8th Std Social Science Notes.
by Veeresh. P
HISTORY
Sources
I Fill in the blanks:
1. The two kinds of literary sources are __________ and ______
2. Aswaghosha's literary source is ___________
3. The first inscription obtained in the Kannada language is ____
Ans: (1) native, foreign; (2) Buddha Charita; (3) Halmidi
II. Answer the following questions in brief:
1. What are sources?
Ans: Sources are the basic materials necessary for the construction of history. Sources give details of a particular age and help in understanding the past.
2. Give two examples for each of native and foreign
literature.
Ans: Native literature: example-
(a) Visakadatta's Mudrarakshasa,
(b) Kalhana's Rajatarangini,
(c) Aswagosha's Buddha Charita.
(d) Kautilya’s Arthashatra.
Foreign Literature: example-
(a) Megasthane’s Indica,
(b) Huientsang's Si-yu-ki,
(c) Fa-hien's Fu-Kho ki.
3. What are archaeological sources? Explain with examples.
Ans: Archaeological sources are the inscriptions, coins, monuments, pots and pans and other artifacts that have been obtained during archaeological excavations. They provide us information about religion, culture, economy, administration, technology and other aspects of that period. Eg. Inscriptions of Ashoka, coins and basadi, stupas of kings.
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND PRE HISTORY OF INDIA
I. Fill in the blanks:
1. Geographically, India is a ___________
2. Signs of ashes have been found in caves of ___________
3. The implements of the Middle Stone Age are called _
Ans: (1) sub continent and a peninsula, (2) Kurnool, (3) delicate stone implements.
II. Answer the following questions in brief:
1. Describe briefly the geographical features of India.
Ans: The geographical features of India are (a) Himalayan range- The Himalayas help to preserve the safety of India. (b) The flat Indo-Gangetic plains are an extremely fertile area. The ancient Indus Valley civilizations and Vedic period flourished here. (c) The Deccan Plateau in the South- The Narmada River separates India into two plateaus, Malwa, and Deccan. (d) The Coastal region- The Indian coastline is vast and stretches over 6,100 kms. The numerous ports on this coastline had attracted the Romans from time immemorial to have sea trade with India.
2. What are the valleys through which the attacks on India have taken place?
Ans: Bolan and Khyber passes in the Himalayas are the valleys through attacks on India have taken place.
3. What is meant by 'Prehistoric Age'?
Ans: The period before the discovery of the art of writing is called 'Prehistoric Age'. We do not find evidence to the linguistic development or the use of script of this age.
4. How did animal husbandry and dairy farming evolve?
Ans: It is believed those 12,000 years ago, the earth's temperature began to gradually increase due to major change in the world's environment. This led to the development of grasslands in many places. Birds and animals began to multiply in unprecedented numbers. Man began to observe their nature, food habits and
the way they multiplied. This was the way the practices of
animal husbandry and dairy farming began.
5. The different periods of prehistory have been given
various names by archaeologists. What are they?
Ans: The period of prehistory has been divided into three stages. (a) Old Stone Age, (b) Middle Stone Age and (c) New Stone Age. The Old Stone Age stretched over a period of 12,000 years. This long duration has been divided into three stages called the Early, Middle and Late Old Stone Age.
ANCIENT CIVILIZATION OF INDIA
I. Complete the following sentences by using suitable
words in the blanks:
1. The site near the fertile plains of the Bolan Pass is_____
2. People in the Harappan Civilization depended on farming and__________
3. The oldest Veda is ________
4. The most famous king of the Magadha dynasty is ______
Ans: (1) Mehrgarh (2) trade (3) Rig Veda (4) Bimbasara
II. Answer in brief the following questions: .
1. Describe the special features of Harappa town.
Ans: There are two or more than two parts in the cities of Harappa. The western part is narrow and at an elevated place which are assumed as citadel (fort). The eastern part is wide and at a low level. This area has been called the Lower Town. Every part had a wall made of burnt bricks. The walls were made strong by placing the bricks in an interlocking manner. Two stories buildings, swimming pool, granary and under drainage system are the main specialty of this civilization.
2. Write a paragraph about the great bath in Mohenjodaro.
Ans: The swimming pool at Mohenjodaro is called the Great bath. It is built of bricks so as to prevent seepage of water from the pool. The Bath has steps on two sides to go down, and has rooms all around. The water was probably supplied to the Bath by a well, and the used water was let out. Probably very important people took bath in this pool on special occasions.
