Chapter 1 – Ideas of History

Ideas of History is an important chapter in WBBSE Class 10 History. It explains different perspectives and approaches to understanding history and its development over time. Here, you will find WBBSE Class 10 History Ideas of History questions and answers along with key concepts, important questions, and explanations to help you prepare for the Madhyamik examination.

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 mark each]

1. Who is known as the Father of History?
a) Thucydides
b) Herodotus
c) Kalhana
d) Marc Bloch

Ans: b) Herodotus

2. The Subaltern Studies group was formed under the leadership of:
a) Romila Thapar
b) Ranajit Guha
c) R. C. Majumdar
d) Bipan Chandra

Ans: b) Ranajit Guha

3. The book Rajatarangini was written by:
a) Banabhatta
b) Kalidasa
c) Kalhana
d) Ashvaghosha

Ans: c) Kalhana

4. The Annales School was founded by:
a) E. P. Thompson
b) Marc Bloch and Lucien Febvre
c) Ranajit Guha
d) Eric Hobsbawm

Ans: b) Marc Bloch and Lucien Febvre

5. The Dramatic Performances Act was passed in:
a) 1857
b) 1876
c) 1885
d) 1905

Ans: b) 1876

6. New Social History mainly discusses:
a) Political leaders
b) Kings and dynasties
c) Common people
d) Military battles

Ans: c) Common people

7. The first Indian silent film was:
a) Alam Ara
b) Jamai Shashthi
c) Raja Harishchandra
d) Pather Panchali

Ans: c) Raja Harishchandra

8. The first railway in India ran between:
a) Howrah and Burdwan
b) Delhi and Agra
c) Bombay and Thane
d) Madras and Bangalore

Ans: c) Bombay and Thane

9. Which of the following is a theme of modern historiography?
a) Gender history
b) Sports history
c) Food habits
d) All of the above

Ans: d) All of the above

10. Who wrote A History of Hindu Chemistry?
a) Jagadish Chandra Bose
b) Prafulla Chandra Ray
c) C. V. Raman
d) Meghnad Saha

Ans: b) Prafulla Chandra Ray

11. The book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions was written by:
a) Thomas Kuhn
b) Eric Hobsbawm
c) E. P. Thompson
d) Fernand Braudel

Ans: a) Thomas Kuhn

12. The Photographic Society of Bengal was established in:
a) 1854
b) 1856
c) 1872
d) 1880

Ans: b) 1856

13. Environmental history studies the relationship between:
a) Rulers and subjects
b) Humans and environment
c) Trade and economy
d) Religion and politics

Ans: b) Humans and environment

14. The Indian Forest Act of 1878 divided forests into:
a) Two categories
b) Four categories
c) Three categories
d) Five categories

Ans: c) Three categories

15. Who wrote The Making of the English Working Class?
a) Eric Hobsbawm
b) E. P. Thompson
c) Ranajit Guha
d) Marc Bloch

Ans: b) E. P. Thompson

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

1. The word ‘historia’ is a ___________. (Greek word)
2. Abhijnanam Sakuntalam was written by _______________. (Kalidasa)
3. The first feature film of India Pundalik was released in _______________. (1912)
4. The Social Science Research Council in England was founded in _______________. (1944)
5. The first X-Ray unit for diagnosing diseases was set up by ___________. (Madhusudan Gupta)
6. The poet who wrote the epic Iliad was ______________. (Homer)
7. The School Book Society was founded in _____________. (1817)
8. History is a study of the _______________. (past)
9. National Archives of India is situated in ____________. (New Delhi)
10. Subaltern Studies emerged around ______________. (1982)
11. The author of the book Indian Architecture is __________________. (Percy Brown)
12. Calcutta School of Industrial Art was established in __________________. (1854)
13. The first paper in Bengali was ____________. (Samachar Darpan)
14. Calcutta Medical College was founded in ___________. (1835)
15. Jagadish Chandra Bose was an eminent _______________. (scientist)

