8th Social Science

 

Social Science - Part I

Chapter 1: Invasion and Resistance

Arrival of Europeans

• The reasons for the European discovery of a sea route to India were the advancement in shipbuilding technology and the trade potential for Asian products.
• With the Turks capturing Constantinople in 1453, Europeans were forced to find a new trade route.
• The Portuguese were the first to reach India via the sea route.
• Vasco da Gama arrived at Kappad, Kozhikode in 1498.
• The Zamorin, the ruler of Kozhikode, was not willing to grant a trade monopoly to the Portuguese.
• The Kunjali Marakkars defended the Zamorin against the Portuguese.
• The Portuguese introduced crops like cashew, papaya, and guava to India.
• They established the first European fort (Manual Fort) in Kochi.

The Dutch and the French

• After the Portuguese, the Dutch from Holland (Netherlands) arrived for trade.
• In the Battle of Colachel (1741), the Dutch were defeated by Marthanda Varma, the ruler of Travancore. This was the first instance of a European power being defeated by an Indian ruler.
• The book Hortus Malabaricus, prepared by the Dutch Governor Hendrik van Rheede, describes 742 medicinal plants of Kerala.
• The wars fought between the British and the French for dominance in South India are known as the Carnatic Wars. The British won these wars, restricting the French to regions like Pondicherry and Mahe.

British Dominance

• The English East India Company, formed in 1600, gained political power in Bengal through the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
• With the Battle of Buxar (1764), the Company gained the right to collect taxes in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
• The British defeated the Mysore rulers Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan through four Anglo-Mysore Wars.
• The Company annexed princely states using policies like the 'Subsidiary Alliance Policy' and the 'Doctrine of Lapse'.

British Tax Policies

• Permanent Settlement: Implemented in Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. Farmers had to pay a fixed amount as tax even if the yield was low.
• Ryotwari System: Implemented in South India. The British collected taxes directly from the farmers.
• Mahalwari System: Implemented in North India.
• Due to high taxes, farmers borrowed money from moneylenders to avoid losing their farmland.

Resistance Movements

• Sanyasi-Fakir Revolt: A struggle by farmers and monks in Bengal against the British (Led by Bhavani Pathak and Majnu Shah).
• Indigo Revolt: Took place against forcing Bengal farmers to cultivate indigo. Led by Digambar Biswas and Vishnu Biswas.
• Tribal Revolts:
  • Santhal Revolt (1855): Led by Sidhu and Kanhu.
  • Munda Revolt (Ulgulan): Led by Birsa Munda in Jharkhand.
• Attingal Revolt: Taking place in 1721, this was the first organized popular revolt against the British in Kerala.
• Poligar Revolt: Military leaders in Tamil Nadu known as Poligars (e.g., Veerapandiya Kattabomman) fought against the British.

The First War of Independence (1857)

• This is considered India's First War of Independence.
• British policies like the Subsidiary Alliance and Doctrine of Lapse caused the rebellion.
• The immediate cause was the use of greased cartridges, which hurt the religious sentiments of the soldiers.
• Mangal Pandey was the first soldier to protest.
• The revolt started in Meerut, reached Delhi, and declared Bahadur Shah II as the Emperor of India.
• Key Leaders: Bahadur Shah II (Delhi), Rani Lakshmi Bai (Jhansi), Nana Sahib (Kanpur), Begum Hazrat Mahal (Lucknow), Kunwar Singh (Bihar).
• Result: The rule of the East India Company ended, and India came under the direct control of the British Queen.

Chapter 2: Rise of the National Movement

Growth of Nationalism

• Nationalism is the sense of unity that developed among Indians.
• Economic Exploitation: Dadabhai Naoroji presented the 'Drain Theory'.
• Western Education: Instilled ideas of liberty, democracy, and civil rights in Indians.
• Literature: Works by Dinabandhu Mitra (Neel Darpan), Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (Anandamath), and Rabindranath Tagore fostered nationalism.
• Press: Raja Ram Mohan Roy pioneered journalism. The British tried to control the press via the Vernacular Press Act.

