സോഷ്യൽ സയൻസ് 1 &2 ഭാഗത്തെ പാർട്ട് 1 ലെ
എല്ലാ ചോദ്യങ്ങളും ഉത്തരങ്ങളും മലയാളത്തിലും ഇംഗ്ലീഷിലും നൽകിയിരിക്കുന്നു
Chapter 1: Moving Forward from the Stone Age
Question: Mention two advantages of copper tools over stone tools.
Answer: Two major advantages of copper tools over stone
tools are their durability and the ability to be changed into any
suitable shape and form.
Question: What is the Stone Age? How is it categorized?
Answer: The Stone Age is the phase in human history
when humans primarily used stones to make tools and weapons. It is
categorized into three periods based on the methods used to make these
stone tools: the Palaeolithic Age, the Mesolithic Age, and the Neolithic
Age.
Question: Explain the major characteristics of the Palaeolithic Age.
Answer: The Palaeolithic Age is characterized by
several key features. Humans used rough, unpolished stone tools for
various tasks. Their primary means of livelihood were hunting and
gathering, and they lived in natural shelters like caves and open
spaces. The basic unit of society was the band, which consisted of small
groups of fewer than one hundred members bound by blood relations.
There was a clear division of labor, with men typically engaged in
hunting and women in gathering. As food was not stored, Palaeolithic
humans followed a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place in
search of resources.
Question: List five differences between the Early Vedic Period and the Later Vedic Period.
Answer: The key differences between the Early and Later Vedic Periods are:
| Early Vedic Period | Later Vedic Period |
|---|---|
| 1. The primary region was the Sapta Sindhu region. | 1. The region of settlement extended to the Gangetic plain. |
| 2. The economy was primarily pastoral, based on cattle rearing. | 2. Agriculture became more important than cattle rearing. |
| 3. People led a semi-nomadic lifestyle. | 3. People adopted a settled lifestyle. |
| 4. Women enjoyed a comparatively higher social status. | 4. The social status of women declined significantly. |
| 5. Religious rites were simple and performed by the head of the family. Natural forces were worshipped. | 5. Religious rites became complicated and expensive. New deities were worshipped, and the Varna system grew stronger. |
Chapter 2: Ideas and Early States
Question: What were the three main factors that helped the development of new ideas in the Ganga basin during the 6th century BCE?
Answer: Three main factors that spurred the development
of new ideas in the 6th century BCE were the widespread use of iron
tools, a significant increase in agricultural production, and the
subsequent growth of trade and cities.
Question: What are the 'Triratnas' proposed by Mahavira?
Answer: The 'Triratnas' are the three principles
proposed by Vardhamana Mahavira for attaining 'Moksha' or salvation.
These principles are: Right Belief, Right Knowledge, and Right Action.
Question: Explain the key principles of Buddhism.
Answer: The key principles of Buddhism revolve around
understanding and overcoming sorrow. Buddha taught that life is full of
sorrow, and the root cause of this sorrow is desire. He believed that if
desire is destroyed, sorrow will disappear. To achieve this, one must
follow the Eight Fold Path (Ashtangamarga). Buddha rejected both severe
asceticism and luxurious living, suggesting a 'Middle Path' instead. He
also rejected the authority of the Vedas and the caste system. The
functioning of the ‘Sangha’ (monastic orders) helped to promote
democratic values in society.
Question: Describe the main ideas of 'Asoka Dhamma' and its purpose.
Answer: Asoka's Dhamma was a set of ethical and moral
principles propagated through his edicts and inscriptions. The main
ideas included being tolerant towards other religions, showing respect
to elders and teachers, and being kind to slaves and the sick. According
to the eminent historian Romila Thapar, the purpose of Asoka Dhamma was
to act as a unifying force for a vast and diverse country, aiming to
keep various social groups in harmony.
Chapter 3: Land Grants and the Indian Society
Question: What are 'Srenis' in the context of the Gupta period?
