Class 8 Social Science Chapter 4: The Colonial Era in India — practice questions with answers
Free practice for Class 8 Social Science, Chapter 4: The Colonial Era in India. Try the solved questions below, then take a free test with instant marking and explanations.
52 questions12 easy, 31 medium, 9 hardNCERT · CBSE · State boards
Sample questions with solutions
Q1. Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498. How many years later did the British win at Plassey (1757)?
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Answer: 259 (± 0)
Why: 1757 − 1498 = 259 years. [p.84–85]
Why: 1757 − 1498 = 259 years. [p.84–85]
Q2. Which event came last?
- The British Crown ends Company rule (1858)
- Battle of Plassey (1757)
- Battle of Colachel (1741)
- Arrival of Vasco da Gama (1498)
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Answer: A. The British Crown ends Company rule (1858)
Why: Read the timeline. [p.84–85]
Why: Read the timeline. [p.84–85]
Q3. Who was the first Indian elected to the British House of Commons?
- Dadabhai Naoroji
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale
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Answer: A. Dadabhai Naoroji
Why: He wrote Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (1901). [p.98]
Why: He wrote Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (1901). [p.98]
Q4. Before the 18th century, what was India especially renowned for manufacturing?
- Textiles, especially fine cotton
- Cars
- Steam engines
- Plastics
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Answer: A. Textiles, especially fine cotton
Why: Cotton, silk, wool, jute, hemp and coir. [p.100]
Why: Cotton, silk, wool, jute, hemp and coir. [p.100]
Q5. Which European powers competed for dominance in India? (Tick all that apply)
- Portuguese
- Dutch
- French
- Japanese
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Answer: A. Portuguese; B. Dutch; C. French
Why: The British gained the upper hand. [p.114]
Why: The British gained the upper hand. [p.114]
Q6. Which were features of India’s traditional village system? (Tick all that apply)
- Managing community affairs
- Resolving disputes
- Organising irrigation and roads
- Depending entirely on Britain
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Answer: A. Managing community affairs; B. Resolving disputes; C. Organising irrigation and roads
Why: Metcalfe’s ‘little republics’. [p.101]
Why: Metcalfe’s ‘little republics’. [p.101]
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How many practice questions are there for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 4: The Colonial Era in India?
52 questions (12 easy, 31 medium, 9 hard). A few are solved on this page; the free test shows the answer and explanation for every question after you submit.
Is this chapter from the NCERT book?
Yes — it follows the NCERT Class 8 Social Science syllabus, used by CBSE and many state boards.