CBSE Class 10 –Social Science Previous Paper 2023

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Time allowed : 3 hours

Maximum Marks : 80

SECTION-A

(Multiple Choice Questions) (20 x 1 = 20)

1. Match the following attributes of allegory of Germania with its significance and choose the correct option: 1

Attributes Significance

a. Broken Chains I. Heroism

b. Breast-Plate with eagle II. Readiness to fight

c. Crown of oak leaves III. Strength

d. Sword IV. Being free

Options:

a b c d

(A) I II III IV

(B) IV III I II

(C) II I IV III

(D) III IV II I

Answer: (B)

• Broken Chains: Symbolizes being freed from oppression or bondage.
• Breastplate with eagle: Represents the strength and power of the German state.
• Crown of oak leaves: A traditional German symbol for heroism and honor.
• Sword: Signifies the military might of Germany and the readiness to fight.

2. Which one of the following aspects was common between the writings of B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker? 1

(A) Wrote on the caste system in India

(B) Highlighted the experiences of women

(C) Raised awareness about cultural heritage

(D) Motivated Indians for their national freedom. 

Answer: (A) Both B.R. Ambedkar and E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) were prominent social reformers who vehemently critiqued and wrote extensively against the caste system in India.

3. Who of the following set up the first Iron and Steel industry in India? 1

(A) J.R.D. Tata

(B) Purushotam Das

(C) R.G. Saraiya

(D) Thakur Das

Answer: (A) While J.R.D. Tata was a prominent figure in the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), it was Jamsetji Tata (not JRD) who founded the company, which is considered the first large-scale iron and steel industry in India. Since Jamsetji Tata is not an option, J.R.D. Tata is the closest correct answer among the choices provided, as he was instrumental in leading and expanding the company later. It’s important to note the nuance regarding the actual founder.

4. (A) III, II, I and IV

• III. A car manufacturer Henry Ford adopted the ‘Assembly Line Method’ for production. (This began around 1913.)
• II. The Second World War broke out between the Axis and Allied groups. (This began in 1939.)
• I. The Bretton Woods conference established the International Monetary Fund. (This was in 1944.)
• IV. The Western economies organized themselves as a group “The Group of 77′. (This was established in 1964.)

5. (A) Wheat

The clues point directly to wheat:

• Second most important cereal crop: Wheat is a staple grain and globally the second most produced cereal.
• Rabi crop: Wheat is typically sown in the winter (Rabi season) in India.
• Cool growing season and bright sunshine at ripening: This is characteristic of wheat’s growth cycle.

50 to 75 cm annual rainfall: This rainfall range is suitable for wheat cultivation.

6. In which of the following States is the Tungabhadra Dam located?

(D) Karnataka

7. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

(A) Alluvial Soil – Gangetic Plain

8. Which of the following countries has the highest ‘Life Expectancy’ at birth?

(C) India (Among the options provided. It’s important to note that life expectancy data can vary by source and is constantly changing.)

9. Which one of the following organizations is providing data regarding employment in India?

(A) National Statistical Office

10. Which one of the following is a major benefit to an MNC when it works on joint production with a local company?

(A) MNC shares its latest technology with the local company. While this can happen, it’s not the primary benefit from the MNC’s perspective. MNCs often benefit more from:

• Reduced risk: Sharing costs and navigating local regulations.
• Access to local markets: Utilizing the local company’s established distribution networks and knowledge of the market.
• Lower costs: Potentially benefiting from lower labor or production costs in the local area.

However, given the options, the closest answer is (A), even though it’s phrased as the MNC sharing rather than gaining access to technology. The other options are incorrect.

11. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

(A) Primary Sector – Fishermen This is the correct match. The primary sector involves the extraction of raw materials, and fishing falls under this category.

12. Assume there are four families in a locality. If the monthly income of each family is ₹10,000, ₹20,000, ₹30,000 and ₹40,000, then what is the average income of the locality?

(A) ₹25,000

Here’s the calculation:

(₹10,000 + ₹20,000 + ₹30,000 + ₹40,000) / 4 = ₹100,000 / 4 = ₹25,000

13. Kanta works in an office. She gets her salary regularly at the end of every month. In addition to the salary, she also gets other benefits laid down by the government. In which of the following sectors is Kanta working?

(A) Organised Sector The organized sector is characterized by formal employment, regular salaries, and benefits like those mentioned (government-mandated).

14. Which one of the following is a formal source of credit?

(D) Cooperative Society Cooperative societies are registered entities that operate within a legal framework and are considered formal sources of credit.

15. Consider the following statements on Power Sharing and choose the correct option:

I. It deepens democracy. II. It helps to reduce conflicts among social groups. III. It is a way to ensure political stability. IV. It brings socio-economic struggles.