3. How was the town planned?
Ans: Harappa had a perfect town planning. The lower town in the low lying area of the city was the place of habitation of the people, systematically laid-out houses, roads and drains are found here. The houses are one or two-storied built of bricks with strong walls. There were rooms all around the courtyard inside. The main door faced the street and none of the windows opened onto the streets. There were bathrooms in the houses. The cities had a neatly laid-out underground sewage system. The drains were built of bricks and covered with stone slabs. The gutter of each house was linked to the main drain outside, and enabled the flow of dirty water from the house to the main drain. Holes were created in the drains to enable timely cleaning of them.
4. Name the Vedas.
Ans: There are four Vedas. They are Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda.
5. Which were the yagnas and yagas common during the Vedic Age?
Aus: Rajasuya, Vajapeya, Sarvamedha and Ashwamedha were the yagnas and yagas common during the Vedic Age.
6. Describe the occupations of the people in the Later Vedic Age.
Ans: The people in the later Vedic Age had leant cultivation of rice. Many professions like trade, goldsmith, basket-weavers, rope-weavers, cloth-weavers, carpenters and potters. There were servants, astrologers, flute players, dancers and merchants.
ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS OF THE WORLD
I Complete the following sentences by using suitable
words in the blanks.
1. Hieroglyphics are called ____________
2. The kings who ruled Egypt are called _______
3. The Greeks referred to Mesopotamia as __________
4. The most famous king of the Amorites is ____________
Ans: (I) sacred writing (2) Pharaohs (3) land between the rivers (4) Hammurabi
II. Match the following :
A B
I. Hwang River a. Mesopotamia
2. Cuneiform b. King of the Amorites
3. Cleopatra c. Shang
4. Hammurabi d. China
5. Chinese dynasty e. the last Egyptian queen
Ans: 1 -d, 2 -a, 3 -e, 4 -b, 5 - c.
II. Answer in brief the following questions:
1. How are 'mummies' preserved?
Ans: The dead body/mummies was preserved by smearing it with various chemicals and wrapped with a thin cloth. It was kept in a specially designed coffin.
2. Write a paragraph on the Pyramids.
Ans: Pyramids were the tall towers constructed on the graves using huge blocks of stone in order to protect the eternal sleep of the dead. Kings and wealthy people competed with each other to build taller and taller pyramids. These pyramids were created in the desert itself.
3. How was 'Hwang Ho River' China's Sorrow?
Ans: The Chinese Civilization was established in River Hwang Ho valley. But after floods this river changed its course in an unpredictable manner and inundated houses and agricultural lands. It would render all the canals useless. Therefore Hwang Ho River was considered the 'Symbol of sorrow'.
GREEK, ROMAN AND AMERICAN CIVILIZATIONS
I. Complete the following sentences by using suitable
words in the blanks.
1. The epics written by Homer are the Iliad and __________
2. The Greeks referred to dictators as ___________
3. The one who laid the foundation for the study of medicine is ___________
4. The first to have analyzed history was ___________
5. ‘Princep' means _
6. The language of the Romans is
7. The Stone Sculptures of the Mayan Civilization are called___
8. Texcoco is a _____________ in Mexico.
9. The leader of Incas was ___________
10. The ruling deity of the Incas was _
Ans: (1) Odyssey (2) tyrants (3) Hippocrates (4) Herodotus (5) the first citizen of the State (6) Latin (7) steles (8) lake (9) Tupec (10) Sun God
II. Answer in brief the following questions:
1. Explain the contributions of Homer to Greek literature.
Ans: Homer wrote two epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. These epics describe the life and institutions of the time. The Iliad narrates the siege of Troy and its destruction. The Odyssey in great detail deals with the adventures of Odysseus while on his return from Troy.
2. Name the Greek city-states.
Ans: Athens, Sparta, Macedonia and Thebes were some of the Greek City states.
3. Describe the features of the Roman Republic.
Ans: The Roman Republic had an Assembly and a Senate as two political advisory institutions. The assembly was made up of middle aged men, whereas the Senate was an elite institution which was very influential. The Senate had the power to reject the proposals of the Assembly and the king.
4. Which are the civilizations of ancient Columbia?
Ans: The civilizations of ancient Columbia were Maya, Aztec and the Inca.
5. Who are the 'Mayas'?
Ans: The American-Indians aborigines of Yucutan area of Mexico are called the Mayas.
