotional & descriptive |
🔁 Repeated Exam Questions with Solutions
Q1. What is the problem with James Mill’s periodisation?
Answer:
It divides history based only on religion of rulers and ignores diversity of Indian society.
Q2. Why did British preserve official documents?
Answer:
To ensure proper administration and future reference.
Q3. What is colonialism?
Answer:
When one country controls another politically and economically.
Q4. Why were surveys important for British?
Answer:
To understand land, population and resources for better control.
Q5. Difference between police report and newspaper report?
Answer:
Police reports show official view; newspapers show public reactions.
📜 Sources of History
Official records
Archives
Census data
Surveys
Newspapers
Diaries
Autobiographies
Paintings & Images
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