Social Reform Movements

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Took initiative to abolish Sati; founded the Brahmo Samaj.
• Jyotirao Phule: Founded the Satyashodhak Samaj.
• Pandita Ramabai: Worked for the education of widows and girls; founded 'Arya Mahila Samaj'.
• These movements increased self-confidence among Indians and fostered nationalism.

Indian National Congress (INC)

• The need for an all-India organization arose due to the limitations of regional organizations.
• The INC was formed in 1885 under the leadership of A.O. Hume.
• Main Objectives: Promote friendship among political workers and strengthen national unity.

Partition of Bengal and Swadeshi Movement

• To weaken the national movement, Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905 (Policy of 'Divide and Rule').
• The Swadeshi Movement was the protest against the partition of Bengal.
• Main methods included boycotting foreign goods, using Indian products, and promoting 'self-reliance'.

Split in the Congress

• Congress leaders divided into Moderates (Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale) and Extremists (Lal-Bal-Pal) regarding protest methods.
• The Congress split at the Surat Session in 1907.
• The British Government introduced separate electorates for Muslims through the Minto-Morley Reforms (1909). The All India Muslim League was formed in 1906.
• During World War I, Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the Home Rule League movement aiming for self-rule.
• At the Lucknow Session (1916), Moderates, Extremists, Congress, and the Muslim League decided to work together.

Chapter 3: Movements of the Earth: Rotation and Revolution

Rotation

• Rotation is the spinning of the Earth on its axis from west to east.
• This causes day and night. The line separating day and night is the Circle of Illumination.
• The Coriolis Effect is caused by rotation, causing deflection in the direction of winds and ocean currents (Ferrel's Law).

Revolution

• The Earth revolving around the Sun is called revolution.
• It takes 365¼ days to complete a revolution. Every four years, the ¼ day is added to make a Leap Year.
• Revolution causes seasons.
• Since the orbit is elliptical, the Earth's closest position to the Sun is Perihelion (January 3) and the farthest is Aphelion (July 4).

Seasons and Time

• Due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, the Sun's position appears to shift between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
• On March 21 and September 23, sunrays fall vertically over the Equator (Equinoxes).
• June 21: Longest day in the Northern Hemisphere (Summer Solstice).
• December 22: Longest day in the Southern Hemisphere (Winter Solstice).
• Time: The Earth takes 4 minutes to rotate 1° longitude.
• Local Time: Time calculated based on the position of the Sun at noon at a specific longitude.
• Standard Time: Time based on the longitude passing through the middle of a country.
• The 0° longitude is the Greenwich Meridian. Time here is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
• India's Standard Time (IST) is based on the 82½° East longitude.
• The 180° longitude is the International Date Line.

Chapter 4: Basic Economic Problems and Economy

Human Wants

• Human wants are unlimited and diverse.
• They include basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) and wants for satisfaction.
• While wants increase, resources remain limited.

Basic Economic Problems

• What to produce: Decide what goods and services to produce and in what quantity using available resources.
• How to produce: Choose the appropriate technology for production.
  • Labor Intensive: Uses more laborers and less capital.
  • Capital Intensive: Uses more capital and fewer laborers.
• For whom to produce: How to distribute the income generated from production among factors of production (Rent for Land, Wages for Labor, Interest for Capital, Profit for Organization).

Types of Economies

• An economy is the way production, distribution, and consumption are organized.
• Capitalist Economy: Factors of production are owned by individuals. Goal is maximum profit.
• Socialist Economy: Factors of production are owned by the government. Goal is social welfare.
• Mixed Economy: Private and public sectors work together. Goals are both profit and social welfare. India adopted this model.

Economic Thoughts

• Adam Smith: Father of Economics.
• Karl Marx: Introduced the 'Theory of Surplus Value'.
• Amartya Kumar Sen: Won the Nobel Prize in 1998 for his contributions to Welfare Economics.

Chapter 5: Indian Constitution: Rights and Duties

Fundamental Rights

• Fundamental rights are essential for a citizen's dignity, freedom, and existence.
• The denial of rights by the British and the values of the freedom struggle led to their inclusion in the Constitution.
• Fundamental Rights are included in Part III of the Indian Constitution.

