CLASS 8 SST – PART 1 FULL NOTES
■ CHAPTER 1: Natural Resources and Their Use
■ Introduction
Natural resources are the foundation of human life. Everything we use—food, water,
energy—comes from nature. Proper use and conservation are necessary for future survival.
■ Definitions
Natural Resources: Materials provided by nature that humans use to satisfy their needs.
Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally in a short time.
Non-Renewable Resources: Resources that take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced
quickly.
Sustainable Development: Development that meets present needs without harming future
generations.
■ Types of Resources
1. Renewable
Examples: Sunlight, wind, water, forests
Unlimited if managed properly
2. Non-Renewable
Examples: Coal, petroleum, minerals
Limited → once used, gone
■ Distribution of Resources
Uneven across the world
Depends on: Climate, Geography, Technology
Example: Middle East → oil rich, India → coal and iron
■ Resource Curse
Countries with rich resources sometimes remain poor
Reasons: Corruption, Mismanagement, Overdependence
■ Conservation of Resources
Reduce usage, Reuse materials, Recycle waste
■ Sustainable Development
Balance between: Economic growth, Environmental protection
■ Differences
Renewable: Unlimited, Solar energy, Fast renewal
Non-Renewable: Limited, Coal, Very slow renewal
■ Short Q&A;
Q1. What are natural resources? → Materials from nature used by humans.
Q2. Give 2 renewable resources. → Sunlight, wind
■ Long Q&A;
Explain sustainable development: Meets present needs, Protects future resources, Avoids overuse,
Maintains ecological balance
■ Conclusion
Proper use of resources is essential. Overuse leads to depletion, so conservation is necessary for
future survival.
■ CHAPTER 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map
■ Introduction
Medieval India saw the rise and fall of powerful empires that shaped political boundaries and
administration.
■ Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)
Dynasties: Slave (Qutubuddin Aibak), Khalji (Alauddin Khalji), Tughlaq (Muhammad bin Tughlaq),
Lodi (Ibrahim Lodi)
■ Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646)
Founded by Harihara & Bukka, Capital: Hampi, Strong in trade and culture
■ Mughal Empire (1526–1857)
Important rulers: Babur, Akbar, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb
■ Administration
■ CHAPTER 1: Natural Resources and Their Use
■ Introduction
Natural resources are the foundation of human life. Everything we use—food, water,
energy—comes from nature. Proper use and conservation are necessary for future survival.
■ Definitions
Natural Resources: Materials provided by nature that humans use to satisfy their needs.
Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished naturally in a short time.
Non-Renewable Resources: Resources that take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced
quickly.
Sustainable Development: Development that meets present needs without harming future
generations.
■ Types of Resources
1. Renewable
Examples: Sunlight, wind, water, forests
Unlimited if managed properly
2. Non-Renewable
Examples: Coal, petroleum, minerals
Limited → once used, gone
■ Distribution of Resources
Uneven across the world
Depends on: Climate, Geography, Technology
Example: Middle East → oil rich, India → coal and iron
■ Resource Curse
Countries with rich resources sometimes remain poor
Reasons: Corruption, Mismanagement, Overdependence
■ Conservation of Resources
Reduce usage, Reuse materials, Recycle waste
■ Sustainable Development
Balance between: Economic growth, Environmental protection
■ Differences
Renewable: Unlimited, Solar energy, Fast renewal
Non-Renewable: Limited, Coal, Very slow renewal
■ Short Q&A;
Q1. What are natural resources? → Materials from nature used by humans.
Q2. Give 2 renewable resources. → Sunlight, wind
■ Long Q&A;
Explain sustainable development: Meets present needs, Protects future resources, Avoids overuse,
Maintains ecological balance
■ Conclusion
Proper use of resources is essential. Overuse leads to depletion, so conservation is necessary for
future survival.
■ CHAPTER 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map
■ Introduction
Medieval India saw the rise and fall of powerful empires that shaped political boundaries and
administration.
■ Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526)
Dynasties: Slave (Qutubuddin Aibak), Khalji (Alauddin Khalji), Tughlaq (Muhammad bin Tughlaq),
Lodi (Ibrahim Lodi)
■ Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646)
Founded by Harihara & Bukka, Capital: Hampi, Strong in trade and culture
■ Mughal Empire (1526–1857)
Important rulers: Babur, Akbar, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb
■ Administration