Answer: In the Gupta period, 'Srenis' were associations
or guilds of craftsmen and traders. Their responsibilities included
collecting raw materials, controlling the production process, and
marketing the finished goods. These guilds were powerful, and even
governments had to abide by their rules.
Question: Mention the three styles of temple architecture prevalent in ancient India.
Answer: The three major styles of temple architecture
in ancient India were the Nagara style, followed in North India; the
Vasara style, also found in North India; and the Dravidian style, which
prevailed in South India and was characterized by huge mandapas.
Question: Explain the major consequences of land grants during the Gupta period, leading to Indian Feudalism.
Answer: The practice of land grants during the Gupta
period had several major consequences that led to a system known as
'Indian Feudalism'. Firstly, the king’s authority over the donated land
gradually declined as the right to collect taxes and administer justice
was transferred along with ownership. Those who received these grants
also gained the right to sub-grant the land to others. Over time, kings
and nobles began giving land grants as remuneration for services instead
of cash payments. This created a powerful new class of landlords in
society. Consequently, farmers, agricultural labourers, and slaves
became rightless dependents, bound to the land where they were born.
Question: Analyse the achievements in Art, Literature, and Science/Technology during the Gupta period.
Answer: The Gupta period is renowned for significant achievements across various fields.
- Art and Architecture: Many temples were constructed using stone and bricks, such as the Dasavatara Temple at Deogarh. This period also produced remarkable sculptures and world-famous paintings, like those in the Ajanta Caves, which depict royal life and scenes from epics.
- Literature: Sanskrit literature flourished under royal patronage and was the language of administration. Great literary works were composed, including dramas like Kalidasa's Abhijnana Sakunthala, poems like Kumarasambhava, and important texts on grammar and lexicon like Amarakosam. The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata were also compiled into their present textual form.
- Science and Technology: The Gupta era demonstrated excellent technological skill in metallurgy, exemplified by the Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, which has shown no signs of rusting for centuries. Important scientific books covering astronomy, mathematics, and medicine were written. Notable works include Varahamihira’s Brihatsamhita and Arya Bhata’s Aryabhatiya.
Chapter 4: Distribution of Power in Indian Constitution
Question: What is Federalism? Mention two key features of Indian Federalism.
Answer: Federalism is an administrative system where
power is constitutionally divided between two levels of government: a
Central Government and State Governments. Two key features of Indian
Federalism are the clear division of powers between the centre and
states and the sovereignty of a common Constitution that applies to both
levels of government. India is also described as a quasi-federal system
with features like single citizenship and a bicameral legislature.
Question: Explain the division of powers between the Centre and States as per the Seventh Schedule.
Answer: The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution divides legislative powers into four categories:
- Union List: Contains subjects over which the Union (Central) Government has exclusive law-making powers, such as Defence and Foreign Affairs.
- State List: Contains subjects over which State governments have legislative powers in normal circumstances, such as Police and Agriculture.
- Concurrent List: Contains subjects where both the Central and State Governments can make laws, such as Education and Trade Unions.
- Residuary Powers: Includes subjects not mentioned in the other three lists. The power to legislate on these subjects, like Cyber Laws, is vested in the Central Government.
Question: Explain the main functions of the Indian Parliament.
Answer: The Indian Parliament performs several crucial
functions. Its primary responsibility is law-making for the country,
which involves anticipating people's needs and adapting to changing
times. It acts as the custodian of the public treasury, exercising
financial control over the government. Parliament also controls the
executive branch through various mechanisms. Its electoral role includes
participating in the election of the President and Vice President. It
also has a judicial role in impeachment processes and is responsible for
considering and approving amendments to the Constitution.
Chapter 5: Demographic Trends in India
Question: Define Demography and list its two main branches.
Answer: Demography is the systematic study of
population. It is the branch of science that deals with the structure of
a population, including factors like birth and death rates, migration,
and population density. The two main branches of demography are Social
Demography and Formal Demography.
Question: What is the Dependency Ratio and how does a decrease in this ratio benefit the economy?