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

1. History is the study of the past. (True)
2. New Social History mainly focuses on kings and battles. (False)
3. The Annales School was founded in France. (True)
4. Herodotus is known as the Father of Political Science. (False)
5. The Dramatic Performances Act was passed in 1876. (True)
6. Raja Harishchandra was the first Indian sound film. (False)
7. Rajatarangini was written by Kalidasa. (False)
8. The Indian Forest Act of 1878 divided forests into three categories. (True)
9. The first railway in India ran between Bombay and Thane. (True)
10. The Photographic Society of Bengal was established in 1856. (True)
11. The National Archives of India is situated in Kolkata. (False)
12. The Grand Trunk Road was developed only in the modern period. (False)
13. E. P. Thompson was associated with New Social History. (True)
14. Dadasaheb Phalke directed Raja Harishchandra. (True)
15. Subaltern Studies began around 1982. (True)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

1. Who was Ernest Binfield Havell?
Ans: Ernest Binfield Havell was a British art historian and educator who played an important role in promoting Indian art and served as the principal of the Government School of Art in Calcutta.

2. Name two works in Sanskrit on Indian classical dance.
Ans: Two important works in Sanskrit on Indian classical dance are the Natyashastra written by Bharata Muni and the Abhinaya Darpana written by Nandikeshvara.

3. Who is the author of ‘Griho Laxmi’?
Ans: The book Griho Laxmi was written by Swarnakumari Devi.

4. In which year was the British Society of Sports History established?
Ans: The British Society of Sports History was established in the year 1982.

5. Name the first book published by Jagadish Chandra Bose from London.
Ans: The first book published by Jagadish Chandra Bose from London was Response in the Living and Non-Living.

6. Name some of the French Historians of Annales Group.
Ans: Some of the famous French historians of the Annales Group were Marc Bloch, Lucien Febvre and Fernand Braudel.

7. In which year was the Dramatic Performance Act passed?
Ans: The Dramatic Performance Act was passed in the year 1876.

8. Who is known as the ‘Father of History’?
Ans: Herodotus is known as the ‘Father of History’ because he was the first historian to systematically record historical events and inquiries.

9. Name two illuminated Buddhist manuscripts.
Ans: Two important illuminated Buddhist manuscripts are the Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita and the Pancaraksa.

10. In which year was the Indian Academy of Fine Arts established?
Ans: The Indian Academy of Fine Arts was established in the year 1933.

11. Name two women photographers.
Ans: Two famous women photographers were Homai Vyarawalla and Annie Leibovitz.

12. Name the school which later grew into Government Art College.
Ans: The Government School of Art in Calcutta later grew into the Government College of Art and Craft.

13. Name the earliest photographic institution in India.
Ans: The earliest photographic institution in India was the Photographic Society of Bombay, established in 1854.

14. In which year was the Hindu College founded?
Ans: The Hindu College was founded in the year 1817.

15. What do you mean by Panchali Gan?
Ans: Panchali Gan refers to a form of narrative folk song in Bengal in which stories of gods, goddesses and heroes are sung in a simple lyrical style.

16. Who is Medha Patkar?
Ans: Medha Patkar is an Indian social activist who is known for her leadership in the Narmada Bachao Andolan movement.

17. Name two US historians who worked on new social history.
Ans: Two US historians who worked on new social history were Eugene D. Genovese and Herbert Gutman.

18. Under whose tutelage was the Subaltern Studies group formed?
Ans: The Subaltern Studies group was formed under the tutelage of Ranajit Guha.

19. Who wrote the book ‘Subaltern Studies Reader: 1986–1995’?
Ans: The book Subaltern Studies Reader: 1986–1995 was edited by Ranajit Guha.

20. Name the book written by Aswaghosa.
Ans: Ashvaghosha wrote the famous book Buddhacharita.

21. When was the first International Women’s Day celebrated?
Ans: The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in the year 1911.

22. Who wrote the book ‘A History of Hindu Chemistry’?
Ans: The book A History of Hindu Chemistry was written by Prafulla Chandra Ray.

23. When and where was the first Indian railway established?
Ans: The first Indian railway was established in 1853 between Bombay and Thane.

24. Who is the author of the book ‘The Engines of Change: The Railroads that Made India’?
Ans: The book The Engines of Change: The Railroads that Made India was written by Ian J. Kerr.

