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Updated on 11 Nov 2025, 18:49 IST
MCQ Questions for Class 8 History Chapter 1 – How, When and Where are designed to help students strengthen their understanding of the CBSE Class 8 Social Science syllabus. This chapter introduces the basics of how historians study the past, the importance of dates, periodisation, and the different types of records maintained during the colonial period. Practicing these Class 8 History Chapter 1 MCQs with answers will not only prepare students for CBSE Syllabus but also build clarity on key concepts such as British record-keeping, surveys, archives, and historical sources. We have included objective questions, online test practice, and a PDF download option so learners can revise quickly and effectively.
MCQ Questions for Class 8 History Chapter 1 – How, When and Where are important for students preparing for NCERT and CBSE exams. This chapter explains the importance of dates in history, the periodisation done by James Mill, the role of official records, surveys, and archives during British rule. Practicing these Class 8 History Chapter 1 objective questions with answers helps students revise concepts quickly and score well in exams. For easy preparation, we have also provided a downloadable PDF of MCQs so that learners can revise anytime, even offline.
Q1. Who wrote the book "A History of British India" in 1817?
(a) William Jones
(b) James Mill
(c) Warren Hastings
(d) Lord Mountbatten
Answer: (b) James Mill
Explanation: James Mill, a Scottish economist and political philosopher, wrote this massive book. It is famous for its biased view and its division of Indian history.
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Q2. How did James Mill divide Indian history?
(a) Ancient, Medieval, Modern
(b) Hindu, Muslim, British
(c) Pre-historic, Historic, Modern
(d) Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age
Answer: (b) Hindu, Muslim, British
Explanation: Mill based his division on the religion of the rulers, a method that is now considered simplistic and biased.
Q3. What was the main problem with James Mill's periodisation of Indian history?
(a) It was based on the religion of the rulers.
(b) It portrayed the pre-British era as a "period of darkness."
(c) It was a biased view used to justify British colonial rule.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d) All of the above.
Explanation: Mill's division is rejected today because it was inaccurate (ignoring Jains, Buddhists, etc.) and biased. He felt only British rule could "civilise" India.
Q4. The method of dividing history into distinct periods with shared characteristics is called:
(a) Archaeology
(b) Historiography
(c) Periodisation
(d) Calligraphy
Answer: (c) Periodisation
Explanation: Periodisation is the act of dividing the past into blocks of time (e.g., "Ancient," "Medieval") to make it easier to study.
Q5. Why do many historians now refer to the "Modern Period" of Indian history as the "Colonial Period"?
(a) Because under British rule, India lacked true freedom, liberty, and equality.
(b) Because "Modern" means using computers.
(c) Because it's a more fashionable term.
(d) Because all the records from that time are in archives.
Answer: (a) Because under British rule, India lacked true freedom, liberty, and equality.
Explanation: The word "modern" is associated with progress and democracy. Since India was a colony and its people were subjects, "colonial" is a more accurate description.
Q6. For a long time, history was mostly associated with the dates of:
(a) The lives of common people
(b) The invention of new technologies
(c) Kings, battles, and big events
(d) The history of farming and trade
Answer: (c) Kings, battles, and big events
Explanation: Early history was often written as the story of rulers, focusing on "the year a king was crowned" or "the year they fought a battle."
Q7. What does the term "Colonial" mean?
(a) The process of one country conquering and ruling another, leading to political and economic changes.
(b) The study of ancient coins and inscriptions.
(c) A large building where government documents are kept.
(d) The act of dividing history into periods.
Answer: (a) The process of one country conquering and ruling another, leading to political and economic changes.
Explanation: When one country (like Britain) subjugates another (like India) and exploits it, this is called colonisation. The period is known as the "colonial" period.
Q8. In 1817, James Mill published his massive three-volume work, "A History of British India." Where was he from?
(a) Scotland
(b) India
(c) France
(d) Germany
Answer: (a) Scotland
Explanation: James Mill was a Scottish economist, historian, and political philosopher. He never actually visited India.
Q9. According to James Mill, which force was capable of "civilising" India?