Answer: The Dependency Ratio is a measure used to
compare the dependent population (those below 15 and above 64 years of
age) with the working-age population (15 to 64 years). A decrease in
this ratio leads to a 'Demographic Dividend', which signifies economic
progress because the number of employed people is greater than the
unemployed among the working-age population. This results in increased
national productivity and contributes to the socio-economic progress of
the country.
Question: List and explain the factors that contribute to the high life expectancy rate in Kerala.
Answer: Kerala has a high life expectancy rate due to
several contributing factors. The state’s high literacy rate and focus
on higher education play a crucial role. A decentralized public health
policy ensures better access to healthcare for all. General cleanliness
and hygiene standards are high. Furthermore, food availability and an
effective public distribution system ensure food security for the
population. As a result, Kerala’s life expectancy is significantly
higher than the national average.
Question: Discuss the challenges faced by Human Capital Formation.
Answer: Human Capital Formation faces several
challenges. Poverty is the biggest obstacle, as low income prevents
people from accessing basic needs like quality education and healthcare.
This creates a poverty cycle where scarcity of food leads to
malnutrition, chronic illness, and low productivity. Another major
challenge is unemployment, a condition where a healthy and capable
person cannot find work. This underutilization of skills hinders the
nation from maximizing its human resources. Various types of
unemployment, including Open, Structural, Seasonal, and Disguised
unemployment, all limit the potential for economic growth and effective
human capital formation.
SOCIAL SCIENCE II
Chapter 1: On the Roof of the World
Question: Classify the Northern Mountain region based on topographical characteristics.
Answer: The Northern Mountain region can be classified
into three distinct topographical divisions: the Trans Himalayas, the
Himalayas, and the Eastern Hills (also known as Purvachal).
Question: What are Duns and Bugyals?
Answer: Duns are flat valleys found between the Lesser
Himalayas (Himachal) and the Shiwalik hill ranges, with Dehradun being a
prominent example. Bugyals are alpine summer meadows located on the
higher altitude slopes of the Himalayas, particularly in the Garhwal
region, typically found between 3,000 to 4,500 metres.
Question: Describe the three parallel ranges that together form the Himalayas.
Answer: The Himalayas are composed of three parallel mountain ranges:
- The Himadri (Greater/Inner Himalayas): This is the northernmost range with an average elevation of about 6,100 metres. It is perpetually snow-clad and contains most of the world's highest peaks. Its width is nearly 25 km.
- The Himachal (Lesser Himalayas): Lying north of the Shiwaliks, this range has an average elevation between 3,500 and 4,500 metres and a width of 60 to 80 km.
- The Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas): This is the southernmost range, forming the border with the Ganga Plains. Its width varies from 60 to 150 km.
Question: Describe the key features of the Himalayan drainage system and explain why the Himalayan rivers are important.
Answer: The Himalayan drainage system is primarily
created by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers and their
tributaries. The Indus system originates from the Bokharchu glacier near
Manasarovar Lake, the Ganga system from the Gangotri glacier, and the
Brahmaputra system from the Chemayungdung glacier.
These rivers are important for several reasons. They are perennial, meaning they have a rich flow of water throughout the year as they are fed by both rain and melting snow. In their mountainous course, they have a turbulent flow and create landforms like V-shaped valleys, gorges, and waterfalls through erosion. In the plains, their flow can sometimes cause flooding and channel deviation, but they are crucial for agriculture and settlement.
Chapter 2: In the Expansive Plain
Question: Distinguish between Bhabar and Tarai.
Answer: Bhabar is a narrow belt, about 8-10 km wide,
that runs parallel to the foothills of the Shiwaliks. It is formed by
the deposition of rocks and boulders, causing rivers to often flow
beneath the surface. In contrast, the Tarai is a marshy and swampy
tract, 10-20 km wide, located parallel to the Bhabar belt. The rivers
that disappear in the Bhabar re-emerge here, supporting luxurious
natural vegetation and a rich diversity of wildlife.