Major Fundamental Rights

1. Right to Equality (Articles 14-18): Everyone is equal before the law. Prohibits discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, etc.
2. Right to Freedom (Articles 19-22): Ensures freedom of speech, movement, education, and right to life.
3. Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24): Prohibits slavery, human trafficking, and child labor (employing children under 14 in hazardous jobs).
4. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25-28): Freedom to believe in and propagate any religion.
5. Cultural and Educational Rights (Articles 29-30): Rights for minorities to establish educational institutions to preserve their language and culture.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32): Right to approach the court if fundamental rights are violated. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called this the "Heart and Soul of the Constitution".

Directive Principles

• Instructions given to governments to ensure social and economic justice and establish a welfare state.
• These are not enforceable by courts.
• Includes organization of village panchayats, free legal aid, equal pay for equal work, etc.

Fundamental Duties

• Added to the Constitution (Part IVA) via the 42nd Amendment (1976).
• Duties citizens owe to the nation, such as abiding by the Constitution, protecting the unity of the country, performing national service, and safeguarding public property.
• It is a parent's duty to provide opportunities for education to children between 6 and 14 years.

Chapter 6: Resource Consumption and Sustainability

Resources

• Anything available in nature that can satisfy human needs is called a resource.
• Classification: Natural resources, Man-made resources.
• Renewable Resources: Those that do not get exhausted by use (Sunlight, Wind).
• Non-Renewable Resources: Those that diminish with use (Coal, Petroleum, Iron).

Minerals and Industries

• Minerals are classified into Metallic minerals (containing iron or not) and Non-metallic minerals (Graphite, Clay).
• Manufacturing industry is the activity of converting raw materials into valuable products.
• Iron and Steel Industry: Known as a Basic Industry because it provides raw materials to other industries, and a Heavy Industry due to the weight of materials.
• Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) started in Jamshedpur in 1907.

Environmental Issues

• Smoke and waste from industries cause air, water, soil, and noise pollution.
• Overexploitation leads to resource depletion (Deforestation), regional imbalance, migration, and urbanization.
• Sustainable Development: The goal is to use resources wisely and preserve them for future generations.

Chapter 7: Media and Social Reflections

Forms of Media

• Mass Media refers to communication channels that reach a large number of people simultaneously.
• Print Media: Newspapers, Magazines. Communication is one-way.
• Broadcast Media: Radio, Television. Communication is one-way.
• Digital Media: Websites, Blogs. Enables two-way communication.
• Social Media: Online platforms to share content and interact.
• Print and Broadcast are Traditional Media; Digital and Social Media are New Media.

Influence of Media

• Socialization: Transmits social values and attitudes.
• Formation of Public Opinion: Helps formulate policies in a democracy. However, Fake News harms this process.
• Consumption Pattern: Influences consumption habits through advertisements, aiding the economy.
• Stereotypes: Media often reinforces preconceived notions (stereotypes) about gender, race, and culture.
• Technology: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and Algorithms drive media growth.
• Digital Etiquette: Proper behavior to be followed in digital spaces. This helps reduce cybercrimes.

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Social Science - Part II

Chapter 8: National Movement and Kerala

Anti-British Resistance

• Pazhassi Raja: Member of the Kottayam royal family in Malabar. Protested against the British granting tax collection rights to another. Waged guerilla warfare from Wayanad. Supported by Thalakkal Chandu and Edachena Kunkan. Attained martyrdom on November 30, 1805, at Mavilamthodu.
• Veluthampi Dalawa: Diwan of Travancore. Opposed the interference of British Resident Macaulay. Issued the famous Kundara Proclamation on January 11, 1809.
• Paliath Achan: Prime Minister of Kochi. Fought against Macaulay alongside Veluthampi.
• Kurichya Revolt (1812): A struggle by Kurichyas and Kurumbas in Wayanad against British tax policies and the ban on traditional farming.
• Mappila Riots: Peasant uprisings in Malabar caused by British tax policies and landlord exploitation.

Kerala Renaissance

• Vaikunda Swamikal: Performed the first mirror consecration; founded Samathwa Samajam.
• Sree Narayana Guru: Consecrated the idol at Aruvippuram; founded the SNDP Yogam.
• Ayyankali: Founded Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham; led the Villuvandi (Bullock cart) strike and Kallumala agitation.
• Vakkom Abdul Khader Moulavi: Started the Swadeshabhimani newspaper.
• V.T. Bhattathiripad: Wrote the play Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathekku (From the Kitchen to the Stage); active in Yogakshema Sabha.