Options:

(A) I, II and III Power sharing is indeed a vital aspect of deepening democracy, reducing conflicts, and ensuring political stability. However, it doesn’t directly bring socio-economic struggles; rather, it can be a mechanism to address or mitigate them.

16. Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the Statements and choose the correct option:

Assertion (A): Elections are the spirit of democracy.  

Reason (R): Elections expand Political participation.

Options:

(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). Elections are fundamental to democracy, and they achieve this by enabling broad political participation.

17. Match Column – A with Column B and choose the correct option:

Options:

(D) 2 3 1 4 This option correctly matches each subject with its corresponding list in the Indian Constitution.

18. Which one of the following is the most popular form of government in the contemporary world?

(D) Democratic Government While not all countries are democracies, it is the most widely aspired to and prevalent form of government globally.

19. Two statements are given below as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read the statements and choose the appropriate option:

Assertion (A): Women in different parts of the World organized themselves and agitated for equal rights.

Reason (R): Women’s movement aimed at equality in personal and family life as well.

Options:

(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). Women’s movements around the world have indeed organized and agitated for equal rights, and these movements’ goals absolutely include achieving equality in personal and family life.  

20. Which one of the following matters does NOT deal with the ‘Family Laws’?

(D) Finance While finances can certainly be affected by family law decisions (e.g., divorce settlements, child support), “finance” itself isn’t a direct component of family law. Family laws primarily deal with matters of marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and related familial relationships and responsibilities.

SECTION – B

(Very Short Answer Type Questions) (4 x 2 = 8)

21. (a) Explain Romanticism as a cultural movement in Europe.

Romanticism was a cultural movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature over reason and rationalism. It celebrated imagination, passion, and the heroic ideal. It also fostered a renewed interest in national cultures and folklore.

OR

(b) Explain Frederic Sarrieu’s dream in the context of democratic and social republics in France during 1848.

Frederic Sarrieu, in his prints, visualized a world of democratic and social republics where nations are united on the basis of shared culture, liberty, and freedom. His dream represented the aspirations for a more just and egalitarian society, reflecting the revolutionary fervor of 1848 in France.

22. Mention any two features of Plantation agriculture.

• It is a form of commercial farming.
• It requires large capital investment and a big labor force.
• It focuses on single cash crops.
• It often involves a combination of agriculture and industry (e.g., tea processing). (Any two of these are acceptable)

23. Explain any two provisions that make India a secular state.

• The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens.
• The state does not have an official religion.
• All religions are treated equally before the law.
• There is no discrimination based on religion in matters of employment, education, etc. (Any two of these are acceptable)

24. Imagine that you are the village Head. Suggest any two activities that you think should be taken up to increase the income of the villagers.  

• Skill development programs to enhance employability.
• Promotion of local handicrafts and cottage industries.
• Development of irrigation facilities to improve agricultural productivity.
• Facilitating access to credit and markets for farmers and artisans. (Any two of these are acceptable)

SECTION – C

(Short Answer Type Questions) (5 x 3 = 15)

25. Explain the implication of print culture on the religious reforms in India during the 19th century.

Print culture played a crucial role in religious reforms by:

• Disseminating religious texts and ideas widely, enabling people to access and interpret them independently.
• Facilitating public debates and discussions on religious issues, challenging traditional orthodoxies.
• Enabling reform movements to reach a wider audience and mobilize support for their cause.
• Empowering religious leaders and reformers to publish tracts and pamphlets, spreading their interpretations and critiques.

26. How has Information Technology affected the Electronic Industry? Explain.

Information Technology has revolutionized the electronic industry by:

• Enabling the miniaturization and increased efficiency of electronic devices.
• Facilitating the development of new products and applications (e.g., smartphones, IoT).
• Streamlining manufacturing processes and supply chain management.
• Creating new markets and distribution channels for electronic goods and services.
• Driving innovation and research in electronics through global collaboration and knowledge sharing.

27. The question of sustainability of development raises many fundamentally new issues about the nature and process of development.’ Explain it with examples.  

The concept of sustainable development challenges traditional notions of progress by emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. It raises issues like:

• Intergenerational equity: How can we ensure that future generations have access to the same resources and opportunities that we enjoy today? For example, over-reliance on fossil fuels depletes resources and contributes to climate change, impacting future generations.
• Resource depletion: How can we manage finite resources responsibly? Overconsumption of water for agriculture in one region can lead to shortages in another, impacting both present and future populations.
• Environmental degradation: How can we minimize pollution and protect ecosystems? Industrial waste and deforestation have long-term consequences for biodiversity and human health.
• Social justice: How can we ensure that development benefits all members of society, not just a privileged few? Unequal access to education and healthcare perpetuates poverty and inequality.

Sustainable development requires a shift towards more holistic and long-term thinking, considering the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental systems.