Question: What are Doabs? List two major Doabs of the Punjab-Haryana Plain.
Answer: A doab is a tract of land that lies between two
rivers that join together later. Two major doabs in the Punjab-Haryana
Plain are the Bist-Jalandhar Doab, located between the Beas and Satluj
rivers, and the Bari Doab, situated between the Beas and Ravi rivers.
Question: Explain the formation of the Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain.
Answer: The Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra Plain was formed
by the deposition of sediments carried by rivers originating from the
Himalayas and Peninsular India. This deposition occurred in a vast
depression that was created to the south of the Himalayas as a result of
the mountain formation process. Over millions of years, these rivers
transported and deposited large amounts of alluvium (silt, sand, and
gravel). This continuous process filled the depression, which has an
average depth of 1,000 to 2,000 metres, creating the vast, fertile plain
we see today.
Chapter 3: Plateau where the Earth’s History Slumbers
Question: What is Black Soil (Regur soil)? Why is it important for agriculture?
Answer: Black soil, also known as Regur soil, is formed
by the weathering of lava rocks called basalt, which are typically
found in the Deccan Trap region. This soil is highly fertile and has a
high water-retaining capacity, which helps protect crops even during dry
summer months. It is particularly important for agriculture because it
is very suitable for cotton cultivation, earning it the name 'black
cotton soil'.
Question: What are the unique characteristics of Laterite Soil and where is it found in the Peninsular Plateau?
Answer: Laterite soil is formed through the leaching of
minerals like silica and lime in areas that experience alternating
heavy rain and drought. It is generally less fertile and not naturally
arable. However, with proper fertilization, it is used extensively for
growing plantation crops such as tea, coffee, rubber, and arecanut. In
the Peninsular Plateau, it is mainly found along the Western and Eastern
Ghats, the Rajmahal Hills, and parts of the Vindhya, Satpura, and Malwa
plateaus.
Question: Describe the significance of the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
Answer: The Chota Nagpur Plateau holds immense
significance due to its vast mineral wealth. Located in the eastern part
of the Central Highlands, it is famously known as the richest
storehouse or heartland of minerals in India. This major mineral belt
spreads across Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. It is rich in both
metallic minerals like iron ore, bauxite, manganese, and copper, and
non-metallic minerals such as coal and limestone. Consequently, the
major economic activities in this region are mining and mineral-based
industries.
Chapter 4: Human Resources for National Development
Question: Define Human Resources and Human Capital.
Answer: Human Resources refers to the people who can
work and contribute to the production process by using their physical
powers and intelligence to convert natural resources into products.
Human Capital, on the other hand, is the economic value of these human
resources, which is enhanced through education, skill development, and
job training.
Question: How can we strengthen Human Capital in India?
Answer: Human Capital in India can be strengthened by
providing better health facilities to ensure a healthy workforce,
enabling large-scale investment in education to improve knowledge and
skills, emphasizing practical skill development programs, and creating
an employee-friendly work environment that fosters productivity and
innovation.
Question: Explain how investments in education lead to national development.
Answer: Investments in education are crucial for
national development in several ways. Education enables people to use
modern technology effectively, which boosts productivity. Educated
individuals are more likely to secure better jobs and earn higher
incomes, improving their quality of life. They become a national asset,
increasing the country's overall ability and technological knowledge.
Education also helps create a society with a high sense of values. To
accelerate economic growth, massive investment in education across
public, cooperative, and private sectors is essential to implement
innovative projects.
Question: Explain the major types of unemployment prevalent in the country.
Answer: Several major types of unemployment are prevalent in the country, each hindering human capital formation:
- Open Unemployment: This occurs when a person is willing and able to work but cannot find a job.
- Structural Unemployment: This is caused by job loss due to the introduction of new technology or fundamental changes in the economic structure.
- Seasonal Unemployment: This affects people whose employment is available only during a particular season, such as in agriculture, leaving them unemployed for the rest of the year.
- Disguised Unemployment: This happens when more labourers than required are employed in a production process without any increase in the total output.
