CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper 2023 (Series: ZZYY1/4) with Solutions

Students can find that CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Social Science with Solutions and CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper 2023 (Series: ZZYY1/4) effectively boost their confidence.

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper 2023 (Series: ZZYY1/4) with Solutions

Time Allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 80

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Read the following instructions very carefully and follow them:

• This question paper contains 37 questions. All questions are compulsory.
• Question paper comprises six Sections – A, B, C, D, E and F.
• Section A – Question no. 1 to 20 are Multiple Choice Questions ofl mark each.
• Section B – Question no. 21 to 24 are Very Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 2 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 40 words.
• Section C – Question no, 25 to 29 are Short Answer Type Questions, carrying 3 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 60 words.
• Section D – Question no. 30 to 33 are Long Answer Type Questions, carrying 5 marks each. Answer to each question should not exceed 120 words.
• Section E – Question no. 34 to 36 are Case based/Source based questions with three sub questions and are of 4 marks each.
• Section F – Question no. 37 is map skill based, carrying 5 marks with two parts, 37(i)from History (2 marks) and 37(H) from Geography (3 marks).
• There is no overall choice in the Question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions. Only one of the choices in such questions has to be attempted.
• In addition to this, separate instructions are given with each Section and Question, wherever necessary.

(SET I: Code No. 32/4/1)

SECTION-A

(MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS)

Question 1.
Arrange the following in chronological order and choose the correct option:
(I) Napoleonic wars
(II) The Treaty of Vienna
(III) Greek Struggle for Independence
(IV) Slav Nationalism in Ottoman Empire
Options:
(a) III, II, I and IV
(b) I, II, III and IV
(c) IV, III, II and I
(d) IV, II, III and I
Answer:
(b) I, II, III and IV

Question 2.
Which one of the following aspects was common among the writings of Kailashbashini Debi, Tarabai Shinde and Fandita Ramabai? [1]
(a) Demanded economic equality for masses.
(b) Highlighted the experiences of women.
(c) Raised awareness about cultural heritage.
(d) Motivated Indians for their national freedom.
Answer:
(b) Highlighted the experiences of women.

Question 3.
There were three important developments that greatly shrank the pre-modern world. Identify the incorrect one from the following options: [1]
(a) The flow of trade
(b) The flow of labour
(c) The flow of capital
(d) The flow of technology
Answer:
(d) The flow of technology

Question 4.
Who among the following improved the steam engine? [1]
(a) James Watt
(b) Thomas Edison
(c) Benjamin Franklin
(d) Alexander Fleming
Answer:
(a) James Watt

Question 5.
Which one of the following is an example of the Ferrous Metal? [1]
(a) Copper
(b) Tin
(c) Bauxite
(d) Nickel
Answer:
(a) Copper

Question 6.
Match the column – I with column – II and choose the correct option:

Column – I (Resources)	Column – II (Example)
(I) Biological	1. Coal
(II) Renewable	2. Wildlife
(III) Non-renewable	3. Solar Energy

	I	II	III
(a)	1	3	2
(b)	3	2	1
(c)	2	3	1
(d)	1	2	3

Answer:
(c)2 3 1

Question 7.
Which of the following is correctly matched? [1]
(a) Alluvial Soil – Consists of sand and silt
(b) Black Soil – Salt content is high
(c) Arid Soil – Diffusion of iron in crystalline
(d) Laterite Soil – Made up of Lava flows
Answer:
(a) Alluvial Soil – Consists of sand and silt

Question 8.
Which of the following countries has better rank in Human Development Index? [1]
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Myanmar
(c) India
(d) Nepal
Answer:
(c) India

Question 9.
Which one of the following sectors contribute highest in the GDP of India? [1]
(a) Primary
(b) Secondary
(c) Tertiary
(d) Quaternary
Answer:
(c) Tertiary

Question 10.
Why did the Indian government liberalize trade regulations in 1991? [1]
(a) Government wanted foreign exchange equivalent to Indian Currency.
(b) Government wanted to maintain good relations with Western Countries.
(c) Government wanted Indian producers to compete in the World Market.
(d) Government wanted to provide socio-economic justice to all.
Answer:
(C) Government wanted Indian producers to compete in the World Market.

Question 11.
Read the following statements about Human Development and choose the correct option: [1]
I. It is the composite Index prepared by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
II. Parameters to measure it are Longevity, Literacy and Per Capita Income.
III. Countries are ranked according to Developed and Low Developing countries.
IV. World Bank also prepares report of Human Development on the basis of Quality of Life.
Options:
(a) I and II
(b) II and III
(c) I and III
(d) II and IV
Answer:
(a) I and II

Question 12.
Read the following data and answer the question that follows: [1]

Some comparative Data on Haryana, Kerala and Bihar
State	Infant Mortality Rate (per thousand persons)	Literacy Rate %	Net Attendance Ratio (per 100 persons)
Haryana	30	82	61
Kerala	7	94	82
Bihar	32	62	43

How much is the Net Absence Ratio of Haryana ? Choose the appropriate option from the following:
(a) 39
(b) 27
(c) 38
(d) 18
Answer:
(a) 39

Question 13.
Which one of the following is a developmental goal of the factory workers? [1]
(a) Better wages
(b) Better technology
(c) More hours of work
(d) More labour work
Answer:
(a) Better wages

Question 14.
Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? [1]
(a) Primary Sector – Flower Cultivator
(b) Secondary Sector – Milk Vendor
(c) Tertiary Sector – Fisherman
(d) Manufacturing Sector – Gardener
Answer:
(a) Primary Sector – Flower Cultivator