(a) Hindu philosophy
(b) Muslim law
(c) European manners and British rule
(d) Indian traditions and customs
Answer: (c) European manners and British rule
Explanation: Mill was extremely biased. He believed that Indian society was "uncivilised" and that only British rule and European ideas could bring progress.
Q10. The standard "Ancient, Medieval, Modern" division of history was borrowed from:
(a) The West (Europe)
(b) Ancient China
(c) The Mughal Empire (d) Ancient Egypt
Answer: (a) The West (Europe)
Explanation: This periodisation originated in the West to describe their own history (e.g., the "Modern" period was linked to the Renaissance and democracy). Its application to India has its own problems.
Q11. What is an "Archive"?
(a) A place where historical documents and records are preserved.
(b) A type of survey to measure land.
(c) A museum for displaying old artifacts.
(d) A book about the history of kings.
Answer: (a) A place where historical documents and records are preserved.
Explanation: The British set up archives to store all their important administrative documents, letters, and reports.
Q12. The National Archives of India is located in:
(a) Kolkata (Calcutta)
(b) New Delhi
(c) Mumbai (Bombay)
(d) Chennai (Madras)
Answer: (b) New Delhi
Explanation: The National Archives of India was built in the 1920s when New Delhi was being constructed as the new capital of British India.
Q13. Why did the British believe in the act of writing and preserving documents?
(a) They loved beautiful handwriting.
(b) They wanted to study every instruction and decision for better administration.
(c) They wanted to send letters back home to England.
(d) They wanted to publish newspapers for the Indian people.
Answer: (b) They wanted to study every instruction and decision for better administration.
Explanation: The British believed that every plan and policy had to be clearly written down. This created a culture of "memos, notings, and reports" and led to vast archives.
Q14. Who are "calligraphists"?
(a) People who survey land
(b) People who run museums
(c) People who specialize in the art of beautiful handwriting
(d) People who study history
Answer: (c) People who specialize in the art of beautiful handwriting
Explanation: Before printing presses were common in the 19th century, official documents were carefully copied by hand by calligraphists.
Q15. What is a major limitation of the *official records* from the British period?
(a) They are all written in Latin.
(b) They only show the perspective of the British officials.
(c) They were all destroyed in fires.
(d) They only talk about kings and queens in England.
Answer: (b) They only show the perspective of the British officials.
Explanation: This is a key concept. Official records tell us what the British *did* and *thought*, but they are silent about the feelings and experiences of the common people.
Q16. To understand what the common people felt, what "unofficial" sources do historians look at?
(a) Diaries of people and accounts of pilgrims
(b) Newspapers, popular booklets, and letters
(c) Autobiographies of important personalities and folk songs
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: To get the full picture, historians must look beyond official records to sources like personal diaries, newspapers, and oral histories to understand the "other side" of the story.
Q17. In which century did the printing press spread in India?
(a) 17th century
(b) 18th century
(c) 19th century
(d) 20th century
Answer: (c) 19th century
Explanation: With the spread of the printing press in the 19th century, newspapers were published, and issues were debated in public. This created many new historical sources.
Q18. What is a "museum"?
(a) A place where historical documents are stored.
(b) A building where objects of historical or artistic interest are displayed.
(c) The office of a Governor-General.
(d) A type of land survey.
Answer: (b) A building where objects of historical or artistic interest are displayed.
Explanation: The British set up museums (like the Indian Museum in Kolkata) to collect and display artifacts, which also serve as historical sources.
Q19. Official records from the British period do NOT help us understand:
(a) The government's policies and decisions.
(b) The motives and feelings of the common people.
(c) The administrative structure of the British.
(d) The letters sent from one official to another.
Answer: (b) The motives and feelings of the common people.
Explanation: Official records are "top-down." They tell the government's side of the story, not the story of the people in the villages or on the streets.
Q20. What were "record rooms"?
(a) Rooms where British officials held meetings.
(b) Rooms attached to administrative offices (like the Collectorate) to store records.
(c) Rooms where maps were printed.
(d) Rooms in a museum for visitors.
Answer: (b) Rooms attached to administrative offices (like the Collectorate) to store records.
