NCERT Solution for Class 8 Social Science History

NCERT Solution for Class 8 History: Find the Class 8 History syllabus for the academic year 2025-26 with Infinity Learn. Download Infinity Learn’s FREE NCERT Solutions PDF and excel in the subject! Our expert-prepared these NCERT Solution for Class 8 Social Science with detailed explanations simplify complex concepts, making learning clear and effective. Gain a deep understanding of key topics and historical developments, covering ancient, medieval, and modern history.

The History Class 8 chapter covers important historical events and periods, offering detailed explanations and insights into various eras, enabling you to develop a thorough understanding of the subject.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science History are prepared by Infinity Learn Master Teachers according to the updated CBSE Class 8 Social Science Syllabus, ensuring that students cover everything they need to know and understand the key concepts in-depth.

NCERT Solutions for History Class 8 - Download the FREE PDF

NCERT Solution for Class 8 History: Chapter-wise Detailed Overview

Chapter 1: How, When, and Where

This introductory chapter explores the basics of historical inquiry and the methods used to study the past. It discusses:

• Significance of Dates: Explains why historians give importance to particular dates and the biases involved in periodizing history.
• Periodization: Discusses the limitations of classifying Indian history as "ancient," "medieval," and "modern," and critiques James Mill’s tripartite divisio
• Sources of History: Highlights various sources—official records, surveys, personal memoirs, and reports. It introduces the ways colonial officials documented their rule and how these records shape our understanding.
• Colonialism in India: Introduces the concept of colonial rule and how it changed the way Indian history was recorded and perceived, urging students to think critically about official narratives.

Chapter 2: From Trade to Territory – The Company Establishes Power

This chapter traces the transformation of the British East India Company from a trading entity to the ruler of large parts of India. Key topics include:

• Decline of Mughal Power: After Aurangzeb, Mughal authority weakened, paving the way for regional kingdoms and foreign intervention.
• Establishment of Company Rule: Details the arrival of the East India Company, their initial trading rights, and conflicts with other European powers (Portuguese, Dutch, French).
• Expansion Through Wars: Chronicles key conflicts, such as the Battle of Plassey (1757) and the Battle of Buxar (1764), and how control was expanded through diplomacy and force.
• New Administration: Describes the restructuring of governance under company rule, including changes in revenue policies, administrative organization, and the use of native rulers as puppets.

Chapter 3: Ruling the Countryside

This chapter examines how the East India Company came to rule rural areas, especially Bengal, and the impact on Indian peasants and traditional rulers.

• Diwani Rights: Details Robert Clive accepting the Diwani (the right to collect revenue) of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa in 1765, marking a major step in company rule.
• Revenue Systems: Explains the Permanent Settlement, where zamindars collected fixed revenue for the Company, often to the detriment of peasants; and the Mahalwari and Ryotwari systems.
• Agricultural Change: Discusses the Company’s efforts to boost agricultural productivity, problems with their measures, and negative impacts on rural society.
• Crops for Europe: Traces how the demand for crops like indigo and cotton for European industries changed Indian agriculture, leading to events like the “Blue Rebellion” against indigo cultivation.

Chapter 4: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

This chapter explores the lives, customs, and aspirations of tribal groups in pre-colonial and colonial India.

• Varieties of Tribal Societies: Describes different tribal communities—their economic activities and modes of life.
• Colonial Impact: Examines how British revenue policies, laws, and forest regulations affected tribal autonomy, livelihoods, and traditional cultures.
• Tribal Revolts: Features rebellions like the Santhal uprising and Birsa Munda’s movement, highlighting resistance to colonial oppression and visions of a better, just society.

Chapter 5: When People Rebel (1857 and After)

A detailed account of the revolt of 1857, its causes, course, and aftermath.

• Causes of the Revolt: Grievances among sepoys, landlords, rulers, and common people; annexation policies like Doctrine of Lapse.
• Course of the Uprising: Major events, centers of rebellion, key leaders (Bahadur Shah Zafar, Rani Lakshmibai, Nana Saheb, etc.).
• Suppression and Consequences: How the British quelled the revolt and the drastic changes in governance, ending Company rule and beginning direct Crown administration.

Chapter 6: Civilising the “Native”, Educating the Nation

Focuses on colonial education policies and the British “civilising mission.”

• Orientalist vs. Anglicist Debate: The arguments over imparting Western versus Indian knowledge traditions in colonial education.
• Establishment of New Schools and Colleges: Macaulay’s Minute, Wood’s Despatch, and new educational institutions.
• Impact on Indian Society: Discusses how education influenced Indian society, culture, and the emergence of a new class of educated Indians.

Chapter 7: Women, Caste and Reform

This chapter explores social reform movements, especially those addressing the status of women and caste discrimination.

• Women’s Rights: Issues like sati, child marriage, widow remarriage, and access to education, and the work of reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and others.
• Caste Discrimination: Efforts by social reformers (Jyotirao Phule, Narayana Guru, etc.) to challenge the caste system.
• Traditionalists vs Reformists: The debates between those resisting and those supporting reform.

Chapter 8: The Making of the National Movement: 1870s–1947

Chronicles the rise of Indian nationalism and the journey towards independence.

• Early Political Associations: Formation of organizations (Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Indian Association, etc.) before the Indian National Congress.
• Growth of Congress: Moderates, extremists, their approaches, and the shift towards mass movements.
• Partition of Bengal and Swadeshi Movement: Policies that spurred broad-based participation.
• Gandhian Era: Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movements.
• Role of Revolutionaries and Other Groups: Contributions of different groups and individuals.
• Road to Independence: Events leading up to 1947, including communal tensions and partition.

Preparation Tips for Class 8 Social Science History

Achieving success in Class 8 Social Science History can be both enriching and rewarding with the right approach. Here are some effective preparation tips to help you excel in the subject:

1. Understand the Entire Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the full syllabus to know exactly what topics to cover and prioritize your studies.
2. Create a Study Schedule: Organize your study time by breaking the syllabus into manageable portions. Allocate time for each chapter based on its importance and your understanding.
3. Use NCERT Textbooks: The NCERT textbooks are your primary source for understanding key concepts and historical events. Ensure you read through them thoroughly to build a solid foundation.
4. Take Concise Notes: Jot down important dates, events, and key concepts in a simplified format for quick revision. This will help you retain information more effectively.
5. Utilize Visual Aids: Incorporate maps, timelines, and other visual tools to better understand historical developments and the connections between different events.
6. Practice NCERT Solutions: Solve the NCERT questions and solutions to assess your understanding and improve your ability to answer questions accurately.
7. Refer to Supplementary Books: Use additional books and reference materials for more detailed insights and a broader perspective on the topics.
8. Watch Documentaries and Videos: Engage with historical documentaries and videos to visualize events and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
9. Discuss Doubts: Don’t hesitate to clarify doubts with teachers or peers through group discussions. This will help you reinforce your knowledge and clear up any confusion.
10. Regularly Revise: Consistent revision is key to retaining information. Make sure to go over your notes and textbooks periodically to keep the concepts fresh in your mind.

With the right study habits and consistent effort, you can successfully master Class 8 Social Science History and perform well in your exams.