Question 15.
Consider the following statements on Power Sharing and choose the correct option: [1]
I. Majoritarianism is the real spirit of democracy.
II. It creates balance and harmony in different groups.
III. It reduces the possibility of conflict among social groups.
IV. Power sharing is the essence of democracy.
Options:
(a) I, II and III
(b) II, III and IV
(c) I, III and IV
(d) I, II and IV
Answer:
(b) II, III and IV

Question 16.
Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option: [1]
Assertion (A): Sri Lanka adopted “Tamil” as the official language of the State.
Reason (R): The Govt, of Sri Lanka adopted a series of majoritarian measures.
Options:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
Answer:
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

Question 17.
Match column-A with column-B and choose the correct option: [1]

Column – A (Subjects)	Column – B (List)
(I) Banks	1. Concurrent List
(II) Agriculture	2. Union List
(III) Education	3. State List
(IV) Computer	4. Residuary Subjects

	I	II	III	IV
(a)	4	3	2	1
(b)	3	4	1	2
(c)	2	3	1	4
(d)	4	2	1	3

Answer:
(c)2 3 1 4

Question 18.
Identify the administrative level of Indian Government with the help of the information given in the box and choose the correct option: [1]

1. Power shared between Central to Local Government. 2. The State Governments are required to share some powers and revenue with them. 3. It is called a three tier government.

Options:
(a) Dictatorial System
(b) Unitary Federal System
(c) Decentralized System
(d) Imperialistic System
Answer:
(c) Decentralized System

Question 19.
Which one of the following countries has two party system? [1]
(a) China
(b) Russia
(c) America
(d) India
Answer:
(c) America

Question 20.
Which type of government is likely to be more acceptable to the people in the world? [1]
(a) Democratic
(b) Military
(c) Dictatorship
(d) Theocratic
Answer:
(a) Democratic

SECTION-B

(VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS) [4 × 2 = 8]

Question 21.
(A) Explain any tivo methods that were used by the Europeans for the recruitment of the indentured labours. [2]
Or, (B) How did the ‘small pox’ prove as the most powerful weapon of the Spanish conquerors in the mid-sixteenth century? Explain.
Answer:
(A) Employers used various methods to recruit and retain labour. These are –
(i) Recruitment was done by agents engaged by employers and paid a small commission.
(ii) Agents also tempted the prospective migrants by providing false information about final destination, modes of travel and nature of work.
(iii) Sometimes agents even forcibly abducted un-willing migrants.
Or
(B) The Spanish conquerors achieved success in their mission of conquest of America, not due to their weapons or strong military power, but due to the germs they carried, such as those of small-pox. The original inhabitants of America had no immunity against these diseases that came from Europe. Once this disease was introduced, it spread into the continent very t fast and killed a large number of people bringing down the strength of the community. This made conquests easy and paved the way for colonisation.

Question 22.
“Agriculture and industry move hand in hand.” Support the statement with examples. [2]
Answer:
Agriculture and industry in India are inseparable and are interdependent on each other:

• Agro-industries in India have boosted agriculture by raising its productivity.
• Industries depend on agriculture for their raw materials, e.g. cotton textile industry.
• Industries provide many agricultural inputs like irrigation pumps, fertilisers, insecticides, PVC pipes, machines and tools etc. to the farmers.
• Manufacturing industries have assisted agriculturists to increase their production and also made the production processes very efficient.
• Development of different modes of transport by industrial sector has not only helped farmers to obtain agricultural inputs but has also helped them trade their products. (any two)

Question 23.
“Different persons can have different developmental goals.” Support the statement with an example. [2]
Answer:
Different persons have different notions of development because life situations of persons are different. For example, Construction of dams leads to generation of hydroelectricity, thus development. However many people have to be displaced from their villages, hence it may not be development for them.

Question 24.
“Women face discrimination in various ways in our society.” Explain any tioo ways. [2]
Answer:
Women face disadvantages and are discriminated against in various ways in India:
(i) Literacy rate among women is only 54% in comparison to 76% among men. In studies girls
mostly perform better than boys, but they drop out simply because their parents prefer to spend their resources on their boys’ education. A smellier proportion of girls go for higher studies.

(ii) On an average, a woman works more than an average man everyday. Since much of her work is not paid for, therefore often not valued.

(iii) The Equal Wages Act provides for equal wages for equal work. But in almost all areas of work from sports to cinema, from factories to fields, women are comparatively paid less even if men and women both do exactly the same work.

(iv) The child sex ratio (number of girl children per thousand boys) is very low. In India the national average is 927. In some places it is as low as 850 or even 800, because parents prefer to have sons so they get the girl child aborted before her birth.

(v) In urban areas, women are unsafe. Even in their homes they suffer from beating, harassment and other forms of domestic violence. (any two)

SECTION-C

(SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS) [5 × 3 = 15]

Question 25.
“Ideas of national unity in the early nineteenth century Europe were closely allied to the ideology of liberalism.” Examine the statement. [3]
Answer:
The term ‘liberalism’ comes from the Latin root liber which means to be free.
(i) For the new middle classes of Europe, liberalism stood for freedom for the individual and equality of all before the law. It emphasized the end of aristocracy and clerical privileges and stood for a constitution and representative government through parliament. People also stressed inviolability of private property, drawing the basic foundation from the French Revolution.

(ii) From the very beginning, universal suffrage, i.e., voting rights were granted only to the property-owning men, excluding men without property and all women. However, throughout the nineteenth century and early twenties, many movements were organized demanding equal political rights.