Explanation: Every branch of the administration (Collector, Tehsil) had its own record room to keep its files and documents.
Q22. The study of inscriptions is called:
(a) Epigraphy
(b) Numismatics
(c) Archaeology
(d) Calligraphy
Answer: (a) Epigraphy
Explanation: Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions, or old writings, on hard surfaces like stone or metal.
Q23. The study of coins is called:
(a) Epigraphy
(b) Numismatics
(c) Archaeology
(d) Cartography
Answer: (b) Numismatics
Explanation: Numismatics is the study or collection of coins, paper money, and medals.
Q24. Why did the British want to preserve official records?
(a) To celebrate Indian culture.
(b) To have a record of their decisions that could be studied and debated later.
(c) To sell them to museums.
(d) To teach Indian people how to read and write.
Answer: (b) To have a record of their decisions that could be studied and debated later.
Explanation: The British created a culture of 'memos' and 'reports' so that every administrative decision was in writing and could be referenced in the future.
Q25. What is a key source for historians to understand the lives of *literate* common people?
(a) Official government gazettes
(b) Military reports
(c) Personal diaries and letters
(d) Tax collection records
Answer: (c) Personal diaries and letters
Explanation: Unlike official reports, personal diaries and letters provide a glimpse into the personal thoughts, feelings, and daily lives of people.
Q26. What is a major limitation of "unofficial" sources like diaries or autobiographies?
(a) They are always less truthful than government records.
(b) They only tell us about the lives of literate or wealthy people.
(c) They are too difficult to read.
(d) They were all destroyed by the British.
Answer: (b) They only tell us about the lives of literate or wealthy people.
Explanation: It's much harder to find sources for illiterate peasants or tribals, as they could not leave written records like diaries.
Q27. Why did the British conduct detailed surveys in India?
(a) They wanted to find hidden treasure.
(b) They were curious about Indian plants and animals.
(c) They believed a country had to be properly known to be administered effectively.
(d) They wanted to create a tourist map.
Answer: (c) They believed a country had to be properly known to be administered effectively.
Explanation: The British believed that to rule a country, you must first know its geography, soil, plants, and people. This is why they started detailed surveys.
Q28. What kind of surveys were conducted under the British?
(a) Revenue surveys (for land and tax)
(b) Botanical surveys (for plants) and Zoological surveys (for animals)
(c) Topographical surveys (for mapping landforms)
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: The British were thorough. They surveyed the land for tax (revenue), mapped the mountains (topographical), and cataloged all the plants (botanical) and animals (zoological).
Q29. What is a "census"?
(a) A survey of all the plants in an area
(b) A detailed head-count and record of the entire population
(c) A map of all the rivers and mountains
(d) A report on the tax collected from a village
Answer: (b) A detailed head-count and record of the entire population
Explanation: The census operation, which began in the late 19th century and was held every 10 years, recorded details of the population, including their caste, religion, and occupation.
Q30. When did the first all-India Census operation take place?
(a) 1757
(b) 1817
(c) 1881
(d) 1947
Answer: (c) 1881
Explanation: While an attempt was made in 1872, the first synchronous (happening at the same time) census covering all of British India was completed in 1881.
Q31. Who was James Rennell?
(a) The first Governor-General of India
(b) A famous calligraphist
(c) The producer of the first major map of India (Hindustan)
(d) The founder of the National Archives
Answer: (c) The producer of the first major map of India (Hindustan)
Explanation: In 1782, James Rennell was asked by Robert Clive to produce the first detailed map of India. This shows how important the British felt mapping was.
Q32. Who was the first Governor-General of India?
(a) Lord Mountbatten
(b) Warren Hastings
(c) Lord Dalhousie
(d) Robert Clive
Answer: (b) Warren Hastings
Explanation: Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General (of Bengal) in 1773 and played a key role in expanding the East India Company's power.
Q33. Who was the last Viceroy of British India?
(a) Lord Curzon
(b) Lord Irwin
(c) Lord Mountbatten
(d) C. Rajagopalachari
Answer: (c) Lord Mountbatten
Explanation: Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy and he oversaw the partition and independence of India in 1947. (C. Rajagopalachari was the first *Indian* Governor-General of independent India).