6. Describe the Aztecs worshippers of Nature?
Ans: The Aztecs were the worshippers of Nature. They tried to Please God in many ways, one of them was human sacrifice. As the Aztec empire grew, they sacrificed more and more human beings to please the gods.
The Birth of new Religions
I Complete the following sentences by using suitable Words in the blanks.
1. The FIRST Jain Tirthankara was __________
2. Vardhamana was born at _______
3. Mahaveera attained _________in his 42nd year.
4. Mahaveera attained Nirvana at _______in his 72nd year.
5. The original name of Gautama Buddha was ______
6. Buddha delivered his first sermon at _____________
7. The first sermon of Buddha is called _____________
Ans: 1- Rishabha 2 - Kundala 3-enlightenment (Kaivalya) 4 - Pavapuri 5 - Siddhartha 6-deer park in Saranath 7.Dharma Chakra Pravarthana
II. Answer in brief the following questions:
1. Write in detail about Mahaveera's life.
Ans: Vardhmana was born in Kundala grama village in Vaishali. At the age of 30 he set out in search of truth and renounced his family and house. He wandered for twelve years in this quest. He meditated and punished his body by fasting. He achieved enlightenment at the age of 42. He controlled his senses and achieved power over comfort and pain so he was called 'Mahaveer' and became a 'Jina'. He spent the rest of his life (thirty years) preaching his knowledge to the people. He attained nirvana in his 72nd year in Pavapuri of Bihar.
2. What are the triratnas?
Ans: Mahaveer preached three principles of behaviour. They are Samyaggyan, Samyagdarshan and Samyagcharite. These are called triratnas.
3. Name the sects among the Jains.
Ans: There are two sects among the Jains. They are Swetahmbars and Digambars.
4. What is the middle path?
Ans: Buddha realized that desire was the root cause of sorrow. Only by the liberation of desires could a peaceful life be led. Buddha preached eight fold paths for eliminating desires. This is called the Middle path.
5. Who were the people influenced by the new religion?
Ans: Wealthy merchants, artisans and common people were influenced by the new religion.
6. Write a note on the Tripitikas.
Ans: After Buddha's death, his followers collected his teachings and tradition in the form of Tripitikas. These are Vinaya, Dharma and Abhidhamma pitakas. Over a period of time, disagreements developed in the teachings and different branches of Buddhism sprang up. Thus Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana and their sutras came into being.
Mauryas and Kushans
I Complete the following sentences by using suitable
words in the blanks:
1. Chanakya came to be known as________
2. The Capital of the Mauryas was _______
3. The founder of the Kushan dynasty was _________
4. The new era of Kanishka's reign is called the_____
Ans:- 1- Kautilya 2 – Magadha 3- Kujalakadaphisus 4- Saka
II. Answer to the following questions in brief:
1. Name the important cities during Asoka's period.
Ans:- Pataliputra, Taxila, Ujjain, Kalinga and Suvarnagiri are the some important cities of Ashoka’s period.
2. Describe Asoka's administration.
Ans: Asoka carried on the administration of his vast kingdom from different centers. His aspirations were expressed through edicts on rocks and stone pillars. The government had adopted various measures to improve agriculture. Special tax concessions were given towards this end. There were many officials to carry on the administration of the vast empire. A permanent army was also found. Land tax was the main source of income. Spies kept the king informed. There were vast developments in trade and agriculture also.
3. Which dynasty did the Kushans belong to?
Ans: Kushan dynasty belongs to the progeny of Yuchi, a nomadic tribe from Central Asia.
4. What was the extent of Kanishka's empire?
Ans: Kanishka's rule had spread up to Sanchi in the south and Benaras in the east. His kingdom, which included Central Asia too, was a vast empire.
THE GUPTAS AND VARDHANS
I. Complete the following sentences by using suitable
words in the blanks.
1. The Guptas began their reign from the place _______
2. Chandragupta I was called _________
3. One of the great drama of Kalidasa is _______
4. Vishakudatta's literary work is _______
5. The literary work written by Sudraka is ______
6. The founder of Vardhana dynasty was __________
Ans:- 1-Magadha 2-Maharajadhiraja 3-Meghadoot
4-Mudrarakshasa 5 - Mricchakatika 6. Pushyabhuti
II. Answer ill brief the following questions:
1. Write about Chandragupta II
Ans: Chandragupta II expanded the kingdom of Samudragupta and brought stability. He defeated the Sakas and made Western India a part of the Gupta Empire. He developed relationships with many Indian royal families through marriage and became very influential. He earned the title Vikramaditya. His reign is memorable more for the encouragement given to literature and art, rather than for its battles.