25. Which is the first historical book in India?
Ans: The first historical book in India is Rajatarangini written by Kalhana.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. Write a note on ‘Natyasastra’.
Ans: The Natyasastra is an ancient Sanskrit treatise on drama, dance and music written by Bharata Muni. It explains stagecraft, acting, gestures (mudras) and rasa theory, and is regarded as the foundation of Indian classical performing arts.

2. What are the sources of knowledge for clothing in ancient India?
Ans: The sources of knowledge for clothing in ancient India are sculptures, terracotta figures, paintings, literary texts like the Vedas and epics, and accounts of foreign travellers.

3. What is social history?
Ans: Social history is the branch of history that studies the life, customs, traditions, occupations and social relations of common people in different periods of time.

4. Name some of the books on environmental history and their authors.
Ans: Some books on environmental history are Ecology and Equity by Madhav Gadgil and Ramachandra Guha, and The Unquiet Woods by Ramachandra Guha.

5. In which year was the Photographic Society of Bengal established? Name some of its distinguished members.
Ans: The Photographic Society of Bengal was established in 1856. Distinguished members included Rajendralal Mitra and Priyanath Seth.

6. What does historiography of architecture reveal?
Ans: The historiography of architecture reveals the social, cultural, political and economic conditions of a particular period through the study of buildings and monuments.

7. Name some books related to ‘new social history’.
Ans: Some books related to new social history are The Making of the English Working Class by E. P. Thompson and Roll, Jordan, Roll by Eugene D. Genovese.

8. Why is the study of local history important?
Ans: The study of local history is important because it helps us to understand the heritage, culture and social changes of a particular area and connects local developments with national history.

9. What is local history?
Ans: Local history is the study of the history of a particular locality or region, focusing on its people, culture, traditions and development.

10. What do you mean by Subaltern Studies?
Ans: Subaltern Studies refers to a group of writings which focus on the history of the common people and marginalised groups rather than elite classes, under the guidance of Ranajit Guha.

11. What is the importance of environmental history?
Ans: Environmental history is important because it studies the relationship between human beings and nature and explains how environmental changes influence society and economy.

12. What is historiography?
Ans: Historiography is the study of the methods, interpretations and writing of history by different historians in different periods.

13. What are the sources of modern Indian history?
Ans: The sources of modern Indian history include official records, government reports, newspapers, personal letters, autobiographies, memoirs, photographs and other archival materials.

14. What is ‘Annales School’?
Ans: The Annales School is a group of French historians founded by Marc Bloch and Lucien Febvre, which emphasised long-term social history and the study of economic and geographical factors.

15. Who is the author of the treatise ‘Sangitaratnakara’? What is its subject matter?
Ans: The treatise Sangitaratnakara was written by Sarngadeva. It deals with Indian classical music, including raga, tala, musical instruments and dance.

16. What is ‘Brahmika style’?
Ans: Brahmika style refers to a style of painting associated with the Brahmo Samaj movement, which combined Indian themes with Western techniques.

17. Name some famous dramatists of Bengal who have valuable contribution in modern times.
Ans: Some famous dramatists of Bengal are Girish Chandra Ghosh, Rabindranath Tagore and Utpal Dutt.

18. What are the different varieties of themes in modern historiography?
Ans: The different varieties of themes in modern historiography include social history, economic history, environmental history, gender history, cultural history and subaltern history.

19. What were the steps taken by the British to develop the communication system in India?
Ans: The British developed the communication system in India by introducing railways, telegraph lines, postal services and modern roads to strengthen administration and trade.

20. Which is the first Indian silent film? Who was its director and producer?
Ans: The first Indian silent film was Raja Harishchandra, directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke in 1913.

4. Analytical questions and answers [4 marks each]

1. What is new social history? From which point of view is this subject discussed?
Ans: New social history is a branch of history that focuses on the lives, activities and experiences of common people rather than elites. It studies workers, peasants, women, marginal groups and everyday life. This subject is discussed from the perspective of society at large, especially from the viewpoint of the oppressed and neglected sections. It emphasises social structure and collective experiences.