Q34. What was the purpose of a "revenue survey"?
(a) To count the number of people
(b) To know the soil quality, flora, fauna, and cropping patterns to calculate tax
(c) To draw maps of mountains and rivers
(d) To find ancient animals
Answer: (b) To know the soil quality, flora, fauna, and cropping patterns to calculate tax
Explanation: "Revenue" means income, especially for a government. Revenue surveys were done to figure out how much tax could be collected from a piece of land.
Q35. Who is considered the "father of Indian archaeology"?
(a) James Mill
(b) Alexander Cunningham
(c) James Rennell
(d) Warren Hastings
Answer: (b) Alexander Cunningham
Explanation: Alexander Cunningham was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and did pioneering work in excavating and studying ancient Indian sites.
Q36. The Survey of India, responsible for mapping, was established in:
(a) 1767
(b) 1817
(c) 1857
(d) 1947
Answer: (a) 1767
Explanation: The Survey of India is one of the oldest scientific departments. It was established by the East India Company to map the new territories.
Q37. Why are newspapers from the 19th and 20th centuries important historical sources?
(a) They show what the public was thinking and debating.
(b) They were all controlled by the British.
(c) They were the only source of information.
(d) They were printed in beautiful handwriting.
Answer: (a) They show what the public was thinking and debating.
Explanation: Unlike official records, newspapers (even those critical of the government) show the "public" side of history and the opinions of Indian leaders and reformers.
Q38. What is a "topographical" survey?
(a) A survey of the population
(b) A survey of the plants
(c) A survey to map the physical features of the land (mountains, rivers, etc.)
(d) A survey to count animals
Answer: (c) A survey to map the physical features of the land (mountains, rivers, etc.)
Explanation: "Topography" refers to the shape and features of the land. These surveys were essential for building railways, roads, and military planning.
Q39. In the Lipton tea advertisement from the book, who is shown seated on the horse?
(a) A British official
(b) An Indian farmer
(c) Queen Victoria's third son, Prince Arthur
(d) James Mill
Answer: (c) Queen Victoria's third son, Prince Arthur
Explanation: The ad used the image of royalty (Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught) to associate the tea with high class and quality, targeting a wealthy audience.
Q40. Which of these is NOT an "official source" of history?
(a) Government intelligence reports
(b) Memos from one official to another
(c) A personal diary of a freedom fighter
(d) A tehsil revenue record
Answer: (c) A personal diary of a freedom fighter
Explanation: A personal diary is an "unofficial" source. It's valuable *because* it's not from the government and provides a different perspective.
Q41. What does the study of "folk songs" and "oral traditions" help historians understand?
(a) The lives and feelings of the illiterate population.
(b) The government's tax policies.
(c) The routes of British trade.
(d) The handwriting of calligraphists.
Answer: (a) The lives and feelings of the illiterate population.
Explanation: People who could not read or write (like many peasants or tribals) passed down their stories and feelings through songs and oral traditions.
Q42. The "Asiatic Society of Bengal" was founded by:
(a) James Mill
(b) William Jones
(c) Warren Hastings
(d) Alexander Cunningham
Answer: (b) William Jones
Explanation: Sir William Jones founded this society in 1784. He was an "Orientalist," meaning he had a deep respect for ancient Indian culture, laws, and languages.
Q43. In the context of history, what is a "source"?
(a) A person who writes history books.
(b) Any document, object, or account from which historians get information about the past.
(c) The first Governor-General.
(d) A large river.
Answer: (b) Any document, object, or account from which historians get information about the past.
Explanation: Sources are the "clues" historians use. They can be official records, diaries, old buildings, coins, or newspapers.
Q44. Who was Warren Hastings?
(a) The first Governor-General of India (Bengal)
(b) The last Viceroy of India
(c) The man who divided Indian history
(d) The man who drew the first map of India
Answer: (a) The first Governor-General of India (Bengal)
Explanation: Appointed in 1773, Warren Hastings was a key figure in establishing British administrative control in India.