2. What were the reasons for the downfall of the Gupta Empire?
Ans: The Gupta Empire was subjected to continual attacks of the Huns and thus, soon declined. The Guptas did not have fully equipped large army; the king's vassals would fulfill the requirements during times of war. Hence, the vassals had become very powerful.
3. Name the great scientists of the Gupta Age,
Ans: Varahamihira, Bhaskara, Aryabhata, Charaka and Sushruta are the scientist of Gupta Age.
4. How was the administration during the Vardhana rule?
Ans: The king's rule was assisted by the council of ministers. The bureaucracy consisted of the Mahasandhivigraha (the negotiator), Mahabaladhikruta (military general), Bhogapati (tax official) and Doota. The kingdom had been divided into provinces. Land tax was the major source of income for the kingdom. Feudatory chiefs paid tribute to the king. The king gave them land, grama and in return, got the help of their armies.
South india-
Shatavahanas, Kadambas and Gangas
I. Complete the following sentences.
1. Simukha made ________his capital.
2. The literary work written by Hala is ________
3. The first inscription in Kannada is ___________
4. Banavasi, the capital of the Kadmbas, is in today's ________ district.
5. The prominent king among the Gangas was _____
6. The literary work written by Chavundaraya is_____
Ans: 1 -Srikakulam 2 - Gathasaptashati 3- Halmidi
4- North Canara 5- Durvinita 6- Chavunda Purana
II. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. Who was the last king of the Shatavahanas? How did their dynasty become weak?
Ans: Yajnashri Shatakarni was the last king of Shatayahana dynasty. During his time, on account of continual attacks by the Shakas, the empire stood devastated.
2. Write about the art of the Shatavahanas.
Ans: Shatavahanas promoted art, literature and education. The Ajanta and the Amaravati paintings were created during their period. They also contributed temples, viharas and Chaityalayas. A chaityagraha was built in Karle by the Banavasi merchant Bhootapala.
3. What were the values which influenced the Ganga society?
Ans: Social values like honesty, loyalty, bravery and patience were the values that influenced the Ganga society.
4. Name four literary works of the period of the Gangas.
Ans:- 1. Durvinita wrote the Sanskrit work Shabdavatara
2. Sreepurusha wrote Gajashastra.
3. Hemasena wrote Raghava Pandaviya in Kannada
4. Chavundaraya wrote Chavunda Purana.
The Chalukyas of Badami and The Pallavas of Kanchi
I. Fill in the blanks:
1. The Pallava king who was defeated by Pulakeshi II is_____
2. The dynasty which gave the name Karnataka is ______
3. The writer of the Sanskrit drama Hara Parvatiya is_____
4. The Pallava king who earned the title Vatapikonda is_____
5. The painting The Meditation of Arjuna is in _______
Ans: I-Mahendravarma 2-Chalukyas 3- Shivabhattaraka
4- Narasimha Varma I 5- Mahabalipuram
II. Answer the following questions in brief.
1. How did Pulakeshi II extend his empire?
Ans: Pulakeshi II extended his empire by over powering the Gangas, Kadambas and Alupas. Since Mahendravanna did not accept, the sovereignty of Pulakeshi II, he defeated him. Harshavardhana, who was ruling in North India, advanced up to the banks of river Narmada. When he tried to cross the river to enter south, Pulakeshi II stopped him and forced him to get back. This victory earned him the title Dakshinapatheshwara, the lord of the Peninsula.
2. Describe the administrative system of the Chalukyas.
Ans: Chalukya kings was actively involved in administration. The kingdom was divided into districts called vishaya and, vishyadhipati looked after it. The village was the smallest unit of the administration. The village leaders looked after the village accounts.
3. The Chalukyas were lovers of literature, Explain with examples.
Ans: The Chalukyas patronized literature. Kannada and Sanskrit developed very well. The tripadi form of poetry came into existence. There are many inscriptions written in Kannada. One of the poems in the inscription Kappe Arabatta of Badami is in tripadi form. The Sanskrit scholars of this time are Ravikirti, Vijjika and Akalanka. Kaumudi Mahotsav, was written by Pulakeshi II's daughter-in-law, poetess Vijjika, and Hara Parvatiya of Shivabhattaraka are important Sanskrit dramas.