28. Explain any three functions of a Political Party.

• Contesting elections: Parties field candidates in elections at various levels, providing voters with choices.
• Formulating policies and programs: Parties develop platforms and propose policies on various issues, offering different approaches to governance.
• Providing a link between citizens and the government: Parties act as a channel for communication and feedback between the public and the government, conveying concerns and demands.
• Playing a role in the formation and running of government: The party that wins a majority of seats forms the government, and even in opposition, parties play a crucial role in shaping policy and holding the government accountable.

29. (a) Explain any three functions of the Reserve Bank of India.

• Issuer of currency: The RBI has the sole right to issue and manage the circulation of currency in India.
• Banker to the government: The RBI manages the government’s accounts, provides loans, and advises on financial matters.
• Controller of credit: The RBI regulates the flow of credit in the economy through various monetary policy instruments.
• Custodian of foreign exchange reserves: The RBI manages the country’s foreign exchange reserves, helping to stabilize the currency.
• Banker’s Bank: The RBI acts as a bank to other banks, providing them with loans and overseeing their operations. (Any three of these are acceptable)

OR

(b) Explain the role of banks with regard to money which they accept from the public.

Banks play a vital role in the economy by:

• Accepting deposits: They accept money from the public in various forms (savings accounts, fixed deposits, etc.), providing a safe place for people to store their funds.
• Providing loans: They lend out a portion of these deposits to individuals and businesses, facilitating investment and economic activity.
• Facilitating payments: They provide a mechanism for making payments through checks, debit cards, credit cards, and online transfers.
• Creating credit: Through the process of lending and accepting deposits, banks create credit in the economy, expanding the money supply.
• Acting as intermediaries: They connect those who have surplus funds (savers) with those who need funds (borrowers).

SECTION – D

(Long Answer Type Questions) (4 x 5 = 20)

30. (a) Analyse the implications of the First World War on the economic and political situation of India.

The First World War had significant implications for India:

• Economic:
  • Increased demand for Indian goods led to industrial growth but also inflation.
  • War expenditure strained the British government’s finances, impacting India.
  • The war disrupted trade networks, affecting Indian businesses.
• Political:
  • Increased nationalist sentiment due to wartime hardships and broken promises.
  • The war exposed the exploitative nature of British rule.
  • It led to the rise of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and the intensification of the struggle for independence.
  • The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms were introduced, granting limited self-governance.

OR

(b) Analyse the role of folklore and symbols in the revival of nationalism in India during the late 19th century.

Folklore and symbols played a crucial role in the resurgence of nationalism:

• Creating a sense of shared identity: They evoked a glorious past and cultural heritage, fostering unity among diverse populations.
• Inspiring patriotism: Stories of heroes and heroines instilled a sense of pride and encouraged resistance against foreign rule.
• Mobilizing mass support: Folklore and symbols were easily understood and relatable, making nationalist ideas accessible to a wider audience.
• Promoting cultural revival: They challenged the notion of cultural superiority of the colonizers and promoted indigenous traditions and values.
• Providing a medium for protest: Songs, plays, and other forms of folk expression were used to subtly criticize the British and express nationalist sentiments.

31. (a) ‘Efficient means of Transport are pre-requisite for fast development.’ Justify the statement.

Efficient transport is crucial for development because it:

• Facilitates trade: Reduces transportation costs and time, enabling businesses to access wider markets.
• Connects people: Improves access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, particularly in remote areas.
• Promotes economic growth: Enables the movement of goods, raw materials, and labor, stimulating industrial and agricultural activity.
• Enhances connectivity: Integrates regions and promotes social and cultural exchange.
• Creates employment: The transport sector itself provides numerous job opportunities.

OR

(b) ‘Roadways have an edge over Railways.’ Justify the statement.

Roadways offer several advantages over railways:

• Flexibility: Roads can reach remote areas and provide door-to-door service, unlike railways which are limited to fixed routes.
• Lower cost of construction and maintenance: Compared to laying railway tracks, road construction and upkeep are generally less expensive.
• Suitable for short distances: Road transport is often more efficient and cost-effective for shorter distances.
• Greater accessibility: Roads can cater to individual needs and offer personalized transportation options.
• Complementary to other modes: Road transport acts as a feeder service to railways, airways, and waterways, extending their reach.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that railways are more efficient for long-distance travel and bulk transport. The “edge” depends on the specific context and needs.

32. (a) “There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all over the world.” Support the statement with examples.