2. Define history? What were the topics of historical discussion in the previous century?
Ans: History is the systematic and critical study of past events based on evidence. It helps us to understand the development of human society over time. In the previous century, historical discussions mainly centred on political events, wars, dynasties, administration and the lives of great rulers. Social and cultural aspects received little attention. Thus, earlier historiography was largely political in nature.

3. Mention the diverse aspects of historical discussions in modern times.
Ans: In modern times, historical discussions have become diverse and multidimensional. Historians now study not only political history but also social, economic, cultural and environmental history. Themes such as gender history, subaltern studies, history of science and technology, food habits, clothing, sports and visual arts have gained importance. Greater attention is given to the lives of common people rather than only kings and rulers. Thus, modern historiography reflects a broad and inclusive approach.

4. Whose discussion finds a place of eminence in new social history? Who have popularised the new social history in modern times?
Ans: In new social history, the discussion of common people such as workers, peasants, women and minority groups finds a place of eminence. Historians like E. P. Thompson and Eric Hobsbawm have popularised new social history in modern times through their works on labour and society.

5. Which topics have become significant in the recent study of cultivation of art? What is the significance of music in the study of cultivation of art?
Ans: In recent times, topics such as painting, sculpture, architecture, drama, cinema and photography have become significant in the study of art. The evolution of artistic styles and patronage systems is also studied. Music holds special significance as it reflects cultural traditions and social changes. Treatises like Sangitaratnakara by Sarngadeva provide valuable information on classical music. Thus, music is an integral part of the study of art.

6. Explain the factors that determine the food habits of people.
Ans: Food habits of people are determined by geographical conditions, climate and availability of natural resources. Religious beliefs and social customs also influence dietary practices. Economic condition plays an important role in deciding the type and quantity of food consumed. Cultural exchange and technological development further shape food habits over time.

7. Write a note on history of visual arts.
Ans: The history of visual arts deals with painting, sculpture, architecture and other forms of artistic expression. It studies the style, technique and themes of different periods. Visual arts reflect the social, religious and political conditions of a society. From ancient cave paintings to modern art movements, visual arts provide valuable historical evidence. Thus, it forms an important branch of cultural history.

8. What aspects of the common people have found important place in contemporary historical discussion?
Ans: Contemporary historical discussion gives importance to the social life, occupation, culture and struggles of common people. It studies their food habits, clothing, housing, festivals and daily activities. The role of peasants, workers, women and tribal communities is also highlighted. Their participation in social and political movements is examined. Thus, the focus has shifted from elites to the masses.

9. How has the historical study of drama become important in the modern age as a part of visual arts?
Ans: In the modern age, drama is studied as an important branch of visual arts. It reflects social reforms, political movements and cultural changes. The development of theatre institutions and dramatic literature is analysed by historians. Drama also serves as a medium of public opinion and national consciousness. Hence, its historical study has gained importance.

10. Describe the history of transportation and communication in India from ancient to modern period.
Ans: In ancient India, transportation mainly depended on bullock carts, horses, boats and river routes. Roads like the Uttarapatha facilitated trade and communication. During the medieval period, the Grand Trunk Road was developed and improved. In the modern period, the British introduced railways, postal services and telegraph systems, which revolutionised communication. Thus, transportation and communication evolved significantly from ancient to modern times.

11. What is the importance of the study of clothing in modern India?
Ans: The study of clothing in modern India helps us to understand social status, cultural identity and regional diversity. Dress reflects economic condition, climate and religious beliefs. It also shows the influence of colonialism and globalisation. Changes in fashion indicate social transformation. Therefore, clothing forms an important part of social history.

12. Discuss about the study of history of architecture in the modern age.
Ans: In the modern age, the study of architectural history has become significant as it reveals political power, religious beliefs and artistic trends. Buildings and monuments provide evidence of technological advancement and urban development. The study includes temples, mosques, colonial buildings and modern structures. Architecture reflects the cultural heritage of a society. Hence, it is an important area of historical research.

13. Write a note on historiography of sports.
Ans: The historiography of sports studies the development of games and physical culture over time. It examines the social and political significance of sports. In India, events like the 1911 victory of Mohun Bagan in football are historically significant. Sports history also analyses nationalism and colonial influence. Thus, sports have become an important theme in modern historiography.