(iii) In the economic sense, liberalism stood for the freedom of markets and the abolition of state-imposed restrictions on the movement of goods and capital. People often attempted to go beyond the state restrictions such as the formation of a customs union by Prussia in 1834 which abolished tariff barriers and number of currencies from 30 to 2. The creation of railway networks further stimulated national unification and the wave of economic nationalism in all contributed towards strengthening wider national sentiments.

Question 26.
Explain any three institutional reforms taken for the development of Indian agriculture. [3]
Answer:
Steps taken by the government to bring about improvements in agriculture are termed as ‘Institutional Reforms’.
Various institutional reforms have been taken by the Indian Government to bring about improvements in agriculture:

(i) Collectivisation and consolidation of land holdings to make them economically viable.

(ii) The green revolution based on the use of package technology and the White Revolution to increase milk production are important strategies which were initiated to improve agriculture.

(iii) Cooperation with farmers and Abolition of Zamindari system.

(iv) Provision of crop insurance to protect the farmers against losses caused by natural calamities, i.e. drought, flood, cyclone, fire and disease.

(v) Establishment of ‘Grameen Banks’, Cooperative Societies and Banks for providing loan facilities to the farmers at lower rates of interest.

(vi) Kissan Credit Card (KCC), Personal Accident Insurance Scheme (PAIS) are some other schemes introduced by the government for the benefit of farmers.

(vii) Special weather bulletins and agricultural programmes for farmers were introduced on the Radio and TV.

(viii) Announcement of minimum support price, remunerative and procurement prices for crops to check the exploitation of farmers by speculators and middlemen and removing the elements of uncertainty. (any two)

Question 27.
How is information technology connected with globalization? Explain. [3]
Answer:
(i) Information Technology has brought the countries of the world closer. With its help various jobs have been created and are outsourced to other countries.

(ii) Information technology has played an important role in spreading out production of services across countries. Orders are placed through internet, designing is done on computers, even payment for designing and printing can be arranged through internet. Internet also allows us to send instant electronic mail (e-mail) and voice (voice-mail) across the world at negligible cost.

(iii) Technology has made e-commerce, e-banking, e-learning, e-mail and e-govemance a reality.

Question 28.
Analyze the need of Political Parties in the Democracy. [3]
Answer:
We can understand the necessity of political parties by imagining a situation without parties. Every candidate in the election will be independent. Therefore, no major policy changes will be made. Elected representatives will be accountable to their constituency but no one will be responsible for the smooth running of the country.
As societies become large and complex, they need an agency to gather views on various issues and to present them to the government. There is need to bring various representatives together so that a responsible government can be formed.
A mechanism is needed to support or restrain the government to make policies, justify or oppose them. Political parties fulfil the needs of a representative government and are thus a necessary condition for a democracy.

Question 29.
(A) Why is ‘Tertiary Sector’ becoming important in India? Explain. [3]
Or, (B) Why is there a need to protect workers in the Unorganized Sector? Explain. [3]
Answer:
(A) Tertiary sector or Service sector plays a very significant role and its importance is increasing day by day:
(i) Greater the development of primary sector and secondary sector more would be the demand for Services.

(ii) Tertiary sector has become the largest producer in India because various kinds of Services such as hospitals, educational institutions, post and telegraph services, police stations, courts, village administrative offices, transport, banks, insurance companies, etc. are required.

(iii) Even development of agriculture and industry leads to the development of services such as transport, trade and storage, etc.
Or,
(B) (i) In the rural areas, this sector comprises of landless agricultural labourers, small and marginal farmers, share croppers and artisans (weavers, carpenters, goldsmiths). These farmers need to be supported through adequate facility for timely delivery of seeds, agricultural inputs, credit, storage facilities and marketing outlets.

(ii) In urban areas, workers in the small scale industry, casual workers in construction, trade and transport, street vendors, head load workers, garment makers, ragpickers etc. are all a part of the unorganised sector. Small scale workers need government aid for procuring raw materials and marketing of their goods.

(iii) Jobs are usually low paid and not regular. There is no security of jobs. Labour exploitation may exist. Employers are masters who can ask workers to leave whenever they so desire. Usually, it is done when there is less work. (Example, hired tlabourers in farms, tailors in a garment-making factory involved in export.)

(iv) Workers in Unorganised sector do not enjoy the benefits which are enjoyed by the workers in the Organized sector.

SECTION-D

(LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS) [4 × 5 = 20]

Question 30.
(A) Examine the progress of the Civil Disobedience Movement in the countryside. [5]
Or, (B) Analyze the ways through which people of different communities developed a sense of collective belonging in India. [5]
Answer:
(A) Rich peasant communities, like the Patidars of Gujarat and the Jats of Uttar Pradesh, became active in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(i) Being producers of commercial crops, they were hard hit by trade-depression and falling prices.
(ii) As their cash income reduced, they found it impossible to pay the government’s revenue demand.
(iii) These rich peasants became ardent supporters of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
(iv) For them fight for Swaraj was a struggle against high revenues.
Or
(B) History and fiction, folklore and songs, popular prints and symbols all played an important role in creating a sense of collective belonging leading to the growth of nationalism.
(i) With the growth of nationalism, the identity of the Indian nation came to be visually associated with the image of Bharat Mata (as it had happened in Germany and France: Germania in Germany and Marianne in France).

(ii) During the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, tricolour flag (red, green and yellow), with eight lotuses (depicting eight provinces of British India), was designed. Carrying the flag during marches became a symbol of defiance and a sense of collective belonging.

