SECTION A
1. Why did nationalists in late-nineteenth-century India focus on recording and preserving folklore?
(B) To restore a sense of pride in traditional culture and national identity
Nationalists in India believed that folklore, including myths, stories, songs, and traditions, represented the cultural heritage of the Indian people. By preserving and promoting this folklore, they aimed to revive a sense of national pride and counter the colonial narrative that portrayed Indian culture as backward and inferior.
2. What is the significance of 43 percent land under plains?
(A) It provides facilities for agriculture and industry
Plains are fertile and easily accessible areas, ideal for agriculture, and support industrial development due to their flat topography and proximity to raw materials and transport routes.
3. Why state B has a low infant mortality rate (based on the data provided)?
(D) It has health care and education for all
A lower infant mortality rate is often a sign of better healthcare systems, maternal care, sanitation, and education. State B’s higher literacy rate and lower infant mortality rate suggest better access to these services.
4. Match List I and II
(A) 1 (a), 2 (b), 3 (c)
- Reserved Forests → North Eastern States
- Protected Forests → Andhra Pradesh
- Unclassed Forests → Haryana
5. Correct information related to Joint Forest Management
(C) 1 and 4 only
Joint Forest Management involves local communities in the management of forests, and members of local village communities benefit from non-timber forest products.
6. The people of Belgium have successfully dealt with their country’s power-sharing problem and are leading a happy and peaceful life. Which route to federation have they opted for?
(C) Holding Together
Belgium adopted the “Holding Together” federalism, where the central government shares power with regional governments to accommodate the different linguistic and cultural groups, ensuring peace.
7. Match List I with List II
(D) 1 (d), 2 (c), 3 (b), 4 (a)
- Ethnic → a social division based on culture
- Majoritarianism → belief that the majority community should rule
- Civil war → violent conflict between groups
- Unitary system → either one or two level government
8. Importance of credit for Mr. X in making candles
(C) 1, 2 and 3
Credit helps in meeting production expenses, facilitates completion of production on time, and allows for investment in necessary resources to meet production targets.
9. Why do North-eastern States enjoy special status in the Constitution of India?
(C) Due to their social and historical circumstances
The social and historical factors, including their unique tribal cultures, languages, and history, led to the special status of these states.
10. What do the letters falling from Napoleon’s bag represent?
(D) Areas conquered by him
In the image, Napoleon is depicted as a postman delivering letters, symbolizing the territories he conquered during his reign.
11. Factors that contribute to globalization
(A) Statements 1 and 2 are appropriate.
Globalization is primarily driven by the expansion of multinational corporations and advancements in information and communication technologies.
12. Federalism in the Indian Constitution
(A) 1 and 2
India is a Union of States, and power-sharing between Union and State governments is a fundamental feature of the Constitution.
13. Correct chronological order of events leading to the Civil Disobedience Movement
(C) 1, 4, 3, 2
- Boycott of the Simon Commission
- Salt March
- Letter sent to Viceroy Irwin
- Poorna Swaraj resolution passed
14. Why the share of employment in the primary sector remains high?
(B) Only II and III are true
India’s economy remains largely agrarian, with a majority dependent on agriculture. Additionally, the inadequate growth of the service sector forces people to remain in the primary sector.
15. Statement analysis about caricatures in the 1870s
(D) Both (I) & (II) are correct
By the 1870s, caricatures were being used in Indian journals to comment on various social and political issues, often portraying Western influences or calls for social change.
16. The issue referred to in the statement “frequent stories of _______ remind us that no system is entirely without shortcomings”
(D) Corruption
Corruption is a major issue in many democratic systems, undermining fairness and equity in governance.
17. Main factor leading to the rise of multiple political parties in India
(C) Linguistic and regional diversity
India’s diverse linguistic, cultural, and regional identities have fostered the rise of various political parties that represent these interests at different levels.
18. Result of greater foreign investment and trade
(D) Greater integration of production and markets
Globalization has led to interconnected markets and production across countries, integrating economies and industries.
19. True meaning of ‘Equal treatment of women’ as a necessary ingredient of a democratic society
(D) Women are now treated as equals in the political arena
Democracies emphasize gender equality, ensuring that women have equal participation and rights in political processes.
20. Meaning of “communal mindset” leading to political influence
(D) Both (I) & (II) are correct
A communal mindset can indeed lead to the creation of separate political entities, with groups vying for political power based on religious or cultural lines.
