Ans:-
(i) The Earth has different topography at different places.
(ii) The distribution of resources depends upon number of physical factors like terrain, climate, water etc.
(iii) These factors along with the availability of technology and the level of development of the area vary all over the earth which causes the unequal distribution of resources.
This picture shows that most of the people had faith
in British power. Even the Brahmins willingly gave over their ancient texts to
the Britishers. This shows that the people thought that the British power will
become the protector of Indian culture.
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2 . Imagine that you are a historian wanting to find out about how agriculture changed in a remote tribal area after independence. List the different ways in which you would find information on this.
(i) By visiting the place personally and
seeing the methods that the people are using in agriculture.
(ii) We
can take interviews of the elderly people of that area to know about the changes
that they have seen in agriculture after independence.
(iii) From
the official record of that area. It can be gathered from the office of the
collectorate.
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3. What is the problem with the
periodization of Indian history that James Mill offers?
Ans:-
James Mill periodises Indian history on the basis of religion. He divided it into three periods
Hindu, Muslim and British. According to him, British rule shows all the forces of progress and
civilisation. The period before the British rule was one of darkness. Besides this, the period which
he refers to as ‘Hindu’ or ‘Muslim’, a variety of faiths existed during this period. He classifies the
periods according to the religion of the ruler of that period, which is not justified and is rather
prejudiced.
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4.State whether True or False :
(a) James Mill divided Indian history into three periods-Hindu, Muslim, Christian.
Ans.False
(b) Official documents help us to understand what the people of the country think.
Ans. False
(c) The British thought surveys were important for effective administration.
Ans:- False
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5. Why did the British Preserve official documents?
Ans:-
1. The British preserved the important official documents because these served as records of what theofficials thought, what they were interested in and what they wished for.
2. According to the British, writing was more important than speaking, as the documents in archives and museums can be utilized for reference at a much later period whenever required for the purpose of
studying or debating.
3. These can also serve as an information or proof of any decision or action taken earlier on some matter.
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6. What is the problem with the periodisation of Indian History that James Mill Officers?
Ans:-
James Mill periodises Indian history on the basis of religion. He divided it into three periods—Hindu,Muslim and British. According to him, British rule shows all the forces of progress and civilisation. The
period before the British rule was one of darkness. Besides this, the period which he refers to as ‘Hindu’ or ‘Muslim’, a variety of faiths existed during this period. He classifies the periods according to the religion of the ruler of that period, which is not justified and is rather prejudiced.
7. How are the information that historian get from old newspapers different from the one found in police reports?
Ans:-
Information is essential for writing history of a time which can be gathered from various sources. Apart from official documents in the archives, historians also gather information from old newspapers, diaries of people, accounts of pilgrims, autobiographies of important personalities and booklets etc.Information found in newspapers varies as it was based on incidents that have happened across the country whereas, the police reports are limited and localized. Because of this fact, sometimes the information taken from police reports by the historians is not as useful as it is from old newspapers. However, for any incidencethe newspaper may not quote all the reasons behind it and it may be biased as per the thinking of reporter, while in police records we could find some evidences for an incident along with unbiased
reports.
A police report may give a version which was suited to the rulers of that time. A newspaper may project a different story. Projection in newspaper depends on the leaning of the newspaper towards a particular powerful group in the contemporary period.