(iii) The glorification of developments in ancient India in the fields of art and architecture, Science and Mathematics, religion and culture, law and philosophy, craft and trade had also helped in the growth of nationalism. These nationalist histories encouraged the readers to take pride in India’s great achievements in the past and struggle to change the miserable conditions (cultural and economic decline) of life under the British rule.

(iv) Idea of nationalism also developed through a movement to revive Indian folklore. Folk tales were sung by bards in the villages, to give a true picture of traditional culture, which had been damaged by outside forces.

Question 31.
(A) How is pipeline transport network important in the transport system of India? Explain with an example. [5]
Or, (B) How have physical and economic factors influenced the distribution pattern of the Indian Railway Network? Explain with examples. [5]
Answer:
(A) Pipeline transport network is a new arrival on the transportation map of India.
In the past, the pipelines were used to transport water to cities and industries. Now these are used for transporting crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas from oil and natural gas fields to refineries, fertilizer factories and big thermal power plants. Solids can also be transported through a pipeline when converted into slurry.

For example, the inland locations of refineries like Barauni, Mathura, Panipat and gas based fertilizer plants could be possible only because of pipelines. India’s gas pipeline infrastructure has expanded from 1,700 km to 18,500 km of cross country pipelines. It rules out trans-shipment losses or delays.
Or
(B) Factors that have affected the distribution pattern of railway network in India:
(i) Physiographic factors. The Northern plains with vast level land, high population density and rich agricultural resources provide most favourable conditions for railway network. The nature of terrain and the number of rivers running through the region determine the density of railway network in this region. Mountains, marshy, sandy and forested areas have sparse network whereas plain areas have dense network of the railways. It was difficult to lay railway lines on the sandy plains of Western Rajasthan, swamps of Gujarat and forested tracks of Madhya Pradesh. Inspite of the unfavourable terrain, Indian Railways run on railways tracks extending over 68,000 kms.

(ii) Economic factors. Regions which have rich resources and are economically more developed have denser network of railways in comparison to the regions with low economic development.

(iii) Administrative factors. The administrative and political decisions also have affected the distribution of railway network.

Question 32.
(A) “Democracy stands much superior to any other forms of government in promoting dignity and freedom of the individual.” Support the statement with arguments. [5]
Or, (B) “Democracy produces an accountable, responsive and legitimate government.” Support the statement with arguments.
Answer:
(A) Examples to illustrate that dignity and freedom of citizens are best guaranteed in a democracy:
(i) Democracy transforms people from the status of a subject into that of a citizen. A democracy is concerned with ensuring that people will have the right to choose their rulers and people will have control over the rulers. Whenever possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision-making that affects them all.

(ii) A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. There is transparency in a democracy like India. In October 2005, the Right to Information (RTI) law was passed which ensures all its citizens the right to get all the information about the functions of the government departments. In a democracy, people also have the right to complain about its functioning.

(iii) Democracy has strengthened the claims of disadvantaged and discriminated castes. When governments are formed, political parties usually take care that representatives of different castes and tribes find a place in it. Some political parties are known to favour some castes. Democracy provides for equal status and opportunities for all castes.

(iv) Dignity of women. Democracy recognises dignity of women as a necessary ingredient of society. The one way to ensure that women related problems get adequate attention is to have more women as elected representatives. To achieve this, it is legally binding to have a fair proportion of women in the elected bodies. Panchayati Raj in India has reserved one-third seats in local government bodies for women. In March 2010, the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha ensuring 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State legislative bodies.
Or,
(B) A democracy is concerned with ensuring that people have the right to choose their rulers and have control over the rulers.
— When possible and necessary, citizens should be able to participate in decision making in a democracy.
— Democracy ensures that decision-making is based on norms and procedures. A citizen has the right and the means to examine the process of decision-making. Thus democracy entails transparency.
— For a democracy to produce an accountable, responsive and legitimate government, it must ensure the following:

• Regular, free and fair elections.
• Open public debate on major policies and legislations.
• Citizens’ right to be informed about government policies.
• A government free from corruption.

Question 33.
(A) Justify the role of ‘Self Help Groups’ in the rural economy. [5]
Or, (B) “Cheap and affordable credit is crucial for the country’s development.” Justify the statement. [5]
Answer:
(A) Role of self help groups (SHGs):

• SHGs help borrowers overcome the problem of absence of collateral.
• People can get timely loans for a variety of purposes and at a reasonable interest rate.
• SHGs are the building blocks of organisation of the rural poor.
• They help women to become self-reliant and also provide a platform for discussion on social issues.
• Loans help in creating self-employment opportunities for the members. A loan may help them release mortgaged land, for meeting working capital needs (buying seeds, fertilizers, raw materials, acquiring assets like sewing machines, handlooms, cattle, etc.).

Or,
(B) Credit means loams. It refers to am agreement in which the lender supplies the borrower with money, goods or services in return for the promise of future repayment.
(i) Cheap and affordable credit is crucial for the country’s growth and economic development. Credit is in great demand for various kinds of economic activities big or small investments, to set up business, buying cars, houses, etc.

(ii) In rural areas cheap and affordable credit helps in the development of agriculture by providing funds to farmers to buy seeds, fertilizers, expensive pesticides.

(iii) Manufacturers need credit for buying raw material or to meet on-going expenditure ‘ . of production. Cheap credit helps in the purchase of plant, machinery, equipment,
etc. and contains the cost of production.