Q45. What is a "Botanical Survey"?
(a) A survey of animals
(b) A survey of land for taxes
(c) A survey to study and catalog the plants of a region
(d) A survey of the population
Answer: (c) A survey to study and catalog the plants of a region
Explanation: The British established the Botanical Survey of India to understand the "flora" (plant life) of the country, which was important for both science and commerce.
Q46. The cover of the Lipton Tea advertisement suggested that this tea was popular among:
(a) The poor people of India
(b) The royalty and rich people
(c) Indian soldiers
(d) British factory workers
Answer: (b) The royalty and rich people
Explanation: By using an image of a prince on a horse, the advertisement was designed to make the tea seem "royal" and a product for the upper classes.
Q47. Which of these is a "primary source"?
(a) Your Class 8 history textbook.
(b) A newspaper article from 1857.
(c) A website about the British Raj.
(d) A movie about Mahatma Gandhi.
Answer: (b) A newspaper article from 1857.
Explanation: A primary source is a document or object created *during* the time period being studied (like a letter, diary, or newspaper). A textbook is a "secondary source" written later.
Q48. What was the problem with the "Ancient, Medieval, Modern" periodisation in the Indian context?
(a) It was too simple.
(b) It was borrowed from the West, where "modern" meant science, liberty, and democracy, which didn't exist in colonial India.
(c) It didn't include the Stone Age.
(d) It was created by James Mill.
Answer: (b) It was borrowed from the West, where "modern" meant science, liberty, and democracy, which didn't exist in colonial India.
Explanation: This is why many historians prefer the term "colonial" for the period, as it more accurately reflects the reality of British rule.
Q49. The history of *how* history is written is called:
(a) Historiography
(b) Calligraphy
(c) Topography
(d) Archaeology
Answer: (a) Historiography
Explanation: Historiography is the study of the methods of historians and the way history is written. For example, studying James Mill's biases is a part of historiography.
Q50. Which one of these sources helps us understand the lives of the *illiterate* tribal people?
(a) Their personal diaries
(b) Their letters to the British government
(c) Their folk songs and oral traditions
(d) Their autobiographies
Answer: (c) Their folk songs and oral traditions
Explanation: Since they could not read or write, their history, beliefs, and feelings were passed down through stories and songs, which historians can study.
Q51. Why is history NOT just about dates?
(a) Because many historical processes (like "how people started drinking tea") happen over a long time, not on a single date.
(b) Because it's also about understanding the "why" behind events.
(c) Because it's about seeing how societies change.
(d) All of the above.
Answer: (d) All of the above.
Explanation: History is a "big picture" study. While dates are useful landmarks, the real study of history is about understanding long-term changes, processes, and the "why" behind events.
Class 8 History Chapter 1 – How, When and Where introduces students to the foundations of studying history and the ways historians construct the past. The chapter discusses the importance of dates, events, and periodisation, how colonial scholars like James Mill divided Indian history, and the significance of official records, surveys, and archives in understanding India’s colonial past.
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Because history describes how things changed over time—knowing the specific year a king was crowned, battles were fought, or laws were enacted helps accurately understand and sequence historical events.
James Mill divided Indian history into three periods—Hindu, Muslim, and British. This periodization is problematic because it imposes a Eurocentric view, portraying pre-colonial India as backward, and unfairly legitimizes British rule.
The British preserved administrative documents—like reports, maps, letters, census data, and surveys—to facilitate colonial governance and control, ensuring their detailed decisions became official, traceable records.
Official records (like police reports) provide administrative data but lack personal context. To fill gaps, historians also examine diaries, newspapers, autobiographies, and oral accounts to capture people’s thoughts, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
Periodisation is the division of history into distinct phases (e.g., ancient, medieval, modern) to help identify patterns, compare eras, and highlight defining characteristics of each period.
The British conducted several types of surveys—including revenue, botanical, zoological, and topographical—to map lands, catalog flora/fauna, and collect census data for effective administration and resource control.
Because under British rule, India lacked freedoms such as equality, liberty, and self-governance. Many historians argue that this defined the modern period in India as one of colonial subjugation, not true modernity.