4. Name the Pallava kings who ruled from Kanchi.
Ans: Shivaskandavarma is the founder of this Pallava dynasty. Mahendravarma and Narasimhavarma are the famous kings and Aparajitha is the last king of this dynasty.
5. How did the Pallavas encourage Sanskrit and Tamil?
Ans: The Pallavas encouraged both Sanskrit and Tamil. Kanchi was the center of Sanskrit literature. Bharavi wrote Kiratharjuniya and Dandi wrote Dashakumara charithe. King Mahendravarma himself wrote a social drama, Matta Vilasa Prahasana and a book, Bhagavadujjuka.
The Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta and The Chalukyas of Kalyanas
I. Fill the blanks :
1. The founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was _
2. The Chalukya king of Kalyana who was responsible for the defeat of the Rashtrakutas was __________
3. The author of 'Kavirahasya' is
4. The famous poem written by Ponna is _________
5. The most famous king among the Kalyana Chalukyas was_____
6. The person who can be called 'the pioneer of the social
Revolution' is ______________
Ans: 1 - Dantidurga 2 - Tailapa II 3 - Halayudha
4 - Shantipurana 5 - Vikramaditya VI 6 -Basaveshwara
II. Answer the following questions:
1. How was the administrative system of the Rashtrakutas?
Ans: The kingdom of Rashtrakutas was divided into Rashtra, Vishaya, Nadu and Grama for the purpose of administration. The leader of the grama, gramapati was the leader of the village army too; He was assisted by the village accountant. There were Grama Sabhas also, An officer called Nadagavunda looked after the nadus. Similar officers looked after Vishayas and Rashtras. Land revenue, toll on goods, houses, shops and tax on occupations formed the income of the kingdom. Foreign trade also brought in lot of taxes.
2. Write about the educational system under the Rashtrakutas.
Ans: Agraharas and Mathas were the prominent educational centres of Rashtrakutas. Knowledge was imparted about Sanskrit, the Vedas, Astrology, Logic and the Puranas. Salotgi in lndi taluk of Bijapur district was one of the leading centers of learning.
3. Describe the Ellora temple.
Ans: The Kailashanath temple at ElIora, built by Krishna 1 is a monolithic wonder. This temple has been carved from a rock 100 feet high, 276 feet long and 154 feet wide. Dashavathara guhalaya is also here.
4. How did the Kalyan Chalukyas encourage literature?
Ans: Kannada literature prospered with the support of Jain scholars. The notable works of this period are:
1) ‘Gadayuddha' written by Ranna,
2) 'Panchatantra' written by Durgasimha,
3) 'Vikramankedeva Charita' composed by Bilhana,
4) 'Dharmarnruta' composed by Nayasena
5) Legal work, Mitakshara', by Vignaneshwara
6) 'Manasallosa' written by King Someshwara III is considered a Sanskrit encyclopedia. The unique contribution of Chalukyan period has been the 'Vachana' literature; Akkamahadevi, Allamaprabhu, Machayya and other were leading vachanakaras.
THE CHOLAS AND HOYSALAS OF DWARASAMUDRA
I. Fill in the blanks:
1. The capital of the Cholas was _______
2. The committee of the subjects in every village during the period __________
3. The most famous Chola educational centre or agrahara was _______
4. The Temple in Begur near Bangalore built by the Cholas was ______
5. The arriving of bodyguards during the time of the Hoysalas was the ____________
6. The poem written by Raghavanka __________
Ans: 1. Tanjavur 2 - Mahasabha 3 - Uttaramerur
4. Choleshwara 5. Garuda army 6 - Harishchandra Kavya
II Answer in brief the following questions.
1. Who was the founder of the Chola kingdom?
Ans:- Rajaraja I was the founder of the Chola kingdom.
2. Write a note on the significant features of the Chola administration.
Ans: The significant quality of the Cholas administration was the development of the self government of the village. The grama sabhas were the first sabhas. Every Kurram had a village committe named Mahasabha. This was also called perumgiri and its member’s perumakkai. The members were chosen through election. Only Sanskrit scholars and rich people were allowed to stand for election.
3. Describe the encouragement given by the Hoysalas to literature.
Ans: Hoysalas literature specially Kannada.
(a) Rudrabatta wrote 'Jagannatha Vijaya',
(b) the great poet Janna wrote 'Yashodhara Charite ',
(c) Harihara composed Champu poem 'Girija Kalyana',
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