(iv) Some people may need to borrow for illness, marriages, etc. Cheap and affordable credit does not create unnecessary burden on individuals. Thus, cheap and affordable credit is crucial for the country’s growth and economic development.

SECTION-E

(CASE BASED/SOURCE BASED QUESTIONS) [3 × 4 = 12]

Question 34.
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow: [4]
WHY NEWSPAPERS?
‘Krishnaji Trimbuck Ranade inhabitant of Poona intends to publish a Newspaper in the Marathi Language with a view of affording useful information on every topic of local interest. It will be open for free discussion on subjects of general utility, scientific investigation and the speculations connected with the antiquities, statistics, curiosities, history and geography of the country and of the Deccan especially… the patronage and support of all interested in the diffusion of knowledge and Welfare of the People is earnestly solicited.’

Bombay Telegraph and Courier, 6 January, 1849
‘The task of the native newspapers and political associations is identical to the role of the Opposition in the House of Commons in Parliament in England. That is of critically examining government policy to suggest improvements, by removing those parts that will not be to the benefit of the people, and also by ensuring speedy implementation. These associations ought to carefully study the particular issues, gather diverse relevant information on the nation as well as on what are the possible and desirable improvements, and this will surely earn it considerable influence.’
Native Opinion, 3 April, 1870.
I. Explain the main reason of publishing newspaper by Krishnaji? [1]
II. How was the task of native newspaper and political association seen identical to the role of opposition? [1]
III. Analyze the reasons of popularity of newspapers during 19th century. [2]
Answer:
I. Krishnaji published a Marathi Language Newspaper with a view of affording useful information on every topic of local interest, open for free discussion on subjects of general utility, scientific investigation and history and geography of the country especially Deccan.

II. The task of native newspaper and political association was that of critically examining government policy and to suggest improvements, by removing those parts that are not beneficial to the people, and also by ensuring speedy implementation.

III. (i) The newspaper would connect communities and people in different parts of
(ii) Newspapers conveyed news from one place to another, creating PAN-Indian identities.

Question 35.
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow: [4]
RAINWATER HARVESTING
Many thought that given the disadvantages and rising resistance against the multi purpose projects, water harvesting system was a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally. In ancient India, along with the sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water harvesting system. People had in-dep>th knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types and developed wide ranging techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water and flood water in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ of the Western Himalayas for agriculture.

‘Rooftop rainwater harvesting’ was commonly practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan. In the flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields. In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain fed storage structures that allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like How many languages do we have in India? The answer depends on how one counts it.

The latest information that we have is from the Census of India held in 2011. This census recorded more than 1300 distinct languages which people mentioned as their mother tongues. These languages were grouped together under some major languages. For example languages like Bhojpuri, Magadhi, Bundelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi, Rajasthani and many others were grouped together under ‘Hindi’. Even after this grouping, the Census found 121 major languages. Of these 22 languages are now the most diverse country in the world.
I. Explain the importance of language diversity in India. [1]
II. Differentiate between Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Languages. [1]
III. ‘The fusion of languages has united the country into one cultural entity.’ Explain the statement with an example. [2]
Answer:
(i) Given the disadvantages and rising resistance against multi-purpose projects, water harvesting system is a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally.
(ii) Process of Rainwater Harvesting:
(a) Rooftop rainwater is collected using a PVC pipe.
(b) Filtered using sand and bricks.
(c) Underground pipe takes water to sump for immediate usage.
(d) Excess water recharges the underground well.
(iii) Two methods adopted by ancient India for water conservation are:
(a) Guls or Kuls of the western Himalayas for agriculture.
(b) ‘Khadins’ in Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.

Question 36.
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow: [4]
Language Diversity of India
How many languages do we have in India? The answer depends on how one counts it. The latest information that we have is from the Census of India held in 2011. This census recorded more than 1300 distinct languages which people mentioned as their mother tongues. These languages were grouped together under some major languages. For example languages like Bhojpuri, Magadhi, Bundelkhandi, Chhattisgarhi, Rajasthani and many others were grouped together under ‘Hindi’. Even after this grouping, the Census found 121 major languages. Of these 22 languages are now included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and are therefore called ‘Scheduled Languages’. Others are called ‘Non-Scheduled Languages’. In terms of languages, India is perhaps the most diverse country in the world.
I. Explain the importance of language diversity in India. [1]
II. Differentiate between Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Languages. [1]
III. ‘The fusion of languages has united the country into one cultural entity.’ Explain the statement with an example. [2]
Answer:
(i) Language diversity has helped preserving the unique identities and cultures of different communities. It has also contributed to the development of various art forms, literature and music.

(ii) (a) 121 languages of the major Indian 22 languages have been included in the eighth
schedule of the constitution. These 22 languages are called Scheduled languages.
(b) The other languages which have not been included in the eighth schedule are called
Non-scheduled languages.

(iii) The diverse languages and cultures of India have blended together to create a shared sense of national identity. One example of this fusion can be seen in Bollywood films.

