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Non-Rationalised History NCERT Notes, Solutions and Extra Q & A (Class 6th to 12th)
6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th

Class 8th Chapters
1. How, When And Where 2. From Trade To Territory The Company Establishes Power 3. Ruling The Countryside
4. Tribals, Dikus And The Vision Of A Golden Age 5. When People Rebel 1857 And After 6. Weavers, Iron Smelters And Factory Owners
7. Civilising The “Native”, Educating The Nation 8. Women, Caste And Reform 9. The Making Of The National Movement: 1870s--1947
10. India After Independence

Class 8th History NCERT Notes, NCERT Question Solutions and Extra Q & A (Non-Rationalised)

1. How, When And Where

This chapter introduces the study of modern Indian history under British rule, focusing on the importance of **dates** and chronology. It discusses how different periods are identified and how historical events are sequenced using a timeline. The chapter explores various **sources** that historians use to understand this period, particularly official records and administrative reports from the British archives, as well as diaries, accounts of travellers, and newspapers. Understanding these sources and the approach to history is crucial for analyzing the changes that occurred in India during this era.

2. From Trade To Territory The Company Establishes Power

This chapter traces the transformation of the **East India Company** from a trading entity into a major political power in India. It discusses their initial interest in profitable trade and how they gradually expanded their control over territories through political maneuvers, wars (e.g., Battle of Plassey, Buxar), and diplomatic strategies like the **Subsidiary Alliance** and the **Doctrine of Lapse**. This process led to the gradual subjugation of Indian rulers and the establishment of British colonial power, fundamentally altering the political map of the subcontinent.

3. Ruling The Countryside

This chapter explores how the British effectively administered and extracted revenue from the vast rural areas of India. It focuses on the different **land revenue settlements** introduced by the East India Company, such as the Permanent Settlement, Mahalwari Settlement, and Ryotwari Settlement. The chapter discusses the purpose of these policies (maximizing revenue collection) and their significant impact on the lives of peasants, zamindars, and agricultural practices. It highlights how the British restructured the rural economy to serve their colonial interests.

4. Tribals, Dikus And The Vision Of A Golden Age

This chapter discusses the lives of **tribal communities** in India during the colonial period and their interactions with outsiders, referred to as **'Dikus'**. It describes the traditional ways of life of different tribal groups, including shifting cultivation, hunting-gathering, and settled agriculture. The impact of British policies (forest laws, land settlements) and the entry of 'Dikus' (traders, moneylenders, missionaries) on tribal life is explored, leading to widespread discontent and revolts. The chapter highlights movements like the **Birsa Munda** revolt, driven by a vision of a just and independent 'Golden Age' for tribals, showcasing their resistance against colonial intrusion.

5. When People Rebel 1857 And After

This chapter focuses on the **Revolt of 1857**, a major uprising against British rule, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the First War of Independence. It explores the various underlying causes (political, economic, social, religious, military) that culminated in this widespread rebellion. The chapter discusses the key events, the prominent **leaders of the revolt** (like Rani Lakshmibai, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Nana Saheb), and the brutal suppression by the British. It highlights the significant changes brought about in British policy and administration in India following the revolt, marking a turning point in the history of colonial rule.

6. Weavers, Iron Smelters And Factory Owners

This chapter examines the impact of British colonial policies on different sectors of Indian industry, specifically focusing on **weavers**, **iron smelters**, and the emergence of **factory owners**. It discusses the decline of traditional Indian crafts like textile weaving and iron smelting due to British competition, unfair trade practices, and import of machine-made goods. The chapter also touches upon the beginnings of modern industries in India under figures like Jamsetji Tata. It highlights how colonial rule de-industrialized traditional sectors while laying limited foundations for modern industrial development, affecting the livelihoods of millions of craftspersons in India.

7. Civilising The “Native”, Educating The Nation

This chapter explores the British approach to **education** in India and their attempts to 'civilise' the Indian population, which they perceived as backward. It discusses the debates within the British administration regarding the nature of education (Orientalist vs. Anglicist approach). Key policies like **Macaulay's Minute** advocating for English education and **Wood's Despatch** proposing a hierarchical system are analysed. The chapter highlights how colonial education aimed to create a class of Indians loyal to British rule while also discussing the rise of nationalist demands for a system of national education, reflecting the complex impact of colonial educational policies.

8. Women, Caste And Reform

This chapter discusses the significant **social reform movements** that emerged in India during the 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on addressing issues related to **women** and the oppressive **caste system**. It highlights the work of social reformers (like Raja Rammohun Roy, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Jyotirao Phule, Periyar E.V. Ramaswamy) against practices like Sati, child marriage, purdah system, and caste discrimination. The chapter explores efforts to promote widow remarriage, education for girls, and challenge the rigid social hierarchy, showcasing the struggles and achievements in bringing about social justice and equality in Indian society.

9. The Making Of The National Movement: 1870s--1947

This pivotal chapter traces the rise and growth of the **Indian nationalist movement** against British colonial rule, leading up to independence. It discusses the formation of early political associations and the **Indian National Congress** (INC). The chapter covers different phases of the freedom struggle, including the moderate phase, the rise of extremism, the Swadeshi movement, and the crucial entry of **Mahatma Gandhi** and his mass movements based on non-violent resistance (Satyagraha). It highlights the contributions of various leaders, organisations, and social groups in mobilizing Indians across the country, ultimately leading to India's independence in 1947.

10. India After Independence

This chapter explores the challenges and developments faced by **India** in the period immediately following its **independence** in 1947. It discusses the immediate consequences of **Partition**, including mass migration and violence. The difficult task of integrating the diverse **Princely States** into the Indian Union is highlighted. The chapter covers the framing and adoption of the **Constitution of India**, laying the foundation for a democratic republic. Early attempts at economic development through planning (Five-Year Plans) and the reorganization of states on linguistic lines are also discussed, showcasing the initial steps in building modern India.