Class 8 Social Science Sample Paper 2025-26
Uploaded by
sakshib.201234Class 8 Social Science Sample Paper 2025-26
Uploaded by
sakshib.201234Common questions
Powered by AIThe Bengal famine of 1943 was partially caused by environmental factors such as severe cyclones and flooding that destroyed the autumn rice crop, reducing food supply drastically. These natural disasters compounded by British export policies created an acute scarcity, which further intensified the famine conditions. The devastated agricultural output forced dependency on limited food stocks, escalating prices and amplifying the human suffering as widespread starvation and disease ensued .
The Subsidiary Alliance, introduced by Lord Wellesley, had significant implications for Indian princely states. It required them to host a permanent British force and follow British advice in their internal and external matters. While it secured the British influence over these states and minimized resistance, it also led to the erosion of their sovereignty, making them heavily dependent on the British. The diplomatic isolation prevented alliances with other rulers, effectively increasing British power and territorial control in India .
In the Indian Parliament, the Lok Sabha has greater authority over money bills compared to the Rajya Sabha. This is because, per constitutional provisions, money bills can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha and must receive its approval for passage. The Rajya Sabha can suggest amendments, but the Lok Sabha is not obliged to accept them. The greater authority of the Lok Sabha reflects its direct election by the people, thereby ensuring the democratic control of the government's financial proposals .
The Permanent Settlement significantly affected zamindars and peasants in colonial India by fixing the land revenue that zamindars had to pay, which provided them with financial stability and control over the land. However, it pressured them to extract high rents from peasants regardless of agricultural yield. As a result, while zamindars benefitted from increased control and prosperity during good seasons, peasants suffered from high demands, potentially leading to poverty and debt .
British colonial priorities during WWII exacerbated the Bengal famine through policies focused on supporting the war effort, such as exporting food grains to Britain and its military forces. This decision was made despite local shortages caused by natural disasters. Humanitarian needs in India were overlooked, as the colonial government prioritized the survival and efficiency of its military over the Indian population’s well-being. This policy-induced negligence intensified local suffering and led to the famine becoming a humanitarian crisis .
The two principal systems of indigo cultivation in India were the 'Nij' and 'Ryoti' systems. In the Nij system, planters produced indigo on lands directly under their control using hired labor, while the Ryoti system involved persuading local farmers to plant indigo on their own lands under contracts. The Ryoti system often led to exploitation, as farmers were coerced into unfavorable agreements, receiving advances but promised low prices for their produce. The extraction under these conditions led to severe hardship, making it unsustainable for many Indian farmers .
Lord William Bentinck's introduction of English education had a profound influence on Indian society and culture. It helped create a class of educated Indians who became intermediaries between the British rulers and the Indian populace, bringing about a modern administrative framework. The spread of English facilitated access to Western ideas, leading to socio-cultural reform movements and a renaissance in India's literary and intellectual fields. However, it also reinforced colonial dominance and alienated traditional education systems, leading to cultural dissonance and a social divide based on education .
The Bengal famine of 1943 was caused by a combination of natural and human factors. Natural factors included a shortage of rice due to severe cyclone and flooding in the region, which drastically reduced food availability. Human factors aggravated the crisis, as British colonial policies focused on exporting food grains to support the war effort, prioritizing feeding the British army and people over the Indian population. This colonial approach highlighted the British administration's neglect of Indian needs and contributed significantly to the famine's severity .
The Revolt of 1857 is considered the first expression of Indian nationalism despite its lack of a unified national agenda. It marked a significant uprising against British rule and catalyzed unity among various strata of Indian society—peasants, soldiers, and intellectuals alike. Although it was largely a military revolt with localized grievances, it was the first large-scale resistance that challenged the British Empire's dominance, symbolizing the collective discontent among Indians. These elements laid the foundation for future nationalist movements .
In the 17th Lok Sabha election results, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 303 out of 543 seats, providing it with a clear majority. Since a party requires at least 272 seats to form a government, BJP's victory put it in a strong position to lead the government without needing coalition partners. The significant lead over other parties underscored its electoral mandate, allowing it to implement its governance agenda efficiently .