CBSE Class 8 History Chapter 6 Civilising the Native, Educating the Nation – Solutions 2025–26

1. Match the following:

Ans:

2. State whether true or false:

a. James Mill was a severe critic of the Orientalists.

Ans: True

b. The 1854 Dispatch on education was in favour of English being introduced as a medium of higher education in India.

Ans: True

c. Mahatma Gandhi thought that the promotion of literacy was the most important aim of education.

Ans: False

d. Rabindranath Tagore felt that children ought to be subjected to strict discipline.

Ans: False

3. Why did William Jones feel the need to study Indian history, philosophy and law?

Ans:

• Willam Jones came to India as a junior law clerk, but his interest was in learning the language. He eagerly learnt Arabian, Persian and Sanskrit.

• Learning ancient texts of India related to history, philosophy, law and religion, in original languages gave him an insight into Indian customs and cultural heritage.

• He came to realise that India which had a glorious past, somehow declined with time.

• He felt the need to aid the British in learning about Indian culture and heritage but also support Indians to rediscover their glorious days.

• He mentioned that the British would become the guardians of India’s culture and gain complete control of the country. This was the reason Willam Jones felt the necessity to study Indian history, philosophy and law.

4. Why did James Mill and Thomas Macaulay think that European education was essential in India?

Ans: James Mill and Thomas Macaulay are two of those British officials who had critical views regarding Eastern education and literature. So, they suggested the spreading of European education in India. The actual reasons behind such thought were—

• Indians should be taught about scientific and technological advancements which are far more practical than studying poetry and religious texts.

• The Indians would be able to see the benefits from trade-related expansion and they would understand the importance of generating resources for the nation.

• The Indians will become accustomed to European and British culture which will create a market for British goods.

• European education will improve the morality of the Indians by making them more honest and hardworking. This will supply a fair number of civil servants who will work loyally for the benefit of the British administration.

• Indians after getting European education, will be able to read the finest literature of the world and will be aware of the scientific and technological advancement of the world.

5. Why did Mahatma Gandhi want to teach children handicrafts?

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi wanted to start the education of children with learning handicrafts because—

• It would expose their mind to learning and evolve their capacity for understanding.

• The children would be able to understand how different objects operate.

• It would provide practical knowledge and children would gain experience.

6. Why did Mahatma Gandhi think that English education had enslaved Indians?

Ans: According to Mahatma Gandhi, the Indians were enslaved by English education. The reasons behind such thought were—

• English education promoted the inferiority of Oriental education. Thus an inferiority complex was brought out in Indians by English education.

• The purpose of English education was to create a class of Indians who would admire British culture and would remain loyal to British rule, eagerly overlooking their enslavement.

7. Find out from your grandparents about what they studied in school.

Ans: To complete this task, have a conversation with your grandparents about their school days. Ask them about the subjects they studied, the methods of teaching used, and the types of textbooks or materials they used. This can provide you with information about how education has changed over the years and help you understand the differences between the past and present educational systems. Write down their responses and compare them with your own school experiences to see the evolution in education.

8. Find out about the history of your school or any other school in the area you live.

Ans: To discover the history of your school or any other local school, you can follow these steps:

• Speak with older community members or your grandparents who might have attended the school or have knowledge about its past.

• Approach the school administration and ask if they have any historical records, yearbooks, or archives.

• Use the internet to search for information. Local history websites, online forums, and digital archives can provide additional insights into the school’s history.

Takeaways from the Page

• Vedantu provides detailed, step-by-step NCERT solutions for all questions in this Chapter, ensuring students understand the concepts thoroughly and can easily understand historical events.

• Learn about the British education policies, their motives behind "civilising the natives," and the impact on Indian society with easy-to-follow and detailed explanations provided on the page.

• The solutions are prepared to help students frame accurate answers for exams, making it easier to revise and score excellent marks.

• Vedantu offers FREE, downloadable PDFs of the solutions, allowing students to study anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace.

Conclusion

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Social Science (History) Chapter 6: Civilising the 'Native', Educating the Nation provides a reliable resource to learn this important topic. With step-by-step answers, simplified explanations, and FREE PDF access, students can easily understand British education policies and their impact on Indian society. These solutions are designed to help you excel in exams while building a strong understanding of history. 

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