SECTION-F

(MAP SKILL BASED QUESTIONS) [2 + 3 = 5]

Question 37.
(i) Two places A and B have been marked
on the given political outline map of India. Identify them with the help of given information and write their correct names on the lines drawn near them.
(a) The place where Mahatma Gandhi started Satyagraha for Indigo peasants. [1]
(b) The place where the session of Indian National Congress held in December, 1920. [1]

(ii) On the same outline map of India locate and label any three of the following with suitable symbols:
(a) Tehri Dam 1
(b) Narora Atomic Power Station [1]
(c) Pune Software Technology Park [1]
(d) Haldia Sea Port [1]

Note: The following questions are only for the visually Impaired candidates in lieu of question no. 37. [5 × 1 = 5]

ATTEMPT ANY FIVE:

(i) Name the place where the session of Indian National Congress was held in December, 1920. [1]
(ii) Name the place where Mahatma Gandhi started Satyagraha for Indigo peasants. [1]
(iii) Name the State where Narora Nuclear Plant is located. [1]
(iv) Name the State where Tehri Dam is located. [1]
(v) Name the State where Mumbai Software Technology Park is located. [1]
(vi) Name the State where Haldia Sea Port is located. 1
Answer:
FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED CANDIDATES:
(i) Nagpur
(ii) Champaran (Bihar)
(iii) Uttar Pradesh
(iv) Uttarakhand
(v) Maharashtra
(vi) West Bengal

( SET II: Code No. 32/4/2)

Except for the following questions, all the remaining questions have been asked in Set I.

SECTION-B

(VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS) [4 × 2 = 8]

Question 21.
(A) Mention any two changes that occurred in West Punjab in the 19th century. [2]
Or
(B) Mention any two advantages of the Silk route in the pre-modern trade. [2]
Answer:
(A) Changes that occurred in West Punjab in the 19th Century:
(i) In West Punjab, the British Indian government built a network of irrigation canals to transport semi-desert water into fertile agricultural lands that could grow wheat and cotton for export.

(ii) The Canal colonies, as areas irrigated by the new canals were called, were occupied by peasants from other parts of Punjab.
Or,
(B) The routes on which cargoes carried Chinese silk to the west were known as ‘Silk routes’.
(i) Historians have discovered several silk routes over land and by sea, covering vast regions of Asia and connecting Asia with Europe and North Africa. Pottery from China, textile and spices from India and South Asia also travelled the same route.

(ii) In return, precious metals like gold and silver flowed from Europe to Asia. The traders along with trading items carried knowledge, ideas, values, skills, inventions, lifestyles, food habits, religious beliefs, etc.

(iii) Culturally, Buddhism emerged from Eastern India and spread in several directions through the silk routes. Thus, silk route not only played a major role in linking distant parts of the world, but also promoted pre-modern trade and cultural links.

Question 22.
“Industrialisation and Urbanisation go hand in hand.” Explain. [2]
Answer:
After an industrial activity starts, urbanisation follows. Some industries are located in and around the cities. Thus industrialisation and urbanisation go hand in hand. Cities provide markets, services such as banking, insurance, transport, labour, consultancy and financial advice, etc. to industries. Many industries tend to come together to make use of the advantages offered by the urban centres known as ‘agglomeration economies’. Gradually, a large industrial agglomeration or clustering takes place around an urban centres.

SECTION-C

(SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS) [5 × 3 = 15]

Question 25.
Describe any three measures that were introduced by the French revolutionaries to create a sense of collective identity amongst the French people. [3]
Answer:
French revolutionaries introduced various other measures such as:

• The Estate General was elected by the body of active citizens and renamed the National Assembly.
• New hymns were composed, oaths were taken and martyrs were commemorated all in the name of the nation.
• A centralised administrative system was put in place and it formulated uniform laws for all citizens within its territory.
• Internal customs, duties and dues were abolished and a uniform system of weights and measures was adopted.
• Regional dialects were discouraged and French, as it was spoken and written in Paris, became the common language of the nation.
• They further declared that it was the mission and the destiny of the French nation to liberate the people of Europe from despotism and help them to become nations.

Question 28.
Explain the role of Regional Parties in Indian democracy. [3]
Answer:
The state parties also referred to as Regional parties are not necessarily regional in ideology. Some of these parties are All India parties that happen to have succeeded only in some states. Over the’last three decades, the number and strength of these parties has expanded. As a result, the National parties were compelled to form alliances with state parties. Since 1996, nearly every one of the State parties got an opportunity to be a part of one or the other National level coalition government. This contributed to the strengthening of federalism and democracy. Example of state parties having National level political organisations with units in several states are Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janata Dal, Samata Party.

Question 29.
(A) Examine the benefits that are enjoyed by the people working in the organized sector. [3]
Or
(B) Examine how ‘Public Sector’ contributes in the economic development of the nation? [3]
Answer:
(A) Benefits enjoyed by the people working in the Organised sector are:
(i) Organised sector is registered by the government and follows its rules and regulations which are given in various laws (Example, Factory Act, Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, Shop and Establishment Act, etc.).

(ii) Workers in Organised sector enjoy job security, work for a fixed number of hours and are paid overtime if they work more than the fixed number of hours.

(iii) The employees enjoy certain benefits like paid leave, payment during holidays, Provident Fund and Gratuity, etc.

Or
(B) In the public sector, ownership of assets and delivery of services is under the government. The government spends huge amounts of money in providing various services to the public at reasonable price.
The Government thus contributes towards the economic development of the nation by development of infrastructure, i.e.,

• Construction of roads, National highways, Flyovers, Metro-rail, Railway lines, Irrigation through dams, etc.
• The government provides an impetus to industrial growth by supplying electricity at affordable rates.
• By running schools and providing good quality of education, the government is trying to remove illiteracy and taking the nation forward.