Civil Rights Struggles

• Channar Revolt: Struggle by Channar women for the right to wear upper body clothes. Proclamation issued in 1859.
• Vaikom Satyagraha (1924): For freedom to travel on roads around the temple. Mannathu Padmanabhan led the Savarna Jatha.
• Guruvayur Satyagraha (1931): Demanded temple entry for all Hindus. K. Kelappan went on a hunger strike.
• Temple Entry Proclamation: Issued by Travancore ruler Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma on November 12, 1936.
• Paliyam Satyagraha (1947-48): Struggle against untouchability in Kochi.

National Movement in Kerala

• Malabar: Strong support for Khilafat and Non-Cooperation movements. Salt Satyagraha held at Payyannur under K. Kelappan.
• Malabar Rebellion (1921): Anti-British/Landlord movement. Led by Ali Musliyar and Variyankunnath Kunhahammad Haji. The Wagon Tragedy occurred during this time.
• Quit India Movement: The Keezhariyur Bomb Case (Dr. K.B. Menon) was a major event.
• Kochi: Electricity Agitation (1936), Kochi Rajya Prajamandalam (1941).
• Travancore: Malayali Memorial, Ezhava Memorial. Nivarthana (Abstention) Movement (1932). Punnapra-Vayalar Revolt (1946) against C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer.
• Women's Participation: A.V. Kuttimalu Amma, Accamma Cherian, and Annie Mascarene played key roles.

Formation of Kerala State

• The Aikya Kerala Movement emerged to unite Malayalam-speaking regions.
• In 1949, Travancore and Kochi merged to form Thiru-Kochi.
• Based on the Fazal Ali Commission recommendations, Kerala State was formed on November 1, 1956.
• The first ministry led by E.M.S. Namboodiripad assumed power on April 5, 1957.

Chapter 9: Democracy: Meaning and Scope

Democracy

• Democracy is not just a system of governance but involves values like liberty, equality, justice, and rights.
• Direct Democracy: Originated in Athens (Ancient Greece). Citizens directly participate in governance.
• Indirect (Representative) Democracy: Governance through elected representatives. Strengthened with the rise of the British Parliament.
• Parliamentary System: The Executive is collectively responsible to the Legislature. The Prime Minister is the head.
• Presidential System: Executive and Legislature are separate. The President is the head.

Basic Elements of Democracy

• Liberty: Absence of restraints. Freedom of speech is crucial.
• Equality: No discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. (Dimensions: Political, Social, Economic).
• Justice: Providing equal consideration to all.
• Rule of Law: Everyone is equal before the law.
• Separation of Powers: Power must be divided among Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
• Secularism: The State should have no official religion and must treat all religions equally.
• Political Parties: Play a major role in creating political awareness.
• Opposition: Criticizes and evaluates the government and suggests alternative policies.

Indian Democracy

• India is the world's largest democracy.
• Parliamentary System: The Prime Minister holds real power.
• Universal Adult Franchise: Voting age was reduced to 18 by the 61st Constitutional Amendment.
• Independent Judiciary: The Judiciary is independent of the Executive and Legislature.
• Judicial Review: The power of the court to invalidate laws that are unconstitutional.
• India follows a Multi-Party System.

Chapter 10: Europe in the World Map

Geographical Features

• Europe is the 6th largest continent. It is the western part of Eurasia.
• Separated from Asia by the Ural Mountains, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea.
• Great European Plains: The most suitable region for agriculture. Volga is the longest river in Europe.
• Alpine Mountain Ranges: Includes the Alps, Caucasus, and Carpathians. Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus is the highest peak in Europe.

Climate and Life

• There are no deserts in Europe.
• Tundra Climate: Extreme cold and snowfall. Polar bears, reindeer.
• Taiga Climate: Coniferous trees (Pine, Fir) are found here.
• Mediterranean Climate: Hot, dry summers and rainy winters. Famous for grape cultivation (Viticulture).
• Population: Though 6th in size, Europe is 3rd in population.
• Economy: Intensive farming, extensive farming, and mixed farming exist.
• Key industries: Iron and steel, textiles, shipbuilding, and automobiles.
• Major Cities: Paris (Seine River), London (Thames River), Rome (Tiber River).
• Finland: 'Land of a Thousand Lakes'. Ranks high in the World Happiness Index.