SECTION B: VERY SHORT ANSWER QUESTION
21. Justify the statement “Agriculture and industry are not exclusive of each other. They move hand in hand.”
Agriculture provides raw materials for industries, while industrial growth creates demand for agricultural products. For example, textile industries depend on cotton grown in agricultural fields, while agricultural machinery is produced by industrial units.
22. (A) Substantiate the statement “The silk routes are a good example of vibrant pre-modern trade and cultural links between distant parts of the world.”
The Silk Routes connected China, India, and Europe, facilitating not just trade in goods like silk, spices, and precious stones, but also the exchange of ideas, culture, and religion, such as Buddhism, between East and West.
OR
(B) Provide evidence to support the statement “New crops can significantly impact survival and well-being.”
The introduction of new crops like potatoes and corn in Europe greatly improved food security, nutrition, and population growth, while in India, crops like wheat and maize improved agricultural productivity.
23. Justify the statement “India with vast population and diversity represents a classic example of power sharing that exemplifies the very spirit of democracy.”
India’s federal structure, power-sharing between central and state governments, and reservation policies for various social groups (such as SC/ST, OBC, women) reflect its commitment to inclusive governance and democracy.
24. Justify the statement “Local Government is an effective way to uphold the democratic principle of decentralization.”
Local government empowers citizens by giving them control over local issues such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. It ensures that power is distributed across multiple levels, promoting democratic participation and accountability.
SECTION C: SHORT ANSWER-BASED QUESTIONS
25. Explain the statement “By the seventeenth century, as urban culture bloomed in China, the uses of print diversified.”
With the rise of urban centers in China, print technology became widely used for publishing books, newspapers, and political literature. The spread of Confucian texts and popular literature during this period showcases the diverse uses of print for education, culture, and commerce.
26. (A) How can one solve the problem of underemployment in rural areas?
Underemployment in rural areas can be addressed by introducing skill development programs, promoting agro-based industries, and encouraging rural entrepreneurship to create more meaningful employment opportunities.
OR
(B) Three reasons for Sunil’s dissatisfaction compared to Raman’s job satisfaction.
- Lack of job security in the unorganized sector.
- Lower wages and absence of benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.
- Lack of career growth opportunities compared to organized sector jobs with better infrastructure and job stability.
27. Define the agricultural term for cultivation of fruits and vegetables and its features in India.
The agricultural term is “Horticulture,” which involves the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. In India, it plays a significant role in food security and nutrition, providing livelihood opportunities, especially in regions with favorable climatic conditions.
28. Examples of women’s empowerment improving their status in society.
- Women now have access to education and participate in higher studies.
- Laws protecting women against domestic violence and workplace harassment.
- Increased participation in politics, with more women in legislative bodies.
29. Why has the tertiary sector become so popular in India?
- Growth of the service sector, including IT and finance.
- Urbanization, which has led to more demand for services like healthcare, education, and retail.
- Globalization, which has integrated India into the global market, increasing demand for business services.
SECTION D: LONG ANSWER-BASED QUESTIONS
30. Describe the functions of Political Parties in India.
- Representation: Political parties represent various sections of society, ensuring their interests are addressed.
- Policy Formulation: Parties create manifestos, which are outlines of their political and social agendas.
- Recruitment and training of leaders: They play a role in grooming future political leaders.
- Forming Governments: Winning parties form the government at the state or national level.
- Political Socialization: Political parties engage in educating the public on political issues and policies.
31. Impact of the liberalization process on agriculture, industry, and services.
- Agriculture: Increased exposure to global markets has led to higher income for some farmers, but also intensified competition.
- Industry: Industrial growth has been boosted by the removal of trade barriers, access to foreign technology, and increased investment.
- Services: The service sector, especially IT and outsourcing, has experienced a boom, driving economic growth and job creation.
32. Identify the stages of economic development through the framework of the human development index (HDI).
- Low Development: Countries with low income and limited access to education and healthcare.
- Medium Development: Countries with improving education and healthcare but still facing income inequality.
- High Development: Countries with high levels of education, long life expectancy, and high per capita income.
33. Provide a critique of communalism in Indian politics and its impact.
Communalism divides people based on religion, often leading to discrimination, violence, and political instability. It undermines the secular fabric of the Indian state and poses a challenge to national integration. Political parties that use communal issues for electoral gains contribute to divisiveness and undermine democratic principles.
34. Analyze the significance of “Economic Globalization” on India’s economy.
Economic globalization has resulted in increased trade, foreign investment, and technological transfers in India. It has allowed India to integrate into global supply chains, benefiting industries such as IT and textiles. However, it has also led to greater inequality and dependency on foreign markets.