While there are challenges and setbacks, evidence suggests widespread support for democracy:

• Global public opinion surveys: Numerous polls indicate that a majority of people across continents favor democratic governance over other forms like authoritarianism.
• Pro-democracy movements: The Arab Spring uprisings, pro-democracy protests in various countries (e.g., Belarus, Myanmar), and movements for greater political freedoms demonstrate the desire for democratic systems.
• Spread of democratic institutions: Despite variations in implementation, more countries today have elected governments and democratic institutions than in previous eras.
• International support for democracy: Organizations like the UN and various NGOs promote democratic values and provide assistance to countries transitioning to democracy.
• Increased political participation: Higher voter turnout in many countries and greater engagement in civic discourse suggest a growing desire to participate in democratic processes.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that support for democracy isn’t uniform, and challenges like political polarization, misinformation, and socioeconomic inequality can undermine democratic institutions.

OR

(b) “Democracy can address all socio-economic and political problems.” Support the statement with arguments.

Democracy offers mechanisms to address societal problems:

• Accountability: Elected representatives are accountable to the people and can be voted out of office if they fail to address their concerns.
• Participation: Citizens can participate in policymaking through voting, advocacy, and public discourse, ensuring that diverse voices are heard.
• Rule of law: Democratic systems uphold the rule of law, ensuring that everyone is equal before the law and protecting fundamental rights.
• Freedom of expression: Democratic societies protect freedom of speech and the press, allowing for open debate and criticism of government policies.
• Peaceful resolution of conflicts: Democracy provides mechanisms for resolving conflicts through dialogue and compromise, rather than violence.

However, democracy is not a panacea. It can be slow, inefficient, and susceptible to issues like corruption, inequality, and the influence of special interests. Furthermore, a healthy civil society and an informed citizenry are crucial for democracy to function effectively.

33. (a) Analyse the impact of globalization in India.

Globalization has had a multifaceted impact on India:

• Economic:
  • Increased trade and investment have led to faster economic growth.
  • The rise of the IT sector has created numerous jobs and boosted exports.
  • Increased competition has benefited consumers with lower prices and greater choice.
  • However, it has also led to job losses in some sectors and increased inequality.
• Social:
  • Greater exposure to different cultures and ideas has enriched Indian society.
  • Increased migration has led to greater diversity but also social tensions in some areas.
  • Globalization has challenged traditional social structures and norms.
• Political:
  • India has become a more influential player on the global stage.
  • Increased interaction with other countries has led to greater cooperation on various issues.
  • However, globalization has also made India more susceptible to global economic and political forces.

OR

(b) Analyse the ways to make globalization fair.

Making globalization fairer requires concerted efforts at various levels:

• Strengthening international institutions: Reforming global governance structures to ensure that developing countries have a greater voice.
• Promoting fair trade: Reducing trade barriers and subsidies that favor developed countries, and ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.
• Addressing inequality: Implementing policies to redistribute the benefits of globalization more equitably, including social safety nets and investments in education and healthcare.
• Protecting the environment: Adopting sustainable development practices and addressing climate change to ensure that globalization does not come at the expense of the environment.
• Empowering local communities: Supporting local businesses and promoting community-based development initiatives to ensure that globalization benefits everyone, not just multinational corporations.
• Promoting ethical consumption: Encouraging consumers to make informed choices about the products they buy, considering the social and environmental impact of their purchases.

(34.1) How was the marketing of goods done in India by the British? (1 mark)

The British marketed goods in India by using labels on products, such as cloth bundles. These labels indicated the place of manufacture (e.g., “MADE IN MANCHESTER”) and the company name, aiming to familiarize buyers with the brand.

(34.2) How were new consumers created through advertisement during colonial India? (1 mark)

Advertisements, particularly labels on products, aimed to make goods appear desirable and necessary, shaping consumer preferences and creating new needs among the Indian population.

(34.3) Identify the messages conveyed through advertisements during industrialization. (2 marks)

Advertisements during industrialization conveyed messages of quality, trustworthiness, and prestige. They emphasized the origin of the product, such as “MADE IN MANCHESTER,” to imply superior quality associated with British industrial production. This branding aimed to build trust and make the product more desirable by associating it with modernity and progress.

(35.1) Why is sustainable energy a key to sustainable development? (1 mark)

Sustainable energy is key because it balances economic development with environmental protection and resource conservation, ensuring that future generations can meet their energy needs without compromising the planet’s resources.

(35.2) Why is the consumption of energy rising all over India? (1 mark)

Energy consumption is rising due to the economic development plans implemented since independence, which require increasing amounts of energy for various sectors like agriculture, industry, transport, and domestic use.

(35.3) Explain “Energy saved is energy produced.” (2 marks)

This phrase highlights the importance of energy conservation. Saving energy reduces the demand for energy, which in turn reduces the need to generate more energy from often limited and polluting sources. In essence, by using energy more efficiently and reducing waste, we effectively increase the amount of energy available for other uses, just as if we had produced more energy. This also helps to minimize environmental impact and conserve resources.