SECTION-D :

(LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS) [4 × 5 = 20]

Question 30.
(A) “Gandhiji felt the Khilafat issue as an opportunity to bring Hindus and Muslims under the umbrella of a unified national movement.” Explain the statement. [5]
Or
(B) Explain the participation of women in the ‘Civil Disobedience Movement’. [5]
Answer:
(A) Khilafat Movement was organized by the famous Ali Brothers, i.e., Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, to protest against injustice done to Turkey (one of the defeated countries in the First World War) after the war. This had created a great indignation among Muslim masses. The Sultan of Turkey was also considered the Caliph or Khalifa, the religious head of the Muslims and there was a rumour that a harsh peace treaty was going to be imposed on him. To defend the Khalifa’s temporal powers, a Khilafat Committee was formed in Bombay in March 1919.

This issue was made part of the Indian Nationalist Movement. Gandhiji, who wanted to launch a more broad-based movement, felt that this is the opportunity to bring the Hindus and Muslims under the umbrella of a unified national movement. Thus, Gandhiji took up the Khilafat issue. He also convinced other leaders that there was a need to start a Non-cooperation Movement in support of Khilafat Movement. Both the movements merged and came to be known as Khilafat-Non-cooperation Movement.
Or
(B) Moved by Gandhiji’s call, women began to see service to the nation as a scared duty. But, this increased public role did not mean any radical change in the position of women. Gandhiji was convinced that it was the duty of the women to look after their homes, be good mothers and wives.
Congress, too for a long time was reluctant to allow women to hold any position of authority within the organisation. It was keen only on their symbolic presence.
An important feature of the Civil Disobedience Movement was large-scale participation of women:

• Women came out of their homes to listen to Gandhiji.
• They participated in protest marches, manufactured salt and picketed foreign cloth and liquor shops. Many women went to jail.
• Women who participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement, came from high-caste

Question 31.
(A) Analyse the problems of Road Transport in India. [5]
Or
(B) ‘Railways in India promote the socio-economic life of the country.’ Examine the statement. [5]
Answer:
(A) Problems faced by Road Transportation in India:

• The road network is inadequate in proportion to the volume of traffic and passengers.
• About half of the roads are unmetalled which makes them useless during rainy season.
• The National Highways are inadequate and lack roadside amenities.
• The roads are highly congested in cities.
• Most of the bridges and culverts are old and narrow.

Or
(B) Railways in India promote the socio-economic life of the country:

• Railways are the principal mode of transportation for freight and passengers in India, as they link different parts of the country.
• They carry huge loads and bulky goods to long distances.
• Railways make it possible to conduct multiple activities like business, tourism, pilgrimage along with goods transportation over very long distances.
• Railways have been a great integrating force for the nation, for more than 160 years now.
• They have been helpful in binding the economic life of the country and also have promoted cultural fusion.
• They have accelerated the development of the industry and agriculture.

(SET III: Code No. 32/4/3)

Except for the following questions, all the remaining questions have been asked in Set I & II.

SECTION-B

(VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS) [4 × 2 = 8]

Question 21.
(A) State the names and countries of the two hostile groups that turned against each other in the irst World War. [2]
Or
(B) Differentiate between Fixed and Floating exchange rate. [2]
Answer:
(A) The First World War was fought between two power blocs.
One side were the Allies – Britain, France and Russia (later joined by the US).
On the opposite side were the Central Powers-Germany, Austria, Hungary and Ottoman Turkey.
The war began in August 1914 and lasted more than four years.
Or
(B) Exchange rates link national currencies for the purpose of International Trade. When exchange rates are fixed and governments intervene to prevent movements in them, they are called Fixed Exchange rates.
Flexible or floating exchange rates fluctuate depending on demand and supply of currencies in foreign exchange markets without any government interference.

Question 22.
Why does the textile industry occupy unique position in the Indian economy? Explain. [2]
Answer:
The textile industry occupies a unique position in the Indian Economy because:

• It contributes significantly to industrial production (14%).
• It employs largest number of people after agriculture, i.e., 35 million persons directly.
• Its share in the foreign exchange earnings is significant at about 24.6 %.
• It contributes 4% towards GDP.
• It is the only industry in the country which is self-reliant and complete in the value chain, i.e., from raw material to the highest value added products.

SECTION-C

(SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS) [5 × 3 = 15]

Question 25.
Explain the role of Otto Von Bismarck in the Unification of Germany. [3]
Answer:
Contribution of Otto von Bismarck in German unification. Nationalist feelings started spreading amongst the middle class Germans, who in 1848, tried to unite different parts of German confederation into a nation state to have an elected parliamentarian government. However, this liberal movement was repressed by the combined forces of monarchy and military supported by Prussian landowners.
– Prussian Chief Minister, Otto von Bismarck, took the responsibility of national unification with the help of Prussian army and bureaucracy. Under his leadership he fought three wars over seven years with Austria, Denmark and France. Prussia was victorious in all these wars and the process of unification of Germany was completed as a result of Prussia’s victory over France.

Question 28.
Explain the merits of Multi-party System. [3]
Answer:
Multi-party system. In this system, the government is formed by various parties coming together in a coalition. When several parties in a multi-party system join hands for the purpose of contesting elections and winning power, it is called an alliance or a front.
Merits of Multi-party system:
(i) This system appears messy and leads to political instability. But, at the same time, it allows for à variety of interests and opinions to enjoy political representation.

(ii) Each country develops a party system that is conditioned by its special circumstances. If India has evolved as a multi-party system, it is because its social and geographical diversity cannot be absorbed by two or three parties. Thus, such representation of social diversity strengthens democracy.

(iii) Multi-party system facilitates representation of regional and geographical diversities. In India, several regional parties have been in power at the State level such as the DMK in Tamil Nadu, Akali Dal in Punjab and BSP and Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.