Chapter 11: Feudalism and the Medieval World

Feudalism

• A social-economic-political system in medieval Europe. Derived from the German word 'Feud' (piece of land).
• Feudal society was divided into three classes: Clergy (those who prayed), Nobility (those who fought), and Peasantry (those who worked).
• The invention of gunpowder and the spread of the Plague (Black Death) led to the decline of Feudalism.

Major Empires

• Holy Roman Empire: Charlemagne was the first emperor.
• Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine): Capital: Constantinople. Emperor Justinian gave the world the 'Code of Justinian'.
• Medieval Islamic Lands: Prophet Muhammad united Arab tribes. Ruled by Umayyad (Damascus) and Abbasid (Baghdad) dynasties. Arabs contributed to Algebra, Arabic numerals, and Medicine.
• Mongol Empire: Founded by Genghis Khan (Temujin). Maintained the 'Yam' postal system and 'Yasa' legal code.
• Mali Empire: Mansa Musa was a major ruler. Timbuktu was a trade center.

American Civilizations

• Aztecs: Capital: Tenochtitlan. Built Chinampas (artificial islands).
• Mayans: Contributed to Mathematics and Astronomy.
• Incas: Largest civilization in South America (Peru). Capital: Cusco. Built Machu Picchu. Used Quipu for recording numbers.

Chapter 12: Agriculture and Modern Trends

Cropping Systems

• Choice of cropping system depends on soil, climate, economic, and technical factors.
• Monocropping: Cultivating a single crop at a time.
• Multiple Cropping: Cultivating more than one crop at the same time (Includes Intercropping, Mixed cropping, Crop rotation, Multi-tier cropping).
• Ratoon Cropping: Harvesting again by retaining roots after the first harvest (Sugarcane, Amaranthus).

Modern Trends

• Rain Shelter Farming: Protecting crops from rain using polythene sheets.
• Polyhouse Farming: Farming in a created artificial atmosphere.
• Precision Farming: Providing exact amounts of water and nutrients (Micro-irrigation, Fertigation).
• Vertical Farming: Farming in stacked layers.
• Organic Farming: Completely avoiding chemical fertilizers and relying on bio-pesticides.
• Agricultural Challenges: High production costs, lack of fair prices, and lack of marketing facilities.
• Handloom Industry: Major traditional industry based on agricultural resources.
• Agricultural Market: Helps ensure fair prices for producers and availability for consumers.
• Market Types: Organized and Unorganized markets (Wholesale markets, Rural primary markets).

Chapter 13: Formation of New Nations

American War of Independence

• Caused by British trade laws imposed on colonies (Stamp Act, Tea Act).
• The Boston Tea Party (1773) led to protests.
• Influenced by ideas of John Locke and James Otis ('No taxation without representation').
• Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence.
• American forces led by George Washington defeated the British.
• America gained independence via the Treaty of Paris (1783). The US adopted the world's first written federal constitution.

American Civil War

• Conflict between Northern (Industrial) states and Southern (Slave-holding) states.
• Abraham Lincoln, committed to abolishing slavery, became President in 1860.
• Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Russian Revolution

• Against the autocratic rule of the Tsars and the misery of workers.
• The Bloody Sunday massacre (1905) triggered the revolution.
• Communist ideas of Karl Marx and Lenin fueled the revolution.
• February Revolution (1917): Tsar Nicholas II was deposed, and a provisional government under Kerensky took over.
• October Revolution: Lenin put forward the slogan 'Peace, Land, Bread'. The Bolsheviks overthrew the provisional government and seized power.
• Lenin implemented the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1921.

Chinese Revolution

• The Opium Wars waged by Britain led to foreign dominance in China.
• The Boxer Rebellion was a resistance against foreigners.
• Dr. Sun Yat-sen overthrew the Manchu dynasty in 1911 and established a Republic.
• People's Republic of China: Formed under the leadership of Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party.
• Mao Zedong organized the famous Long March in 1934.
• On October 1, 1949, China was declared a People's Republic.