SST Grade 8 Complete Vocabulary Review

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards reviewing key concepts, figures, administrative terms, and events from Grade 8 Social Studies notes.

Swaraj

Self-rule free from foreign control, a guiding vision promoted by Shivaji to inspire and unite the Marathas.

Guerrilla warfare

A military strategy featuring swift, surprise attacks and rapid retreats, leveraging local terrain and knowledge of coastline or hills.

Ashta Pradhana Mandala

A council of eight ministers established by Shivaji to assist in structured, efficient state governance.

Chauth

A tax equal to 25% of revenue collected by the Marathas from neighbouring territories outside direct rule in exchange for protection.

Sardeshmukhi

An additional 10% tax collected by the Marathas from neighbouring regions outside direct rule to strengthen empire finances.

Modi script

A specialized cursive form of writing Marathi used in the Maratha Empire for fast handwriting in administration and official letters.

Peshwa

The Prime Minister within Shivaji's council of eight ministers (Ashta Pradhana Mandala).

Amatya

The Finance Minister in Shivaji's council of eight ministers responsible for managing state finances.

Senapati

The Army Chief in Shivaji's council of eight ministers responsible for military command.

Rājya-Vyavahāra-Kosha

A official vocabulary work commissioned by Shivaji to promote Marathi and Sanskrit while reducing Persian influence in administration.

Cartaz system

A naval licensing/pass system introduced by the Portuguese to control Arabian Sea trade, which was challenged by Shivaji's navy.

Tarabai

Queen and Maratha leader who organized armies and led large-scale inroads into Mughal territory after Rajaram's death to preserve independence.

Ahilyabai Holkar

Wise ruler of the Holkar kingdom from Indore who promoted trade, crafts like weaving, and rebuilt famous temples across India.

Sant Kabir

A 15th-century Bhakti saint from Varanasi raised by a weaver family who taught that God is one and spoke against caste discrimination.

Battle of Colachel (1741)

A historic naval engagement in 1741 in which King Marthanda Varma of Travancore defeated the Dutch fleet.

Battle of Plassey (1757)

A decisive 1757 battle where Robert Clive conspired with Mir Jafar to betray and defeat Siraj-ud-daulah, beginning British political control in India.

Battle of Buxar (1764)

A 1764 military encounter where East India Company forces defeated the joint armies of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daulah, and Shah Alam II.

Diwani Rights

The revenue collection rights granted to the East India Company by Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Subsidiary Alliance

A British treaty policy introduced by Lord Wellesley requiring Indian rulers to host British troops at their own expense and relinquish independent foreign affairs.

Doctrine of Lapse

An expansionist British policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie where princely states lacking a biological male heir were annexed, barring adopted sons.

Goa Inquisition

A religious tribunal established by the Portuguese in 1560 that persecuted non-Christians and converts until its abolition in 1812.

Un-British Rule

A term used by Dadabhai Naoroji to critique British administration in India as unjust, exploitative, and contrary to Britain's own claims of fairness.

Drain of Wealth

The continuous systematic transfer of India's revenues, tax funds, and resources to Britain without adequate economic return.

Santhal Rebellion (1855–1856)

A major tribal uprising led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu in the Rajmahal region against landlords, moneylenders, and British oppressors.

Indigo Revolt (1859–1862)

A peasant movement in Bengal protesting against forced cultivation of indigo cash crops instead of food grains under oppressive planter contracts.

Great Rebellion of 1857

India's first large-scale military and civilian uprising against East India Company rule, resulting in direct administration by the British Crown.

Madder (Rubia cordifolia)

A plant whose root was traditionally used in India to extract a natural red dye for cotton, silk, and wool textiles.

Joseph François Dupleix

The French Governor-General (1742–1754) who trained Indian troops in European warfare tactics and expanded French influence during the Carnatic Wars.

Rani Abbakka II

An Indian queen who actively resisted Portuguese coastal attacks using specialized fireballs made from coconut shells.

Charles Wilkins

The translator who accomplished the first direct English translation of the sacred text Bhagavad Gita.

Legislature

The branch of government tasked with making laws, conducting debates on national issues, and keeping the executive accountable.

Executive

The branch of government responsible for implementing, enforcing, and administering laws passed by the legislature.

Judiciary

The organ of government that interprets laws, resolves legal disputes, protects fundamental rights, and acts as custodian of the Constitution.

Lok Sabha

The House of the People, serving as the directly elected lower house of India's Parliament.

Rajya Sabha

The Council of States, functioning as the upper house of India's Parliament to represent states and Union Territories.

Question Hour

The opening hour of a parliamentary sitting where MPs directly question ministers to demand accountability on policies and governance.

Bill

A draft proposal for a new law presented before Parliament for discussion, debate, and voting.

Act

A bill that has successfully passed both Houses of Parliament and received Presidential assent, becoming official law.

Article 21A

A constitutional amendment establishing free and compulsory education as a Fundamental Right for all children aged 6 to 14 years.

AYUSH

An acronym representing traditional Indian health systems: Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.

Ecosystem functions

Natural bio-geochemical processes performed by ecosystems, such as filtering rainwater, soil conservation, and oxygen generation.

Ecosystem services

Direct and indirect practical benefits that human populations receive from healthy ecosystem functions.

Biotic resources

Natural resources derived directly from organic living or once-living matter, including plants, animals, and fossil fuels.

Abiotic resources

Natural resources obtained from non-living physical substances, such as air, fresh water, soil, minerals, and sunlight.

Restoration

The deliberate human process of returning a damaged or degraded ecological resource to its original healthy state.

Regeneration

The inherent biological ability of nature to renew itself, grow new life, and naturally replenish ecological cycles over time.

Factors of production

The foundational economic inputs required to create goods and services: land, labour, capital, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Human capital

The cumulative knowledge, practical skills, education, and health standards that enhance the efficiency and quality of labour.

SWAYAM

An official Indian online educational platform offering free MOOC courses to expand knowledge access and enable academic credit transfer.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

A business practice where commercial enterprises integrate social, ethical, and environmental welfare initiatives into their operations.