Question 29.
(A) Compare the employment conditions prevailing in the organized and unorganized sector. [3]
Or
Explain how ‘Tertiary Sector’ is different from other sectors. [3]
Answer:
(A) Organized sector:
(i) In this sector, terms of employment are regular and people have assured work.

(ii) They are registered by the government.

(iii) Workers enjoy security of employment, they have to work for fixed hours, they are paid overtime and enjoy several other benefits like paid leave, payment during holidays, provident fund, gratuity, pension, retirement benefits, medical benefits, etc.

(iv) Entities under organized sector have to follow the rules and regulations which are given in various laws (Factories Act, Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, Shops and Establishment Act).

Unorganized sector:
(i) In this sector, employment is not secure and jobs are irregular.

(ii) Here government rules are not followed as they are outside the control of the government.

(iii) Usually, they offer low-paid jobs, no provision for overtime, paid leave, holiday leave or sick leave.

(iv) Employees can be asked to leave without any reason. One can also see a large number of under-employed workers in this sector.
Or,
(B) Tertiary sector is different from the Primary and Secondary sectors as the activities in this sector are different.
(i) Tertiary sector does not produce any visible goods as in the case of Primary and Secondary sectors.

(ii) Activities in Tertiary sector help in the development of Primary and Secondary sectors. They act as aid and support for the production process.

(iii) They offer services like transportation by trucks and trains, arrangement for storage, help in communicating by way of letters, telephonic calls, accounting and finance facilities like arranging finance from banks, etc.

(iv) They also provide skilled services rendered by some professionals to other people, e.g., doctors, lawyers, etc.

SECTION-D

(LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS) [4 × 5 = 20]

Question 30.
“Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation.” Examine the statement in context of Civil Disobedience Movement. [5]
Or
(B) Examine the progress of the Civil Disobedience Movement among different strata of society. [5]
Answer:
(A) Mahatma Gandhi found in salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation:
(i) On 31st January, 1930 he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands, one of which was the demand to abolish Salt Tax.

(ii) Salt is one of the most essential food items consumed by the rich and poor alike and a tax on it was considered an oppression on the people by the British Government.

(iii) Mahatma Gandhi’s letter was an ultimatum and if his demands were not fulfilled by March 11, he had threatened to launch a civil disobedience campaign.

(iv) So, Mahatma Gandhi started his famous Salt March accompanied by 78 of his trusted volunteers.
The march was over 240 miles, from Gandhiji’s ashram in Sabarmati to the Gujarati coastal town of Dandi.

(v) The volunteers walked for 24 days, about 10 miles a day. Thousands came to hear Mahatma Gandhi wherever he stopped, and he told them what he meant by Swaraj and urged them to peacefully defy the British.

(vi) On 6th April, he reached Dandi, and ceremonially violated the law, manufacturing salt by boiling sea water. This marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Or
(B) (i) Rich peasant communities, like the Patidars of Gujarat and the Jats of Uttar Pradesh, , became active in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
– Being producers of commercial crops, they were hard hit by trade-depression and falling prices.
– For them fight for Swaraj was a struggle against high revenues.

(ii) Small tenants had been cultivating rented land of landlords. They were not interested in the lowering of the revenue demand.
– They wanted unpaid rent to be remitted.
– They often joined the radical movements led by the socialists and communists.

(iii) Merchants reacted against colonial policies that restricted business activities. They wanted protection against import of foreign goods and wanted a rupee-sterling foreign exchange ratio that would discourage imports.

(iv) Industrialists formed the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress in 1920.
– They formed the Federation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) in 1927.
– They refused to sell or buy imported goods. They gave financial assistance and supported the Civil Disobedience Movement.

(v) Another important feature of the Civil Disobedience Movement was large-scale participation of women.
– Women participated in protest marches, manufactured salt and picketed foreign cloth and liquor shops. Many women went to jail.
– These women came from high-caste families in urban areas and rich peasant households in rural areas.

Question 31.
(A) Explain the rapid transformation in the communication sector in the modem times. [5]
Or
(B) Explain the characteristics of International trade of India. [5]
Answer:
(A) (i) As the pace of change has been rapid in modern times, long distance communication has become easier without physical movement of communicator or receiver. For example, now-a-days people are able to communicate from anywhere in the world through WhatsApp, Twitter etc.

(ii) Through advanced communication technology (internet), time and money are saved. This is because it is much cheaper and quicker to transfer information around. It also becomes faster and efficient to contact with anyone anywhere instantly. The internet has also provided face-to-face communication through Skype, social media sites, video conferencing, and many other such ways. Most of the urban centres are connected by STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) telephone facility.

(iii) In order to strengthen the flow of information from the grass-root level to the higher level, the government has made special provision to extend 24 hours STD service facility to every village in the country.

(iv) Moreover the mobile phone industry in India has grown exponentially in the last decade with both Indian and International telecom companies ruling the market. India also has the world’s second largest internet user base.
Or
(B) Characteristics of International Trade of India:

• International trade is defined as the exchange of goods and services between two or more countries.
• International trade in India has undergone a substantial change in the last fifteen years. Liberalisation policies of government and lifting of barriers on trade has made it truly global in nature.
• India has trading relations with all major trading blocks and geographical regions of the world.
• In this day and age of globalisation, exchange of goods and commodities has been overtaken by the exchange of information and knowledge.
• India has proved to be a world leader in software technology and is earning large amounts of foreign exchange through the export of software technology.